A few weeks back I had a slot at the annual Barbel Society Show which was held at Notts County Football Ground in the heart of Nottingham on the banks of the mighty Trent. I was asked early in the year if I wanted to take to the stage to waffle on about all things 40 Rivers Challenge.
Yes, you guys here know all about it but many anglers out there on the banks of the rivers don't even realise that there forty rivers across England, Wales and Scotland that hold Barbel, let or lone double figure specimens! For me it's some of the unknowns or catching specimens from rivers that don't usually produce them or not rivers anglers would typically venture onto to target Barbel of any size.
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| A section of the seating that would become filled for the talkers. |
In every region there is a big river ( Thames, Trent, Severn, Wye, Ribble, Yorkshire Ouse or Hampshire Avon ) those rivers are quite well spread out and offering vast amounts of water to tackle with good heads of fish throughout of all sizes, so why would anglers target lesser know rivers and areas when "easier angling" is available. That's one of the reasons I really love this journey so far, it has taken me to many different places, from urban settings like the Tame, Wandle and soon to be the Aire to paradises like the Wye, Hants Avon and Wharfe.
Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but for me natural settings do it for me but once again, the rough and ready areas need the attention too. These are some of the things I touched on during my talk and for my first effort I think I did okay but I was nervous and was all totally off the cuff, I was supposed to write up some bullet points and expand upon those, but went out for curry and beers instead :)
My challenge has just restarted with a visit to the Blackwater which I will touch on shortly.
I hope you enjoy the video, 37 mins of your life you won't get back but it's possibly better than the drivel on TV nowadays.... I hope you enjoy and possibly find something of benefit.
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I thought you did well James, didn't look that nervous to me !!. Did show how much effort goes in to the quest of yours, respect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick! Really appreciate it and yes, I hoped that it would shine a good light on exactly what has and will continue to go into this challenge. Many more miles of driving to put in yet.
DeleteWatched the video last week when it popped up on my YouTube feed. A pleasant surprise in amongst all my son's gaming or Mr Beast videos. Really enjoyed it. Well done James.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam, fingers crossed I get to have a couple more chances at talks and get some more experience at talking in front of large groups of people. And yes, I suspect it was a marginally better than the kids stuff!
DeleteI haven't watched it yet James due to the three hours of adverts Youtube put in front of everything.
ReplyDeleteWell done though. It is easy to 'dry' when speaking especially when you start listening to your own voice ;o)