Returning to the pastime

[PanBiker]

As reported elsewhere when replacing my shed. I rediscovered my fishing tackle and have been refurbishing and replacing some of the bits.
Realised we didn't have a forum for fishing subjects so I have added a new one.

I said I might give my tackle another airing so to that end I have re-licensed myself with an Environment Agency Rod Licence and rejoined the Marsden Star Angling Society. For information, the rod licence is a national permit to fish with rod and line on all inland waterways, (with the permission of other fishing rights owners etc). The Marsden Star licence gives me fishing rights on the Leeds Liverpool canal top length from Park Bridge (on Kelbrook Road) to the top lock at Bank Newton plus other sections on some of the local rivers and ponds. Quite pleased that the Marsden Star annual ticket was only £6 for a bloke who is now past senior and officially a pensioner, cheap at double the price!

I have had to replace my keep net and should have a keepnet bag delivered tomorrow. I previously purchased new 6lb main line and 2lb hook length line. I had a session the other night making up hook lengths with various sized barbless spade shanked hooks. I had to Google my hook tying tool for a refresh of how it worked! It came flooding back after I watched a YouTube video. Biggest problem was actually seeing the line, I managed to ordered neutral coloured line, looks silver on the spool but magically disappears when you want to tie a hook length! It was a bit of a shock to my eyes re discovering the size of 20 and 18 hooks. I didn't need glasses the last time I did that!

I have also ordered a range artificial bates which I will have a go with. Mick Jackson down at Earby doesn't do maggots anymore so I think Nelson may be the nearest for live bait now. I have plenty of nice brandlings in my compost bin in the front garden. Bread, sweetcorn and the various hookable pellets and pretend maggots I have ordered should be OK, especially if used as combo baits. We can but try. Fishing is not all about the catching although a nice fish is always a bonus. The anticipation, concentration and quietness of the pastime is beneficial in itself. Nearly ready to go wandering.

Tight lines... as they say.

[Stanley]

That was interesting Ian and I recognise the bit about eyesight being a handicap! Fishing has never been a regular thing with me but I understand the fascination..... Good luck!

[PanBiker]

The last batch of stuff I ordered was delivered this morning, my net bag and various artificial baits, the maggots are bloodworm red. I will try various combinations of these and see if I have any luck. Planning a first trip out tomorrow, I think I will go down to the plantation off Marton Road just past the winding hole after the changeline bridge. Not too far to carry the tackle through the bushes onto the towpath.. It's closed season for salmon and migratory trout, but I wont bump into either of those in the cut. Consequently as the Leeds Liverpool canal is not connected to any rivers or streams it remains open for the course species. I will probably float fish but may set up another rod for ledgering, see if there are any tench about or nice bream, I have caught both on that stretch in the past. I should be out of the range of the otter which seems to hunt around the locks

If I don't catch it will be a nice day for solitary sit out.