Article Surfing Archive

Back in my childhood I spent every spare minute on the river bank trying to catch fish. I would grab a few hours after school before it got too dark and sometimes i'd get up early and get a few hours in before school!

I remember looking forward to the weekend so I could spend two solid day fishing and sometimes overnight trips were planned.

I spent the first two years trying and trying to catch a fish, just one fish! I didn't succeed, I caught nothing, other than the odd cold or piece of reed!

As I got a bit older, my pocket money went up and I was able to buy some better fishing tackle. This helped a lot as I learned I had been using Hooks which were far too big for the fish I was trying to catch. As my experience grew and my knowledge base expanded I began to catch fish consistantly. I started catching Gudgeon and the odd Roach or Perch. Nothing big, just small fish. This kept me interested and I couldn't wait to get back to it at the nearest possible time.

After a couple of seasons of catching small, easy to land fish, I felt the urge to catch bigger fish. Carp, Bream and Tench were what I wanted to catch.

I needed new fishing tackle as I only had the equipment for small fish. I turned 14 and wasn't able to get a job, so, I started washing cars on a Saturday. This was hard for for a 14 year old Lad, especially in the hot summer months.

I would make about '20 for a days work which I thought was a lot at the time. I saved up and got myself some top of the range fishing tackle. I had the money to buy the bait I needed to catch the fish I was targeting.

I had a great time. I learned so much and gained a lot of experience. I joined a local team and started fishing in competitions. Every weekend their would be a match. I would turn up hoping to win. I rarely did win but kept trying. I really enjoyed myself and gained some good friends.

From the age of 16 onwards, I went less and less. I wanted to go but my friends weren't interested. I was torn betwen my passion for fishing and my social life.

I made the decision to go fishing when I can, but to spend more time with my mates. I started drinking on the weekends and was trying to impress the girls.

Life took over and my fishing hobby was well and truely over!

A fair few years have passed since then. I am now married and have my own house and dog. I walk my dog every day by the same river I used to fish. I spend many hours remembering the great times I had as a child and keep wanting to get back into the sport.

The Fishing season began on 16th June so I dug out my old tackle and went through it to see what I have and what I need to buy.

A lot of my old fishing tackle has deteriorated and needs replacing. I went to the local fishing shop and looked around. I was absolutely astonished at how much everything now costs.

As a 14 year old with just '20, I was able to by everything I needed to keep me going. Now I may aswell take out a second mortgage if I want to get back into the sport I once loved so much!
I have been looking around the Internet to see if I could find the tackle I need any cheaper. I have found a few sites which are cheaper than the shops. The best one in my opinion is http://www.fishing.shop-around.co.uk

They literally shop around the internet and find the best deals.

I have now got all new fishing tackle from them, Brand names mostly and all at reasonable prices.

I'm now off to the river hoping I can remeber what to do!