THE FISHING SEASON IS ONLY WEEKS AWAY
With the course fishing season now only four weeks away, the 16th of June will soon be here and the river Severn from the Bridgnorth bridge in Low Town looks in perfect condition but much can change in the next few weeks as we know.
Already, my tackle is all out, cleaned and ready to go. My reels all have new line on them having considered long and hard about the breaking strain I would need for this years fishing. Opting for the same as the last 20 years!!.
My Dads favourite word was 'BOSH' as he would talk me through his greatest fishing moments. He would lift his arm up, striking with an imaginary rod followed by the word 'BOSH' as he struck into a big Chub or Barbel. He would then re-live the play of a particular fish as he fought to bring it to the net only for it to drill down and away extending the fight for another 5 minutes or so. He would descride how his hands would still be shaking when he had it on the bank in his net. The best fish got a kiss from my dad and were lowered back into the river for another day.
Only the fishermen amongst us will understand what as a young boy my dad would play out to me in our living room as the first day of the season approahed.
You couldn't buy pre-tied hooks in those days so we would spend a couple of hours on Saturday night tieing hooks and slipping them into plastic wallets ready for the next days fishing, talking about all the great days we had had.
Like the day on the Windrush in the Cotswolds which will live with me forever as my fishing dream day. Everthing caught on casters. Barbel, Chub, Grayling, Dace, small pike and Roach - a net full of amazing fish weighing in at 30LB plus and all in beautiful condition from the crystal claer waters of the Windrush - me and my Dad - life doesn't get better than this day for a fisherman and I was 13 years old and hooked forever.
So.... I willl be heading for Bridgnorth this season with high hopes and aticipation of more great days to come - my Dad is no longer with us but he will be with me in spirit as I seek his advice for the best swim, the best bait, what depth? Every time I see a kingfisher or when the Robin comes to steal maggots from my pot I will talk to the old man.
Where will you be heading this season and what fish will you be day-dreaming about?
If you haven't fished from the banks of Bridgnorth or up-stream to Ironbridge for a while or ever then make sure that it's on your list this year. I am luck enough to now live on the banks of the river Severn in a cottage just an Arsley Bomb cast away from the water.
If you are planning a trip to the River Severn here in Shropshire and you are coming from further afield and need somewhere to stay then look no further than The Severn Arms hotel in Bridnorth. It offers you the warmest welcome and most comfortable beds you are likely to find anywhere and there is a secure lock up for all of your fishing tackle. It overlooks the river in bridgnorth and is a 1 minute stroll away from the river bank. Have a look here at the details, I would highly recommend it.
http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/bridgnorth/business-guide/feature/the-severn-arms-hotel/77130
Have a great year and tight lines.
Mark Luckman