Surreal - blown away

The little world that I inhabit has been chaotic since the start of 2019. Work has been central to the situation, yet other factors have also contributed to ensure my free time has been severely restricted and, therefore, angling time has been a very scarce commodity. Although the work situation has now returned to some level of normality, other issues still remain in the background and only the passing of time will see where they lead? I had already arranged to attend a club work party, this morning, over at Marshside so got there in good time to do my bit! A fantastic turn out ensured the screen removal exercise was completed in double quick time and we were back in the car park, supping a nice hot coffee, within forty-five minutes of starting.

One of the guys said he had a surprise for me in the back of his motor and proceeded to hand me a split cane rod. "What's this about?" I enquired as I examined the said item. It was an 11' Hardy Perfection Roach, two piece, manufactured in 1956, in superb condition. "Did I want it?" "Are you kidding? I'd love it but how much?" The outcome of this dialogue was to see me drive off with the rod, a price to be agreed once I'd spent some time using it. Madness; you simply couldn't make it up.
Back home, I made arrangements with Bev to forego my Sunday morning pike session in return for an afternoon over at the club venue where, in spite of the cold, clear, conditions, I would be able to have a play with this new toy. Perch were my target, but anything would do if I could get a bend in the cane. What a beautiful action, so soft and quite "tippy" it is a joy to use. I managed to winkle out a small bream and a scamp mirror carp, the latter fish putting up fine resistance, allowing me to experience the tactile qualities of this vintage cane,  as it battled away beneath the glassy surface. Both fish were taken on link ledger tactics, the rod being far more suited to float fishing, so much more to be explored as I get used to this unexpectedly wonderful, surprise, addition to the growing split cane ensemble.

A superb afternoon, out on the marsh, was spent watching the water, the local birdlife and playing around with bite indicators. I'm very hopeful of getting back one afternoon next week, weather permitting, to carry on with this unexpected twist to my perch search. There's still quite a few ideas which I'm wanting to try/adapt for myself. I've been spending a lot of time watching youtube offerings pertaining to perch fishing, particularly the use of red maggots and feeders. Now, if I'm to get the best from this rod, I've to see if I have the resolve to watch a float for prolonged periods?

One reason why float fishing will be so testing - a Sparrowhawk flies over and I'm on it!

The sun goes down over Marshside. Just being out there is enough, catching a decent fish is a bonus!