With half term under way and the Mother-in-law kindly offering to look after the girls for a few days. I had originally thought to do a couple of nights going after Pike and I very nearly did. However, after some thought and looking at the weather and the work load building up on my website.
I opted to stay at home and catch up. This also gave me the opportunity to sort the Carp kit out for the Spring and after winning the Fishtec photo competition, I could transfer some bits to my new TF Gear Hardcore Packaway Mat. I am going to be using this for my one rod day sessions. I really need to cut down on my tackle for these trips. Away with the work and kit all sorted, I had a spare day before collecting the kid’s. I probably should be Pike fishing, however I have packed that all back in the loft. As I had thought that my time had past this year. So, here we are on the bank after Carp, on a cold but sunny Winter’s day and on the smaller lake on the complex, I was feeling the need for a Winter’s Carp. With only a sort time left and the main lake looked pretty bleak, I also had the urge to test out my new TF Gear DL Black Edition Big Pit Reel, this was the lake to be on.
My new set up looks quite nice, new reels and Summit Tackle stainless & bobbins, it’s been a few years, so I thought I would treat myself.
Unfortunately, by 1230 and only a couple of beeps, it was time to head home.
I would like to give a brief snap shot of my life and introduce myself;
My name is Richard Handel and was born in 1965 in Suffolk. I have worked as a UK Operation & Intermodule Manager for a shipping company. I live in Hampshire now and am married with 2 young children, both girls so I am a bit outnumbered even the cat is a girl!
I have been fishing since I was about 7 years old. I started on small local rivers in Suffolk, then moved onto gravel pits and then carp fishing. My personal best is a 39.08 mirror, over recent years I have started river fishing again, on the Hampshire Avon, this is a nice break from the carp lakes.
My life has turned a big corner this year, the company I was working for relocated their Operation centre to Estonia. I was offered a job at the head office in London. This would have meant a 5 day commute and working in Stratford. As a family, we did not fancy this, as I would hardly spend any time with the children (and the Mrs). So after 22.5 years, I was given a nice redundancy package and with my wife is working full time. I became the house husband.
This has meant a complete turn around in my fishing, as I can pick and choose when I go. I have found a splendid new syndicate to fish this year, which includes 5 lakes and some 8 miles of river with only 150 members. It's an amazing change to the way I am able to fish.
I am now trying to start my own tackle business and make a bit of a name for myself in the world of fishing, as I have retired from real work.
Richard
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