I’ve certainly not been idle since my last blog entry with my fair share of fish crossing the net cord in the last few weeks. Unfortunately all of them were for the camera and therefore you’ll have to wait for the August editions of Total Coarse Fishing and Coarse Angling Today magazines to see what I’ve been up to. One thing I can assure you of is that some real crackers put in an appearance and made me one very happy angler.
Way back in February I was contacted by the regional organiser for the Barbel Society Staffordshire region to enquire if I’d be interested in doing a presentation for them. I’d never done one before but felt it could be a good opportunity so happily agreed to go along and give a short presentation on my barbel exploits and how I approach my fishing.
The evening was to be split into two halves with good friend Rob Swindells doing the first half, so the pressure, thankfully, wasn’t too much as we would be sharing the burden. Rob has done a few of these talks over the years so with him going first it gave me a good idea of how to approach the audience and how to present myself.
With almost 40 barbel anglers present it was a very good turn out and I’m pleased to say my debut appearance on the speakers’ circuit was well received. It was quite a daunting experience but once I was up there the words seemed to flow quite naturally (thankfully) and I don’t think I made too many mistakes. I received some great feedback from some of the anglers present so a big thank you to those that took the time and effort to come along for the evening. A big thanks must also go to Regional Organiser Mark Dutton for organising a great night.
Only a week later it was time for the 2013 Barbel Society Show.
In previous years this event was held at the Hinckley Island Hotel but this year it was moved to a new venue, Chesford Grange near Kenilworth. I must say it was a vastly improved show too and a big well done must go to the guys who organised it. I’ve been to four or five of these shows over the years and this one was definitely the best by far.
From the venue to the great line up of guest speakers and the brilliant trade hall it was a resounding success. It was great to catch up with friends old and new and see the buzz and excitement that was generated with the new river season opening just a week after the event. I had the pleasure of being asked by young Carl and Alex Smith to give three tips on barbel fishing for Anglers Mail TV, you can see the short video of the day they put together below:
With the river season now upon us it’s time for me to dust off the running water gear and go after a few river carp and barbel. By the time you read this the rivers will be well and truly open and, hopefully, I’ll be all sorted but at the time of writing I have reels still to re spool, bait to order and gear to sort out and I’m far from prepared – and with a house move imminent I need pull my finger out!
I wouldn’t normally refer to a previous blog entry but for those who read my last one you will be aware of the PB carp I had from The Sitch carp fishery. The capture was caught on film whilst I was doing an interview for angling forum Barbel Fishing World and below you can view the finished video of that unforgettable day.
Until the next blog I’d like to wish everyone all the very best of luck for the 2013/14 river season!
