Bill and Dan (Son) fishing the river Wye

What a brilliant Xmas present to buy someone, a day on the river Wye. That’s exactly what Dan bought his Dad Bill. To be fair they had fished with me before and enjoyed the session.

So arrangements were made months in advance and all too soon the day comes around. We met at 7am, with me having made up base camp in the early morning taking in the solitude and beauty of the Wye valley. I had baited the swim and thought the day would be good. The river was low and clear making it difficult however guiding on this stretch for 7 years I needn’t have worried.

I greeted the boy’s at 7am and we started fishing shortly after. Bill was into the first fish at 8am a lovely chub of 4lbs 8oz which was a pb.

Bill with a 4lb 8oz chub

Next it was Dan’s turn on the rods, and at 8.30am he was playing the first barbel of the day at 5lbs 2oz not a monster but a start.

Roles reversed

Bill only had to wait 15 mins before the rod was off with another barbel this one about the same size.

Then another couple of chub to each of the chaps before the river died. Between 10.15 and 4pm nothing came along. 6 hrs long hours of nothing-ness. We did pull Dan’s leg as the longest I’ve gone without a fish before was 3hrs. Dan you are now the champion of a 6 hr marathon.

Tea break

Then they switched back on again by 6pm and the best fish of the day came to Bill who had one of 9lbs 2oz. I think the whole rod and tripod got pulled into the river so savage was the take.

Bill and son Dan

We had loads of fun and laughter throughout the day. a truly remarkable record that I hope won’t get beaten for a very long time.

Fish on

It was great fishing with you guy’s again.

Play it Bill