The Fisherman's Companion by John Buckland

Down to the South Coast for a couple of days, no fishing, far too cold for me, but I found a wonderful book in one of my favourite old book shops, The Fisherman's Companion by John Buckland. This book was published in 1990 and is truly a joy to behold. Although a book on fly fishing through the ages, I am sure almost every fisherman will find pleasure in reading this book.

As a point of record, the largest salmon ever caught in the United Kingdom, was caught by Miss Georgina W Ballantine on the River Tay, Glendelvine, in Perthshire Scotland, on the 7 October 1922. The fish weighed 64 lb. This record has stood for over 93 years and in my opinion will never be equalled, let alone bettered. 

Fishing knots

To tie the knot first double 8-12" of line into a loop and pass it through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel. Tie a very loose overhand knot using the doubled loop and the doubled section of line leading back to the fishing rod. Pass the object to be tied through the remaining loop of the overhand knot and slide the loop up onto the line just above the eye of the hook. Moisten the knot to lessen the friction and pull on the tag and standing ends evenly to snug the knot down. Trim the free end of the line to a length of about 3mm.

The Palomar knot

Not long to wait I hope

Pictured above is a lake belonging to one of the fishing clubs I am privileged to be a member. It truly is a beautiful lake and very well stocked with Carp, Barbel, Tench, Bream and Roach. Although to date, I have yet to catch a Tench at this oasis of calm. This winter has been very mild, but one of the wettest since records have been kept. Consequently, being a fair weather fisherman, I have not made a visit in months. Hopefully with the coming Spring, I will be wetting a line in the near future.

Recently my Wife treated me to another Chris Yates book, Out Of The Blue, which is certainly up to the maestro's very high standard and I recommend it highly. One thing is for sure, enjoyment can be had from fishing, even when away from the lake, river, canal or sea.

Show me a man who fishes in winter.