Simon Ladd Angling, Coaching,Guidance and Support

I had a rather pleasant spring day out with a couple of good friends yesterday. I spent most of the day watching and waiting, only casting when there was an opportunity.

Last blank of the season. On to the lakes and ponds for the spring and summer.

Nice to be out with the barbel rods again, on the "big" river. 250 mile round trip and not a bite all day!

Four years ago, anticipation on the shore of Lake Turkana with Sammy before the heat sets in.

Two years ago, trout fishing with friends amongst the tea plantations in the Abedare Hills of Kenya.

There's water everywhere, it took a while to find a fishable spot, and then:

Out in the Fens.
RIP Chris Rea.

Gone Fishing Provided to YouTube by RhinoGone Fishing · Chris ReaAuberge℗ 1991 Magnet Records LtdBass Guitar: Anthony DrennanSlide Guitar: Chris ReaOrgan, Vocals: Chris R...

A short day, full of sunshine, spent fishing for perch with Father Christmas.

A couple of hours on a Sunday morning with a friend recovering from surgery led to this.

"Sparkling gravel shallows where the river’s famous trout, grayling, barbel and chub used to spawn were choked with fine sediment. Iconic chalk river plants such as starwort and crowfoot were gone. Once vibrant and clear waters were lethargic and opaque."

In a new blog from the Freshwater Biological Association, Simon Johnson (our charity's former Director) examines the declining health of the River Wensum. Abstraction, pollution, and habitat loss have all damaged this once thriving Norfolk chalk river.

With a precious ecosystem in serious peril, Simon asks what it will take to save the river... before it's too late. Read more: https://www.fba.org.uk/fba-voice/the-wensum-englands-dying-and-forgotten-chalk-river

A bit of a handful on the float rod while fishing for perch.