Stalking a Great Way to Catch Fish

One of the most enjoyable and satisfying ways of catching fish is the stalking method this is best accomplished on small rivers or streams.  For many years I have fished the river Witham near to Grantham where I live.  Just a few miles out of town you are in the middle of the countryside at this juncture the river is little more than a stream.  On one side for about seven miles you can walk unhindered enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.  My favourite time of the year is early summer when the river is full of life.

This is a great way to spend a few hours I prefer to get to the riverbank just before dawn giving me three or four hours to walk and fish my favourite spots. You only need basic equipment a rod, landing net, a few spare hooks and floats.  I also have a fishing waistcoat with rubber lined pockets for a handful of baits like maggots or worms.  More natural baits like slugs can also be used which are very effective for species like chub.  The way I like to use this bait is to freeline that is not to use any weights or indicators like floats to register a bite, but to just let the current carry the slug to where I hope the fish are waiting.  This method has accounted for several large chub in excess of five pounds for me on light tackle they prove to be hard fighting and highly entertaining fish.

At other points of the river it is possible to catch quite small but beautiful fish called Dace.  This calls for more finesse light lines small hooks but as you often find them in the faster flowing shallower water more caution and better presentation is required.  Like a trout they will often take from the surface for this species I like to use bread flake as bait again letting the current carry the bait to the feeding fish.  To catch these little marvels is great fun and to be recommended.

The benefits of this kind of fishing are immense, you start to have a better understanding of how nature works and how everything is intertwined be it fish or water fowl plant life they all depend on each other for survival.  Plus the health benefits of walking in fresh air are enormous just a few hours of this activity will refresh and revitalise you leaving you feeling tired but content.

I hope you will try this and enjoy a simple but satisfying way to catch fish and enjoy the wonders that can be found with just a little effort.