Revisiting old haunts

I caught my first coarse fish from Mill Pond near Berrynarbour almost forty years ago and have not visited the venue for several years. I recently paid a visit to the fishery with Barnstaple angler John Shapland following reports I had received regarding some excellent roach fishing. Whilst a great deal of work has been done to upgrade the fishery I could still relate to the surroundings and relish the atmosphere of the place.

It was fitting that we targeted the waters residents with float tackle as it was the method I had used all those years ago to tempt small perch the mainstay of many a young anglers pioneering days. I am pleased to say that the joys of the buoyant optimism of a float and its delightful and frequent disappearance have not faded. We caught many roach and skimmers throughout the day several handsome silver scaled roach with crimson fins up to 12oz. We will be back for a 2lb roach could undoubtedly be present in this tranquil Stillwater.

Signs that spring is on its way.