Friday 30 September 2022

Summer Fishing 2022


A very strange summer season, after my diagnoisis I thought time on the bank would be limited. Instead I did find time (20 trips), fishing around surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I was in hospital most days so each fishing trip became very important - the planning and time in nature as essential as the fishing itself.

Closed Season: Things were very up in the air after the initial diagnosis - after the bad news we had to create a plan to try and deal with it! Fishing was far from my mind to begin with but an away day before surgery seem a great idea - and a catfishing trip was perfect - eight cats to a 33lb 6oz new PB - that'll tide me over...

June: Opening day was just 10 days after surgery - but I dragged myself to the riverbank - it really gave me something to work towards. Season opener was a little common carp and soon the barbel flowed - 34 of them over three trips to the Small River, not big fish but just what the doctor ordered! Plus a 5lb 3oz summer chub.

July: A couple more trips to the Small River but the main event was five days on the mighty River Wye. Targeting barbel in the low water, a few hours a day on Swan Shit Island inbetween family time. And the fishing didn't disapoint - 30 barbel to 8lb 4oz, 70+ chub and seven eels! Hopefully be back for a few more barbel before pike time.

August: Started with a mission to find a seven pound plus barbel on the Small River - do they still exist? Yep, got one - but I think they're few and far between now! Then a fantastic day chasing Fenland rudd in the boat with James - no monsters but a pretty perfect day! And the initial round of treatments came to a close - I am knackered!!

September: Really knackered - in fact I ended up in hospital - just pushed it too far! I had to cancel my trip to The Wye and take it easy closer to home. I've said it before but I'm so lucky to have the Small River - it was a summer of chasing barbel - and great just to be out on the riverbank when I thought I would be stuck at home!

Right - now it's time for wooly hats and wellies - let's see what the autumn and winter season has in store for us...

10 comments:

  1. Great fishing Brian in difficult circumstances. Shows how dedicated you are, not to fishing per se, but life and living. Look forward to meeting up with you one day on the small river and catching up - catching fish just the bonus!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You’ve got to get out fishing while you still can - who knows what will happen tomorrow?! Yeah, going to have to get you on the barbel on the Small River - hopefully a few bonus fish!

      Delete
  2. Your dedication, energy and golden bollocks put most of us to shame.
    I spent yesterday exploring a bit of river I recently got permission to fish and found it contains nothing but minnows, I reckon you'd have caught a burbot from it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have a point Dave, I do a couple of hours here and there, nothing like Brian and James, different gravy. Stick with it though Dave, those small waterways often show up surprises !!

      Delete
    2. Dave - thanks, and thanks for all your comments. Get on the new bit of river - I’m sure there’s a surprise or two waiting for you! Not sure about the burbot - but I’d have a go at catching those minnows!!

      Delete
    3. Mick - To be honest, apart from a few away days, most of my sessions are 2-4 hour quick smash & grab missions. Even occasionally take my kit to the hospital and then on to the river afterwards…

      Delete
  3. Cracking stuff Brian some crackers, with all the hospital visits I bet it is literally a breath of fresh air going fish and keeps you sane. Take it easy !!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Got to squeeze the most out of the short summer season! Yeah, absolutely need to get out - so glad I’ve been mostly an outpatient. Trying to take it easy - it’s not really in my nature :-)

      Delete
  4. You've done well mate to do what you have, touch wood you continue you to improve! and we get out on the Wye and Severn next month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Onwards and upwards - we’ve got a Wye double and a Severn double each to catch… And hopefully a pike or two..!

      Delete