"Time spent in reconnaissance...

... is seldom wasted"

According to the Duke of Wellington, and I agree with him.

Sometimes just wandering about and looking at what is going on can contribute enormously to the next time you are out with the rod.  All sorts of good things show themselves.  You may watch the fish begin the evening rise and just check the time because you hope to be there again at the weekend.  Fish show themselves and can be noted in the memory bank ready to be tried for next time you are by this way again.

Tonight, the evening wander without a rod, but fortunately with a camera, proved to be an especially joyful experience.  Water voles ("Ratty in Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows) still exist in these parts, mainly thanks to the hard work of the river keepers who wage a constant war on any feral mink that come through this catchment.  Many of you have no doubt had sightings of the delightful voles as they go about their harmless vegan existence.  Have you ever seen one up a tree?  No, I hadn't until an hour ago.

Just have a close look at these pictures.  The juvenile vole was about eight feet above the water below and tucking into the younger leaves of the willow tree.  Maybe he was dosing himself with the natural aspirin that the willow produces?

Click on the image to view it a bit larger

Click on the image to view it a bit larger

Click on the image to view it a bit larger

We will come back to this theme of Reconnaissance another time.  It is one of the most important aspects of our glorious Sport...

Regular Rod