I started the year with high expectations. I’d managed to secure a ticket to a very well respected water steeped in angling history and just 20 minutes from my front door.
I couldn’t wait to get started, however my first trip was unfortunately cut short when my brand new rods folded on me when I first cast.
When I finally managed to fish my new syndicate my luck still hadn’t improved, my first session ended in a blank and the next trip I lost a decent fish on a zig.
I was struggling for motivation when I received a message from my good friend Ian Fisher. Ian had just landed the biggest resident from his new water Monks pit. I decided to visit Ian and film the story of his capture, congratulate him and also have a look at Monks pit.
The lake really got under my skin during my time there and I was feeling enthused towards getting back on my venue.
I decided to drop onto my venue on the way home for the night and once I’d arrived I noticed a number of other anglers already on the lake. So I opted to set up at the opposite end to avoid the pressure.
No sooner had I set my brolly up and a number of fish started to show on the opposite bank and I knew I had to move.
The journey was one of the hardest barrow walks I’ve ever attempted, especially as there were plenty of good anglers on this venue. So I was certain I wouldn’t be alone in looking to relocate onto the showing fish.
They say effort equals reward and on this occasion my efforts were rewarded with my first fish from the venue a 21lb Mirror and the following morning my first 30lb carp. The buzz and feeling that I got from that session is by far and away one of my angling highlights and although I failed to fish the water as much as I really should have, it remains a very special moment for me.
The linear fisheries annual charity even (fish with the stars) is always a highlight as it’s a excellent event and brilliant social. I’m fortunate enough to socialize with the band, Lee Robbins and a number of other good friends and anglers.
The 2015 event is now advertised on the Linear fisheries website and it’s well worth getting involved with.
I have also tried a number of times to secure a dream position of working within the angling industry, particularly the media side of the industry. I was lucky enough to be involved with CC Moore at the start of the year, working on their CC Moore TV. I enjoyed a 48hr session on Orchid lakes with newly acquired friend Joe Jagger, however the CC Moore project failed to get off the ground for reasons out of my control.
Just before the festive period I was offered the opportunity to look after the Jag products social media over the Xmas period and I’m hoping there could be opportunities to follow.
Joe Jagger and I have signed ourselves up for the 2015 BCAC on a local qualifier to me and I have also secured a ticket for Monks pit, which starts from March. So with (hopefully a new job) within the industry, the BCAC competition, Fish with the stars charity event and my newly acquired ticket on Monks pit. 2015 is looking very exciting for me.
Happy new year and tight lines,
Mark Woolley.