I have been reading this wonderful forum for some time now, as a public lurker, but decided it was time I must try to join, and hope to contribute also! I am thankful to have been accepted on, as of yesterday evening.
I have been fishing locally to me for over 25 years, since I was a youngster. Mostly over on the River Kennet and the lakes at Burghfield, and also the Loddon around Twyford too.
I was gifted some wonderful traditional tackle from my Grandad around the time that I started in this wonderful pastime, most of which was unbranded, or so well loved, the branding had worn off. I still have it all to this day, and cherish how kind he was to give it to me. I really ought to have it refurbished, to bring it back to it's once former glory. The only things I politely declined were the lead shot!!
I took a break from the pastime, when work and other pressures didn't allow me much time for it, also having gotten too serious maybe in pursuit of certain species with too many blanked days. I now have a small family, and really cherish the time I get to mostly fish the rivers closer to me, the Loddon and Blackwater, which produce some wonderful chub and barbel, also perch and everything you'd expect (and indeed hope for). I really am happy when catching anything, and enjoy the relaxing and tea drinking in wonderful surroundings.
I also have realised as I've gotten older, that life is too short to take another break from something that gives me so much pleasure!
Anyway, enough rambling about me!!
All the best
