Fishing session Walton-on-Thames

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Hello Folks, Welcome to my Angling Travel Blog. Decided it gas been long overdue, needed to put in far more time on the Non Tidal River Thames. Only wish lived closer, to the non tidal, tend to Sea fish The Tidal Thames more living near Woolwich. 

MAKING CONTACT: anglingwithshaun@gmail.com 

Came up in head this crazy idea to head to Walton-on-Thames for a day's float fishing. Don't know why that's where was heading, determined to arrive by sunrise 04.59hrs, in which did. Travelling light just the one float rod, Reel, some floats, essential bits. The plan to walk the bank, an angling term called roving, travelling light. 

A long, long way by Public Transport The first night bus from Plumstead Common, London being a N53. Arriving at Horse Guards, where spent time being a member of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Blues & Royals over thirty years ago.

Once had arrived then had a short walk to Trafalgar Square.

That wasn't to bad, although did struggle for a little while to find the correct bus stop. A bit of a wait for the second night bus N9. Yikes ! Not a pleasant experience, bus was packed, full of undesirable characters, many drunk, and intoxicated. So bad had someone literally asleep his head crashing down hitting the back of seat the entire journey. Sure he will have a very sore bruised head when he wakes up.

Travelling light means taking just enough gear, without being uncomfortable. The Thinking Anglers Rucksack purchased 6 years ago is still going strong. Not sure what model own since been updated with a newer version 600D. Overall still going great, zips work, all sound, very comfortable, really has been worth every last penny spent.

THINKING ANGLERS

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Finally arrived at Nene Road, not to long a walk a couple of minutes across the road. 

Had a bit of a wait for third and final night bus The N155 to take to destination Walton-on-Thames.

Be warned those who have asked, although Google Search says you can use your Oyster pass on the N155 this is not true. The fare cost me £2, which unfortunately is operated by two different companies the day fare shoots up to £4.50.

The N155 a very fast bus, was absolutely packed with passengers, from Nene Road until Heathrow Airport where most got off. The driver was a lovely Gentleman, nothing like many of the miserable London Bus drivers often encounter. 

Being an ex London Bus Driver myself think the communication was lost once fares of cash ceased, no need to talk with passengers using a touch pay Oyster Card.

Once departing bus, went for a short walk hoping to find a bakers, or maybe a Greg's. Unfortunately, say that glad really nothing was open. More money saved, and no fast food, extra calories, in need of trimming a few pounds. Then had a short walk to the river, passing a Morris do believe 🤔 Tom Plumb, rather catchy lol 😆 

Was finally there, very excited on time for Sunrise, although sadly no sign of sun, very overcast, looking like rain on the cards.

Actually remember now why chose Walton-on-Thames, through memory a cycle ride passing some years back. A perfect destination for an Angler.

Really should have treated myself to a beer, however was rather early and had other things more important than beer on mind. Fishing always being the number one priority 🎣 Do like The Anglers of Walton sign.

A little rest after the walk, a few pictures it was now a decision to go up river or work my way down. Then remembered the bus driver telling me the bus fare increases to £4.50 by day. Not tight however, rather not pay £4.50 so an easy decision to head down river in search of a decent swim to fish. How lovely always pleasing to see a Heron, grown up seeing them, not like them Cormorants that came here and settled over the years. The least say about them the better, but a Heron just them.

Not long a walk, and came across a swim with a sunken boat. Looked perfect for a nice Perch.

Setting up what can only describe as the best stick float rod available on the market. A Tricast John Allerton Spliced Tip Premier Match Rod. 

Pure class, hard to come across a great spliced tip, stick float rod these days. Once owned a Hardy Spliced Tip Match Rod that was beautiful. Since the dawn of commercial fisheries, there has been less anglers fishing rivers, no companies make a dedicated stick float rod these days. Thoroughly recommend a Tricast John Allerton Spliced Tip Premier Match Rod. The pick up on a spliced tip is far superior than any other.

TRICAST WEBSITE

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Looks like got a Friend for the day. Love swans, always important to respect wildlife, remember this is their home, your just a guest for the day.

Okay taken a liking to my home turned casters

a bit for you a bit for the fish.

So once set up, settled in not being a serious match competition, decided from the off to go in for the kill. Literally fill in the swim, feed heavily hopefully the plan to feed off the smaller fish, bring in the bigger fish on this pleasure session. Great quality maggots from Catchy Bait that mixed different colours together as travelling light, doing away with the need for to many bait boxes.

Good to have a little music whilst waiting. Don't see the harm in a small radio, as long as the volume is down, not upsetting anyone. Obviously wouldn't dream of using one in a match.

Sat there thinking maybe made a big mistake. Not a single bite, should have gone for the more softly softly approach. Build the swim up, start small, feed to bites... Think pour a nice cup of Fresh bean coffee.

Well would you believe it, always the way pour a drink almost always get a bite. How mad is that, literally soon as went to take a sip the float slipped away under the water. Bosh ! that will do nicely for starters a small Perch, a nice fight.

Loving my new Catchy Bait baseball cap, excuse the boat race, got sunburnt on nose and lips rather badly when away in Portsmouth by the coast. It's great to know, now have ready supply of the best quality maggots, coming straight from the maggot farm, with overnight delivery. Feel more confident in the future that will be landing more, and better quality fish.

CATCHY BAIT

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A steady flow of bites continued, and plenty of fish coming to hand, but nothing big. The target species today being achieved with plenty of Roach, Dace, Chub, Perch, and Bleak.

Felt this strong desire to bring out the old Ryobi Closed Faced Master Match. A beautiful reel in it's day. Japanese built, nice light weight.

However totally packed up, got to witching hour, the best time of rhe day, pun gave up unable to cast. Shame ruined the day, now back on the shelf in permanent retirement, ruddy thing, stick to my favourite ABU 507...

Mind you some of the fish was catching where beyond small, they were tiny 😆 As always Tight lines may your next bite be a big one or anyone big or small love um all ❤️

PLEASE BARE WITH ME WORK IN PROGRESS, POP BACK LATER FOR FURTHER UPDATES, AND PICTURE'S THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE...

Swan Uppers https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_upping

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The day made even longer having to transfer buses, leaving Korum XL Progress Unhooking Fast mat on bus, had to visit Catford bus garage to chase up. Arrrrrrrrrr !

A bit of breakfast off to Bellingham Bus Garage to collect unhooking mat, from lost property, then as local might as well visit The River Ravensbourne have a few hours fishing...

That's literally all for now, full report plenty of pictures to follow, including blogger link in comments below...

Work in progress, many more pictures, updates to follow, thanks for your patience...