Hi Neil,

I'm happy for you and wish you the best. We all may have a reckoning coming one day but I'm keeping a steady keel here and all is well.

 

We all have that time coming but faith grows in many directions.

Thanks for your word, Hardyreels.

Neil.

 

I like a drink and usually have a glass or two on a Saturday night....but if you've packed up ( for whatever reason) then that's you're choice and good on you 👍

If it came to no alcohol or no fishing then it's an easy choice for me.....and I'll see you on the bank🐟🐟

I had a couple of beers one lunchtime many years ago while fishing......never again - that was the first and only time while fishing.

Balance, reactions feel for the line all gone to pot....I thought I could handle a drink and would be fine after a couple of pints but the change was immense.......I was missing takes that I shouldn't have done and turned into an even bigger muppet 🤣🤣

 

Don't get me wrong if you enjoy a pint or two there's nothing wrong with that Rob.
Friday and Saturday was my drinking time. But things change !

I used to drink heavier in the past on choir concerts. But with travel sickness that would spoil the event.

Some people up this valley associate fishing with drinking go hand in hand. That's why up this valley I hav'nt got many freinds ( apart from MTAA).

Nice sharing words Rob.

Neil.

 

Bad luck on giving up the drink Neil, I'm just back from a two week fishing/drinking binge and thoroughly enjoyed the combination as I have done for many, many years. Still here surprisingly!

 

There is nothing wrong with that diawl bach I'm glad for you.

My body is not capable of certain things but fishing catch or not I'm happy to do.

Carry on being yourself, I'm happy for you.

Neil.

 

At 21 gave up alcohol for near 10 years, then had occasional drinks, used to shoot (a lot) and on game days it was "normal" to have a drink at lunch ( I would think Banned now). Fishing was different, very rare. Nowadays may have an odd drink, but never fishing (probably due to driving to most spots) However one private fishery I go to and do not have to drive most times has a "Free Bar", tends to be good malts and vintage port ? Never had one yet and no intension of. As with Perch & Rob, the two don't mix. I would rather have a bad days fishing than ruin it all with drinking.
Saying all this, tonight I drive my wife to concert band practice, I go for a drink and a read in a very quiet pub, then she drives me home. Now that is the right way to do it !
Not against alcohol in any way, but there is a time and place, plus a limit. I have seen it ruin too many lives ? 4 chaps I served my time with became alcoholics and died young (40's and early 50's), 2 of them were very good amateur sportsmen, (social drinking gone wrong). All 4 were warned that continuing drinking would kill them all failed to listen.

 

At 21 gave up alcohol for near 10 years, then had occasional drinks, used to shoot (a lot) and on game days it was "normal" to have a drink at lunch ( I would think Banned now). Fishing was different, very rare. Nowadays may have an odd drink, but never fishing (probably due to driving to most spots) However one private fishery I go to and do not have to drive most times has a "Free Bar", tends to be good malts and vintage port ? Never had one yet and no intension of. As with Perch & Rob, the two don't mix. I would rather have a bad days fishing than ruin it all with drinking.
Saying all this, tonight I drive my wife to concert band practice, I go for a drink and a read in a very quiet pub, then she drives me home. Now that is the right way to do it !
Not against alcohol in any way, but there is a time and place, plus a limit. I have seen it ruin too many lives ? 4 chaps I served my time with became alcoholics and died young (40's and early 50's), 2 of them were very good amateur sportsmen, (social drinking gone wrong). All 4 were warned that continuing drinking would kill them all failed to listen.

I know what you mean ejw it affects people in different ways. Long ago I used to be involution in Scootering. I used to attend rallies and do's all over the country and abroad. Which led to me travelling and drinking, it was good I enjoyed.

I did for a while attend Choir concerts and continue my drinking. Again enjoyed singing and drinking. I then got married moved further up the valley and joined local choir. Rhymney Silurians are a more mature choir but after Pandemic numbers of choirists are low.

