IT’S 4.58am and, as always, I have woken up a couple of minutes before my alarm clock is due to go off. How do we always do that when a fishing trip is planned?
Anyway, rather than springing out of bed, looking forward to wrestling the inhabitants of our underwater world, I’m a bit dogged, to say the least. You’ll find out why in a second.
Before I had even made my few burglar-like steps downstairs, I had a feeling about this day.
I looked outside and noticed the white carrier bag that I’d left on the entrance to Collett Towers had gone.
This white carrier bag was no ordinary carrier bag. Besides it costing over 10p, it contained something pretty integral to the day, and it had vanished. Yes, I repeat, it had gone.
As it was still pretty early, my mind was racing. Surely, someone hasn’t nicked it? I live in the middle of nowhere.
Everything then clicked. You see, the bag contained six lamprey and six mackerel, all dead, of course. They were killed humanely, just in case any ‘snowflakes’ are reading.
No one in their right mind would steal a lamprey, would they? It could only be an animal.
You see where I am going here? I don’t like deadbaiting, and I don’t like the climate much when it dips below 3 degrees Celsius, which it had. I was not a happy bunny.
I then looked at my clothing that I had prepared for the day. The pile, still in their packaging, contained an outfit from Lidl, designed for skiers. I’m no meteorologist, but I’m sure skiing is done in the cold, so it should be bob-on, right?
My day has started badly. ‘Frank The Cat’ or ‘Bill The Badger’ had pinched my deadbaits, deadbaiting being about as exciting as watching Day 1 at Wimbledon.
Denne historien er fra November 19, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra November 19, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.
