A dream reborn

Over 15 years ago I gave up the relaxing pastime of fishing for the delights of girls, dance music and city life. The thought of catching a Roach or Tench disappeared from my life entirely to be replaced by hangovers and gaps in my short term memory.

I now find myself a little older (not in any way wiser) and settled down with a great girl who seems to like me despite my obsession with cricket (and my growing dream to catch a Perch). The gaps in my memory remain but a desire to return to the water has started to bloom.

The fire was rekindled when I visited a local pond with my good friend Dave. Dave was confidently reeling in a great selection of Crucian Carp and Roach. I was a excited and willing netman but the size of the fish meant that a net was not really required. However the day seemed different, as if touched by magic.

Memories of childhood days came flooding back to me. Endless sun drenched summer days catching hundreds of suicidal roach that were seemingly incapable of refusing our bait.

After a few hours Dave required some food so I took the rod. As if by magic the float disappeared almost straight away.

I struck.

I ducked.

The float, line, hook and bait flew past my ear.

I sat there confused. Then it occurred to me, some how in the last 15 years I had forgotten how to fish.

After much laughter from Dave, he kindly reminded me how to strike. So when the float dipped for a second time I struck gently and was rewarded with a baby Mirror Carp.

This may not seem much but it was enough to start me on a journey to relearn how to fish. Now all I need to do is buy a rod...