So after my operation and my past drinking history I was happy to leave it there. I'm just speaking for myself if your capable, go for it !

Regards

Neil.

 

I never have any Alcohol when fishing.It's the 1 time alcohol and water don't mix. Just like Rob states upthread,

Jim

 

I agree Jim I find it slows my sences. I miss enough fish as it is !

Plus my health drinking Alcohol when and truly stopped.

Thanks Jim

Neil.

 

FFF anglers

I thought I'd write about this subject, not every body would agree with me or have different veiws ?

I have drunk Alcohol for many years, 30 years plus. But it started when I could feal my inner body nerves quivering. Not quivering by sight but noticeable within my own body. That was first point that led to the stop.

Second point which led to stop drinking Alcohol. Recently I had operation which led to remove part of my pancreas. To me that was a Big Operation.

With my love for Fly tying and the need for steadiness of hand drinking Alcohol was left there. I'm so happy overall to the decision that I have arrived, and don't miss drinking Alcohol in the slightest. There are stronger interests in life.

My personal veiw.

Neil.

Great subject, I enjoy both Irish, Scotch and American Whisky/Whiskey but can pretty much leave most other tipples. I don't drink when fishing until I'm home of an evening.
There's an old saying "Whisky kills young men and keeps old men alive."
Well my old boss for many years knocked a bottle of Bells a day back, was 20 odd stone and lived to be ninety without a days illness in his life.
My best school mate, who farms in NZ was never a great spirit drinker is 65 and has had many health issues, despite being slim fit and athletic- his Dad is nearly a hundred, used to knock a bottle of Scotch a day and smoke a full Havana- he knocks a bottle of Brandy a day now ( kinder to his throat) and still has a Havana every morning and still Milks 250 cows from 4 am several times a week- Cigar in mouth! He looks about sixty and still drives his Roller about- never had any money worries though?

 

Great subject, I enjoy both Irish, Scotch and American Whisky/Whiskey but can pretty much leave most other tipples. I don't drink when fishing until I'm home of an evening.
There's an old saying "Whisky kills young men and keeps old men alive."
Well my old boss for many years knocked a bottle of Bells a day back, was 20 odd stone and lived to be ninety without a days illness in his life.
My best school mate, who farms in NZ was never a great spirit drinker is 65 and has had many health issues, despite being slim fit and athletic- his Dad is nearly a hundred, used to knock a bottle of Scotch a day and smoke a full Havana- he knocks a bottle of Brandy a day now ( kinder to his throat) and still has a Havana every morning and still Milks 250 cows from 4 am several times a week- Cigar in mouth! He looks about sixty and still drives his Roller about- never had any money worries though?

I'm happy for these people they're life style is different to mine. But if I can put more hours on my clock I'll live my life this way.

Thanks for your word Hardrar.

Neil.

 

I used to go as a guest to a partridge shoot, the day started in a pub car park and 2 bottles of champagne between the guns, was never that happy about it

 

I'm not surprised, only two bottles eh?

 

All

I rarely drink when actially fishing but what I do like is a pint on the pub after especially if I've travelled and I'm with a few others and its been a warm day. Our days out at other fishers will also end with a pint on the way home usually in an old country pub - just the one I will point out. To me it goes to make a part of a good and also bad 😁 day out with like minded anglers and I must admit I look forward to it during the day.

Last year i got into a habit of having a small whiskey when tying flies but that had to stop as it didnt go hand in glove with getting up for work at 6 oclock. I now tie without the alcohol- unless it's the weekend 👍😁

Paul

 

All

I rarely drink when actially fishing but what I do like is a pint on the pub after especially if I've travelled and I'm with a few others and its been a warm day. Our days out at other fishers will also end with a pint on the way home usually in an old country pub - just the one I will point out. To me it goes to make a part of a good and also bad 😁 day out with like minded anglers and I must admit I look forward to it during the day.

