I was chatting to a chap on the riverbank the other day who told me he packed up fishing through the winter months as the sport wasn’t as good as at other times of year.
It wasn’t a long conversation, but in the short time we spoke I probably caught about two dozen fish without really concentrating on what I was doing. It left me feeling that he was really missing out.
These last couple of months have seen some of the most remarkable times for our sport – the biggest-ever brace of roach, river record barbel, numerous 30lb pike, 7lb-plus chub from all over the place and a host of big zander and massive perch.
How could it be a bad time for fishing? I’ve seen a lot of amazing catches over the years, but it’s difficult not to believe that right now we’re in a purple patch for angling.
Sadly, this issue of Angling Times will be my last as Editor-in-Chief as I’m leaving to pursue other avenues in my life.
It has been a 24/7 role which I’ve loved immensely and I leave the magazine in a strong position with a great team of writers and columnists I’m proud to call friends.
When I look back over the 25 years I’ve worked on Angling Times as its longest serving member of staff it’s with much fondness. I’ve been part of over 1,300 weekly issues, around 65,000 pages, hundreds of monthly mags, YouTube videos with millions of views, and much more.
I’ve seen AT evolve from a part-colour tabloid newspaper to a glossy magazine, watched many positive changes occur in our sport, and fished with some amazing people. I’ve loved speaking to and meeting thousands of readers over the years, helping to celebrate your successes.
There are plenty of stories yet to be written, lots of fish to be caught, and great company to be enjoyed.
Thank you for all your support...
