“A Serene Escape: Fishing the Hampshire Avon Syndicate”


“A Serene Escape: Fishing the Hampshire Avon Syndicate”

Introduction: Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Avon Valley lies a well-guarded secret – the Hampshire Avon Syndicate. Richard, an avid angler and proud syndicate member, invites us to explore this haven where tranquility meets the art of fishing. In this blog, he shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards that come with being part of a select group of anglers on the Hampshire Avon.

Chapter 1: The Exclusive Syndicate Experience With approximately 100 members, the Hampshire Avon Syndicate offers a rare and exclusive experience. Anglers traverse far and wide to become part of this community, ensuring that each trip to the waters is a solitary adventure. The syndicate’s low membership density means that encountering another angler can be a rare occurrence, adding an extra layer of allure to the fishing experience.

Chapter 2: The Double-Edged Sword While the scarcity of anglers provides a sense of solitude and peace, it also presents a unique challenge. The fish in the Hampshire Avon do not encounter frequent baiting or angler pressure, making them more elusive and discerning. Richard delves into the intricacies of this double-edged sword, where the solitude of the waters can make the fishing exceptionally challenging.

Chapter 3: Riverside Sanctuary Richard’s access to both sides of a 2.5-mile section of the river unveils a captivating landscape. From three tranquil weir pools to a side stream and meandering wooded areas, the Hampshire Avon Syndicate offers an array of fishing opportunities. With its shallow runs, large bends, and deep holes, the river becomes a sanctuary for both angler and fish alike.

Chapter 4: Embracing the Challenges Despite the picturesque scenes and serene ambiance, the Hampshire Avon presented its own set of challenges this year. Relentless rain kept the river in flood for an extended period, turning simple swims into tricky wading endeavors. Richard reflects on the resilience required to navigate these challenges, walking through water meadows in chest waders to reach favored swims.

Chapter 5: A Photographic Journey Richard’s love for the Avon Valley extends beyond the thrill of the catch. Immersed in the tranquil surroundings, he captures the essence of his angling experiences through photography. From scenic shots of the river to moments of quiet reflection, his lens tells a story of not just fishing but also a deep connection with nature.

Conclusion: As Richard concludes his blog, the Hampshire Avon Syndicate emerges as more than just a fishing destination; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature. The challenges posed by limited angler presence only add to the allure, making every successful catch a triumph over the intricacies of this exclusive water. Richard leaves us with a glimpse into the unique world of the Hampshire Avon Syndicate, inviting fellow anglers to savor the beauty and challenges it holds.

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About richardhandel

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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