I finished as I started

2016 has already been covered by my two post review, however, Benno and I have probably spent more sessions fishing together this year, than any of the previous five? We were out again, this morning, and just as had happened on 1st January, blanked. A school boy error costing me the only chance of the morning - I wasn't best pleased with myself after leaving a set of (double) hooks in a fish. We'll go back, as soon as possible, to try to catch this fish and remove my rig. If we fail? Then my error will result in a dead pike - it's already nagging at my conscience, there's no need to comment in a negative way; I'm gutted!
I'm not the only angler ever to have left hooks in a pike (any fish) but am probably more vocal, in my opposition to killing creatures in the name of a hobby: (the pinning of invertebrates, purely for id purposes, being particularly galling), than the vast majority and, as such, feel particularly embarrassed by this stupid error. I could have kept it quiet, but why? I screwed up and willingly hold my hands up - won't stop me offering opinions on other stuff, not a chance!
So what is Dylan hoping for during 2017? Pretty much the same as everyone else, I would think? Happiness, continued good health, for me and my family, and the ability to continue to chase my dreams, unhindered by rules or regulations. Can't see too many other families wanting much different? I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge "thank-you" to everyone who has bothered logging on and making my blog such a success. Let's hope that 2017 is all that we would wish - I still have plenty of dreams and am hopeful that I retain the drive/focus to make them become reality? Quite how external factors will impact on my year, only time will tell? Let's get it on! HAPPY NEW YEAR - Dyl

What're you lookin' at?

There was a time, in my not too distant past, when birds and listing (and that included full-on twitching at a county level) were very much part of my life. However, as with all things obsessional, the novelty wore off and the law of diminishing returns took its' toll. I realized that I was simply going through the motions, seeing, but not learning, the species which fortune allowed to cross my path. It was this utter lunacy which cost me my first marriage - a rather expensive lesson?
When Bev and I got together the birding had become far more relaxed as I sought to become a more competent field birder, not a chaser of other people's endeavors. To this end I studied my field guides, listened to endless recordings of calls and songs, and spent as much time in the field as I could manage in order to become more proficient.

Some who saw it said "tristis" - I didn't like the call and opted for "abietinus"

I have been extremely fortunate to have met with, and enjoyed the company of, many exceptional birders - Kent is well blessed in this respect. Since being with Bev, I have also sampled the incredibly diverse world of Mediterranean birding from Southern France, via Menorca/Mallorca, Greece and Turkey - bloody awesome. What have I seen? I dunno - with the recent DNA stuff, I can't honestly be confident about the id of anything I've seen - I didn't take samples, just photos if I was lucky!

Where is this modern development taking birding and for what purpose? If it is about data integrity - then all previous records need consigning to the bin, we can't be certain, can we? What if it's a manouver, by the educated elite, to disenfranchise the bloke on the street - make it a science that is taught at University, not a skill which has been learned in the field over a lifetime of looking? "Twitching" has provided me with some fantastic memories, I've witnessed some extraordinary birds, within a UK context, yet this facet of the birding spectrum is probably the least useful in terms of contributing to our knowledge. It is purely a demonstration of how quickly you can react to message by RBA (Rare Bird Alert - just in case you're an angler reading this stuff)

Probably the greatest waste of time known to mankind? Harmless and fantastic fun, but contributes
zilch to the understanding of birds or field craft. The sellers of petroleum spirit aren't complaining. 

How will anyone be able to enthuse a child who asks "What are you looking at?" - "A bird!"
"What's it called?" - "Sorry, I don't know any more - it used to be called a Stonechat, but that was before field-guides became obsolete!"

The undermining of a wonderful hobby

I have made no secret of my dislike of the "establishment" and their "official lists" in whatever arena of natural history they operate. I have no problem with any individual who wishes to push the boundaries of their personal knowledge, I wish that more would do so instead of playing follow the leader, but if it floats your boat - so be it! I am on the outside, an onlooker, who is rather glad that none of this stuff matters?

