This diary sections shows what we get up to, sometimes in the business but often around and about. As I go fishing on every chance I get, I thought you might like to see what I catch in each place, tactics and bait used. You will soon realise that I am not a sophisticated angler and anybody can do what I do (most people probably better)
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Barrie Rickards' Memorial ServiceThe order of service bore the coat of arms of Emmanuel College Chapel and a list of Barrie Rickards' academic achievements, and as we listened to the university choir rehearsing, we began to understand a little of the life of this extraordinary man.Read more... |
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On The Hampshire AvonLike many anglers, it has always been an ambition to fish the famous Hampshire Avon. When the chane came along to fish the Somerley estate stretch, linked with fundraising for the Avon Roach Project I just couldn't turn it down.Read more... |
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Back on the WyeHaving been shop-bound recently, I thought we deserved a holiday, and as it was our wedding anniversary, it seemed appropriate to celebrate by having a week on the River Wye, Herefordshire. But it soon turned into a major event with several of our offspring joining us (including the dog) making it a great family occasion and as soon as they left, Lee and I immersed ourselves in the main reason for our holiday; fishing, fishing and guess what, more fishing!!!!!!! Oh, and on the day, I forgot the wedding anniversary, which didn't go down too well with Sandy - oops! (I didn't write this last bit, she's been at my diary)Read more... |
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Out For A DuckFinally we get some sunshine after a really miserable few weeks so decide to spend some time on the beach at InstowRead more... |
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A Day Out At IlfracombeTo make the most of the sunny spell that we were finally having, Reg, a friend and I decided to have a day out in Ilfracombe exploring and fishing.Read more... |
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Fishing In The EstuaryHaving got the bug for sea fishing in my recent trips out, I decided to have another go on a beautiful Devon day out of AppledoreRead more... |
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A Trout At LastOnce again the trout season is nearly over and I have hardly cast a fly, so I decided to have a couple of hours on the middle Torridge.Read more... |
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A Record Day?On Tuesday 29th September, I joined a group to fish off Lundy with friends. The trip organised was organised by Neil, the landlord of The Royal Exchange, the best pub in Torrington. Little did we know as we set off, but there was a surprise in store for us all.Read more... |
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Out With ZakHaving just purchased a new digital camera, I decided to give it a test on wildlife when Sandy and I are walking Zak, our dog on the daily constitutional. I chose a camera with an old fashioned viewfinder because when we were in Florida, the screen display was totally useless in the strong sun, you just had to point the camera and hope. Here are a few of the photos that we took for your amusement.Read more... |
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Fishing The TorridgeIt is over a year since I last went flyfishing, and I had an urge to get out on the banks of our local river and try for trout.Read more... |
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Embarrassment at BudeMy sister and brother-in-law came to stay with us for a few days, and we decided to go to Bude to have a shot at some mullet, but the day turned out to a little different to our expectations, although thoroughly enjoyable.Read more... |
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Recollections - Barrie and DesFollowing on from the recording of Fred Buller and Fred J Taylor, and the setting up of Angling Heritage (UK), the charity to preserve angling history through people, we were delighted to record Barrie Rickards and Des Taylor talking about their lives and experiences.Read more... |
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Around And AboutAfter being shop-bound for quite a while, we were off on one of our trips packing as much in as possible for a 10 day sojourn mixing work with catching up with old friends.Read more... |
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Fishing with LeeNow that my son Lee has moved to Edinburgh, we don't get enough quality time fishing together. When he visited in June for two weeks' holiday, we decided to get in as much fishing as family time would permit, fishing a range of venues and methods.Read more... |
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Angling Heritage DonationAs you may have read on our website, we have started a charity - 'Angling Heritage' - to preserve the soul of angling. On our way to a tope fishing trip, we called in the visit Fred Buller and were amazed at the donation that he made to the charity.Read more... |
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Tope fishing off Wells, NorfolkI was determined to do more sea fishing this year, so when I was offered the chance to go tope fishing with Keith Elliott and Reg Talbot, I jumped at the chance. It was a fabulous day for me learning so much and managing a small tope on a glorious sunny day.Read more... |
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Tarpon Fishing in FloridaAfter another British winter, it was good to travel to warmer climes. Islamorada half way down the Florida Keys was the venue, staying with John Rawle the internationally renowned guide. We were fishing for Tarpon, one of the world's hardest fighting fish.Read more... |
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Back on the KennetWith the coarse fishing season on the rivers nearing a close, I had planned to get away for a couple of days on the Kennet and the Avon only for the snow to nearly scupper my plans which were saved by a friend.Read more... |
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Back on DarracottIt may have been Friday the 13th but after a break, I had a good day back floatfishing on still waterRead more... |
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Out again - At Last!After all the foul weather and snow, it was a relief to get out on the river again for a roach club match on the Dorset StourRead more... |
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