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!
YouTube channel
You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.
Arrival time: 12.30
Weather: Hazy sun and warm with no wind.
Tackle:
14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Bread flake
Fish: Blank
With my hip problem getting worse by the day I chanced a 3-hour session at the Clay Pit. No fish but a very welcome break after a month away from the water.
You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.
Quite some time ago I had thought about writing a book about fishing, based on my early experiences as a youngster and how things changed as I grew older. The lockdowns and forced periods of virtual confinement allowed me to develop the idea and I have now published the book. The video explains things more fully and also explains why I haven't posted a fishing video for a while.
If you are interested in reading the book, which I've self-published through Amazon, please follow this link:
Bob's Book
I've priced it as cheaply as the system would allow; £1.70 for the eBook and £5.25 for the paperback. If you really want to indulge yourself there's a hardback at £10.50.
To find out more follow the link and 'Read sample', although there is a longer preview on this website.
You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.
Arrival time: 10.30
Weather: Overcast and chilly with a light southerly breeze
Tackle:
14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hempseed & sweetcorn.
Fish: Blank
After a dispiriting visit to Rookery Waters last week I bought a season ticket for an old clay pit where the fishing is challenging but the ambience is tranquil.
I fished this pit around ten years ago and decided to check it out again as an alternative to commercial fisheries. Many improvements had been put in place since that earlier visit with well-constructed fishing pitches, car parking and otter prevention fencing around the lake.
You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.
Arrival time: 09.00
Weather: Warm and sunny with only a slight breeze after lunch
Tackle:
14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed & sweet corn feed, corn & luncheon meat on the hook.
Fish: Blank
As a change from Fields End, today I went to Rookery Waters in the hope of catching roach from Rook lake. I was to be disappointed.
Having spoken to a chap at Fields End I was led to believe that Rook lake was good for roach. Previously I had only fished Magpie lake at Rookery Waters, but as there had been matches on it on both days over the weekend, I thought I would try something different.
You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.
Arrival time: 09.00
Weather: Warm and sunny with a light breeze
Tackle:
11' 6" Hardy Marksman Specimen Avon with Shimano Exage 4000 reel. 8lb line direct to a 12 hook with an Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed & sweet corn feed, corn & luncheon meat on the hook.
All fish taken on luncheon meat
Fish: Two carp and one small rudd
After a chilly week with cold winds last week, today we were treated to a glimpse of spring with sunshine and a hint of a breeze. But the fish seemed still to be a bit reluctant after the cold spell.
You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.
Arrival time: 09.00
Weather: Warm and sunny, rising to 22℃, with a light SSW breeze
Tackle: 14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed, sweet corn, luncheon meat.
All fish taken on corn
Fish: Three barbel (two foul-hooked), two carp and many roach
The weather forecast was for a warm spring-like day and it didn't disappoint. A great improvement on my last visit and this time the NE corner was free and I dropped into my favourite spot.
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