Rob Bettridge Poet Rhyme

Pleasure Angling

Cast to the left of me, cast to my right
Cast out in front of me but I can’t get a bite
I’ve changed my tactics many times, tried legering and float
And now the heavy pouring rain has soaked right through my coat

Eyes peeled, alert, despite the odds, I fish my chosen spot
The Brolly that I thought I'd packed is one that I forgot!
The Net I Have brought with me lies unused and at my side
I tell myself, I'll catch one soon and many more beside

Non anglers think we’re barmy and all who fish are mad
“To be obsessed with drowning worms is only for the sad”
But non angling folk have no idea of the Buzz when the line goes tight
And the adrenalin rush when the fish is on and the rod bends to the fight 

Worms and Maggots, corn and flake on every size of hook
I’ve used up all the tricks I know, it seems I’m out of luck
The weather’s gone from bad to worse and now the wind’s a gale
I should be in a nice warm pub and supping pints of ale
 
Not every day is action packed with solid bites and takes
When your angling comes together with very few mistakes
There are days like this when nothing’s right and all you try’s in vain
Just fishing on with not a bite seems pointless and insane

Any size of fish would do, just to avoid a 'Blank'
What’s this! A twitch! About time too, my inert float just sank
I’m getting lots of bites at last ('though the fishless hours were Rotten)
Now it’s a bite with every cast and all before is forgotten

I have learned a bit and caught a few to finish off my day
Carefully I’ve set them free and watched them swim away
I am all packed up but before I go there is one last look to see
That I’ve left it clean and tidy for those who follow me

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Lindsay Laurie February 7, 2015 at 6:49 PM G'day Rob... This poem you wrote brought back memories of fishing for bream around lakes entrance... millions of fish smaller than the bait. Your final message is what hooked me. Finding sandworm boxes and prawn packets discarded... ugh! Thanks Rob - Lindsay

Nigel Fox February 6, 2015 at 3:47 PM Lovely piece ! Shame about the PC end though !! Rob Bettridge February 7, 2015 at 11:56 AM Thanks for your critique Nigel. The 'end' wasn't written with political correctness in mind but as common sense conservation of an environment I like to spend time in. Anglers who leave their 'Litter' behind them do the image of angling no favours in the eyes of non anglers or responsible conservation minded anglers. Importantly, discarded rubbish and items of tackle such as Line or Hooks can do much harm to Animals. Birds and People who come into contact with it. Furthermore, Discarded litter is not at all pleasing to the eye and the easiest and most convenient item to take with you is an empty Plastic Bag to put rubbish in then take it away and put it in a bin for collection. So I consider the 'Ending' as the right thing to do and the last line was an open invitation for everyone to adopt and practice a 'Don't leave litter' mind set for when they are out and about.