A topic that is often raised by many anglers today, is that there is still a clear indication that many rods, particularly those embarking upon the competition fishing scene, are now returning to the grassroots style of traditional fishing.
When chatting with fellow anglers and friends this week, we all shared a common opinion and interest about us all one day again visiting one of our past and favourite natural venues together.
Not taking away what our commercial establishments can offer today, I think we all agreed that a ‘wild’ challenge still offers to many an unforgettable experience, especially when a successful catch is recorded.
Interestingly, the topic then took a different slant, moving away from the romance of such an experience, to the financial implications that can also surround today’s angling adventures.
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As many are today shrouded below a mist of financial adversity, especially given the extreme costs of fuel, energy bills, and the general cost of living today, many anglers will also agree that bait costs alone are also making things a little more difficult when actually choosing were to fish.
Many, for more reasons than one, will also be tempted today to go back to their very grass roots of traditional fishing by choosing a natural.
On the bank itself, well given the tough weather conditions right across the country last week, I think it would only be fair to make an honest report given as I have opted to share my friends’ and my own feelings on the natural venues. Over at Carr Mill Dam at St Helens, this vast water set alongside the East Lancashire Road saw it covered in ice across the majority of the lake midweek.
However, with a little thaw by Sunday, it saw an unusually low attendance by just a handful of stalwarts taking part in what proved a very difficult match under the cold conditions.
A hard-earned net of small fish taken on the pole saw St Helens rod Mike Lever take the top honours with just 2.0.0.
Second to that was Phil Holland, also from St Helens, with a close 1.15.0. A joint third saw Skelmersdale rod Steve Ward and yours truly scrape in with just 1.13.0.
Monday’s match saw Phil Holland take the top honours as this one again saw the fish not playing due to the harsh conditions. Holland’s 1.14.0 topped Moreton’s Derek Bennett who topped Steve Ward’s 1.5.0.
On the commercial scene following the Alliance, a hard frost also saw weights down as chairman Kevin Bradshaw extended his good form taking their club match on Chapel.
Bradshaw took 10.14.0 for the honours with Gary Green second with a surprisingly low 6.10.0. Roll on spring!
