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The excellent It’s a Fine Line article (November) by Paul Whitehouse, with wonderful comments by Bob Mortimer, rang true to my own experiences since resurrecting my childhood fishing in my late fifties with a good friend, Mike. He also wanted to start again following serious heart issues. So in December 2004, we went on a pike fishing outing. On arrival, we set up our basic tackle and cast out. Like Paul and Bob, we chatted about everything – it was so satisfying and rewarding. After a short time, my alarm buzzed, and the line started to spool from the reel. As I wound in, a huge pike appeared. It weighed 26-27lb on cheap scales and was soon returned after quick photos.
Mike and I were gobsmacked at this incredible fluke. It was only later that it sank in this had been a fish of a lifetime. Mike then managed to catch a 15 pounder and I finished with a small jack pike.
In high spirits, we left for home, enthralled with our first of what has become many pleasurable outings, when good company, scenery, wildlife and being out in the countryside are our main enjoyment, with catching a bonus.
Angling’s health benefits are widely known and this rang true close to home when I received an unexpected diagnosis in March 2020 of myriad blood clots on the lungs and a possible cancerous growth. Treatment and a slow recovery meant no fishing for three years until recently another friend took me at short notice. I have enjoyed all episodes of Gone Fishing and look forward to many more.
Christmas for one
I felt for the lady who wrote to Alan Johnson about Christmas (November), having gone through similar thoughts when my marriage ended.
With no family nearby and friends scattered all over, I decided to make it a special day for me. I bought a jigsaw, a good book, a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, put up a few decorations along with cards received, and treated myself to a dinner of my choice that I enjoyed preparing and eating. I have done the same since. I also used to go to an early church service, and have helped out at a charity Christmas dinner, which was rewarding.
Over the years, many have said, ‘You can’t be on your own at Christmas’, but I’ve come to prefer it. I hope this gives people some ideas about how not to feel dejected because they are on their own, and to think about what is possible.
Instant attraction
I enjoyed the article about Richard Osman (October). I recently watched the episodes of House of Games in which he met his future wife. Knowing now that they have since married, I was interested to see the attraction between them – it was so obvious! He mentioned her name more often than the other contestants, and the flir
