I’ve come to the conclusion that there are two things we have a real duty to teach our children, swimming and fishing. The swimming is an obvious one, but the reason for fishing may not be as clearly defined in the art of survival.

In the following account I have been asked to change names to protect the innocent…

A wonderful man I know very well, FRED, decided to go fishing for carp recently. The trip was, needless to say, a long time in the planning stage, I’d say about two weeks. Then, two days prior to departure....

The first few days of March were glorious! The sun had real warmth to it, the winds were light and we were back to fishing here at Brick Farm in T-shirts and shades.

In olden times my Grandma, or “Nan” as my sister and I called her, was a lady who knew how to have fun on a budget and get the very most out of her days with us children.  I very much suspect all Grandparents who had lived through the war or indeed wars were of the same ilk. With next to nothing in their purses they had the ability to stretch the very little they had into a lot by the simple process of spending time with us doing simple things.

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…. 

Firstly, from Keith, Sophie and myself a very happy New Year to all our customers here at Brick Farm Lakes. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and, like us, are eager and keen to begin another twelve months of fishing fun. We hope to be seeing all our “old” faces soon and many new- comers as well this year.

I had the good fortune the other day to be at home when the rat man called for his monthly visit (we keep chickens, say no more!). If you have a preconceived idea of what a rat man looks like, or smells like come to that, you must push it into the cobwebs at the back of your mind. My modern “Rodent Dispatcher Operative” is young, tall, lean and clean. He is articulate, punctual, efficient and knowledgeable about all things country.

Just lately I’ve become quite taken with our top lake here at Brick Farm. In the past I’ve found it to be a bit of a challenge, preferring the darker, shallower water of Brick Lake where the takes and tugs come as a surprise, often right at my feet as I’ve turned to chat to someone.

As an outdoor activity fly fishing must be the perfect sport for young and old alike. With just a handful of lessons under your belt and armed with a simple starter kit costing well under £100, you are set to discover the thrill of catching your supper whilst enjoying the wonder that is The Great Outdoors.

Didn’t we do well!! I am still humming “Jerusalem” and wondering what to watch on the television. I’m also wondering why on earth fly fishing is not an Olympic sport, perhaps I should write to the committee.