On My final day of this fishing trip I had intended to check out of my accommodation, fish during the day, and head home later when the roads had quietened down. However, the forecast was not good at all. Opening the curtains this morning I was met with rain and thick fog. Nope, ill just head straight home I thought. Having a great breakfast and numerous cups of tea before I checked out I made my way home. Driving up the main road towards the direction of my intended pond today the weather suddenly cleared and immediately I changed tack. I would now fish as planned during the day and drive home tonight.
I managed to setup in the dry, but the rain did start again. Oh and the wind picked up somewhat. Luckily I did have an umbrella in the car and had to make a retreat to fetch it as the rain began to pound down and the start of a storm began to brew. Speaking to an angling friend of mine, he said that he would send me an omen from Izaak with either a big Crucian or a Tench, both of which are not normally seen in the Month of October. However, I raise my hat to Isaak as indeed I did catch a Tench in October, which is a first for me.
I always carry extra clothes on my trips and they were indeed very welcome today having to change in the car before my long drive home; calling a t a local hostelry first to enjoy a large supper.
When will the next trip be? I really don’t know, but I do look forward to the next opportunity to get away to river or lake.
I cannot believe but it has been over one year since I have added to my blog – very lazy indeed. However, due to work commitments it really has been that long since I have managed to cast a line.
A break in work contracts sees me making a dash to a river – the Dorset Stour. I have made many trips to the Stour over the years to find it always in flood, and at times actually in the surrounding fields; but not this trip.
I’d arranged to met a friend at one of the mills that align the Stour, but like an idiot, I was actually at the wrong one. Non-the-less I fished on. Trying my luck at first in the actual mill pool, but plagued by ignorant dog walkers leaving their dogs off the lead and trampling all over my bait and tackle made me move on. Around one mile walk up stream I found a barbed wire fence with relative easy access over to the river bank. Here I would not find any intrusion. I was still in earshot of the numerous idiots shouting of their beloved animals with some of the most weirdest names. Anyway, those now did not bother me.
Setting up a twelve foot float rod, I struggled to find the depth of the swim and concluded it was far deeper than twelve foot. Setting the float around ten foot produced no action. shortening the float changed the situation somewhat. I found that fish were lying around eight foot (although I am positive the big ones would have been deeper).
Finding numerous Roach, Dace and a couple of decent sized Perch was sublime especially in this October weather. I don’t ever recall, but I could hear the grass hoppers chirping away in the long grass, but this is October, what a day!
The damn weathermen forecast Thunder & Lightning today, but following yesterday’s “lies” I ignored them completely. I was going to fish today anyway whatever the weather.
While consuming breakfast there was quite a downpour, but by the time I had ate, the rain cleared up and a bit of warmth began to break through the clouds. Perfect fishing weather I thought – overcast, warm with very light winds.
Meandering down the narrow lanes again was a joy. I parked up in my usual spot and introduced myself to the owner of the house on the corner. I Apologised for taking a parking space from him over the years, he was very pleasant and we chatted for some time before I made my way once again, but for the final time, down that stone track.
For my final cast I chose the swim which I refer to as “Duncan’s”, this might not be the case, but you all know where I mean.
I thought that I had heard thunder the day previously, but nothing came of it, and today was exactly the same. However, today the sky did darken quite dramatically and the rumbles drew closer. The rain began!
In holiday mode, all I had on were shorts and a t-shirt “not traditional wear I know”, I am pleased an associate of mine did not in the end come down to say ‘hello’, as I’m sure he’d have a laugh and I’d take a ribbing.
I moved my creel under some trees and in fact myself for shelter and hardly a drop of rain made it through, I was safe. However, I could hear the rain was getting heavier so made a dash round the pond to the barn where I enjoyed a lovely storm with lightning. Thinking back, although I only get to Wessex a few times each year, I have been in a few storms when I have been fishing at these ponds, always sheltering in the barn, great days.
