We all dream of that big fish that one day will grace our landing net, the fish of a life time, maybe the fish of many lifetimes.
Angling can be a very solitary pursuit, sitting by the side of a river, lake, stream or canal for many hours, often alone, but rarely could we say lonely as we have the blowing of the wind and the song of the birds to keep us company.
Most of my fishing is done alone or with my son, occasionally I fish with a good friend Nick, when our work patterns allow, and very occasionally I'll fish with other members of the National Anguilla Club.
Today was a little different, an invite to fish with the members of the Shakespeare region of the PAC, saw Caleb and I take the short journey down to Earlswood lakes, to fish for Pike. I've done very little Pike fishing this winter, as my thus far fruitless pursuit of a double figure Zander has taken up a great deal of my fishing time. So it was nice to get out in pursuit of old esox once more. It was also good to meet Steve and the crew, They all made Caleb and I feel very welcome. Unfortunately the recent rain which had caused the venue to be changed from the Avon to Earlswood, didn't do us any favour's. cold rain reduces the water temperature rapidly, and until the water stabilizes the fishing is usually poor, and that was exactly the case today. despite a dozen or more rods being cast out, they where all wound in at the end of the day fishless. Now I could say that there was much disappointment but this is not the case, whoever said there's more to fishing than catching fish, certainly knew what he was talking about!
I took the opportunity to try out a new rig, maybe not "new" but new to me, instead of the usual free running lead I went back to my carp days and on two rods put the lead in a lead clip. I'm using it to try and asses what type if run it will give, and will it make a difference to the aborted take syndrome occasionally suffered? one things for sure though I'm no the wiser today than I was yesterday.
