I did the December Wye report for the Trout and Salmon magazine yesterday and in there is a small tribute to Lyn Cobley who I am sure most of you knew, or know of him.  I repeat the paragraph here for those who don't have the magazine.

"Sad news from the river is that one of its longest serving and well respected Gillies  Lyn Cobley has been more or less obliged to retire from his beat at Ingeston by the virtual closure of the  beat by it’s owner, who had already restricted salmon fishing after June this season .  It’s not known how the beat will be operating next season if at all and it was once one of the best early season beats.

I’m sure most Wye anglers will wish Lyn a happy retirement after best part of fifty years on the river and with the wealth of knowledge that goes with it.  He was not passive and engaged in anything that would benefit the river from anti poaching patrols in co operation with the now defunct Wye Owners Association, in at the foundation of the Gillies Association where he was Chairman for some time, right through to the Local Fishery Group and where he was not afraid to speak his mind.  He also did his bit with the Cormorant culling such as it is and organised others to do the same and of course made hundred of flying Cs for many anglers.   He was a proud Welshman, well respected and the river will be the poorer for his retirement.   He was a good friend and I wish him health and happiness in his retirement as I am sure do all who knew him.

 

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