Anyway, I forgot about the meteorological inaccuracies of Fleetwood Mac’s song “Dreams”“Thunder only happens when it’s raining” this is NOT the case. There is no rain in the middle of a thunder storm. I made the error and thought our storm had just glanced by and had just caught the edge of it, but no, it had been directly overhead. The rain stopped entirely and I went back round to my swim and re-cast. Perhaps 5 minutes passed when I can only describe hearing the sort of clapping sound you would expect to hear when Andy Murray won at Wimbledon. It started on the dam, oh dear, there was no way I’d make it round to the barn this time, it was coming from that direction. I was about to get very, very wet indeed. I knew that the trees were already wet from the front of the storm, so they would be little shelter now in the tail. I could do nothing but shelter as best as possible. I did indeed get very, very wet. I did though manage to make sure my baits had their lids on so all was fine there with them.
It didn’t take that long for me to dry off. Never-the-less I was going home today straight from the ponds and had clean, dry clothes in the car which I would change into before embarking upon the long journey home.
I did manage a handful of fish today, but it was nothing like the previous days with small Roach jabbing at the bait all the time and nothing of any size being caught.
Wow what a trip! It was one of the most memorable I have made – Starting with a stunning sun set over the henge (quite symbolic for this last trip), and a thunder storm on the last day to make a final close on this amazing angling journey (I love thunder storms by the way). I didn’t put the key in the front door until 02:30 Monday morning, but it was all worth it.
The weathermen had forecast 21° and all-day sunshine. However, I woke to cloud. Again, I had a very slow morning with tea and breakfast then made my way to the ponds.
Walking to the bottom pond to angle there for the first time in many years, I set down in the swim ‘Cole’ had been and had action from recently.
It was windy, with the wind billowing down from the dam. It was cold, I was cold, no in fact, I was b….y freezing! I cast non-the-less. What planet were these weather men on?
I was prepared by the manager, but surprised at just how deep it was now. I did mange to get a number of bites, but missed every single one. I stayed perhaps three hours then had enough, I was cold and uncomfortable. I made my way to the top pond to get out of the cold wind.
I was going to ignore, but just had to have one last cast in “Lands End”. I immediately hooked a Roach and stayed there for a good hour. With nobody else there, I baited up “Jim’s” and after a short period I moved there, where again I had immediate action. Baited up “Lands End” and swapped between the two for the rest of the day. Again, No Crucian, but lot’s of Roach and the odd Perch, but no Tench today.
I left the house slightly later than intended yesterday, having to take care of one or two items before my departure which meant that I turned the ignition on the car around 13:00.
The journey to Wessex is long; I always forget just how long it is every time I make it. Leaving the A34 onto the A303 always gives me a feeling of warmth and a feeling of arriving ‘home’. Approaching the henge, a feint mist was in the air and the sun was a blood orange ball of fire just about to set for the day. As I drove past the henge, the sun was going down behind it; how appropriate for this particular trip I thought, I could not have timed it better. Amazing, and what a sight it was. Quite clearly an omen!
Following this journey, which took in all seven hours! I had a very lazy morning, consuming at leisure numerous cups of tea, and a light breakfast of poached eggs on toast. Around lunchtime I felt back in the world and ready to head off to the pond. Meandering down the tiny lanes once again to angle for one of the final times at this very special place.
Before heading south this time, I was faced with a bit of a dilemma. I am certainly not a collector by any means, but over time I have accumulated a number of lovely thiings. I found myself thinking about what rod and reel to bring with me for this final trip? The reel was quite an easy choice. Although I own a number of lovely expensive ventilated aerials, as well as some lovely fixed spool reels, my choice was a very unassuming 3” Aerial Popular that I had Garry Mills from “The Mill Tackle Company, Redditch” carry out a light repair for me many years ago. It is never used and Garry had said to look after it as it was a particular special one. It also has a great sounding check.
I would be able to fish for three days. The Friday 30th August, Saturday 31st August, and on my way home on the Sunday 1st September, so three rods were to be chosen, one for each day. Again, I have some lovely rods but ignored my normal choices. Instead, I picked the first cane rod I owned which was purchased for me by my wife from one of our previous members; a un-restored original B. James Mark IV. The second rod chosen was a Wallis Wizard (the basic one, not the “Super”) and finally perhaps one of the cheapest rods I own, an Edgar Sealey “Floatcaster”. I actually own a number of Floatcaster’s, including the “Deluxe” but this is a rod which I learnt to Wallis Cast correctly with, it has a lovely action and I have managed to land everything from Perch to Pike.
I put this dilemma to one of our former members. He immediately replied, do not think about the fact it is the final time you will fish there. I will try and get down to say hello, but just go, and enjoy. Well, the car was already packed by then, but I did attend the pond with this frame of mind.