It has now been decreed, by the high and mighty, that a grey-looking Stonechat present at the Kerton Road Triangle, Dungeness, Kent, between 8th November & 5th December is an example of Stejneger's Stonechat based on DNA analysis, obtained from a dropping! Strange thing is that at no time did any field observer offer this as a potential id - it didn't look like one? More precisely; it didn't look like any of the previously accepted UK records. So it comes to pass that this id was clinched in a test tube, not via a set of binoculars or a digitally captured image.
Sadly, this is another demonstration of how birding has got so far up its' own arse that it can no longer see the light. Birdwatching is a hobby (obsession?) and a bloody good one at that. Ornithology, however, is a science and therein lies the problem. 
When I go fishing I am an angler, not an Ichthyologist, I turn on my 125w MV - I don't morph into a Lepidopterist, I am a moth-er! The natural world exists to enthrall and entertain, it is a playground of massive diversity which has the ability to astound and amaze. Reducing it to this pitiful level is why I jumped ship - surely it's not essential to put a label on it to enjoy the encounter? Leave science to those who care, they'd do well to concentrate their efforts on discovering a cure for Aids and Cancer rather than analysing bird shit! The natural world deserves more respect.

Glory be! I've just been on Birdguides and what would you know? That bloody Stejneger's Stonechat has been relocated, on the Dunge NNR, what a stroke of luck? The masses will now be able to pay homage, gaining the insurance of an "armchair tick" without any requirement to sift through a subtle suite of clues in order to clinch an id - it's in the bag!
Has there ever been a more telling pun? If DNA analysis is to become the way forward with rarity id - then we are headed in a backwards direction. We are now reverting to Victorian methodology, once again adopting the collector's mentality. "Unproven" unless a sample is provided - sure sounds like a fun way of getting kids involved with natural history. "Got your bins? Telescope? Pooper scooper? GUN!"

2016 - Part two

JULY

A very difficult month, Bev and I being totally tied up with looking after Dad, whilst attempting to fulfill our duties as grand-parents and the rest. With absolutely no chance of getting out with the rods, I had to content myself by looking at the moths which were attracted to the porch lights. I really enjoyed these early morning inspections and found myself becoming rather enthused by the situation. The village of Ash, is, after all, where Benno & I started our moth trapping adventure, way back in 1994. I eventually got my arse in gear and ran the 125w MV Robinson Trap and was far more successful. The highlight being the capture of a very localised Pyralid, Pempelia genistella , on the first night I fired the old girl up!

Pempelia genistella

In the background, my father's health was deteriorating rapidly and Fujifilm SIS were superb. I wasn't at my best, yet both HR and my supervision, were able to offer me 100% support throughout the entire period. For that I am truly grateful.

AUGUST

I awoke, on the 2nd, to discover my father had passed away, peacefully, overnight. It is probably the most difficult thing I've ever had to deal with - his best mate, Brian, telling me, over the phone, that I should lay him out flat before rigor mortis became a factor - Bev was brilliant and I have no idea how I would have coped without her? Unsurprisingly, birds, bugs and fishing played very little part in the period between Dad's death and the subsequent funeral.

Dad, sat in his chair, one of the lasting memories of a major influence
in my own life. His legacy, beyond the obvious family tree, is  the
existence of St. Faith's at Ash - an independent school which has
an undoubted reputation for educational excellence and individual development.
The Wrathall "logo" will live on thanks to the efforts of Mum and Dad - they
make me very proud.

It was right at the end of the month that I was, once again, back out on the marsh - a chance encounter with another angler (a proper nice guy) alerted me to an alternative carp challenge  - fish up to thirty? Benno and me quickly embraced this situation - it resulting in me landing my fourth "split cane" twenty of the project - quality?

21 lbs 14 oz - the fourth "twenty", of my split cane campaign

SEPTEMBER

I should have seen it coming?  Things were going along too well, when I was to be subjected to such a display of selfish, unthinking, jealousy by a clown; I could name him, but will refrain for the time being! ( a young angler?) That he should think that he had discovered a "new concept" is dubious, keeping it a secret whilst pitching a bivvy beside a National Cycle Route - ludicrous. Playing games with me? He has no idea - 2017 will see if he's up to it - there'll only be be one winner. I walked away from the situation, knowing that my carp campaign had been derailed, by an idiot. Nuff sed!
However, the month was not a write off - Bev and I headed back to Kefalonia for a fortnight in the sun - just "What the doctor ordered" Craig & Carrie-anne, Leon & Pauline, Steve & Sue, Lulu & Dan, Sammi and Mama - it was a time spent in quality surroundings and company. I thank you all. I got some nice additions to the year list, but nothing outrageous, nothing I've not seen in Kent!

