Fly fishing firm hooks home at Dawnay Estates

A local fly fishing business has landed a new home on one of the county’s finest sporting estates to help anglers get the catch of their dreams.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Dec 2020, 10:35 BST
Richard Fieldhouse, founder of Barbless Flies, with son Jack (right) outside their new premises on the Dawnay Estates at Wykeham.Richard Fieldhouse, founder of Barbless Flies, with son Jack (right) outside their new premises on the Dawnay Estates at Wykeham.
Richard Fieldhouse, founder of Barbless Flies, with son Jack (right) outside their new premises on the Dawnay Estates at Wykeham.

Barbless Flies, an online business specialising in barbless fishing flies, has taken a three-year lease on The Cart Shed – a shop and office on the Dawnay Estates at Wykeham.

The business has been selling barbless flies to anglers across the world since being established by Richard Fieldhouse in 2012.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, with global orders on the rise, it outgrew its former premises, leaving fly fishing fanatic Richard looking for somewhere new.

Most Popular

He said: “I started Barbless Flies after a conversation with a pal about the availability of the flies. It gave me an idea.

“So, I had some made and put them on an online forum and immediately got around 60 or 70 orders. That’s how the business was born.”

Despite the initial disruption of the pandemic, once lockdown began to ease, Richard found orders once again flooding in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And with his son Jack looking after international sales – the USA is a particularly big market – the business once again began to fly.

Although the business specialises in selling fishing flies, Richard said the new venue will also act as a social hub for anglers where they can meet.

David Steel, chief executive of Dawnay Estates, welcomed Barbless Flies to Wykeham.

He said: “The estates offers some truly spectacular field sports across the estates at Wykeham and Danby so partnering with Barbless Flies is a really good fit for us.

“Richard has a tremendous passion for, and knowledge of, fly-fishing so he will be a fantastic asset for the estate and everyone who comes to the shop.”