Sorry about the pretty meagre posts this year Its been a strange old year . Having the new club water to fish has been great and I have caught a few notable specimen fish , A new PB grayling at 2lb 12 and recently a lovely Barbel on a killer bug which was twitched along the bottom have been real highlights . But the sad truth is what has been really lacking this year is a decent evening rise . In fact in many ways a decent rise at any time of day has been missing . The Hawthorn hatch brought some good fishing although short lived , The mayfly came and went with a bit of a whimper . There has been a few rising fish but much like last year they have been sporadic.
Two fish that stand out this season,, The Barbel was on a day when the river was kind to me , The fish saved a blank . After struggling to even see some fish I was tempted to try for the barbel which occupy a Pool on the way back to the car , I have often tried to tempt one without success, That day was difference and my old Stream flex 4 wt was given quite a work out .
Another change to my gear has been the purchase of some Chest waders with Zips, for a gentleman of mature years the convenience is fantastic . A call of nature now no longer requires extensive dismantling of gear . I love them .
fishing with my Son as always is a highlight although to often the stars don`t align and a young man wants more exciting days and has more distractions than Dad , The shared days are special memories though , This is him above in action after Grayling , In his favourite river ,
One highlight was a trip to a southern chalk stream, I had received a very kind offer of a day on a River Test carrier the place was picture book perfection . Manicured, with a perfect fishing hut and crystal clear water with a healthy population of Trout and Grayling . A brilliant day was had with good numbers of Grayling over 1 lb with one hovering around the magic 2 lb number ,
The Bamboo fascination has not reduced and has resulted in another nice rod arriving .I don`t think there will be any more but never say never . I have actually sold more rods than I have gained this year changes to my fishing habits have meant some stuff will never be used . Also I have gained a 10ft 6 inch 3wt Vision nymph special . I have decided its time I gave euro nymphing a proper go . It has been to the river a couple of times and have found the lightness and sensitivity somewhat of a revelation especially for something so long . The strange non existent fly line has felt odd , But results so far are good
Despite my gloom about rising fish my local small streams are still showing nice fish long may it continue .
