Even for an old fart who has done it all

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay AMIMechE (SA) MIFE (SA) (ACA)]

Angling must be one of the most fascinating persuits ever concieved. There is always something to learn.

Just recently I have started lure fishing for pike. Not just going through the motions as I did many years ago, but really studying the technique, the different types of lures, when to use them and the water conditions that are best.

I've done lots of lure fishing in the past, but for other species. This time I'm after pike in a big way and thank goodness I have some interesting waters within a short driving distance of home.

Even for me, an old angling fart who has done most of it in my life, I can find great excitement in a learning curve where I seem to be getting better bit by bit. No matter how much fishing you have done, there is always something new to learn.

Do you find that too?

 

[will spencer]

thats the beauty of angling ron.we think we have mastered an artform then the fish rip up the rule book and we have tore-learn again.

in a few years timei'll probably have to re-learn pole fishing again.

 

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay AMIMechE (SA) MIFE (SA) (ACA)]

You are right Will.

I meet a number of people who have given up fishing because they say they have nothing more to learn. I find this rather arrogant, and when you question them about what they have done you find it's very little.

As far as I'm concerned I'll always be an all-round angler. I'll never catch the single big fish that most of the specialists catch, but one thing I can say on the day I die is that I have done most types of angling with a reasonable degree of success.

 

[Cakey]

wish Id done it all and could give it up !..................................but Im still hooked

 

[Mark Wintle]

Come on Ron, prove you're the consummate all rounder by entering the species race.

 

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay AMIMechE (SA) MIFE (SA) (ACA)]

That sort of thing doesn't interest me at all Mark. However I have no axe to grind with those who are interested and will wish them good luck.

It will interfere with my lure fishing over the next few month anyway.

 

[Wolfman Woody]

If I ever get to the stage where I "know it all" and have "done it all" I'll give up.

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Right now I'm getting into rubbers!/forum/smilies/embarassed_smiley.gif

 

[Les Clark ( not too proud to nick a good idea fro]

To much information Woody. /forum/smilies/dont_tell_anyone_smiley.gif

After 40 years fishing I`m still learning , i t`s a on going apprenticeship .

 

[Mark Wintle]

Ron,

It's not a question of being competitive; all you have to do is enter, go fishing, and take a snap of the different species - it doesn't matter if you only get pike or perch. The more the merrier as it's for a good cause. As long as you go fishing that weekend then it's job done.

What's your excuse, Woody?

 

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay AMIMechE (SA) MIFE (SA) (ACA)]

OK Mark, what weekend is it?

I'll be going for pike and perhaps roach.

 

[Mark Wintle]

Ron,

Post on here:-

Species race

 

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay AMIMechE (SA) MIFE (SA) (ACA)]

It looks like some form of competition to me Mark.

OK I'll have a go, pike on lures!

 

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay AMIMechE (SA) MIFE (SA) (ACA)]

If I catch a 20 lb pike will I win?

/forum/smilies/sarcastic_smiley.gif

 

[Bully]

Last winter I did quite a bit of lure fishing. I went into it with the "chuck it in, retrieve, easy job" attitude.

I very quickly realised there was much more to it and have moth-balled it for when I have a bit more time to do properly.

 

[Wolfman Woody]

"What's your excuse, Woody?"

About the Species race? Not interested!

It pushes you to fish a particular venue for a species you think will be difficult or just ordinary whereas you could be enjoying yourself blanking elsewhere whilst trying for an absolute monster. I do what I want and when I want it. anything else is a chore.