DG Fishing

DG Fishing is a specialised angling business run by professional guide and coach Dominic Garnett, focusing on tailored fly fishing and coarse fishing experiences for individuals, pairs and small groups in Devon and Somerset. Drawing on years of practical experience and a strong presence in angling media, the service concentrates on helping anglers of all abilities get more from their time on the water, whether that means first steps with a fly rod, fine-tuning river technique, or seeking specific species such as wild brown trout and grayling.

The core of DG Fishing is guided fly fishing trips on rivers and stillwaters, with particular emphasis on the River Exe near Tiverton and Exeter, a stretch noted in angling publications for quality grayling and trout sport. Sessions are offered as half or full days, giving clients enough time to learn new methods, cover different beats and put skills into practice under real fishing conditions. Rather than providing a generic package, Dominic adapts the day to the client’s aims, from basic casting to more advanced methods such as dry fly presentation, Euro nymphing or subtle nymph-and-indicator setups that are increasingly popular among river fishing enthusiasts.

One of the strengths repeatedly mentioned by visiting anglers is the teaching style. Those who arrive as beginners or improvers often comment that Dominic breaks down fly casting and presentation into manageable stages, avoiding information overload while steadily building confidence. Clients talk about arriving with little or no experience and leaving with the key foundations needed to go fishing independently, including understanding how to choose suitable fly lines, leaders and trout flies, how to read water, and how to approach each pool or run. This makes DG Fishing particularly suitable for those who feel daunted by starting fly fishing for trout on rivers, or who have only previously fished stillwaters.

Guided days are not limited to one water or a single type of venue. Some anglers describe carefully planned itineraries that take in several contrasting river sections in a single day, each with its own character and challenges, from tight little woodland stretches where accurate short casting is vital, to more open runs where longer drifts and careful dry fly presentation come into play. This variety helps anglers see how different structures, flows and depths affect fish behaviour and fly choice, and exposes them to a wider range of situations than they might encounter alone. For those passionate about river trout fishing, this breadth can be a real advantage.

DG Fishing’s tuition is not restricted to trout. Many visitors are drawn by the chance of dedicated grayling sessions on the Exe, especially in the cooler months when other quarry are less active. Articles in specialist angling magazines and online content highlight these grayling days, noting that day-ticket access combined with expert guiding can produce steady sport when conditions are right. For anglers who have never targeted the ‘lady of the stream’ before, this is an opportunity to learn about suitable grayling flies, nymphing techniques and watercraft specific to this species, rather than simply transferring stillwater trout habits to a river environment.

Beyond rivers, DG Fishing also offers coarse fishing and lure fishing tuition, opening the door for anglers who prefer species such as perch, pike or carp, or who want to shift between methods according to season and conditions. This flexibility is useful for families and mixed-ability groups where some members might prefer float fishing or simple ledgering, while others are keen on modern predator tactics or lure fishing. For corporate events or group days, the service can arrange additional coaching support, meaning that larger parties can still receive hands-on help and structured instruction without feeling neglected.

For many modern anglers, the quality of instruction is just as important as the catch rate, and here DG Fishing tends to be praised. Clients often mention that Dominic is patient and approachable, answering questions freely and explaining not only what to do but why certain approaches work better in particular situations. This is particularly valuable when it comes to advanced fly fishing techniques, where subtle changes in leader length, tippet diameter, fly pattern or casting angle can make the difference between a blank and a memorable day. Being able to discuss these nuances on the bank, rather than simply being told where to cast, adds educational value to the experience.

Another positive aspect is the emphasis on realistic expectations and reading conditions. River levels, water clarity and weather can all affect sport, especially for wild trout fishing and grayling, and guided sessions reflect this reality. On some days, anglers report ‘losing count’ of rising fish and hook-ups when conditions align, while on others the focus shifts more towards learning watercraft and experimenting with different methods to tempt wary fish. For potential clients, this honesty is helpful: DG Fishing offers informed, skilful guidance, not a guarantee of non-stop action regardless of season or river state.

The business has a strong presence beyond guiding alone. Dominic is known for his writing and media work, contributing to angling magazines and producing online videos and content that often feature the same waters and techniques available to clients. This broader engagement with the angling community reassures many visitors that they are dealing with an active, up-to-date practitioner who regularly tests new approaches, tackle and patterns. Anglers researching fly fishing Devon will frequently encounter references to his work when looking up grayling fishing on the Exe or practical tuition in the South West.

