Get orf of moy land!

When I started this blog, it was with the intention of re-visiting forgotten or run down stretches of rivers on the Kent and Sussex borders. Some, if not all of these, were a nostalgic trip into my youth, or at least until being grown up ruined my adventurous spirit. I've always enjoyed the thrill of fishing where someone deemed it forbidden. These days, the old oak tree that carried the "Private keep out" sign has all but faded. The lure of computer games or designer clothes are too precious for youngsters to get dirty near a river bank pursuing wild fish.

After a reasonably successful first ten days of the 2014/15 season, it was time to start my weekly forage into the abyss of waters within 30 minutes of home. The first of these visits was the Cuckmere. It rises somewhere close to Heathfield, through Horsebridge near Hailsham, then bypassing Arlington reservoir before becoming tidal at Alfriston. The river finally enters the sea at Exceat around the beautiful Cuckmere Haven. I was told that here was the only water in the U.K. to be known as "The Cuckmere River" as opposed to "The River Cuckmere"

I've caught just about all species with the exception of Barbel along the 20 or so miles of its course. In the tidal stretches, huge shoals of Mullet are sought by those with much more patience than myself. Increasing numbers of Carp are found throughout, but particularly more so below Arlington. As to how these fish have populated the river is open to speculation. At Horselunges Manor, once home to Diana Dors and Peter Grant, (Led Zeppelin manager) the moat was full of Koi and Common Carp. At some time, it is thought to have flooded and this is possibly the most plausible explanation. Another notable venue along the river is Michelham Priory. I have never fished there, but there is every probability that monks kept Carp in the middle ages, and as with Horselunges, floods aided the escapees.

Arlington reservoir was completed and opened in 1971 by creating a dam on the former meandering stretch. The river was then redirected eastwards to continue its way to the sea. In the late 80's and early 90's a parasite affected the trout population in the reservoir and coarse fishing was allowed with competitions. Good weights were achieved, and many coarse fish were relocated into the area around Shermans Bridge on the A27.

Ariel view of Arlington Reservoir

I have many favourite places that I have fished on this wonderful small river, but none more so than Horsebridge Mill above Hailsham. (I really did secure permission to fish here) The rear pool was fantastic fishing, both Mick Hart and myself had many specimen fish with countless Roach up to 1lb 11oz and Chub to 4 lbs 8oz. The continual build up of silt, led to the once 8 foot deep pool becoming less than three foot at best, and gradually the big Roach disappeared. I recall Mick getting a very large Brown Trout close to 3 lbs on the pole.

5lbs 13oz Bream caught above Alfriston sluice

After Mr Cole closed his workshop, the building fell into dis-repair. I continued to visit once or twice a year, but it was never as good as in its heyday. On one occasion I was hidden in the bushes when I thought I was being shot at. After the third air pellet went above my head, I thought it wise to investigate. In the buildings opposite the mill, some offices and storage space was rented out by Mr Cole's son in law. Out of one of the windows leaned Paul Rew and his mate Les who were laughing at me. They had seen my van and watched me walk around the field to hide in the pool and thought it a giggle to take a few pot shots. My mistake was coming out of hiding because I was seen by the owner who then challenged me for trespass and poaching. It was that day I used the "god owns the fish" line. Just because I was asked to leave, didn't stop me from ever returning!

The Cuckmere Haven at Exceat

There are not too many angling clubs who have rights to fish the river. Hailsham A.C. had their own area, but after the amalgamation with Eastbourne's Compleat A.C. to form Southdown A.C. they let Nielsons field and downstream of the A22 go. Seaford A.C. have a small section above Michelham Priory then below that, the Sussex Piscatorial Society have a two mile stretch. I believe you have more chance of joining the Masons than gaining membership to this club of elitists. I would no doubt have been black balled. Aside from Berwick angling club having the area around the railway bridge, it is Southdown A.C. who have much of the remaining non-tidal fishing. Of course this leaves a lot of river to the likes of me to exploit without fear of trespass. 
(Hmm, yeah, right!!)

