Over the last couple of weeks I have really struggled with my health and the recent results of an emergency MRI scan have determined that a pro-lapsed disc which is pinching the nerve that runs the length of my left hand side of body through my buttock right to my toes has rendered me at times completely bed ridden. I can tell you that it has been extremely difficult to contemplate.
For those who know me well will know spending any amount of time at home more than what is absolutely necessary is very difficult for me to accept, but feel that I am more at home away from home if that makes sense, my senses immersed in nature, whether it be in the deep Fenland spaces or the confines of the urban surroundings I live in. With my impairment fishing has become impossible and only since the first day of the season have I managed any time out fishing. With such a lack of angling opportunities available I decided to give my mate Brian a call and wondered if he fancied a wander around a section of our urban jungle.
Knowing that the early summer roach fishing can be easy pickings the tackle was geared towards them. A 15ft Grey's Toreon float rod, Okuma centrepin loaded with 3lb line and a light 3BB float setup fished with a size 12 narrow gauge micro-barb hook was just perfect. I chose a nice deep pool that offered a near side and a far side eddy where roach normally reside, sure enough within a couple of trots the float slipped under and a fish powered upstream in the strong flow. Expecting to see a roach and a modest gudgeon appear is always a bonus and although it was not the sort of size that would get the blood pumping it was still great to see. I often wonder what a 6lb gudgeon would fight like if they grew to that size, per ounce they are very willing fighters.
It didn't take long before my target finally came along, a roach of possibly 4oz followed by a procession of eight more in a little over an hour before the swim went strangely very quiet so myself and Brian went for a wander towards the bus stop. Before heading for our transport home I decided that a quick half a dozen trots under a favourite oak tree would yield a roach or two to add to my tally. What happened next I did not expect. As my float hit the crease I usually find roach sat a barbel shot out of the far bank cover and nailed my thumb-nail sized piece of bread flake.
Needless to say the battle was awesome and on numerous occasions I felt that I was going to lose it. Having navigated the thick, lush runs of Ranunculus and overhanging tree branches Brian managed to slip a big barbel into a rather small net! Just goes to show, even on such light tackle with snags present you can land fish way bigger than your tackle is designed to "tackle".
I was chuffed of course! 8lb 11oz of chalkstream muscle on light match trotting gear.
Tight Lines all, enjoy every minute, I know I did, but since then my back has got worse and I am really struggling physically so it will be some time before I find myself out on the bank once again.
Epic battle and I’m still waiting for my medal for getting that in a net that looked like it was designed for small butterflies!
ReplyDeleteIt kind of reminds me of that time you somehow managed to get that huge Fenland carp in that we were using for Rudd:) Alls well ends well eh mate!
DeleteI feel your pain and wish you a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteNot wishing to 'black cat' you but I had three prolapsed discs that took four years to settle back down to just my 'normal' back pains. My advice is to go steady, change your style and approach until you get mobile again. That and shouting obscenities at anything deserving helps.
As kids we had the 'What if' discussion about gudgeon many times, they are the most remarkable creatures.
3 weeks and counting so far, hence the very few inputs on here, the weather has been perfect for many mornings of stalking, I just cant do it. Such a shame and its come at such a poor time too, just bought a house, haven't worked much, ten month old daughter to help look after etc, never mind the fishing! But hopefully that'll pass and I will be fitter than ever before.
DeleteGudgeon with Barbel power, it would awesome if they were physically the same size! There simply would be no comparison, everyone would be targeting Gudgeon!
Brilliant write up, sorry to hear about your health issues.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever fancy a session on the wye ,give me a shout even if you need carrying to a swim
Hopefully I'll be on the mend in the next few weeks. And as anonymous as you are thats a lovely gesture! The Wye was at some point on my list of places to wet a line, I feel time however is sooooo tight. Many thanks for the wishes.
DeleteI too have suffered with trapped nerves in my back.....absolute agony for months. I have now had injections in my back (no problem ie painless).They have worked and given me a new lease of life.Might I suggest you speak to your doctor/consultant to check if this treatment is suitable for your problem. Good luck,hope you get sorted.
ReplyDelete