The Last Hurrah, Fladbury - 14th March 2015

After two blanks on Severn Stoke, I decided a change was in order for the final day of the 2014/15 season. Heavy rain on Friday morning had meant every midlands river had risen considerably by Saturday. After much deliberation, I decided on the Warwickshire Avon at Fladbury, a venue I haven't fished in a while. I opted to fish below the bridge, as the river is less pacey and deeper there, and also, you can drive across the field and park behind the pegs.

This is where the problems started. Just ten yards into the field, I got stuck. And stuck good and proper. After spending twenty minutes trying to get free using bits of tree and bush, I conceded that I needed a hand. Fortunately for me, a couple of anglers who were fishing lended me their services, and gave me a push and I was free of the mud. If you're one of those anglers and you're reading this, I owe you big time!!

The final fish of the season

Anyway, to the fishing. I ended up above the bridge, on a peg above the mill race, fishing meat and pellet. In short, it wasn't good, river two foot up and looking fine, but a very cold wind made fishing uncomfortable. I didn't blank though, and I ended up with a barbel to finish the season. Not a big one, maybe 3lb or so, but a fish nevertheless. The backend of the season has been poor....with the weather
playing a huge part in it, water temps not much more than 7c, cold winds and frosts have all affected things.

So, that's the end of the season, a mixed one for me. I've had some nice sessions, with three doubles, including a new PB barbel of 14.1, taken at Harvington in August. Sadly, I missed some of the prime weeks of the season in October and November due to my dad being ill, and passing away. As much as I love my fishing, some things in life are far more important. It was a sad time, but dad was an angler too, and I think he was proud of my angling achievements, both barbel, and also match fishing wise, another thing I've had some success in.

This season  I have learnt a lot though, and can't wait for the new season in June. Bring it on!