OCTOBER

It's pike season! So I went out and caught some, nothing outrageous, just low doubles, but it was a very pleasant start to the campaign.

A "scraper" but welcome all the same!

However, it was the birding around Newlands Farm which provided the defining memories of this period. Huge flocks of winter thrushes, accompanied by decent numbers of finches, made for a spectacular display. Patch watching gold - and I was having a bowl full of that!

NOVEMBER

More "scraper double" pike and the chance to exchange opinions upon the downfall of "The mighty USA" as they use their democratic process to elect the most powerful individual in the free world - a total clown! One that, even. Disney would have been hard pressed to conceive? "Brexit" had featured in my earlier blogging, but this stuff is seriously stupid! The future of life on earth in the hands of a character out of "The Simpsons" - it would be funny if only it were not true?

DECEMBER

I make it to sixty-one; so that's a positive? Benno catches his PB pike, from an English venue and I'm there, to slip the landing net underneath her - the stuff of dreams, for a father! When viewed in such light, it doesn't seem so bad. 2016 has not been a disaster for Dylan, or his immediate family?

However, I still hurt from the loss of my father, the divisive fall-out from the "Brexit" referendum and the implied stupidity of the USA - all because an educated elite are unable to see why democracy is so essential, when it doesn't go their way? If the democratic process is so flawed, then why were my forefathers so willing to lay down their lives to defend it? My carp campaign was fucked up by a silly kid with too much bait - it now seems, to me, that the world got screwed because of a. knee-jerk, reaction to similar display by an elitist group with too much money and no grasp of reality?

Gutted - Turn a different corner?

As if the passing of Rick Parfitt wasn't bad enough, George Michael also leaves this earthly treadmill, to seek his destiny in another, time, dimension! In my opinion - he is the writer of the most incredible pop lyric during my lifetime. How anyone, aged seventeen, could write "Turn a different corner" is beyond my comprehension - musical genius; sadly missed.

2016 - A roller coaster ride :- Part one

I think it is true to say that this past twelve months has been rather testing. I have achieved some angling targets and seen Benno do the same, enjoyed a fabulous holiday in Kefalonia, but they all have to be taken in context because of the death of my father, in August. A tough period which has done nothing but strengthen the family unit. I will do my best to summarize my own 2016 by recalling the monthly highlights as the year unfolded.

JANUARY

The eel project, that I'd embarked upon in October, of 2015, was given a massive boost when, on the evening of the 10th, I landed my second three pounder of the campaign. Things were going well and life was good. A few days later and a chance encounter with one of my neighbours alerted me to the presence of a very confiding Great Northern Diver, in Ramsgate Harbour. It took me two attempts, but on the 14th I got some very pleasing images of the bird as it went about it's feeding routine right behind the Maritime Museum.

3 lbs 2 oz

Very pleased with this one!

FEBRUARY

The eel project continued to be a success, with some smaller examples finding themselves in my landing net and I had a couple of low double-figure pike, for my troubles, whilst out and about the marsh. Birding was restricted to the garden - and that's about all there was to it!

MARCH

If ever there was a project which took me by surprise, then it has to be this eel challenge. I've despised these slimy, tackle tangling, pike bait munching, pests for as long as I can remember, now there I am getting all excited about fulfilling my ambition at the first time of trying. With the weather conspiring to scupper my plans, I ventured out on the 12th and was to realize my dream with the heaviest fish (3 lbs 10 oz) of the whole winter! Praise be to Izaak (Walton) - what a way to finish!

The rest of the month was about garden birding and planning my next challenge, with the B. James & Sons, Dick Walker Mk IV split canes.

