Why I go and still love it.
I’ve been an avid carp angler for nearly four decades now, and as I approach my 40th year in this pursuit, my passion for carp fishing remains as strong as ever. Over the years, my perspective has shifted, and I’ve learned to appreciate the journey more than the destination.
One of my recent fishing trips didn’t go as planned, but instead of frustration, I found contentment in simply watching and waiting. Nowadays, I derive immense joy from witnessing others’ successes on the bank. This is a far cry from my earlier days when I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t me reeling in the big Common or Mirror carp.
I admit I had my share of quirks back then, like refusing to fish when someone else landed my target fish or packing up if a lake was too crowded. Looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at the hours I wasted in those situations.
Today, I’ve adopted a different mindset. I fish for the thrill of a bite, regardless of the carp’s size. Every capture, big or small, feels like a victory, a testament to my ability to outsmart a crafty carp. It’s not the carp’s fault that it got caught; it deserves respect and a fair return to the water.
People often ask what I do when I’m out fishing. They wonder how I don’t get bored. To truly enjoy carp fishing, you must be someone who relishes being outdoors, even on those chilly winter days when the east wind cuts through your bones. You have to connect with nature, savoring every aspect of your surroundings, no matter the conditions.
There’s so much to appreciate: the wildlife, the shifting clouds, and the fellow anglers who can often be a source of entertainment in themselves.
We witness natural wonders, from captivating sunsets and sunrises to meteor showers and thunderstorms that, though at times nerve-wracking when you’re surrounded by trees, yield spectacular photographs. Observing wildlife, from badgers and foxes to deer swimming across lakes and squirrels clumsily falling from trees, offers a glimpse into the natural world’s quirks and idiosyncrasies.
Birdwatching might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but over the years, I’ve seen things that most people never will. It’s astonishing how many have never spotted a kingfisher, even on public-access waters. You have to be open to experiencing nature’s wonders to truly appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
I haven’t even touched upon the art of watching the water for subtle signs of carp activity, a skill that’s a mystery to outsiders who would need a fish to leap out and wave at them to understand our craft.
Personally, I find spring and autumn to be the most enchanting times of the year due to the ever-changing colors. It’s a breathtaking period that often goes unnoticed by those too busy with the concrete world they inhabit.
If fishing were not an option, I’d likely be out in the mountains, indulging in my love for hiking. I prefer mountain landscapes over flat terrain, relishing the sense of being one of the few people to have set foot in certain remote spots.
The world of fishing has evolved since the early ’80s, and I’m grateful for the improvements. Everything is now more comfortable, reliable, and readily available. While some innovations aren’t to my taste and seem designed to catch the angler rather than the fish, I understand that diversity keeps the fishing industry thriving and fosters the development of great products. As I grow older, I appreciate a comfortable bedchair and more lightweight, durable electric barrows.
Gone are the days of stacking two cheap sleeping bags together. Today, we have sophisticated sleeping bags with zip-out liners that keep us toasty during the coldest months. Things have certainly changed for the better.
To this day, I cherish my time on the bank. Blank sessions can still test my patience, but I remind myself to enjoy the journey, knowing that my fishing years may be fewer than the past four decades. The late Chris Ball’s sudden passing serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of time. He was fishing until the end, and I hope to do the same, treasuring every moment on the bank, whether I catch or not.
So, fellow anglers, embrace your time on the bank and worry less about the catch. Remember the love for the outdoors that ignited your passion for fishing, and enjoy every moment of the experience.
Until my next musings, be lucky.
Richard
UK Carp & Coarse Fishing 