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THANKS for purchasing this issue of IYCF.

It’s always a mad rush to get this issue out as due to the Christmas period we lose around a week of the production cycle. Thankfully we have an amazing team of staff and contributors who always manage to produce the goods, no matter what the deadline, so I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thanks to all of them.

With work and all the other commitments that come towards the end of a year my fishing has been limited to just grabbing the odd couple of hours here and there. Fortunately, I have a couple of nice little waters on my doorstep so by keeping my kit ready to go I can make the most of any angling opportunities when they arise.

The other week, my wife had taken the kids out for the day, so

I quickly threw two carp rods, landing net, unhooking mat, a small holdall with a few tackle bits in, and a bucket into the car and shot round to the lake. There was a cold wind keeping the temperature down, but I was looking forward to getting out for a couple of hours.

Several others seemed to have had the same idea and I was surprised to find the lake pretty busy. I couldn’t get anywhere near the sheltered corner where I thought the carp would be held up, so I just spent an hour in a few different swims and cast singles around in the hope of finding a carp. It was one of those sessions where you know that in all likelihood you’re not going to catch. But even so, it was nice to get out. And this is one of the great things about fishing. Whatever happens on a session, it gives you a bit of time to forget about everything else. When you’re sat watching the water there’s no need to think about work or fret about how much Christmas shopping you’ve got left to do!

Yes, a fish would have been a nice result but I enjoyed the session just as much without one. At least that’s what I tell myself, as it makes a blank much more bearable!

If you’ve enjoyed this issue and want to ensure you never miss a future one, check out this month’s excellent subscription offer on page 20 where we’re offering new subscribers a free Daiwa reel. See you next month.