Just a quick message of thanks to all you dear readers who have kindly showed an interest in my recently rediscovered 1981 fishing diary and therefore made it possible for it to become readable by more than one person. It may still not all make sense, but because it’s now in its first printed stage it is at least legible. My handwriting is mostly illegible, therefore my wondrous editor, Isobel, deserves the Golden Scale Award for managing to somehow transform the original blotted scrawl into this clean typescript.
I would have managed to finish this final edit a month ago, but, as you all know, September is one of the best months of the year for all the best species of fish. Therefore I have, I’m afraid, been absent from my desk for rather too long. The waters have been calling me. I have, at least, resisted the rivers (I should be there now!) , but September produced some great tench and crucian carp for me. And on the 13th, the anniversary of Walker’s 44, I took his old Mk IV carp out of its cupboard and took it fishing for the first time in three years. With the Leney Aeriel, 8lb. line and a genuine Model Perfect hook I made my first visit of the season to a lovely little carp pool. I blanked the previous 3 visits, but on this occasion, with perfect, muggy, drizzly conditions, I soon found a carp to stalk and after only a few minutes I hooked it. I’d almost forgotten, after all the last few seasons after crucians, what a big carp feels like. It was like hooking a horse. Or a bus. There was panic and tension and sweat, but eventually, after a terrific tussle, I landed a stunning looking 26lb. common. Then I went straight home for tea, crumpets and happy reflections.
Now, as you read this, the diary is almost ready for the printers. I just hope you think the wait has been worth it. And I’m sorry about all the fishing I’ve just had to do.
Chris Yates.