My fishing life

I started when I was 13, didn't catch anything until my uncle took me to Roman Lakes, where I caught my first Perch.

For the next 4 years I was fanatical, going out in all weather, if I caught a few 1oz Roach the day was a success.

I was 17 when I caught my first Carp, 3 pounds 12 ounces from Compstall Lodge. Fluked it on legered maggot with the then obligatory 1.1 Bayer bottom.

I then fished for Carp for 10 years, when socialising/ womanising allowed. Roman Lakes/ Pilsworth/ Capesthorne/ Redesmere/ Poynton Pool/ Compstall and the odd trip to Waveney Valley, this was around the time that the hair rig was invented.

Then I got married and all weekend sessions became a big no-no. So it was early morning for Pike at Rudyard/ Combs/ Poynton Pool/ Clifton or the Bridgy.

Since then I've become an all rounder and tend to fish shorter sessions but more focussed, the species will depend on the weather/ season. I'm increasingly drawn towards fly fishing.

How about yours?

I started when I was five, I suppose. It was mackerel fishing trips with handlines of boats when we went on holiday. I was mystified by the silvery shapes as they came up through the water. Every holiday after we always spent a little time with a handline off a boat or a jetty.

Back at home I used to watch the fish turning and so on in the local canal, it was clear then (when it wasn't polluted) and unnavigable since there was so much junk a waste in many parts of it.

I started seriously at about 12, but I would never get a rod or reel as a present, Mum didn't like the idea of me being next to water. So I made do with what I could buy out of spending money and paper round money. Kids don't know they're born these days.

I too fished a lot of those places Ric. Fond memories, but I have to say, I prefer it down here where you can't drive more that five miles in a straight line without hitting water, or so it seems.