Hello, my name is Mark Shickle.

I guide anglers and provide fly casting tuition on the glorious fly fishing chalk streams of southern England.

RIVER GUIDING

I guide fly fishing novices and experienced anglers on some of the best trout fly fishing water in the world. My local knowledge will take you to picturesque and challenging beats to make your day even more intense and memorable. I can guide up to three experienced anglers at once, but if you are new to fly fishing, one-to-one tuition is recommended.

A typical day will start at about 9.30am meeting you at the river, ensuring you have the necessary equipment and are aware of safety issues. For beginners we will practice casting technique and prepare for catching your first trout. You will then start 'fishing' by watching closely for the rise or sub-surface movement of a trout, at the same time as keeping well hidden to disturb as few fish as possible.

Breaks can be taken to suit you and the weather conditions. There will be a supply of hot drinks from my wood burning Kelly Kettle. Lunch break can be taken at the riverside or at a local pub. The afternoon follows a similar pattern with our fishing effort tailored to the behaviour of the fish and weather.

FISHING LOCATIONS

I am based next to the famous River Test north of Stockbridge in Hampshire (55 miles south west of London Heathrow Airport). I also guide anglers on the rivers Anton, Arle, Avon, Bourne, Itchen, Lambourn and Wylye. All river locations have good road and rail links to London. If you are traveling from London for the day I can collect you from Andover or Winchester railway stations. Travel time from London Waterloo station is one hour.

COST

My guiding and tuition time is charged in addition to the cost of access to the water being fished. The cost for a full day is £265.

Prices for access to rivers vary depending on the river and time of year. They range between £100 and £300 per person per day. I will quote costs when I know your availability and preferred fishing location.

EQUIPMENT

I can supply all the necessary fishing tackle you will need. However, if you would like to bring your own equipment, I recommend an eight to nine foot rod with a line weight of four or five. Wading is not always allowed but can be essential on some beats. We will discuss your specific needs, recommended clothing and beat rules when you decide which river and location you would like to fish. While I am guiding you, I will supply flies and tippet materials.

FISHING LICENCE

Everyone over the age of 12 is required to purchase a rod licence. This can be completed online by following this link.

ACCOMMODATION

I have a recommended list of hotels local to the fishing locations. I will be happy to pass on contact details should you need them.

CLIENT APPROVAL

I am member of the Game Angling Instructors Association (GAIA) and hold relevant first aid qualifications and liability insurance. I am delighted to have received many kind messages from my clients:

It was indeed a great day of fishing. I couldn't have asked for better. Perfect weather, classic waters, accommodating browns and above all great guiding. Not to mention the fresh coffee from the ingenious Kelly Kettle which I must get. It was too bad that the fishing was so good that we had to miss out on what potentially could have been a great pub lunch. Hopefully next time we will have the chance to enjoy a beer or more.

Maher (New York, USA)

Your expertise, both in terms of fly fishing and teaching, was much in evidence throughout the day. On top of this, you are a thoroughly nice bloke with excellent people skills. If I were asked to provide feedback, I wouldn't hesitate to give you full marks. Thanks for the photos. They will remind me of a great day.

Roy (Bracknell, UK)

To contact me please email: mark@fishwithmark.co.uk