The Work Party

Yes, it's that time of year again when grown men just can't wait to don various forms of rubber and PVC attire and stroll around trying to look busy..

Today found me at a beautiful stretch of the Gt. Ouse on a work party. This is to be my first season here since it became a syndicate and it was great to be beside some running water again. A few of the lads were familiar faces, and some new. As the day progressed it became clear that they were a jovial, friendly group of fellows. I feel truly honoured to be able to fish this stretch again after an absence of around five years,when I fished here on a club ticket.It holds the fondest of memories for me and I was pleased to see that not much has changed.It wasn't long before I found myself up in a tree, removing that branch that just might stop you from casting to that spot. It's easy to get a bit carried away with such operations and take away too much but I feel we had the balance just about right.This place, to me is what fishing is all about. Nearly every swim has a feature of some description, and so far, it has escaped the attention of the EA's "hack and slay" team. Long may this continue. It remains for me to thank those involved, for giving me the opportunity to rekindle my relationship with this place, and also for a very enjoyable and productive few hours today. It has certainly whet the appetite, roll on the 16th.