Going through the motions,

[markcw]

You must have very affluent to have 2 rods and a landing net, or was it just the handle you had

I had the two rods, landing net handle on crossbar, the landing net and keepnet were strapped to the top of my basket.
all bought by a paper round and butchers round,

 

[sam vimes]

I frequently have bouts where I just can't be bothered to go fishing. If it feels like a chore, or I'm aware that I'm going through the motions, I simply knock it on the head. I largely dislike the period from Christmas through to May(ish). The rivers are often unfishable, or it's the closed season. The more natural stillwaters I prefer (and have access to) tend not to wake up until May, especially after a long or bad winter. Lots of blanks are suffered and it all seems a bit pointless. I could easily have gone fishing today and yesterday, but I've found other things to do as I just couldn't drum up the enthusiasm. Although I could legally go down to the river with some worms, I prefer not to unless I'm going totally stir crazy. Roll on the 16th of June when I can get some rather forlorn looking long rods and centrepins out.

 

[Tee-Cee]

I've had similar in the past with some periods lasting for months. These days, at 76 with the clock ticking, I tend to think about wanting to make the most of it just in case the health takes a turn for the worse. I don't think 'this could be my last day' or anything so stupid but it is what I love to do, although not at the expense of everything else. I suppose I set myself targets in way without being too serious about it.
This last while I have targeted roach and it is becoming a bit samey, so from this weekend I shall attempt to change my tactics and fish for crucians. Not too sure how I will do this exactly, but I am reading up on tactics and it will give me a fresh approach to baits and ground baiting for a start. I've added some new line to one of my 'pins, bought out some of the myriad of home made floats sitting in a box that will be better suited to crucian fishing, so i'm ready for a new challenge.

It remains to be seen if the fish will play ball, but if I catch just one fish it will make my day! (Something like ' don't you just love it when a plan comes together.'...

ps I go fishing in the winter knowing full well that generally speaking the chances of catching are pretty slim. Fortunately, I don't mind the cold and I love being outside anyway, but it is the challenge I really enjoy when very fine tackle comes into play in trying to produce that one single bite that will see a fish drop into the net.

 

[xenon]

Must admit I don't actually know why I am bothering at the moment. Been out twice a week to the same lake (usually the same swim) since the end of the river season and caught zilch. Count them-nothing-not even a bite.Roll on the 16th i say.

 

[markcw]

Must admit I don't actually know why I am bothering at the moment. Been out twice a week to the same lake (usually the same swim) since the end of the river season and caught zilch. Count them-nothing-not even a bite.Roll on the 16th i say.

Have you tried putting a hook on your line ?

 

[xenon]

Have you tried putting a hook on your line ?

yep-and bait too!

 

[bracket]

Have you tried putting a hook on your line ?

Sound advice. It's also a good idea to make sure you're facing the right way. Pete.

 

[mikench]

A trip to see Nottskev and 2 days on different venues catching tench( there's a novelty) carp, roach, perch And a crucian were very enjoyable and a change from the norm when a 10 mile drive is considered a bit too far sometimes! I really enjoy fishing with people who can and do pass on their skill and experience to me( Nottskev, Binka , Tigger and Markcw) and I hope I learn from them! However at my age I know myself and my failings and not going minimalist is one of them!

I wonder whether I can just put a rod , reel, hooks, landing net single bait and chair in the car and go! I doubt it just as I took 2 changes of clothes when I packed the car just in case!!! I may go fishing tomorrow or put in my bedding plants! Decisions decisions!

Mark how about Lloyds meadow next week!

 

[markcw]

A trip to see Nottskev and 2 days on different venues catching tench( there's a novelty) carp, roach, perch And a crucian were very enjoyable and a change from the norm when a 10 mile drive is considered a bit too far sometimes! I really enjoy fishing with people who can and do pass on their skill and experience to me( Nottskev, Binka , Tigger and Markcw) and I hope I learn from them! However at my age I know myself and my failings and not going minimalist is one of them!

I wonder whether I can just put a rod , reel, hooks, landing net single bait and chair in the car and go! I doubt it just as I took 2 changes of clothes when I packed the car just in case!!! I may go fishing tomorrow or put in my bedding plants! Decisions decisions!

Mark how about Lloyds meadow next week!

Thanks Mike for your confidence in me, Next week I have a fair bit on but the week after should be ok, I can confirm in mid week, Badger pool is similar set up to Copper Beech we went on at Dunham, there are 3 other pools there as well. Plus you don't need half a tackle shop and supermarkets worth of bait with you, mg:

 

[mikench]

No problem just let me know when it suits!