Parking on the main road and walking down the stone track, I approached the pond which looked as glorious as ever. I walked round to my favourite swim, which I think is “Duncan’s”? It is the one immediately opposite “Lands End”. The Lilly beds really have developed in recent years, and it is possible to get my creel sat perfectly and a rod out between a number of reeds. Sitting quietly, this is where I had the Kingfisher land on the rod while I was holding it.
Roach were immediately obliging. Nothing of any size, but the float rarely sat still for more than a few minutes at a time and great sport was had. I even managed a small Tench. I took a break near tea time and made a brew from the Kelly on the opposite bank. No sooner had the kettle boiled and the manager turned up, must have seen my smoke signals. Great to meet up again after so long.
I have never dared to look at the bottom pond for maybe three years, not wanting to know what it was turning into. However, on this trip I had requested permission to angle at this place which I was to do on the Saturday. As I had never been in so many years, the manager took me round and showed where we can fish from now. We discussed the works to the pond and although I was shocked at the changes, I was not offended at what has been done there. It is clear nature is coming returning, and although it is different to what I remember, it is still a very lovely place and I actually was pleasantly surprised. I bade farewell to the manager and fished-on until dusk landing numerous Roach and the odd Perch, but no Crucian at all. As soon as the light faded “so called witching hour” the pond seemed to die. No bites were had what-so-ever. As soon as the first Owl call was heard, I packed up and said farewell for this grand day. I did not count how many fish I managed to catch in the end, but it would be fair to say it was in excess of 30!
It has been a number of years now since I have managed to fish on the final day of the course fishing season.
Watching the water level on my favourite river in Wessex over the past few weeks looked really promising. It is a spate river you see and reacts to the slightest bit of rainfall. In fact, this river at this time of year is often in the fields.
The forecast was not great with rain the few days prior to the last day and on the 14th. However, the gods smiled and although the 13th proved rain all day, the 14th was met with a piercing blue sky.
The river was still quite high and coloured but it was falling. The fishing was tough, but a few fishing buddies did get together and we toasted the end of the season both on the bank with tea and at the end of the day round a log fire and a pint and a local inn.
It is indeed the 4th, a day early, but there’s nothing like a good firework display before the actual main day and tonight was no exception. With absolutely perfect clear skies and no wind, it quite literally went off with a bang!
Today was my travel day home. However, my journey takes me past this little pool in Wessex and I often drop in for a few hours before getting back on the long road home.
I fished in the same place as yesterday, I knew I had already ground baited it.
I setup in the dry and cast out. It was not long before the rod was bent over. Roach after Roach were caught often “on-the-drop” from around the baited area.
The weather was somewhat different to the 17th. Today showers were forecast and actually quite welcome. However, the wind was blowing directly at me. I am not very proficient with the ‘Wallis’ cast to begin with and my first cast landed back at my feet. The wind was so strong at times that I had to employ a kind of “Nottingham” style cast with an overhead chuck as hard as possible and the float and bait landed managed just about in the right spot.
After about one hour catching lots of Roach I suddenly began to catch Crucian’s. Very tentative at first.
The heavens opened, I got very wet.
I then did something I do not normally, I changed my hook and down and to 2lb line which had an instant effect.
The swim simply bubbled as if id tipped a box of washing powder into it.
Luckily the rain was a warm rain and the fish were not put off at all. If it were a cold rain, that would certainly have been different.
I fished from around 14:00 until 20:00. I spoke to a friend on the phone who told me to wait for the seventh chime of the church bells and I would land a 2lb Crucian. This did not happen. The church bells did ring seven and the rod did indeed double over, it was not a Crucian. A tremendous battle ensued and I was convinced I had hooked Moby (the one and only Carp in the pool). I could not get the fish to the surface to see what it was. I then remembered that I was now also fishing with 2lb line so was super cautious. I eventually won the day and heaved up a tremendous Tench which was slightly longer than my 18” inch landing net. I reached for my disgorger to see that the line had snapped the second I had landed the fish. This was truly a miracle.
It would be fair to say I photographed over 30 Crucian’s and two Tench. No Perch today and the Roach outnumbered the Crucian by 2:1.
Around 20:00 I saluted the pond and said a thank you, as I placed the final items into my car the heavens opened again. I smiled all the way home.
