Who am I?

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An individual, of no great importance, who is unable to see the natural world as a place for competition. I catch fish, watch birds, derive immense pleasure from simply looking at butterflies, moths, bumble-bees, etc - without the need for rules! I am Dylan and this is my blog - if my opinions offend? Don't bother logging on again - simple!

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Monday, 30 October 2023

Time for a change

 I recall fellow blogger, Bure Boy, stating that there was nothing sadder/more boring than the portfolio of a single species angler! When I look at the blog offerings posted by Brian (Pike Blog) it really hits home how repetitive my Carp related posts have become. Not for one minute do I wish to detract from the enjoyment provided by this current project yet, with the changing of the clocks, I wish to seek other challenges. The Carp "double in every month" project will still require some effort in order for me to achieve this personal milestone but I certainly feel the need for a change.

My PB Bream 11lbs 2oz from Brogborough Pit, Bedfordshire, Sept 1992

One of the benefits of blogging involvement is Google's provision of a statistics facility, via a personal "dashboard". It is because of this ability to peruse various aspects of the visitor numbers, and what they are looking at , that I am now looking at the potential of a short Eel campaign, out on the Flatlands. The weather will play a massive role in any decisions I make and, currently, Storm Ciaran is certainly going to prohibit any exploits prior to Friday?  I've been enthused to have a bash at. late season, Eels due to the incredible ESP youtube offering by Steve Pitts (if you've not seen it, please click the link) My winter campaign took place eight years ago, yet remains one of the most satisfying projects I've ever undertaken. That my post, in which I summarise the events and offers my slant on any conclusions, remains one of the most viewed offerings on the blog. (click here) is testament to just this info.

Even if I don't manage to catch a bigger Eel, surely I'll get a better image?

What I want to explore is the rig mechanics which Steve extols and that "lip-hooking" end result. I went for a wander, this morning, purely to establish the possibilities of actually getting a rig in the water where there is a reasonable possibility of actually landing a fish? I bumped into my, birding, mate Neil and we spent much of the time comparing notes and bemoaning the current scarcity of "common" species during this autumn period. 

I've unfinished business down on the RMC
Will December provide that conclusion?

I remain very confident about a positive outcome for that Carp project, yet can't wait for the first frosts and a return to the RMC for another Pike adventure, but have no desire to wish my life away - time passes quick enough!  I think that the one outstanding lesson I can take from 2023 is that single species angling has the ability to focus the mind, yet also induces tunnel vision as a side effect. I have already decided that 2024 will be very different. Brian's desire to land a "double" Pike from a new venue has already ticked a box in my plans - if BB has any ideas, I'm happy to give it a go?

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5 comments:

  1. Gareth Craddock30 October 2023 at 19:22

    Lovely stuff, Dylan- I fluked a big eel today whilst piking- easily three pounds. Out on the marshes; it took my joey at dusk. Best of all, the treble popped out when I got it in! I've taken three or four pike in the last week, up to just below nine pounds. This is the first coarse fishing I've done for a long time. I did one or two trips in February/March, then went bassing until recently. Speak soon! Gazza

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    1. Dylan Wrathall30 October 2023 at 19:25

      Gazza,
      That's very encouraging news.
      I'll email you shortly, so we can have a proper catch up?
      Take care - Dyl

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  2. The Essex Scribbler7 November 2023 at 07:02

    A change is most definitely as good as a rest. My chub and bream winter campaign has just started and I'm mad keen for it.

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    1. Dylan Wrathall7 November 2023 at 14:25

      As they say "Variety is, indeed, the spice of life" Pike fishing will always be a feature during the annual cycle, yet I have to admit to the addictive nature of Carp angling which has cast it's spell during 2023. I do hope that my November & December "doubles" become reality and, as a result, Carp chasing can go back to a casual dalliance whenever I feel the need?
      Perch fishing around the local area seems to be worth an exploration, as do Tench in a particular drain network. Hopefully, 2024 will see me spread my angling effort once again. Good luck with your own challenges. Tight lines & wet nets - Dylan

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    2. The Essex Scribbler7 November 2023 at 22:19

      The perch and tench sound interesting, good luck 👍

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