A Couple of Snatched Hours

Good organisation is not something this 'sometime' traditional angler is noted for, however, having purchased and wrapped presents with time to spare, and having a few extra early days off from the shop, I decided to snatch a few hours on the small river that is just a few minutes walk from my house.

 The day has been glorious, weather wise, maybe a bit too bright, but what a lovely way to idle a few hours..I'd dearly love to catch a 3lb Perch from this streamy little river, alas, today would not be the day.

I was happy enough to wile away a few hours dangling a worm, listening to shrieking Green Woodpeckers and tapping Spotted ones, watching the squirrels bounding around and Great Tits eating the dried seed heads of the riverside plants. A spider came out to say 'hello' and sought sanctuary with me away from the birds.

In the distance could be heard holidaying school children shrieking and singing with pre-Christmas excitement, and inadequate dog owners bellowing at disobedient canines. I minded not, happy to be idle for while, fish or no fish the beauty of the winter sunshine not lost on me.

Ten minutes here, ten minutes there a world away from the seething masses of shopping centres.

 Amazingly I did catch a fish or two, no record breakers, but seemingly adequate for a couple of hours 'dangling'....a wee little 'footballer'......

I told him to go fetch his Dad, but his parent must've refused the request.
 He was followed by a Bream, a fit fish apart from a piece missing from its gill cover, the second fish I've caught from the particular swim with this injury or defect...

My stomach started to rumble and I put my coat on to walk home, just so I didn't have to carry it, I'd sat on it for the duration of this session and hadn't missed it at all.