January 2013 fishing report
Elliot Pryor, junior novice, with his first 4 trout ever
Tony Hipgrave experienced regular catches a 4lb rainbow on a Cats Whisker
I was ironing my T-shirt the other day, the one that declares “As long as there are fish to fool… this fool will fish!” and I found myself wondering why are we considered foolish? When I tell people that I fly fish for a hobby and a living and explain to them that it is my love and passion in life and when I go on to say that it is this sport that has become the spring board for all my goals and ambitions for the next few years (well, at least until my 80’s) and that it fills my mind as I wake each morning and gaze out at the weather and fills my dreams when I sleep at night…. They either, stare at me in blank disbelief and move off a.s.a.p. or, if they are able to utter a few words say something like “that’s nice”. I can’t understand it. What’s wrong with these folk? They obviously have never felt the tingling excitement of a walk, rod in hand, along the water’s edge at sunrise or twilight. They have never felt that thrill and sense of achievement of catching a simple supper or found the “perfect partner” in their own company. I’ve found while helping out at our beginner days a strange thing... all those taking part have genuinely enjoyed the experience. They discover that the sociable helping hand of the more able angler is always there to give them encouragement, advice and a confidence boost, alleviating the feelings of incompetence and lack of skill. I often say to people “if I can do it, anyone can”. I am easily the least sporty person I know, I am of that certain age when bits and pieces have started to ache more often than not and I find myself sitting down to pull on my socks. So it’s true! I therefore feel it my duty to encourage young and old alike to come and give it a go.
Our complete beginners days held here at Brick Farm Lakes are becoming an increasingly popular way to introduce a youngster, partner or friend to this wonderful sport. Held in association with the Environment Agency as part of their Angling Development Program they run from 9am till 1pm at a nominal cost of £10 to cover equipment, licence, a hot drink and hopefully your first fish! Please contact the lodge for the next available date.
Other News…
Recent excellent rainbow catches include a 4lb 10oz by David Wood from Polegate, a 4lb by Tony Hipgrave from Hailsham on a Cats Whisker, a 3lb 4oz by Rodney Fox from Eastbourne and a 3lb 8oz and 3lb 4oz respectively by the brothers M and G Kybett from Eastbourne both using Vivas.