FLY-fishing is experiencing a renaissance, with a new generation of anglers taking up the activity and enjoying the peace it can bring.

The lovely people at Orvis, which specialises in fly-fishing kits, gear and supplies and has a shop in Stockbridge, invited me along to a session and showcase just how enjoyable the pastime could be.

I'd never even held a fishing rod prior to attending the experience day, but you've got to try new things. I thought it was something I wouldn't enjoy, but how wrong I was.

On a beaming summer morning, I drove to Abbots Worthy to take part in a ‘Catch Series’ experience alongside other novices and enthusiasts.

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The day took place on the River Itchen, one of only 200 chalk streams globally, 85 per cent of which are found in the UK in southern and eastern England.

Fly-fisherman Richard Mathewson greeted the group at a gorgeous little spot just set back from the river. We all introduced ourselves, with it becoming abundantly clear very quickly that Richard was a master of his own craft. 

After an early morning brew and a quick briefing, Richard led us to the river with a rod in hand and a wool fly which was tied to the end of the line – this is used as opposed to a hook.

The stretch we were on extended for about three-quarters of a mile, but we stayed close to the tea shed - sensible, I'd argue.

Richard whipped the line out into the water, showing us the correct technique for casting our lines. As Richard so expertly put it, “you have to bend it, to send it”.

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The river at Abbots Worthy has a variety of fish swimming in the waters, but we were keeping our eyes out for grayling and brown trout. As of 2020 Abbots Worthy has been part of the Upper Itchen Wild Trout conservation area so there will be no stocking in the future. This means that the area is now an all wild, catch and release 'beat' with smaller fish.

I was positioned away from other members in my own spot to 'send it' and give casting a try. The technique initially proved to be quite difficult, but I soon found my feet with a consistent cast. 

Ultimately, like anything it's all about the technique. We were left to our own devices for about half an hour, where we practised getting our line in and out of the water. I found a good rhythm eventually after I unsnagged my line from the fence behind me - I don't think I'm a natural.

Once we were all comfortable, Richard set me up in a spot, and I began casting, this time looking for a bite. I would say I was disappointed not to get a bite throughout the day, but that would be a lie. The name of the game with fishing, fly or otherwise, is patience. You can't expect to throw your line in and instantly get a bite as Richard said, it's just not realistic. 

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I stood there, taking in the gorgeous sun and breeze, gazing through the crystal-clear water for signs of any fish lurking near my line.

The spot at Abbots Worthy was lovely and secluded, with road traffic or noise blurring into the background. Stood there, casting time and again, with genuinely not a thought in my mind, I found it very therapeutic.

We carried on trying, with a number of our group getting bits on their lines, but none of us succeeded in getting a fish out of the water. Despite that, we weren't deterred as we stopped for lunch and tucked into a gorgeous lunch box filled with a variety of fresh sandwiches, a few pieces of sausage roll and pork pie for company. It was absolutely delicious.

Orvis provided an absolutely lovely day for myself and the group, and one I would not be opposed to trying again.

Fishing might not sound like the most exciting hobby to pick up, but I'm betting most people would find some joy in the process.