EVEN after over 20 years of guiding, I felt as if I was setting myself up for a fall after I’d decided to call a weekend’s event a ‘masterclass’.
In my day-to-day guiding work I never feel as if I have it 100 percent right, and using the word ‘masterclass’ suggests that I’m an expert.
Before my latest trio of anglers arrived, the following thoughts were swimming in my head: ‘Please don’t ask me about Wallis casting, bread punch fishing or river wagglering.’ If this is what these guys wanted to learn, I’d be well and truly stumped.
When Steve, Keith and Chris rocked up, I knew that I was among friends. They looked at a mill pool on the Wensum and they purred, desperate to get cracking, but I had to rein them in, as it was dinnertime.
Over a glass or two, we debated river tactics, especially as the level was up a foot and running with more than a tinge of colour.
Watercraft was top of our agenda, so we set about understanding currents, slacks, creases, overhangs, undercuts and how the fish live their lives in this twisting, changing habitat.
We talked about the influence of predation, abstraction and flash floods, and how we have to take every factor on board. We discussed the merits of using a ’tip rod, and then went on to debate what weight of lead is best for small rivers.
Above all, the boys wanted to focus on float fishing, and that suited me fine. A day’s float fishing requires mobility and constant involvement, and the first day was a lively one.
I left the boys thinking about the finer points of float fishing, telling them to be ready for 8am the next morning.
Day 1 highlights
I’m going to let the highlights and lowlights speak for themselves. The two days were packed with events and lessons, the first of which started within ten minutes from the ‘off.’
This story is from the October 29, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 29, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.