On Wednesday I took Steve Gray from ATP (All Things Piscatorial) for a return trip to the river Kennet. I had booked him a guest ticket on the Warren Beat on the Wasing Estate and the plan was to trot the river for the roach and dace. I had not had a day fishing for myself for some time as I had been quite busy with my coaching activities and so this day, in good company, was to be something of a rest and recuperation session. I therefore chose to fish in my favourite manner, wading and trotting a float on light tackle.

My style of fishing
Picture by Steve Gray

This is, for me, proper fishing - in tune with the tackle and the environment, totally absorbed in my chosen sport. I am not chasing a big fish that has been caught by many people and given a name, nor am I trying to fill a keep net fuller than the other anglers in a match. I am only in competition with the fish and the river and that is enough for me, no worries about targets or beating personal bests. Just enjoying practicing the skills I have aquired over the years in communion with nature.

Fishing a fast shallow swim
Picture by Steve Gray

As you can see from the last picture, the swim I had chosen was shallow and quite pacy. Despite the plentiful cover provided by some tree foliage in the water at the bottom of the swim the fish were soon spooked by many of their numbers being caught and returned. It was time for a move. Steve wanted to go upstream to a peg we had fished last time where he had some trouble with pike, as he had brought some pike tackle to even the score.

We moved and whilst I tried to get the roach and dace feeding he killed his first roach and suspended it under a float on heavier tackle with a wire trace. The result was this magnificent perch that tipped the scales at exactly three pounds.

Steve with a three pound perch

I think the Wasing Kennet Syndicate may have a new member next season.

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