Yesterday, I fished a very remote section that requires the legs to go into overtime. Sitting there on a glorious June evening made me realise how important pleasant surroundings are to the angler. I fished for three hours for just a small Chublet and a Roach, but enjoyed every minute. The thrill of watching a Treecreeper running up and down an Oak tree, and being far away from any main road only added to the serenity of the country side.
I never saw a soul to say "GET ORF OF MOY LAND!"

My secret location on Saturday 28-06-14

Virgin Tench ?

There is a water in Tunbridge Wells less than 10 yards from the main road that rarely gets fished. It's known as "Brighton Lake" and was probably man made in the 19th century. According to a reliable source, many of the lakes inhabitants which were mainly Carp, died during the prolonged freeze of 1963.

When we were kids, in the early 70's, we used to watch the Carp cruising around. There didn't seem to be too many, perhaps a dozen or so, but to us youngsters, they looked like giants. In those days, lots of locals used to fish there hoping to hook one, and to my knowledge, I'm not aware of any ever being caught.

In the summer of 1976, on a very rare visit to the lake, I was fishing a waggler with a lobworm when the float lifted and glided away. I fully expected a long battle with one of the monsters, but was very surprised to land a Tinca of about 2 lbs. We had never seen a Tench in there before. Aside from the visible Carp, there were only a small shoal of Rudd and odd Perch.

Over the years, I've often been tempted to try again. Some times it's totally over run with weed. In 2008 the path surrounding the back of the lake was rebuilt, and then the following arctic winters saw some of the weed die off. I decided that this year, I was going to have a proper attempt to see if any more Tincas were present. I walked around the lake and counted 8 Carp up to 15lbs and aside from some mysterious fry, saw no obvious signs of feeding Tench.

My trusty rake revealed the weed was going to be a major problem if anything substantial was hooked. I designed this tool to be easily carried in my box. Dad used to say it looked like half of an old BBC2 T.V. ariel, but it works well and is very light to throw. While I was busy raking, Carp were already being inquisitive in the swim, oblivious to the commotion I was causing, and while I was setting up the rods, there appeared to be feeding fish. The "heavy" gear had two hair rigged soft pellets which ultimately never got touched, whilst the float rod and waggled two red worms on a B611 size 14 saw loads of action. Six Tench and a Perch was my reward for a very satisfactory session. OK, they were nowhere near as big as the fish I caught 38 years ago, but I'm sure there must be some bigger specimens. The best was barely a pound, and everyone of the little buggers got into the weed before being coaxed out.

I had some funny looks from walkers and some people feeding the ducks and geese. An extra bonus for my evening session, was seeing a Kingfisher land on the island. I'd like to have stayed longer, but I'd run out of half decent worms and the light was rapidly fading. With less than two weeks before my river campaign starts, I think it may be a wise move to enjoy a dawn session here? 

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Hake, Haddock and Sole!

I'd been fishing Newhaven arm since I was 14 or 15 when, during the school holidays, mum used to get rid of me by offering the fare of a weekly "runaround" on the Railway. We always got area 4 which cost £1.65 for the week catching the 09:14 to Warrior Square as the ticket wasn't valid before 09:00 This covered Tunbridge Wells to Rye via Hastings and all the way to Brighton including the Seaford branch. It was a good excuse to explore other areas for potential fishing trips. During this period, I caught my first sea fish, OK, it was just a Pouting, but the 6oz fish put up a good scrap on light tackle.

Those weeks saw some coarse fishing,  most notably on the "Wallers Haven" behind the Star Inn. Did we buy a day ticket? Hmm.. I think not! The rest of the week we just pissed about on the trains and played the putting greens all over Sussex. 

One day myself, Neil Scott and David Heskett met up to get the usual train, and on the way to the station, David found a wallet with £10 in it. We chucked the wallet out of the tunnel and spent most of the money on Chocolate and the "Pitch n Putt" course at Hastings. It's what the owner would have wanted!

In May 1977 I decided to do a rail trip from Penzance to the tip of Scotland. I'd got free rail travel by now, but couldn't get anyone to accompany me, so embarked on a solo away day. I took my rod with me to go on one of the Mackeral trips offered out of Penzance. It was on this occasion I found how badly I suffered from sea-sickness. Another family group on board caught  loads whilst I was offering some "rubby dubby" to the fish.