Last year i got into a habit of having a small whiskey when tying flies but that had to stop as it didnt go hand in glove with getting up for work at 6 oclock. I now tie without the alcohol- unless it's the weekend 👍😁

Paul

I agree it's part of your lifestyle and enjoyment paul100. But I have arrived at my decision for different reasons.

Thanks for your word paul100.

Neil.

 

I haven't had a drink for 16 years. I gave it up when daughter was born and my lad was 1 year old. I was not a good drunk and I didn't want my kids to ever see me drunk. So because I'm fly fishing less than 16 years I've never had the opportunity to mix the two but I could only imagine the types of situations I'd get myself into if I did. I probably wouldn't survive the first outing or I'd lose all my gear 😂

 

Well spoke webblade.

Neil

 

I have on occasion employed a Vivarelli semi automatic reel so that I have a hand free to hold a glass of gin.

 

First sensible comment you have made for days !

 

Even having just a beer is out for me actually. A full 98% of my fishing involves driving this.......

Those things will run over gravel bars or sand bars with just 2" of water but these rivers have a good number of big boat buster boulders strewn about that you must remember by location. Some stretches of river have so many that your course is a long zig zag drive for 15 miles or more. If you were to get too relaxed and then zag when you should have zigged, well that is gonna ruin the day........................

So no I don't drink while fishing. If I'm not in that jet boat then I'm strapped in this......

 

What is that? and the shadow on the right looks like you have a large dog in the roof!

 

Weirdly, I’ve found that a stiff drink steadies the hand...

 

Weirdly, I've found that a stiff drink steadies the hand...

We had a QMS like that once. Useless at t*ts on a bull between 0900 and 1200 and again from 1500.

 

I stick to the weekend only, nothing better in the summer than getting home from a long day on the river and a bottle of Aspalls Cider, followed by a few glasses of Cloudy Bay.

Once the clocks go back and it's Pike/Perch along the river, I switch to a bottle or two of Old P, and a couple of glasses of Red, normally a Pinot. And a few of what ever on Sunday.

Nothing Monday to Friday, when I was younger I used to drink like a fish. Not any more, cant hack it.

 

I believe in moderation in all things. I'm not a 'social drinker', and only imbibe a beer or a glass of wine with an occasional meal. I rarely, very rarely, have a whisky or gin.

I am also mindful that there is a time and place for things. I also recognise that fishing can pose a risk of drowning for the careless or imprudent -- and that alcohol can affect one's judgement. Considering that, I personally refrain from drinking alcohol when I'm on the water.

That said, those are my choices, and I don;'t and won't begrudge anyone a pint at their pleasure.

 

I believe in moderation in all things. I'm not a 'social drinker', and only imbibe a beer or a glass of wine with an occasional meal. I rarely, very rarely, have a whisky or gin.

I am also mindful that there is a time and place for things. I also recognise that fishing can pose a risk of drowning for the careless or imprudent -- and that alcohol can affect one's judgement. Considering that, I personally refrain from drinking alcohol when I'm on the water.

That said, those are my choices, and I don;'t and won't begrudge anyone a pint at their pleasure.

When I started yachting a doctor acquaintance of mine warned me that a to-be-taken-seriously cause of drowning was taking a wee off the end of the pier (or a boat) whilst sozzled - the sudden drop in blood pressure could cause one to lose ones balance and fall in. "Wear a life jacket" was his sage advice.

 

Ah yes, the ubiquitous PA18 Super Cub. I recognised it instantly. Lovely!

 

Did I just witness a knitting argument?

 

Sticky changed the subject again. That is twice now in the same thread.

