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Diary of an average angler

Who favours traditional methods & baits

fisherman

This diary dates back to a holiday in 2003 when I think the urge to get back into fishing took off. From around 2007 the trips became more frequent with 2010/11 probably being the peak of activity.
Things again pick up in 2020 - a sort of rebirth!

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Update

New left hip
Venue: News

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

I've not been very visible of late and those of you who watched my 2023 review and Christmas message will know that I was suffering from a very painful left hip. The good news is that I had the hip replaced just over two weeks ago and I'm now anxiously looking forward to when I'll be able to get out fishing again, but it will probably be a least a couple of months.
More information in the above short video update.

Merry Christmas

And a review of 2023
Venue: News

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

It was a late start to the year after a back operation in February and I didn't manage to do as much river fishing as I would have liked. And unfortunately I didn't have great success when I did manage to get to the rivers. But a few decent fish came my way before a worsening problem with my left hip grounded me. This review includes a clips from some of my trips.

I shall be seeking medical advice for the hip although it is looking very much as if I shall need a hip replacement. I had my right hip replaced in 2021 at which time the consultant advised me that the left hip was also worn, and it seems that it has now reached the point where surgery may be required.

The Chubb Stream (14)

Venue: Chubb Stream

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

Arrival time: 10.15 am
Weather: Cold but bright with a freshening to strong wind.
Tackle: 11'6" John Wilson Avon with 1.5oz quiver, small Arlesey weight, Shimano 5000 RE reel, 6lb line direct to 6 eyed hook.
Baits: Luncheon meat & cheese paste.
Fish: One chub

I was in St Ives the previous day and I checked out the Chubb Stream to see if it had fined down after recent heavy rain. It looked pretty good, with some extra water and colour, but nothing to worry about. So I returned with a fairly positive feeling. I stopped at the first fishable swim, basically to cut down on walking too far in one go, my ailing left hip limiting me. I noticed the new flow deflectors just upstream from the swim, installed recently by the EA to promote the formation of a deeper pool and cleaner gravel.

Read full report

Species: Chub

The Clay Pit (17)

Side pond
Venue: The Clay Pit

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

Arrival time: 09.45
Weather: Chilly with a weak sun and windy. Clouding over later.
Tackle: Hardy 11' 6" Marksman Specimen Avon, Allcocks 4" centrepin, preloaded waggler, 6lb line direct to 12 eyed hook.
Baits: Dead maggots, sweetcorn, bread flake, cheese paste.
Fish: Three tench, one small roach and a tiny perch.

After around four weeks of coughing and nose blowing with a cold, or perhaps some other virus, this was my first trip out in just under a month. I decided to give the rivers a miss in view of the recent heavy rain and rising levels. Instead I went to the side pond at the Clay Pit where I have had fairly consistent sport, although I wasn't too confident this late in the year.

Read full report

Species: Tench, Roach, Perch

A look in my tackle bags

Venue: Tackle

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

On a warmer day in late summer I made a short video in my garden showing what tackle I usually take with me, the emphasis being on travelling light.

Click for photos

River Great Ouse - Offord (31)

Top Stream
Venue: River Great Ouse |Top Stream |Offord

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

Arrival time: 10.30
Weather: Bright with increasing cloud and freshening wind.
Tackle: 9ft Shimano Aero X1 feeder rod with 1oz quiver, Shimano Exage 1000RC reel, maggot feeder, 5lb line direct to 14 eyed hook.
Baits: Maggot & worm.
Fish: One perch and one ruffe.

With my left hip limiting my walking range I decided to go to the Top Stream at Offord which is only about a five minute walk from the car park. This choice was also influenced by the fact that the water level had been high following heavy rain and the Top Stream offered perhaps the least affected stretch, although in fact the main river had returned to normal levels. I stopped off at the tackle shop for maggots and worms, thus delaying my arrival.

Read full report

Species: Perch, Ruffe

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