Until I arrived at Thurso, I hadn't realised how much windier the north of Scotland was. An overnight stay was not taken into consideration, and I caught the same train back to Inverness. I must revisit that highland line again before I die.

When Kevin passed his driving test, it was a good excuse for night's out for all the lads. I think there were six of us in his old Land Rover for the initial trip to Newhaven. It must have been around November 1978, I would have been in the passenger seat with the other four in the back experiencing a very rough ride. I think I was the only one with any angling experience as I can't recall the others fishing. Perhaps they came just for a jolly?

Another night out saw us change the location to Dungerness, or rather Denge Marsh which is gobbing distance away. We hired a bigger land rover to accommodate a couple of extra freeloaders. On arrival, I remember it was blowing a gale and no fishing was done. As the night progressed, tension was mounting and arguments started. At dawn, Paul Neal went outside and found a box of flares. God knows why they were on the beach apparently abandoned? He brought one back to show us all and we thought it would be a good idea to let it off. As none of us had seen one before, it came as a shock to see what happened. We scarpered pretty quick before we got into trouble, but I can't understand why we left the remaining flares on the beach?

I think that was the last time we all went out together.

Strangely, when I moved out of home in 1980 to Eastbourne, it was many years before I did any sea fishing again. Even when I lived at Seaford, I only walked along Newhaven arm once and was not  tempted to fish. 

Fishing, Football, Mopeds and Punk Rock !

1976 was a great year, I was asked to leave the 6th form due to lack of interest in anything Sandown Court Secondary Modern had to offer. The year before saw me do rather badly in exams, hence the extra year of punishment. How could anyone expect to do English GCSE on the 16th June? I recall walking home from Bowman's pond in Pembury and getting to school just in time. Fishing was fast becoming a major part of my life. Unbeknown to me, just two years previous, John Beverley, who was a bit older than me, was also a pupil at Sandown Court before he left to become Sid Vicious.

A provisional licence and a brand new Yamaha FS1e moped saw my early morning sessions become easier. Bayham Abbey, near Lamberhurst was one of my favourite venues, especially the stream coming out of the lake. I wasn't supposed to be there of course, but at dawn, I could hide the moped in the woods, and get under the boathouse and fish the lake which was strictly out of bounds. It was this area that was known as "Poacher's Path" and unless there was someone on the other side of the lake, no one knew I was there!

My first job was making tea 3 times a day for 20 train drivers at Orpington station. The weeks wage of £16.50 went towards getting much needed new fishing tackle. I got a 13' Sealy Blue Match, which at about £25 was an expensive rod at the time. The 7 lb "Little Samson" spring balance had served me well in my formative years, but I always wanted a set of the more reliable Avons. I think these were £4.50, money very well spent. They lasted nearly twenty years before I replaced them.

I'd started supporting Brighton & Hove Albion in 1971. The recently acquired moped obviously came in very handy as I could work, fish and go to the Goldstone all in the same day. "Peter Ward" was my hero, and I was very lucky in seeing most of his games for the Albion.  

Music was also very important. The emerging punk scene was by the end of the year, a pivotal part of my life. The first punk single I purchased was "New Rose" by the Damned, and I have requested this song to be played at my funeral, even though I don't intend on dying just yet. 

With so many distractions, I could easily be forgiven in letting angling take a back seat for a while, but during the summer of 1976, I probably did more sessions than in any year, before or since. I was practising speed fishing for Roach and Gudgeon at Dunorlan Park and would often get over 100 fish in two hours. I never got into Carp, sitting around waiting for a fish that might never feed was not my thing.

It was bloody hot that summer, although one August night when we fished Bayham, proved to be unbelievably cold. There was a dew frost at dawn, I can't remember catching, but found my way into the church to warm up, leaving my best mate Kevin Fowler shivering on the bank. Later that day, Gary "Bunny" Neuman and Anthony "Plug" Crampton turned up and by midday, boredom set in, leading to a very silly game to see who could lift the biggest cow pat. I refused to enter, Bunny had a finger of shit, Plug did two, and then Kevin put both hands under the whole pancake!