I don’t normally get to fish the opening days of the course fishing season, but have been very lucky this year.
I had a lovely 16th at a nearby pond yesterday, and today was eager to get to this, my favourite little pool in deepest darkest Wessex.
It was hot, very hot. I did not fancy my chances at all of catching anything. I waited until the afternoon, had a spot of lunch at a local inn and made my way to the pond around 14:00.
I did not particularly wish to fish this particular swim but my own comfort was paramount on a day like today. Shade was the overriding necessity.
After ground baiting an area, I setup an old Mark IV with one of my usual Aerials’ and sat down in total comfort out of the sun.
It was not long before the little red-tipped quill bobbed and went under. Finally, christening this float to a little Roach. (It did not move at all yesterday).
As the afternoon went on I saw a number of Roach and infact a couple of Perch and a Tench; all small and all in the heat of the afternoon.
Around 19:00 I hooked into something substantial and landed one of the finest Tench that I have ever caught at this pool.
The Tench was gently lowered back to its home. I re-baited and re-cast. Again it was not long before my float dipped. I lightly struck and missed, my float lodging itself onto a lilly stem. Managing to free the float and hook from the lilies which then “pinged” to my left and straight into the braches of an overhanging sapling. A sharp pull on the rod only to free the float and hook from the branches which then wrapped themselves around the rod tip many, many times resulting in one awful tangle.
I normally would have cursed, but I sat down calmly and began to unravel the tangled mess. Around 10-15 minutes later the tangle was free, I re-baited and re-cast. Again it was not long before the little red-tipped float began to move. I struck – nothing! I reeling in to find my hook had been bitten off. This was surely the pond now telling me to go home. I had too much good fortune for one day.
I don’t normally manage to get fishing around this time of the year, but I did today.
I found a lovely day ticket water not too far from where I live. Taking with me a rod that I don’t often get to use, a J.B Walker Mark IV and my usual pin, an Aerial 3.5″.
It was a cold day, and quite windy too, but with the wind behind me I did not have much trouble with my ailing Wallis casts.
With the temperature as it was, I was not confident of any Crucians. Roach were the order of today. It was a really nice being at a new lake. The thin sunshine grazed through the baron branches of the surrounding trees, and a full November supermoon moon signalled the end of my day at this lake . I will certainly be returning here in the future.
Due to my work, I find myself a temporary resident of Wessex. This does mean that I am almost in casting distance of my favourite pool.
As I arrived this warm overcast evening I met the manager who was there in preparation of a friendly get-together he had planned for the following day.
After a chat, I aimed for a swim that I had not fished in absolutely ages, and watched fish roll as I was tackling up.
I hastily cast out and tried to relax with a cup of tea as my float kept being knocked all the time. Line bites I thought, or something small having-a-go as I was using a larger hook and a good sized bait aiming for a Tench.
Nothing happened! I let the situation carry on for about two hours, I then reeled in and dropped a hook size which led to almost instant action.
Firstly, I landed a small Roach and then the Crucian’s appeared. Although I was hoping for a Tench, it was lovely to see Crucian after Crucian. I missed most bites. There were definitely Tench in my swim as now and then I would get a clonking bite and the pin sang for a brief second. These bites never materialised as I’d dropped to a smallish hook. Not to mind, I had a cracking evening. One note, I didn’t land a single Perch, which was the total opposite of my previous visit to this pool.
It has been quite some time since I have been at this lovely little pool, certainly more than one year and I had been looking forward to fishing here.
The pool looked in great condition thanks too all the work parties that had carried out works throughout the seasons.
I had brought with me my trustee Floatcaster “De-Luxe”, not my favourite Floatcaster in my collection, but it has the added backbone to tame a Tench, which is what I was looking for today.
I had setup in a swim that I do not normally fish on the opposite bank. Really nice and level with a little cover, although slightly hazardous casting. It did not take long before the float moved and Roach after Roach crossed the net. This only changed when the Perch began to prowl and I landed perhaps five; but no Tench.
As the afternoon moved onto evening I was sure that weed had begun to drift into my swim, bites became thin on the ground until finally the float dipped under and I landed a whopped of a Tench, totally out-gunned by a large Hardy Altex reel and the Floatcaster. This was quickly followed by a whopping Crucian too.
