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THANKS for purchasing this issue of IYCF. I always think March is one of the most exciting months of the year. In a few weeks, winter will be behind us and the clocks will be going forward an hour, putting after- work evening sessions back on the agenda.

It’s also a time full of plans and optimism for the year ahead. I love a bit of perching and roving for chub in the winter, but other than that my fishing during December to February generally consists of short sessions here and there fishing a small maggot feeder to see what will come along.

With spring on the doorstep, though, I can start to properly think about my targets for the year ahead. I’m really looking forward to having a proper go for the rudd in a river controlled by a club which I’ve just got a new ticket for and for the first time in several years there’s a couple of carp waters which I really fancy having a crack at.

I think that no matter what level of angler you’d class yourself as, it’s a good idea to set yourself targets. Whether it’s catching a personal best of a particular species, trying a new tactic, fishing a different type of venue or simply planning sessions to give yourself space to relax and unwind.

Whatever your targets, please make sure you get in touch with us over the year to let us know how they’re progressing.

Don’t forget that this month sees the UK’s rivers shut to coarse anglers for the close season. March 14 is the last day you will be able to wet a line on running water until they reopen again on June 16. I’m hoping to squeeze in one last chub session in the next couple of weeks. Good luck to everyone else, wherever you’re fishing this month.

See you next issue.

Damian Green urges you to hair rig maggots while fishing on the bomb