Steve Pope Barbel Fishing

First off, big apologies from me, it’s been a good while since I last posted a Blog Update.

I really have been too busy with other matters and writing on here has had to take its turn in the order of things. Lots of behind the scenes fishing stuff but mostly family affairs.

The most important development since I last wrote is the arrival of my first grandchild, a boy named Henry!

He arrived at the end of May in Sydney Australia, so I now have an Aussie grandson.

My wife spent the best part of May and well into June down under to help our daughter deal with all the stuff that surrounds childbirth, I held the fort back home.

Looking forward to seeing and holding Henry sometime soon.

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The other big family event is the wedding of my youngest daughter next week. It’s a big do and I’m looking forward to it, the speech is all prepared and fingers crossed the sun shines, the happy couple certainly deserve the weather gods to be kind after all the work they have put into it.

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On the TV front I had the winner of American Idol from the first auditions, the only problem is we don’t really do country music over here so thats the last we’re likely to see of Scotty and thats a shame because he is really good.

The Shadow Line just has to have been the best drama series for many a long year, incredible stuff that kept you guessing right up to the very end.

Loving the Apprentice as always, and a surprise on the making money from rubbish episode was seeing an ex BS committee man getting one over on the contestants, no flies on a proper Essex man eh Foxy?!

Wimbledon now and I have to say although I’m a Nadal man I have a strong feeling that Federer will win it this time round, he’s looking really strong and hungry for another title.

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We have lost some well known figures these past weeks, Seve, ‘enery and Clarence “Big Man” Clemons. The loss of the E Street man has hit me particularly hard, no more will he share the stage with the best live band I’ve ever seen. Very sad.

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Not going to dwell on the football, just hope Spurs hold on to Modric and Bale, not holding my breath though.

Far more important was seeing my young nephew play in his own cup final and emerge victorious. It was a long journey to Burnham but worth every minute to see the smiles on the kid’s faces at the end of the game. Well done Connor.

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I had a day at the Hay Festival and have to say it was brilliant. Managed to get hold of  a few complimentary tickets and saw Roy Hattersley, Dara O’Brain, Rosie Boycott, Germaine Greer and Larry Lamb……….a real diverse group of people! But that’s what the Festival is about, I’ll be back among the grey haired high brow hippies next year and I’ll catch a few days rather than just the one.

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The Barbel Society membership year has just begun so join up now, there’s plenty going on this year.

The latest issue of the BS magazine ,The Barbel Fisher, has recently come out and it has to be one of the best ever. Some very interesting articles covering many topics including an excellent review of the otter situation from Pete Reading.

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Thanks to everyone who has contacted me about Fred’s reels, there are a good few happy fisherman all raring to try their new centrepin’s out!

If you have been thinking about purchasing one of Fred’s pins then get in touch, Fred is able to turn orders around very quickly. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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I managed to get along to the Gloucester Regional meeting where Dave Mason gave a very interesting presentation as always. Have to say the venue in Tewkesbury was first class so if it’s in your area try to get along to the next one. I found myself sitting between two well known Lower Severn barbel fishers, Chris Ponsford aka The Pons and John Costello.

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Took delivery yesterday of an eleven and a twelve foot Free Spirit Barbel Seeker rod, believe me when I say these rods are as good as it gets and will take care of ninety percent of my barbel fishing. I’ll put some photo’s up shortly together with more info and in the meantime check out the Free Spirit website.

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I’ll be writing a monthly Diary piece for the Fishing Magic website. Ian Welch has taken over as Editor and I’m looking forward to contributing to what is undoubtedly the most popular Fishing website out  there.

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The Barbel Show turned out to be a great day, lots of people came along to watch a wide range of speakers and see what was on offer in the packed trade hall. I’m trying to put a full report together but here’s a few pics in the meantime.

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I went along to the Prince Albert Open Day and that was another very well attended event. The sun shone in the morning but unfortunately the rains came sfter lunch and put a damper on things. I found myself sitting on a panel next to Charles Jardine, what a character he is! Fred Bonney and Rich Frampton manned the Barbel Society stand along with Barry Norris who kindly put us all up for the night.

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I still have a few dates free for guiding days and October is beginning to fill so get in touch if you fancy a day on the Wye, Kennet, Severn, Teme, Warwickshire Avon or Severn.

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I’ve been out fishing on the Wye and managed a few up to just under nine pounds but with the wedding just days away I need to focus on my priorities!

Normal service will be resumed on here in July and as well as fishing shots you can look forward to a few wedding day photo’s with me dressed up to the nines!

The season is under way so it’s time to be out there fishing, here’s to lots of rod bending action for everyone.

Back soon,

STEVE