The Narnia Effect

I love the C.S Lewis series of children's books, detailing the mystery and adventure of stumbling through the wardrobe into another world. Narnia was a magical place. However, the weather—copious amounts of snow, while beautiful in appearance, from personal experience I must say is not without the sting of its curse, 'forever winter, but never Christmas'. 

Living in New England (North East USA) these past few years has taught me the appreciation of the warmer months and the shock and, at times, utterly awfulness of winter. The feeling of endless winter, with sub-zero temperatures freezing every piece of water, is no fun. Fishing is not an option, and I say that not as a fair-weather angler who might voluntarily hang up the rods by choice; fishing really is not an option. For example, as I write this, it's early March. Recent temperatures in the Boston area have dipped as low as -20 Celsius. All local lakes and rivers have been frozen since late November. Currently, the ice is thick enough to drive on. This is a tough pill to swallow. I ALWAYS fished the full calendar while living in England (we moved to the U.S. three years ago). I remember reading so many articles with U.K. anglers talking about 'toughing it out during the winter months. Really, they have no idea. English winters are mild; there really is no reason for anglers to hibernate.

So, what have you been up to? To start, moaning. My family frequently tell me that my endless complaints and constant fidgeting are annoying. Cabin fever is real! Secondly, I have been planning. Not fishing heightens the appreciation for the opportunities when they do come along. Finally, scheduling sessions is strangely enjoyable. A light at the end of the tunnel has a powerful effect—although the length of the tunnel is discouraging. Tackle preparation also fills some of the time, with every reel re-spooled and ready for action. Only last weekend, I spent several hours re-filling tackle boxes, replacing bite alarm batteries and re-spooling reels – all while the snow continued to cover ground.

And lastly, travelling to warmer places where lakes and rivers are not sleeping under a foot of snow has also been a positive shot in the arm. As I write this, I am currently visiting family in the U.K. The grass in my parents' garden is lush green (I haven't seen grass for three months—snow, snow, and more snow). And I have managed some fishing – and my goodness was it enjoyable!

I have fished the River Test for grayling and roach in this short trip and an afternoon session carp fishing at a superb day ticket complex, FLE, near Romsey. Unfortunately, the river was in poor condition, with recent rain muddying the usually clear chalk stream. However, a few bites were forthcoming from the ever-obliging grayling, putting quite a smile on my daughter and nephew's face.

As for the carp fishing, I loved every minute! Sadly, the action was slow due to several factors – but my goodness was it good to be out! The previous night's temperatures, minus 2 Celsius, felt warm to me, although seemingly the fish were not convinced. The lake we fished is incredibly well-stocked, ideal for a few hours in the winter. Nonetheless, the fish were far from feasting, with several anglers sitting behind relatively quiet rods. However, I loved it – it was so good to be out. As the late winter sun began to set, my rods bounced in the rests twice. The fish, while small when success is weighed purely in pounds and ounces, but for me, on the back of such a long winter, I smiled like I had landed a fifty.

Reflecting on the seasons has got me thinking; my last session pre the big freeze was a bitterly cold blank – and so it should be. Let me explain. If I was catching and the water was not frozen, then it shouldn't be the last session. And then at the other end of the winter; If I catch on my first session out, I would have arrived too late – I should have been fishing the week before! So, therefore, I fully expect to blank the last and first sessions on either side of winter. Sure, it would be nice to wait for warm skies were my bbq smoulders and fish top freely. But I can't wait that long. Sure, there's still snow on the ground – but the kit's ready, and I am over ready. Get out there. No excuses. Enjoy!