TELL SPRING IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!
IS ANYONE else wondering when spring is actually going to arrive this year? I’m sure it’s due imminently, but I wish it’d hurry up!
As I write this, I’ve just got off the phone to a freezing cold and soaking wet Mark Sawyer and Dan Webb, who are out tackle testing together in conditions that resemble the depths of winter. And over the last week the guys out shooting features have had to endure some delightful weather including gales, torrential rain and even a few bouts of hail thrown into the mix for good measure.
Maybe I’m just being impatient, but I’m sure in recent years the weather has been much more agreeable by this point. But at least the evenings are now a bit lighter, which makes those quick after-work sessions a viable option again.
My new club book fell through my letterbox the other day, and I’ve been eagerly anticipitating getting started on this year’s tench fishing campaign. I think I may be waiting a few more weeks yet, though.
I don’t know about you, but I almost enjoy this preparation stage before a campaign as much as the fishing itself! Last weekend I stripped all the line from my reels (this is the only bit I don’t enjoy), respooled with fresh mono, tied up a batch of new rigs, made a list of the bits and bobs I need to stock up on next time I’m in the tackle shop, and gave my kit a good old clean and tidy-up. It’s now sat in a neat pile in the garage, just waiting for that spring sunshine to put in an appearance and really get those tench grubbing around again.
I learnt a lot on the water I fished last year about feeding times and location, which will hopefully stand me in good stead this time around. But looking out of my window at the driving rain, those lovely warm evenings sat with a cold beer and watching tench fizz and roll over my baited spot still feel like quite a way off!