Guiding

Ian has been working professionally as a guide and casting instructor since 1980 when he owned his own fishing lodge on the West coast of Scotland on the Isle Of Mull. Ian has extensive knowledge of all aspects of salmon, sea trout and trout fishing, from the smaller spate rivers and lochs of the West Coast to the larger flowing rivers of the East of Scotland where he has organised annual fishing parties on the River Dee, River Findhorn, and River Spey.

Ian was head guide on the Ponoi River on the Kola peninsula in Russia for five years. The Ponoi River is arguably the best Atlantic Salmon fishing river in the world. Ian was also head guide on the Rio Grande, in Tierra Del Fuego, which is home to some of the finest Sea Trout fishing in the world.

Ian has met and guided many famous celebrities throughout his career from far and wide, including American writer and conservationist, the late Jack Hemingway, U.S. newscaster, Tom Brokaw, British comedian and actor, Paul Whitehouse to name a few.

However, one of his highlights in 2009 was a day on Loch of Boath on the Cawdor Estate looking after and introducing members of "Take That" to the art of fly fishing.

On a bright and beautiful frosty day in early November, Ian enjoyed the company of Gary Barlow and Howard Donald, while trying to entice the elusive trout, which were keeping their heads down in the depths of the loch and not for the taking of Take That!

Actor, Jason Flemyng was also in the company of the celebrity party. After the fishing had been concluded for the day, Jason had decided on a bracing dip into the freezing waters of the Loch, much to the amusement and amazement of the other party members.

The reason for this grand occasion was that Mark Owen married his fiancée, Emma Ferguson, in the delightful Cawdor Church during a romantic candlelit ceremony on November 5th. It was a most memorable day.

Ian offers a full and comprehensive guiding service from complete beginners to experienced casters whether it's single handed rod casting for trout to single and double speycasting with the larger double handed rods.

Ian's intimate knowledge of his many and varied beats throughout the Dee, Findhorn, Spey, and Avon Rivers make him the perfect guide - dedicating time to the needs of his clients on a one to one basis over the period of a full working day offering advice and tips on improving casting technique.

You will also learn the many aspects of river craft and reading water throughout the many changing conditions of a fishing season from early Spring to late Autumn.

For further information on Speycasting instruction please contact Ian Neale at ian@speycaster.net

~ Current Availabilities ~

On the Findhorn we have availabilities from July through September on Altyre Estate and Glenferness Estate.

We have availability on Altyre Estate from September 27th-29th for two rods.

On Glenferness Estate, we have availability for two rods September 20th-25th.

On the River Dee, we have availability for two rods at Park Estate on August 31st. We also have a fantastic late season opportunity for up to four rods fishing on Crathes from September 30th-October 1st, 2010.

Should you be interested in booking up some excellent guided fishing on prime beats of the River Dee (Aberdeenshire), River Findhorn, and River Spey, please contact Ian@speycaster.net for further information and dates.

If you feel like taking the trip of a lifetime, then we have availabilities for catching those magnificent Fall run salmon on one of our annual trips to the Ryabaga Camp on the Ponoi River, Kola Penninsula in August or September, 2010.

Speycasting instruction, whether it be for one day or two; three or more, may also be a unique way of presenting your loved one or special friend with a surprise gift; or as a token of appreciation to your top performers.

To discuss individual guiding, speycasting instruction or joining one of our Lodge parties please contact Ian Neale. During the 2010 season, late availability will also be announced on our Fishing News page.