Apart from last year, I always seem to be fishing on midsummers day and now I try to always make an effort to be out fishing. This evening however was not midsummer-ish at all. The temperature dropped so much that I could see my breath in the air, and it became so cold my head hurt. Never mind, tomorrow would be the Strawberry Supermoon to look forward to.
This Supermoon in April 2020 is not pink at all. The ‘pink’ is referred as the colour of wild ground phlox or “moss Pink” as it is sometimes called, and is traditionally a sign of both springtime and Easter.
Luckilly this Month we have clear skies to view the best of 2020’s supermoons.
Another 5th of November is upon us, and the weather was not favourable until late on the 5th. Some displays were cancelled due to the amount of rain that had fallen. Non-the-less, fire and fireworks were to be had and the log burner roared for another year which became quite fortuitous as our central heating had broken down.
It was a perfect night for bonfire night this year. It had been cold for the past days with very little wind. A full moon arose, along-with a very cold chill.
The display was as good as last year. Being over a weekend, bonfire night and fireworks had been going off for the previous nights. There was a cracking display that was watched from our upstairs window in the comfort of our own home, accompanied by an alcoholic beverage or two. Strangely, no actual bonfire, but the Fire Brigade had turned out?
Not only is it the time to be completing new fishing membership forms for the forthcoming course fishing season, it is the time when the hedgerow lanes burst into colour.
Ferns, Bluebells, Corncockle, Red Campiion, Ramsons, Meadow Buttercup and the wonderful Cow Parsley form part of our native hedgerows at this time of year. The Bluebell of course, a highly prized delicacy of the rabbit.
I cannot recall a bonfire night so cold. The 5th saw torrential cold rain, with a good measure of hail and sleet mixed in. I thought the night would be a total wash-out this year. Miraculously, around 18:00, the sky cleared and we could venture-forth. We were lucky to see some great displays; the latest kicking-off at 21:30. As soon as this display was ending the heavens opened again and we were treated to yet more sleet. Even the gritters were on the main roads tonight; not a good sign so early in November.
Picture of a firework
The 6th saw the best display this year, which was held near the grounds of a local castle. The day was a mirror image of the 5th, with heavy rain/sleet on and off all day; and the sky clearing allowing just enough time for the fireworks.
The gritters were once again on the roads tonight. I fear we may be in for a long bad winter.
It was a wet and rainy Bonfire Night, we still had a blast!
Amazingly the rain stopped just as the first firework was lit. We have not been to this particular display for some years, and it did not disappoint.
I would say the locals would not be getting their bins emptied, nor their street lighting switched on for some weeks, as the amount of fireworks that went up in smoke must have cost the council a small fortune, but very, very much worth it.
Here are some really nostalgic pictures of fireworks and their posters from yesteryear.
Can you see your favourite amongst these? My favourites were definitely the ‘Air Bombs’ which are now banned unfortunately, along with probably all the other really good fireworks that you used to be able to buy.
The Wonder of the World, The Beauty and the Power, The Shapes of Things, Their Colours Lights and Shades, These I Saw, Look Ye Also While Life Lasts. – "Denys Watkins-Pitchford".
The Wonder of the World, The Beauty and the Power, The Shapes of Things, Their Colours Lights and Shades, These I Saw, Look Ye Also While Life Lasts. - "Denys Watkins-Pitchford".
The Wonder of the World, The Beauty and the Power, The Shapes of Things, Their Colours Lights and Shades, These I Saw, Look Ye Also While Life Lasts. - "Denys Watkins-Pitchford".
The Wonder of the World, The Beauty and the Power, The Shapes of Things, Their Colours Lights and Shades, These I Saw, Look Ye Also While Life Lasts. - "Denys Watkins-Pitchford".
The Wonder of the World, The Beauty and the Power, The Shapes of Things, Their Colours Lights and Shades, These I Saw, Look Ye Also While Life Lasts. - "Denys Watkins-Pitchford".
The Wonder of the World, The Beauty and the Power, The Shapes of Things, Their Colours Lights and Shades, These I Saw, Look Ye Also While Life Lasts. - "Denys Watkins-Pitchford".
The Wonder of the World, The Beauty and the Power, The Shapes of Things, Their Colours Lights and Shades, These I Saw, Look Ye Also While Life Lasts. - "Denys Watkins-Pitchford".
look ye also 
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