My rod will be already set

My rod will be already set-up with 4lb line and size eight hook. The landing net will be set-up and folded down. Everything else will be ready in my little pack. It is much easier to approach fish from below, so if there is time I will walk to the bottom of the stretch I intend to fish before approaching the river. Donít be tempted to peek at the river. You will always manage to spook a good number of fish when approaching the river, having to do it twice simply doubles your chance of alerting the fish of your presence. Once I have found a spot worth fishing, I will hold the rod and net to one side so that their shadows are not cast over the water. Creeping on the balls of my feet I look at where I am putting my feet rather than the water. Keep off the skyline, move slowly and you will reduce your chances of spooking the fish. As I get a good view of the water (not always possible) I stop and survey the scene. Are there any fish visible? Is there any particular fish that I want to catch? If nothing is visible, after a couple of minutes I might try a splashy cast to the head of the swim, just in case the fish are lying under the bank or further downstream. Often this will elicit an instant response as a fish shoots forward and grabs the bait. If fish are visible then you have two options. On some rivers it is possible to cast right amongst the fish, spooking them in the process, but their greed overcomes them and they will turn around and grab the bait. This is more often the case on relatively deep rivers, like the Kennet, and where the fish are not so heavily pressured. Should the water be exceedingly shallow, or the fish pressurised, then it is much better to cast as quietly as possible. Generally, when employing the second method I will use a bait, like bread flake, which covers the hook, allowing me to cast on to the far bank, before drawing the bait back into the path of the fish. Should there be one particular fish that catches your attention then you should be prepared to sit and wait awhile. Most times the fish will move around to some degree and visit different parts of the swim. Follow the movements of the fish and when it is split up from the others make a cast. There is no guarantee with this method, but sodís law says that you will never catch the fish you want by chancing everything to luck. Once a fish is hooked you will need to get it out pretty quick. The chances are you are fishing a snag ridden hole in the undergrowth, which any sane angler will give a wide birth. This is where the balanced tackle and long handled net allow you to bundle the fish out as quickly as possible. Once you have landed a fish, or spooked them in the process of presenting them a bait, it is time to move on. Trying to catch more than one fish from each swim will not only normally prove fruitless, but will also greatly disturb them. Better to leave them in peace until another day.

That about sums up my approach to stalking fish in summer rivers. There are other more specialised methods, such as floater fishing and using micro-lures which are worth trying, but the principles of travelling light, spotting the fish and presenting a bait to them without alerting them are just the same. Although it has taken me over two thousand words to describe my methods to you this really is a simple method and the best way to learn is by trial and error. Have fun!