Trout, My First One and then Some More !

By the time I was 13, I spent almost all my free time fishing. Living in a Hampshire village and near the South Downs, there were a multitude of ponds, lakes and streams in which to ply and hone my craft.

Across three or fields, I discovered a stunning little stream-fed pool that was stuffed with trout, all of about a pound and a half to two pound. Initially, it didn't occur to me that these trout had been stocked into the pool by the farmer that owned the land. I found out when I was caught fishing there and was tersely told to 'bugger off and don't come back'. I wanted one of those trout!

So, equipped with spool of line, a luminous float, a small pot of maggots and under cover of darkness, I set off for the pool. For a about fifteen minutes, I sat quietly observing what I could and when I was sure it was OK, cast my hand-line about 15 feet into the pool followed by about a dozen maggots. In less than a minute, my float shot under and I connected with a trout and in less than a minute landed it by dragging it up onto the grass bank.

Having made the trip, I was not going to leave so quickly, so I cast my line again. The above process repeated in rapid succession until I had four fat trout in my bag.

During the next few months, I think I had in excess of forty trout from the hidden pool. Needless to say, I grew into adulthood and ceased such activity. I cannot deny that it was exciting and my mother was delighted at the almost constant supply of fresh trout.

My parents were not told of my source until several years later. The farmer, I suspect knew that something or someone was reducing his trout stocks but never actually found out. Sorry !