Another memorable session saw me arrive at Bayham at dawn when I wasn't supposed to finish work until 07:00. I'd had three good Tench, a 2 lb 8oz Chub and a Roach of 1 lb 6oz all whilst still being paid by British Rail. This was to become a regular occurrence during the next four years. I'd love to find the time to do it all again. How I squeezed so much into my teenage years, I will never know?

Closed Season, Cold Turkey !

Come on, we've all done it, fished where you're not supposed to. Remember as a kid, quietly creeping past a house to get to a lake hidden to all but the well informed? Age and maturity has probably taught me to respect people's property, but when it comes to forgotten streams and rivers around the Kent & Sussex borders, that's another matter!

In all fairness. in four years of "minding" the upper Medway, where I act as a bailiff, to keep people like me away from illegally fishing the club waters, I've only had a handful of incidents. Usually they offer the same excuses I used, such as "I thought this was a free stretch" or "I've just joined the club, but haven't got my card yet" or the most common one, "I never saw a sign saying it was private" Some clubs, including mine, are guilty of not placing adequate signage in prominent positions. I've tried to remedy this, and thankfully, those signs are still in place.

     The word "poaching" literally means,-

"To illegally hunt or catch (game or fish) on land that is not one's own, or incontravention of official protection"

As very few anglers fish for the pot nowadays, we can assume that any person caught "poaching" are simply there to flout the laws of the land to get some free fishing. Of course, with the influx of immigrants from Poland and the former Soviet countries means that more education is required to protect our valuable stock when club members are not around.

It's now getting towards the end of May 2014 and I've been out spotting fish on my local river. Aside from sporting my best Polaroid's, noting the changes the winter floods have made, is as important as spending time wetting a line. The bonus of seeing Barbel spawning, or a rogue Carp cruising upstream is worth it's weight in gold. Adding into the equation the song birds at their most majestic best, I could be forgiven into thinking that in heaven, it is always this time of year.

The excitement of June 16th is far too precious to devalue by casting a line during the three months closed season when fishing on rivers is prohibited, and I'm very proud to have never been tempted. Since the enforced lay-off was abolished on still waters in the early 1990's, I've been visiting Ireland to get my "River Fix" The downside of my spring pilgrimage, is the apparent lack of species such as Chub, Barbel, Grayling and Dace, so on my return, I eagerly await the glorious 16th!

So what is the purpose of this blog page? As you can see in the heading, "confessions of a naughty angler" I'm not always a good boy. I still like to fish where I'm not allowed. I draw the line to waters where clubs have taken time to place signs, or on private land where the owner has "No Fishing" on a gate, but if a stretch of water doesn't, then I'm very likely to have secretly parked the van a good distance away and enjoyed the thrill of being that same young lad in the first paragraph.!

My favourite method is the stick float on a short 10' rod, carrying only essential items such as landing net, scales, weigh sling and everything else tucked away in my multi-pocketed waistcoat. Bait would usually be Red Maggots or sweetcorn with pinkees offered as loose feed and possibly a wee bit of brown crumb laced with hemp and molasses  I've certainly no time for Sensas or Van den Eynde at £4 per bag!

In the coming months, I'll be visiting some of those forgotten streams in search of wild fish. If I do happen to get caught where I shouldn't be, then that's my fault for being there! A good friend once advised me to "never con a conman" so I may use my favourite line "you may own the land, but God owns the fish" That one really confused the owner of Horsebridge Mill near Hailsham on the Cuckmere a few years back and he didn't want to have a run in with a religious nutter. I still go there several times a year!

If anyone can remember fishing at the Lake in Reynolds Lane near Tunbridge Wells during the mid-seventies, I'll share with you a small confession. A young girl (probably the farmers daughter) used to come around looking for the 10p day ticket money. Her name was Denise, but we christened her disease because of her not too pleasant body odour. I managed to go a whole summer of free fishing as she never had change for a five pound note. Little did she know I didn't have the note anyway, but she was so thick and never asked to see it!

It was great being 14!

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