GENTLEMAN ANGLERS

I suppose like many fishermens' wives I was content to spend the occasional sunny day at the weekend soaking up some sun, reading a book while my husband was fishing. But, let's be frank, if you aren't fishing it can be pretty boring, not to say downright uncomfortable at some locations where "facilities" do not exist. Rather than spoil my husband's day by wanting to leave early or just sitting in the car when the weather turned, my days out became fewer and fewer. So I decided to have a go myself. I have to say reading his copies of IYCF certainly helped but, on the actual midweek day I went out (Licence? Check. Bait? Check) with some spare kit he had for a 17-yearold nephew, I was very apprehensive. I went to a local commercial where I had heard him talk about friends introducing youngsters to fishing. The car park was about half full and I nearly turned around and drove home, I was so nervous. But I got out the kit and went to the nearest lake which only had an older gentleman there and set up my chair got my rod out and realised I had no idea what to do! The rod was already geared up with a float, hook shot and everything and I had had a sneaky practice on the field at casting. Now I was actually by some water, where to cast? Shaking, I approached the older gentleman and with a quavering voice explained what I was doing and could he help? "No problem love, let's see what you have." Long story short, 40 minutes later he had showed me how to plumb a swim, adjust the float, where to cast and moved me to a peg next to his. I caught two fish that day, both roach and Graham, my mentor, even shared his dinner and a cup of tea with me, as I only expected to be out for an hour or so. This all happened last August and we have met up many times to fish together and me to learn from him, soon becoming one of the regulars. In all the times I have been out since I have had nothing but friendly, helpful advice from other fishermen, no sexist comments, no attempts at romance, apart from one teenage lad, which while extremely flattering was quite funny to experience at my age. My fishing mates are there to help when I ask, even to lend when I was trying a different method. Last week I arranged to meet my husband at a lake, the look on his face as I walked past him with my new gear just saying hi and proceeded to set up in a nearby swim was priceless (the look when he sees the credit card statement might be different) I feel quite proud hearing my husband talk about me and fishing and what I caught that day. We have booked our first fishing holiday together and while we intend going out together a lot, my other 'husband' Graham, who my husband is yet to meet will still be seeing me midweek. You fishermen are the absolute gents of the world and if you have a wife at home try getting her involved – you might be surprised. The only down side is now my husband doesn't get to read IYCF until I've finished with it.