FishIn

Did I really get just the two hours sleep or am I dreaming, these were my thoughts as I stood there along with a few of the other early risers, drinking what was already my second cup of coffee. It wasn't long before the smell of the bacon that was frazzling on the stove, was wafting down through the top meadow, this had it's desired effect, as in no time at all quite a gathering had amassed around the base camp. With stories being told over the bacon rolls and cups of coffee, of the previous nights antics, to those more sensible anglers amongst us, who went off to bed at a decent hour. (My head wished I was one of them)

"Bump it off Darrell"

With quite a few of the party having long journeys to make back home, it was obvious not a lot of fishing was going to be done today.
This however did not stop JW having a go and with quite a crowd upon the bank, he had plenty of support and advice shouted down to him. Not sure however if some of this advice was constructive, but it was all offered in good spirit.

Especially when master gillie Darrell was about to land a small Barbel John had just caught, to the usual cries of "bump it off Dar" Darrell was having none of it however and another one was added to John's tally for the weekend.

Just after this fish was landed another bite resulted in John missing the culprit, but on retrieving his rig from the water, he found rather strangely, a fin perfect one inch Barbel which was fairly hooked in the top lip. I wonder if he added that one to his total for the weekend.

The ultimate remote control baitboat

Within minutes of JW vacating his swim, top poacher Rayo dived in behind him, this led to one of the most amusing incidents of the weekend. With Ray having not used any of the hemp he had brought along for the weekends fishing, he decided to ask one of the many canoeist passing through the swim to deposit the hemp in his swim.

This alone was quite amusing, as just lets say, the canoeist is not exactly Ray's favourite river user, but with the crowd of anglers on the bank, each offering there advice as to which bush Ray wanted it tipped under , it's no wonder the canoeist got confused.

This entertainment was to no avail however as Ray didn't manage to winkle one out.

My turn with the camera John

Deciding to have a few hours fishing with Chris before packing the gear away, we headed off down river to see what swims were available, spotting John's car alongside the swim I'd fished the day before, we parked up to check on how he was doing. This was just about perfect timing for John, as nestled in the bottom of his landing net was a beautiful Barbel getting on for nine pounds by the look of it.

This time it was my turn to operate the camera and what a pleasure that was, with this being John's first visit to the Wye it was great to see the smile on his face. Seems he had every reason to be pleased with himself, as this fish was just one of a five fish bonanza.

Chris and I did wet a line for an hour or so, but unfortunately Chris was not to savor the delights of his first Wye Barbel.
This may not have been such a bad outcome however, as Chris was suffering from tendon damage in his arm. "They don't half pull a bit Chris"

How much!

Come on Dolly it's home time

Getting back to the base camp it was obvious the weekends jollies were coming to an end, as just a few tents and bivy's remained, along with a few bleary eyed anglers, who no doubt were now feeling the effects of the evening before.

Fortunately Andy had regained his wits after the nights festivities, as I'm sure he would have been convinced the £25 asking price for JW's new found chair was a snip.

Ray on the other hand was having great difficulty in convincing Dolly "we really must get the gear packed away and head off home."

With the last of the gear finally packed away and Ray having eventually convinced Dolly that, "yes there will be other fish-In's we can attend" it was time for the final farewells to be said.

Once again the meadow was back to it's beautiful best, and this was a credit to all who attended the event, as no signs whatsoever were left of the weekends activities.

As with any of these fish-In's, appreciation is shown to those who help put them together, but as Tony posted after the event.
The real congratulations and appreciation must go to those who actually attend these events, "as it is you who make these fish-In's what they are".

With £400 being raised for The Children's Paediatric Ward University Hospital Wales, during the course of the weekend. Then I personally would like to thank and congratulate all who attended, as this amount raised was the icing on the cake, to what was a most truly enjoyable weekend.

"Here's to the next one"

Tranquillity returned