Readers’ opening day rituals and traditions
“I normally go on the afternoon of the 15th and lay down a small bed of hemp in my chosen swim, which I top up just as the light fails. Come midnight and that first cast is a magical experience. I’ve normally had enough by sunrise and leave the Thames for the boaters until another night.”
Martin Blackmun
“I start every season with a few casts on my grandad’s favourite rod. It’s really old, the cork has almost worn away, it’s missing an eye in the middle section, and is terribly sloppy for hitting bites, but I won’t stop using it until I’ve caught his favourite fish – a roach – on it. It helps me remember the person who got me into fishing.”
Neil Prichard
“On June 16th I’ll be breaking out my lucky fishing cap, which was passed down to me from my dad who was wearing it when he caught all his PBs. It still retains its magic, as I was wearing it when I caught a 2lb 9oz monster roach last opening day, and a 20lb 4oz river carp the year before that! I refuse to wash it or let anyone else wear it. I just hope I haven’t jinxed it now that I’ve told everyone my secret.”
Haydon Smith
“On June 16th my two friends and I will be doing what we’ve done since our school days. We’ve been going to the same spot on the River Nene for over 30 years, and have a three-part ritual. We start by stirring up our swims in the edge to muddy the water, simply because as kids an old angler had told us this brings the fish in closer and we continue with the tradition. Then, after midnight, we cast out and fish in total silence: anybody who breaks it without good reason gets a dead leg from the other two. Finally, the first to catch always buys the first round that evening in the pub!”
Richard Bell
“My 11-year-old terrier Alfie looks forward to opening day just as much as I do. He’s been joining me since he was a puppy, and knows what’s coming the night before, as he watches me load the car. It seems he’s a lucky charm, too, because I’ve had numerous memorable fish on opening day over the years. We go to the same river every year, and when I’ve set up and put the kettle on, that’s when Alfie knows it’s time for us to share a multi pack of Peperami – one for him, one for me, and one for the fish!”
Michael Finch