Just Fishing

Ron 'The Hat' Clay (ACA) · May 10, 2007

Having just read this article twice. I have to say that it is one of the best, if not the best article that has ever appeared on Fishing Magic.

I say to those who are biting their nails to the quick in trying to achieve some sort of fame or recognition out of angling, read and re-read this article; because it tells us a lot about what being a really successful angler is all about.

And Graham, that is more or less the same sort of approach I have to angling these days.

I am mindful of a question posed to **** Walker many years ago when he was asked who he thought was the most succesfull angler he had ever known.

"Old Joe across the way" said ****.

"Why is that?" came the question, "I've never heard of him."

"Well Old Joe" answered ****, "enjoys his fishing far more than any of us."

Lord Paul · May 10, 2007

True Ron

I fished a pond a couple of years ago and a lad of about 10 sat in the next peg - All he talked about was catching carp and how much his pole cost, ?6000 if he was to be believed. After an hour of not catching he asked me what bait I was using , when I said casters, he told me that I should use catfood and meat if I wanted to get carp. I told him I'd tried this and the carp weren't responding at this time and I was quite happy fishing casters and gettting skimmers and roach -I offered the lad some but he said that he was only interested in carp. Who was enjoying the fishing most there?

tally Ho

Peter Jacobs · May 10, 2007

Definitely one of the very best as far as I am concerned, and certainly puts a lot of things into proper perspective.

Graham sums up the true essence of Angling and when you think of it, that approach is not a bad one to carry over into life in general.

My fishing time is very limited these days having to compete with busines, travel and other interests, and yet a day spent as Graham describes, (especially in good company) is better for me than all the "big" fish on this planet.

Cheers Graham!

Nigel Connor(ACA ,SAA) · May 10, 2007

What was especially interesting about the article was that it summed up the philosophy of a lot of people who I have fished with from the site.Coincidence perhaps but I suspect Graham's personal ethos of fishing sets the tone for the site and in turn attracts the well rounded, in more ways than one in some cases, angler.

Nigel Connor(ACA ,SAA) · May 10, 2007

PS How about moving this thread to Genaral?

The Monk · May 10, 2007

Yes good article Graham, its all about prespective and relativity, a fish is only as good as the water it comes from, I must say most of my angling career has been carp orientated although I have had forays into other areas, I`ve enjoyed catching graying on nymph on the Yorkshire rivers, a bit of sea trout and salmon, big perchfishing and barbel fishing and course fishing with fly, I`ve also done my share of piking and catching more exotic species abroad.

Wendy Perry 2 · May 10, 2007

Graham, that was excellent, and in a funny way i know what you mean about trying the different ways to fish, i love learning new ways, and get a buzz learning it and knowing i am going to try something new.

Last week when i was trying for tench, everybody around me were catching carp on the buzzers and catching plenty. I hadn't caught a fish all day but knew i was trying to catch a certain fish. When i eventually caught that certain fish it made me feel so good! So yes i could have have taken the easy option if i was just wanting to catch a fish.But i did what i'd set out to do.

Your stories inspire me so much thank you for them!

Graham Whatmore · May 10, 2007

Absolutely love it Graham, the true essence of angling, the pleasure is being there and catching fish, it doesn't have to be a big one though they are always the aim, if it is smaller fish then so be it, that just helps to make the odd big one even more appreciated.

Evan · May 10, 2007

"...in turn attracts the well rounded, in more ways than one in some cases, angler".

Are you saying I'm fat ????

*Sigh* 'tis true.

And a bloody good article too btw.

Nigel Connor(ACA ,SAA) · May 10, 2007

Evan ...If the cap fits ! ;-)

Richard Farrow · May 10, 2007

A very enjoyable article Graham. I read it in my laid back mode whilst listening to some music on my PC. Will shortly have to get active and earn a crust. Fishing really can be like life, varied.

Blunderer · May 10, 2007

Very good article, Graham.

I am an angler who likes to use different methods and go for different species.

What hols me up, though, is i have an insatiable urge to catch the biggest species in any water.

As a few examples:

I fish a lake in Cheshire which contains massive tench and chub which lots of specialists go for. I simply have to go for the carp in there. On another water without carp I am happy to go for the tench.

I have been perch fishing on a Yorkshire river a few times last season. On 2 occasions I hooked barbel and was gutted I had no real tackle with me for them.

In Ireland I always went after the big bream, never mind the roach. At the end of any poor session I would have a go for the pike.

I went waggler fishing for rudd last year and couldn't resist catching the bubbling carp under a nearby tree.

So I would say I am an all-rounder, but someone who likes to catch big fish.

Evan · May 10, 2007

Evan ...If the cap fits ! ;-)

Sadly the cap is one of the few things that still does fit !

The Monk · May 10, 2007

Graham Marsden (ACA) · May 10, 2007

Thanks for all the comments.

Blunderer, yes, I know exactly what you mean, and if that is what gives you your kicks then go for it, and good luck.

Ron 'The Hat' Clay (ACA) · May 10, 2007

I've got a very special hat for Graham to wear on Saturday. I'd better clean it however, its covered in mildew!

yoggy · May 10, 2007

Good article.I to fish for most species using different methods.The only headache I have sometimes is deciding which species and method to go for!!.

This is one advantage the "One species angler" has over me!.

Gary Knowles · May 10, 2007

"I fish a lake in Cheshire which contains massive tench"...any chance of telling me where ;o)

Les Clark ( not too proud to nick a good idea fro · May 10, 2007

A great article and i agree totally , i fish mainly these days for pike or carp ,but have been a allrounder in the past and would be quite happy fishing the river with a pin and stick float for roach ,dace , chub etc ,with the right gear , it is all relevant and great sport .

Derek Emerson · May 10, 2007

Graham. you're a man after my own heart, not hooked on any one species, not always wanting nor needing to catch the biggest or heaviest fish..... I was refused membership of a club a few years back because when I was asked what I fish for I replied " If it swims, I'm interested"..........now that gives some indication of the mentality of that particular club membership secretary. I've been fishing for 60 + years, I don't feel the need to prove anything.

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