A few ales in the Nelson Hotel were the undoing of this nice mulloway.
The joys of angling are many and one of my favourites is the chance to travel to well hidden gems where strange surroundings are thwart with a host of fishing’s secret treasures. Travelling based success often hinges on real time local information, where first hand accounts can be the difference between a slack line and a bend in the rod. Does there exist such a place in fishing, where secrets are few and hard sought information flows with the fluent ease of a well pulled beer?
Behold, these places are one and the same, where the pungent smell of tobacco lingers amidst the rustic charm of the local bar. It helps that my affliction for well brewed ale coincides with the need to seek the facts on such fishing related matters. It is here at the local watering hole that stories are stretched as wide as an angler’s arms, but amidst the tall tales and banter, slivers of truth and know-how will often hold good company.
Every pub, especially those along the coast, have or at least know of a gun fisho local to the area. Personal assessment generally shows that the loudest of the unknown catch the least number of fish. Self-praise is no recommendation, ’tis the ones who think first that show angling aptitude and have the knowledge to take their time. They will quietly sit and assess the conversation from afar. Visible signs of interest may come with a slight tilt of the head in order to lend an ear. In time, curiosity may see them shuffle the chair a little closer. Not unlike their quarry, they show the same interest as a fish slowly moving its way along a well laid burley trail. They are enticed by angling related matters, yet cautious enough to hang on the outer.
It’s from this rim of the conversation they are free to sort the information, dividing it into separate piles like a well earned catch. In one pile the rubbish fish easily caught and accessible to most who can bait a hook. In the other those fish prized and landed with skill and know-how by but a few.
If they lose interest and move back to their hold along the bar then you have lost them. If by chance they offer comment, ’tis wise to listen as this is where the prize of angling lies. Genuine interest prompts the need to teach and many secrets and skills, lost to most, will be shared freely and with much enthusiasm. It is human nature where the need for fulfilment drives the momentum of the conversation—that and the tongue-loosening effects of a pitcher or two of wide-mouthed soup. To share one’s passion with those of lesser knowledge brings rewards of its own. If you have not done so already, this is the time to offer a beer; it is only fair that you give in return.
From such meetings friendships are made where return visits are met with a handshake and the good oil on what’s happening. Angling is practised on many levels— be it river, lake or sea—a few ales in the local hotel can reveal some of fishing’s finer moments. But remember not to overdo the gathering as seasickness is not confined solely to the ocean and to forget what was shared will leave you none the wiser when you hit the water the next day out.
