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Diary of an average angler

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!

Venues
Species
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Information

The addition of embedded YouTube videos to this diary resulted in the web page taking far longer to load. To improve things I have changed the way in which the YouTube videos are activated. This has modified the size and appearance of the video placement images.

To view the full screen videos in YouTube please click/touch the YouTube icon below the placement image or the YouTube name in the viewer while the video is playing.

I'm also adding a few photos to the full report page on the more recent posts that feature YouTube videos. Click on the image to open a lightbox showing larger images.

I felt that a page of unbroken text was, perhaps, a bit heavy on the eyes!

Venues
Species
Archive

The Clay Pit (13)

Side pond

Arrival time: 10.00
Weather: Frosty start to a sunny day with light wind.
Tackle: Greys 12' Prodigy TX Float rod, Allcocks 4" centrepin, 4BB waggler (with 1.2g olivette), 6lb line direct to 14 eyed hook.
Baits: Maggot & corn.
Fish: Three tench, a crucian and some roach/rudd.

My first fishing trip since the end of November, following back surgery in February. I chose the Clay Pit side pond as it is not far from home and I could park next to where I was fishing. It is also a fairly easy water that hasn't disappointed in the past, so I was almost assured of a fish or two.

Latest News

After three very uncomfortable months with lots of pain I had back surgery on 22 February, which I'm pleased to say has cured most of the problems.

I still have some numbness in the left leg but it has eased a bit since the surgery and I'm hopeful that it will go away after a few more weeks.

As things stand I'll definitely miss the end of this river season but am hopeful that I will be able to get to a lake in April.

I have a review with the surgeon at the end of March that will inform me as to when fishing can safely recommence.

Quick update

I'm laid up with a back problem.
Check here for updates.

What I thought to be an old back problem has turned out to be a bit more serious!
After attending A&E it transpires that I have three dodgy discs in the lower back.
This has resulted in a lot of pain and has grounded me.
Having seen a neurosurgeon on 2 February I'm hopeful that I will have an operation during February to relieve the compressed discs, and hopefully this will get me back out fishing.
Although I think I'm going to miss the rest of this season.

Updated 3 February 2023

A review of 2022

A Christmas message and a video review of 2022.

With an old back injury again causing me considerable pain I'm afraid that fishing is on hold.

To keep in touch and update people I decided on a Christmas message and a review of 2022 by way of 12 short video clips of notable moments.

Enjoy ☺️

River Great Ouse - Offord (28)

Mill Stream

Arrival time: 10:30 (at swim)
Weather: Bright but cold. Little wind throughout the session.
Tackle: 11'6" John Wilson Avon with 1.5oz quiver, Shimano 5000 RE reel, 6lb line direct to an 8 hook. Flat bed 1oz leger.
Baits: Cheese paste, luncheon meat & maggots.
Fish: A couple of small chub, a roach and a gudgeon.

With no rain for a couple of days I decided to take a chance on the Mill Stream at Offord. The river had been up and fast the previous week but I was pleased to find the Mill Stream in good condition. There was a good flow and it was still coloured but general speaking it looked very promising. I made my way to a swim about half way along that had been reliable in the past.

River Great Ouse - Offord (27)

The Triangle

Arrival time: 10:30 (at swim)
Weather: Overcast and chilly. Little wind to start with but blew up during the session.
Tackle: 9ft Shimano Aero X1 feeder rod with 1oz quiver, Shimano Exage 1000RC reel, 5lb line direct to a 14 hook. Link leger with 2SSG.
Baits: Maggots and worms.
Fish: A number of smallish roach and dace, with the occasional gudgeon and one small perch.

After yet more heavy rain I was unsure about going to a river but I took a chance, with the intention of going to a particular swim if the river was up. And up it was. Coloured and moving at a pace I was pleased to find that the spot I had decided upon offered some slack water.

© 2022 Robert Bassett

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