A note from our Club Chairman Rob Leather exploring a new way of enjoying angling.

A mind-set change!… instead of fighting the odds in the debate on whether or not to go out with the lure rod is worthwhile, I’ve re-framed the experience!

I’ve called it ‘Rod walking’. A bit like dog walking but you need a net instead of a poo bag. The intent is now to walk as many miles as possible with a rod in hand. Secondary to that is to throw a lure into as many swims as possible!  On the mind, it’s an easier game to play, with ‘success’ (i.e. a nice walk) guaranteed!

Anyway, having convinced my younger son to participate, we ventured out one weekend. Starting on the Ross town waters and eventually covering every swim along Upper Benhall! We walked and cast, walked and cast, had some fun on the slippery banks, then walked and cast some more.

Then, disaster, the unthinkable happened! – despite deliberately employing my low-skill fishing techniques, a pike took my lure in some shallows. This must have been the thousandth cast, and 20th lure we had tried. (‘Monkeys and typewriters’ spring to mind).

Anyway, after a spirited fight and a quick photo, we were able to resume our walk.  We covered 5.5 miles that day and returned home with a smile and a determination to walk further next time.

I hope you get the chance to try the same approach – remember ‘success is guaranteed’.

Rob