The waters of the Test can be exceptionally clear, so dressing in an appropriate manner is very important. Avoid wearing light-coloured or shiny clothes or brightly coloured hats. You will find it easier if you carry no more than is absolutely necessary to enable you to fish and deal with your catch effectively. Footwear should be sensible and waterproof. Even in the best of weather it is wise to have your legs covered to prevent anything at ground level biting you. A good pair of Polaroid glasses is absolutely essential and it is a good idea to carry a spare pair with you. Wearing a hat with a dark coloured brim will also help you to see into the water. Your rod should be between 8 ft and 9 ft 6in, probably made of carbon fibre or similar material. You could use a longer rod, say 10 ft for the main river and a shorter 7 ft rod for the smaller carrier. The suggested weight is 5/6 which is suitable for both dry fly and nymph fishing. The reel and the line on it should be the same weight as your rod so that your equipment is properly balanced. You will only need a floating line. Your reel should carry enough backing to fill it. Please bear in mind that the Test Valley is a very windy place so a stiff action rod is preferable.
Net: Keep it with you at all times. Do not leave it on the bank. Have one with an extending handle as the banks on the main river are very steep in places. Nets must be knotless.
Plastic bag: Always have one handy to put your fish in, but do not leave a bag with a fish in it on the bank; there are creatures about that will eat them. and do not leave it in the sun - the fish will cook.
Priest: Essential to dispatch your fish as quickly and humanely as possible.
Floatant: Modern silicone based floatants are easy to apply and do not leave a slick on the surface of the river. Avoid the liquids and sprays, which are not nearly as effective.
Scissors: Carry a good sharp pair. Don’t bite the nylon with your teeth - it is bad for you, and the end will be more visible to fish than one cut with scissors!
Forceps: You need a good pair of fine point forceps, attached to you by a string so you don’t leave them on the bank.
Leaders: It is many years since there has been a need to make up a cast or leader from scratch, as most people prefer to use ready-made continuous tapered leaders. However, it is recommended that leaders made by different manufacturers are used, as some are very supple like Rio, which are suitable for small dry flies and nymphs, and others, like Scorpion, are more useful for large mayflies. The latter appear to be stiffer and do not twist so badly when using big dry flies. Knotless, tapered leaders are the best, both for accuracy and presentation. The suggested strength for Timsbury is 3-4lbs at the point, generally rated as 5X or 6X in diameter.