 

[nottskev]

A trip to see Nottskev and 2 days on different venues catching tench( there's a novelty) carp, roach, perch And a crucian were very enjoyable and a change from the norm when a 10 mile drive is considered a bit too far sometimes! I really enjoy fishing with people who can and do pass on their skill and experience to me( Nottskev, Binka , Tigger and Markcw) and I hope I learn from them! However at my age I know myself and my failings and not going minimalist is one of them!

I wonder whether I can just put a rod , reel, hooks, landing net single bait and chair in the car and go! I doubt it just as I took 2 changes of clothes when I packed the car just in case!!! I may go fishing tomorrow or put in my bedding plants! Decisions decisions!

Mark how about Lloyds meadow next week!

You're not doing so badly, Mike, in terms of the volume of gear. I seem to remember you took to your peg a rod,landing net and rod-rest, and bag/big groundbait bowl with all the rest in. The only thing that was a bit bulky was the big comfy chair but you can easily swap that for something more portable. I had more than you, and I think I take less than most.

If you're going to a new place, it's hardly a mistake to bring some options to cover what you might need - even if they stay in the car. I often do this - assuming I've got safe parking or parking in sight.

We'll have a go on the Dane in the new season, and you'll have no bother sorting out what to leave behind. A rod and reel, rest, net, a small bag or rucksack and something to sit on will do for a bit of chub and barbel fishing.

 

[mikench]

Ill look forward to that Kev! A roving we will go à la The Little Grey Men! ( the book by BB I recommended) Have you seen the Octbox M18 light seat! It looks neat and well engineered!

 

[markcw]

Ill look forward to that Kev! A roving we will go à la The Little Grey Men! ( the book by BB I recommended) Have you seen the Octbox M18 light seat! It looks neat and well engineered!

Steer clear of Octbox, you will be getting blindfolded, a trouser leg rolled up and swear allegiance on its facebook page. :wh

 

[nottskev]

Steer clear of Octbox, you will be getting blindfolded, a trouser leg rolled up and swear allegiance on its facebook page. :wh

Never mind that Mark bloke!

I think you said you'd looked up the weight of the minimal Octbox model, and got 11 kilos or something?

I weighed the small model I use - I put pic up yesterday when some guy was asking about boxes - and it weighs 8 kilos - including the two drawers which are stuffed with tackle! They are still heavier than the old Boss Box, but quite portable. On the positive side the Octbox is phenomenally well-made, and well ahead in that respect of many of the boxes turned out by well-known brands. Take the drawer unit off, and you have a comfortable cushion on a bullet-proof base; ideal for roving up the river etc.

Matchbox (check their website) also make very food lightweight boxes. They are specialists, rather than a big brand who get boxes made for them.

 

[mikench]

Kev, Rick from Octbox has said it weighs considerably less than 11 kilos and may well weigh it for me!! I would have thought that the weight of a seat box was a vital piece of information and of the utmost importance. I shall report further in due course!!

 

[nottskev]

Kev, Rick from Octbox has said it weighs considerably less than 11 kilos and may well weigh it for me!! I would have thought that the weight of a seat box was a vital piece of information and of the utmost importance. I shall report further in due course!!

I'm sure you'll find him very helpful - he emailed and called me back a few times when I had some questions prior to purchase.

The leg system on the box - with both an adjustable outer and inner leg - adds a bit of weight, but the design and build are excellent.

I bought a version of the D25 box - that gets you seat, drawer unit(s), mainframe, subframe, footplate and extension for rest and keepnets. After a bit of trial, I've stripped it down to the minimal box + 2 drawers that you saw, and this is perfectly good for nearly all my fishing. If I want to use the rest ie to stand the box and footplate in shallow water or whatever, I can always add those bits back on.

If you did opt for one of these, don't be tempted to get more drawers than you need. I find I get everything I need in a 2 drawer unit that has a 4cm and 2cm deep drawer. I sold on the other ones I bought - you just fill them up, and add to the weight!

They do a kind of compact version of this D25 box now - that's much the same as what I ended up with when I removed the frame, footplate and extra drawers. I think there's also a side-tray included now, and, again there may be scope to replace this with a lighter alternative.

 

[mikench]

He has just emailed me to confirm he will weigh it with two drawers and considers it will be less than 8 kilos!!

 

[markcw]

Tell him to email you the prices !!! yes they are well engineered boxes, I was going to get the pole roost for one
to put on my PI Absolute, but ended up selling the box. Kev is next in line for Chief Druid on their facebook page,
beware you don't go to the dark side Mike.

 

[mikench]

Mark I traverse the dark and light side regularly! A seat box is my current whim and may yet come to nought! However one never knows !!!

 

[markcw]

Mike check the Maver Venue I told you about, nearly a third of the price of other boxes, or check out the matrix P25.
once you go to the dark side with Kevs box, it will be hard to get back, The one you carried that I used at Dunham can be bought at £!80, remember regardless of the weight of a box, it is only as light as you make it by the amount of stuff you put in it.