Well as another new year starts another one ends. What was the season like for you ? One thing, it was very wet did this deter anglers going fishing ? I think so. It’s a funny old world we anglers like everything to be just right. Good weather, good fishing and we are at peace with the world.
My season was up and down. In 2007 I spent time on the rivers. Catches a few sewen and salmon most were on the small size and were released. I suppose if I went more often, on the law of averages I should catch more fish. Anyway it is always pleasant just to be on the river.
What was exciting was catching sea bass on a fly rod. You need to know where they are running and the estuaries are ideal for catching. Your local tackle shop near the water is the place to check on. Spinning is also a challenge as the fish will give you one hell of a fight.
My two grandchildren have taken an interest in sea shore fishing and as they live just 5 minutes walk from the beach it is ideal for them. They had sea gear for Christmas so you can imagine the excitement. Of course they looked to me to catch first. No they caught flounders first, I didn’t get a touch. Oh well that’s beginners luck, they enjoyed it and the best fish of 2 lb was taken home for tea.
They are becoming very competent at fly casting. It’s great to see youngsters casting a fly as there is a skill attached to it. Again it is only practice that will ensure you will become a proficient caster. Of course they want to catch fish, (don’t we all).After a couple of blank days they soon realise casting is only part of catching fish. It does them good to blank occasionally.
As I am in contact with many fisheries in Wales I do get feed back on what anglers want and perhaps at times what they demand. On the other hand the fishery owners and operators do have to make a living particularly the small fisheries both coarse and game. I believe there is a trend for trout fisheries to expand their operations to include coarse fishing and in some instances to change over completely to coarse fishing.
As carp fishing is being well promoted and with the chance of catching large fish anglers are giving it a try.Of course it can be quite expensive if you are going to kit yourself out. But well worth it.
What of the future ? There will be another new Governing angling body which hopefully will represent us at Government level. The Welsh Coaching federation will get underway after the reorganisation of the NGB. In the meantime it is important for competent anglers who would like to get involved with coaching to contact your club secretary or your respective angling body to receive details of how to apply for a coaching course. I believe it is paramount that we as anglers put something back into fishing by doing so we can coach youngsters and adults in this wonderful sport pastime of angling.
I don’t know how all the increases in charges of fuel, rates, electricity, gas, oil food will effect us going fishing. It depends on your disposable income. One thing we must insist on, is ensuring our beloved fishing has some sort of priority.
I hope you all have a very good season and tight lines for 2008.