APRIL

What else did you expect? Our sixth, consecutive, annual pilgrimage to Kilchurn Bay, on Loch Awe. This time, possibly our last, it was just the three Wrathalls - Sye, Benno and me. We all had plans. we all had ambitions which, happily, came true. We took our joint tally of doubles, from the loch, over the one hundred mark, Benno caught a "double" on a centrepin and his Bruce & Walker Mk IV (glass fibre) and Sye used all his technology to see him finish the trip on twelve doubles for the week and get a photo of the two of us with Scottish pike  - just like we'd done on our first trip in 1982.

MAY

I embark on the start of a new project, one that I'd been directed towards since my 60th birthday and that, family, gift of a split cane Dick Walker Mk IV. I'd subsequently purchased a second rod, of similar vintage, although not an identitical twin copy, so was now equipped to do battle. Carp were the quarry and a "thirty" the quest, so all the ingredients for some exciting adventures. Benno and I were keen to steer clear of the masses and do it our way. The Royal Military Canal offered us the best chance of doing just that - so off we went. 

The two Mk IV's on duty at Sandwich Coarse Fishery, complete with Mitchell 300's.
This combination might look "old fashioned" yet all the rest of the kit is as good as I can purchase, except the bait! I still
have every faith in the particle approach, so remain confident with  my curried chick-peas and IB maize pop-ups.

We both got away to a flier - Benno landing his first twenty, quickly followed by a second, and I was to get in on the action with my first "split cane" twenty just days later. I had made some comment about what the projected target would be - forty doubles, including four twenties and a thirty, before the start of October. (Although I did go on to say that beating my 23 lbs 14 oz PB would be a very acceptable outcome for the first season)

My first split cane "twenty" -  an experience which still gives me goose bumps every time I look at the photos.
It was everything I'd hoped for, and more, playing a decent carp on those ancient relics - just brilliant!

JUNE

Although "close season" angling is now the norm, I have my roots way back in a time when June 16th meant the start of a new beginning. The pent up excitement in anticipation of the stroke of mid-night and that very first cast of the new season. Maybe it's now just an age thing? But I did make the effort to be out there, in order to pay homage to those angling ancestors and this ritual new dawn. Of course; I blanked! However, June was very kind to me and I had another two, split cane, "twenties" and a nineteen before Dad's failing health became an overriding priority. Fishing was very unimportant, all of a sudden, as my world got turned upside down. I had made a promise that he would die at home, just as Mum had - under no other circumstances, than medical necessity, would Dad be taken out of the house, he called home, against his will. With Bev at my side, we moved in with him and did our best to provide the comfort that he wanted.

I came bloody close to a new PB with this "football" fish - 23 lbs 10 oz

And that's the first half of my year, in a nut shell! May I just say a massive thank-you to everyone who has visited my blog, especially those who've been kind enough to offer their comments. I am truly humbled by this reaction, and my stats! My next post (Part two) won't be until Christmas is over, so I would like to wish everyone, who has taken the trouble to visit, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Take care and stay safe - Dyl

£200 - nice touch

Fujifilm Specialty Ink Systems, that's the full title of my employer, run a very nice reward and recognition scheme based around our continuous improvement ethic. As part of this suggestions system plays a role in the calculation of the yearly bonus figure, all the guys on the shop floor are "engaged" in a positive manner. I made a suggestion, during November, which has resulted in me getting an award of £200 for idea of the month - bacon rolls all round for the digital guys in the New Year. I realize that this type of scheme really irritates certain members of the workforce, but they are fast becoming an alienated minority and Fujifilm will continue to prosper as the business of digital ink develops into new markets.

My supervisor, and good mate, Eric,The Chin, Hitch presenting me with an envelope worth  £200.
It's money for old rope - play the game and it's an easy life!
Ponytail is for Health & Safety reasons - wouldn't want my thatch dropping in a  batch of ink or getting caught
in any machinery - I can live with that.

I enjoy my job, so it isn't difficult for me to get involved in projects, or offer an idea or suggestion, which might assist the business moving forward, improving efficiency or simply making a task less complicated, by asking two very simple questions - why/why not? That £200 isn't the end of it. If I get idea of the quarter, then another £500 is up for grabs and if that's the case - I go forward to idea of the year, which is awarded a further £1,000 - bacon rolls for the whole factory if that comes to fruition!