The glorious 16th is just around the corner and I’m starting to get a bit excited! I have fished very little this closed season. I suppose it was a combination of things that kept me away. The weather played a large part in that decision, particularly the first couple of months when the weather conditions and temperatures were somewhat lackluster.
However with the new season just on the horizon, new challenges have been set. I’m not too bothered about catching big fish, I just like to see (or feel) that rod tip yank round in the furious way that it does, when a barbel powers off with the hook bait. I think it is the ultimate in angling for me. It’s so exhilarating to see that tip whack round, not knowing what’s on the other end.
This season I have three main venues to target. Most of my fishing will probably be on the Kennet and I have rejoined the Wasing Estate. I have yet to fish anywhere that is quite as beautiful and captivating as this area of the Kennet and after a few years away I have really missed it. My time spent there over the years bring back some very fond memories because it’s such an evocative and mesmerizing place.
I will also be dabbling occasionally on the River Wey in Surrey and a few trips to the magnificent Wye and the breathtaking views that the Wye Valley offers. I also love the peace and tranquility that are on offer there, far from the beaten track with only the wildlife to keep you company. It truly is a magical place.
This season I’m going to try and mix up the fishing a little bit. I will be adopting a more roving style, particularly on the Kennet. My thoughts at the moment are to fish slightly lighter (where feasible) and fish in a more natural way. By that I mean free lining and very light link legering. Baits will be paste or pellets with a back up of lob worms and possibly small squabs and casters when float fishing. The new John Baker baits from Lone Angler are just amazing. The paste is incredible I can’t wait to get out and start using it. The squabs are much softer than before and I love that. I’m not a fan of rock hard baits and much prefer something softer. They look, smell and dare I say even taste amazing.
There will be times when I will be feeder fishing or using a slightly heavier weight and adopting the more familiar bait and wait tactics but I really miss the roving style and dropping into likely looking spots and tempting the odd fish here and there. I don’t want to sit in one swim all day staring at a motionless tip. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the river and the challenge that Wasing will bring.
Still, armed with decent baits, sensible tackle and a few ideas I’m hopeful for a good season. Nothing beats good company, wonderful surroundings and being free to do want you enjoy. With all of the madness going on in the World at the moment I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to be able to pursue the things I enjoy in life, without the fear of any consequences. We are very lucky people and long may it continue.
Good luck to you all and may 2015-2016 be the season you hope it will be.
best of luck for the new season.
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Thank you Graham and good luck to you too.
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Hi Nathan,
I hope this season fulfills your expectations. My quest is for my first Barbel from a River, either the Lancashire Calder or the Ribble.
Tight lines!!!!
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Thanks Roy and good luck with that first barbel. All the best.
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Our paths may cross on the River Wey, the beat above Farnham to Bentley is where I occassionally fish, some good chub to be seen, Enjoy the new season and tight lines.
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I hope so. I’m looking forward to the occasional trip there. Lovely looking river.
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Hi Nathan,
Having read numerous articles and watching dvd’s and You tube, yesterday i attempted to catch my first Barbel from the River Calder in Whalley, where a few have been caught since the 16th. Started off on 2 tip rods with maggot feeders and 3 maggots on a size 16 hook. Had a brownies then nothing. Moved pegs and started again. Then the tip on one of the rods arched round to 90 degrees. Made contact with the fish before it snapped the 4 lb hook length. This fish was more powerful than anything else i had previously hooked on this stretch. Time for the new Shimano Alivio Barbel classic 12ft and Shimano ST4000FB Bait-runner to make their debut. The method of choice was the monkey method, using Sonobaits Cheesy garlic and Spicy sausage pellets in 4 and 6 mm coated with Spicy sausage liquid. I then tied my first hair rig hook length app 3ft long with a size 10 Drennan specialist hook. First cast i put a 12mm halibut pellet soaked in the liquid on the hook. After 20 mins i recast, this time with a piece of boosted meat on the hair. Having tightened the line and set the baitrunner, 10 mins later the reel started spinning and i was into my first Barbel. This was landed and a lovely scale / fin perfect Barbel of app 5 lb was in the landing net. I then caught a second one on the maggot feeder on 5lb mainline / 4lb hook-length. I’m still buzzing now. The satisfaction of putting everything i’d read and watched, the tying of the hair rig into action was absolutely fantastic. I now need a new challenge for the rest of this season. 2 lb Roach from the River Ribble????
Hope your start to the season is also successful.
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Hi Roy, a hearty well done sir. What a great feeling that must have been. They are great fish to catch and it’s the thrill of that initial bite that sends the pulses racing. Keep it up the 2lb roach can wait until the winter!!
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Nathan I have joined Wasing this year and had my first trip today. Spent the day roving but no barbel…it seems we may well be fishing the same bait/tactics, as is someone else as I picked up some packaging today. Hopefully will get to see you on the bank … but I can only fish Saturday’s …. work and more work. Great site btw.
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Hi Paul, thanks for looking in. Yes it’s certainly a bit tougher than it used to be. It is still a stunning place though and I just love the wild feel to it. Fingers crossed for a few barbel in the Autumn. I’m going to be out of action from August for 2-3 months due to an operation. Hopefully see you down there at some point, although I’m rarely there on a weekend. Good luck with the rest of the season.
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