King Charles' Unconventional Fishing Methods Revealed
King Charles, a known enthusiast of fly fishing, once utilised his royal security detail in an unusual manner to gain an advantage during a fishing excursion. The incident occurred at the historic Delphi Lodge in County Galway, Ireland, a location renowned for its excellent runs of Atlantic salmon.
Military-Grade Assistance on the Riverbank
According to a former staffer who spoke to The Mail, the King's security team established a two-mile radius of protection around the fishing pools. This included personnel positioned in the trees, equipped with military-grade sniper rifles featuring polarised lenses. These lenses significantly enhanced their ability to spot elusive salmon in the water.
The security team used their scopes to locate the fish and then relayed this critical information directly to King Charles through a covert earpiece. This guidance, whispered just before he cast his line, effectively assisted him in "reading the river," a skill that constitutes half the challenge in successful angling.
A Skilled Angler with Royal Preferences
King Charles is reportedly a proficient fly fisherman, with a notable achievement being the capture of a "hard to catch" salmon on Scotland's River Spey—a feat described by a gillie as "no meagre feat." His dedication to the hobby is further illustrated by his relationship with master rod maker Harry Jamieson, who retired in 2024 after a 50-year career crafting approximately 4,000 rods.
Jamieson revealed that the King prefers fishing rods made from South American Greenheart hardwood, valued for its suppleness and suitability for the River Spey. He also characterised Charles as "very, very easy going and a good listener," noting the receipt of appreciative thank-you notes from both the King and Queen Camilla.
Royal Correspondence Highlights Passion
In one handwritten note, King Charles expressed gratitude for a Tweed reel cover, stating it allowed him to "tie up my reel in relative comfort and security." Queen Camilla, in her note, thanked Jamieson for a new fishing rod, mentioning she had tested it on the River Naver, albeit without success due to low water levels, yet she "greatly enjoyed the experience."
This episode underscores the lengths to which even seasoned anglers like King Charles might go to overcome challenging fishing conditions, blending royal privilege with traditional pastime in a most extraordinary fashion.