In terms of what to expect on the bank, anglers usually find well-thought-out tackle choices and carefully selected flies to match the venue and conditions. While clients are welcome to bring their own equipment, many appreciate being able to use balanced setups provided by the guide, which can save unnecessary expense for newcomers. Whether it is a forgiving fly rod for river beginners, suitable fly reels and lines for short-range presentation, or a curated box of nymphs and dries chosen for local hatches, the emphasis tends to be on practical gear that catches fish rather than on pushing high-end brands.

There are, however, aspects that potential customers should weigh up. Firstly, this is a one-person guiding operation, so availability can be limited at peak times, especially when river conditions are ideal or when media commitments coincide with prime fishing periods. Those who leave booking until the last minute may find it harder to secure preferred dates, particularly for weekend fly fishing lessons or group sessions. For anglers who like to plan spontaneous trips based on short-notice weather windows, this might mean some compromise on dates or times.

Secondly, while the focus on small groups and personal tuition is a major advantage for individual anglers and pairs, it may not suit everyone. Larger parties may need more coordination, and clients looking for a traditional tackle shop experience with extensive in-store retail, racks of rods and aisles of accessories will find that DG Fishing is built around guiding and coaching rather than a walk-in fishing tackle outlet. Those who primarily want to browse and purchase fishing gear, clothing and accessories in person might need to combine a guided day with visits to other local retailers or online suppliers.

Another consideration is that river-based fly fishing trips rely heavily on environmental conditions. Heavy rain, prolonged drought or sudden temperature changes can all affect clarity and water levels, sometimes necessitating venue changes or adjustments in tactics. While an experienced guide can often salvage a tricky day by switching to alternative methods such as nymph fishing or looking for sheltered stretches, it is still wise for clients to approach bookings with some flexibility and an understanding that wild fishing is inherently variable. Those seeking more controlled conditions might wish to discuss stillwater or coarse options where appropriate.

From a value perspective, DG Fishing is positioned as a professional guiding and tuition service rather than a low-cost day ticket add-on. For many clients, the ability to compress months or years of trial-and-error learning into a focused day with a coach, combined with the chance to fish productive stretches that might otherwise be hard to access, makes the investment reasonable. Potential customers keen on price comparisons should take into account that tuition here covers casting, watercraft, tackle choice and fish care in a single package, which can be particularly beneficial for beginners preparing for independent river fly fishing.

Prospective visitors will also appreciate the clarity of the information available online. The DG Fishing website outlines different options for guided fly fishing, coarse fishing tuition and group or corporate days, along with explanations of what is included and what anglers need to bring themselves. External coverage, including magazine mentions of grayling opportunities on the Exe and independent reviews of guided days, provide additional reassurance that the operation has a track record rather than being a new or untested offering. For those researching fly fishing guides in the region, this visibility is a significant plus.

Accessibility and inclusivity are also worth noting. DG Fishing welcomes a wide range of ages and abilities, from complete beginners and juniors to seasoned anglers looking to refine particular techniques. The relaxed, step-by-step teaching style and willingness to tailor sessions to physical ability make it easier for people who might be nervous about fitness, casting demands or wading to enjoy their time on the water. This is not a high-pressure environment where only expert casters feel comfortable; instead, the emphasis is on enjoyable, safe introduction or improvement in angling skills.

For potential clients weighing up options in the South West, DG Fishing offers a focused, personally delivered service built around river and stillwater angling, with a strong leaning towards fly fishing for trout and grayling, but also incorporating lure and coarse methods. Its strongest points lie in patient, structured tuition, local knowledge of productive waters and varied, thoughtfully planned days that balance learning with genuine opportunities to catch fish. Limitations include finite availability, reliance on natural river conditions and the absence of a full-scale retail fishing tackle shop. For those who value one-to-one coaching, real-world instruction and well-managed access to quality venues more than a traditional store environment, DG Fishing stands out as a practical option to consider.

Key points for visiting anglers

• Specialist in guided fly fishing and tuition on rivers and stillwaters, with a strong focus on the River Exe and other South West venues.
• Suitable for beginners, improvers and experienced anglers aiming to refine fly fishing techniques or target new species.
• Offers coarse fishing, lure fishing and group or corporate sessions alongside one-to-one coaching.
• Emphasis on patient instruction, watercraft and realistic expectations rather than guaranteed high catch numbers.
• Best suited to those seeking a dedicated guide rather than a walk-in fishing tackle retail experience.