He'll be talking about living under cell phone towers next, and all the health benefits..🤣🤣

 

I get fed up of the taste if on the beer, though I do like a good pint. 🍺
I also enjoy a good single 🥃. I did use to take a hip flask or add a dash to my coffee when fishing, but that is now many years ago. Take it or leave it. .
I've seen people drink and drink with no efect on them. Yet others, one pint and they want a fight.
I've a next door neighbout that's alcoholic. Sorry but no sympathy from me (I've had puke up my front door from them, no appology) and their family don't help matters, he still drinks (hides his cider in the shed) and they all go at weekends but she can't drink (unless she finds his cider in the shed ). I also spent the last 4 years of my working life looking after people who engaged in alcohol and drug abuse, still no sympathy from me. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the work and had a good laugh at times. Also had the other side to put up with. Now they are costing the tax payer thousands 💷££££££, yet the beer and alcohol industry made thousands out of them. I do have 2 mates/fishng budies that were in the pub trade and my brother-in-law also did work for the industry.
Just a bit of advice, binge drinking at weekends is far worse on the body than having a drink daily/nightly (especially if in moderation).

 

I used to drink about 10/12 bottles of beer a week and then some rum.
The beer drinking has stopped completely, I don't know why but the desire to have one beer has left me.
The rum on the other hand, I removed all the supermarket rum I had and bought some of the finer examples and only have a couple of glasses on a Friday or Sat evening when all the house is at peace. Sometimes my wife joins me and have a brilliant time talking.
I have never ever mixed fishing and drinking, never, in my eyes it feels like taboo.
Needless to say I feel better and I am loosing weight, I am not that over weight but it wont hurt.

 

I like a couple of pints on an sunny afternoon in the garden and in the past I have been known to have a few beers while sea fishing in Norfolk while on holiday, its only a couple of hundred yards back to the caravan so its not far to walk back. However that is the only time that I would drink while fishing

 

Hemingway had some snappy booze related quotes :-


"I drink to make other people more interesting"


“Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.”

 

My best friend and I occasionally get away to a cottage in Wales, by the Wye.

It's away from other people so we can spend the evening getting pissed around the campfire and not bother anyway.

The normal plan is up, leisurely breakfast, walk along the river to whichever beat we have and then fish until we've had enough.

I remember the first time we had the beat directly outside the cottage. We went back for lunch and ended up sharing a bottle of wine. We then stuck a couple of cans of lager in our bags and headed back to the river.

It was the most frustrating afternoon of fishing of my life.

I just had no co-ordination what so ever. Constantly got snagged on trees, my leader got in tangles that I then couldn't undo and I didn't dare wade out to get to the decent runs.

I would never drink and fly fish again if I wanted to enjoy the fishing.

The flip side to that is when you are having a drinking evening with a bit of fishing thrown in. Nothing wrong with sitting by a pond full of Rudd and seeing if you can still get a fly out to the big ones in the middle after two bottles of Merlot, just don't be surprised if you can't.

 

Sorry to disturb a trend..............but I turn up on the Derbyshire Wye and start fishing at about 11.00hrs and keep nervously consulting my watch........so I can avail myself of both the lunchtime menu and the delicious draught beers available at The Peacock hotel at Rowsley. It's not all about catching fish!

 

No trend disturbed. Each answer seemed to be a little different to the last. Some like a drink, some don't, some have one and fish, some don't. No right or wrong just all on a slightly different journey with some things in common and some not

 

My old fishing mate Johnny J was a publican and most outings with him involved a lunchtime break at a local pub, it was just what he did. It was often a pain in the arris really, especially when the fishing was good, but he was the best company and nearly twenty years my senior, so I just went along with it. His ashes were scattered into the Wharfe from Bolton Bridge and he’s with me still on our favourite pools.
B

 

My old fishing mate Johnny J was a publican and most outings with him involved a lunchtime break at a local pub, it was just what he did. It was often a pain in the arris really, especially when the fishing was good, but he was the best company and nearly twenty years my senior, so I just went along with it. His ashes were scattered into the Wharfe from Bolton Bridge and he's with me still on our favourite pools.
B

I like the "twenty years senior line". I've always gravitated toward older people, be it in pubs, fishing, etc. My old man and I spoke about this donkeys years back, he said " It's easy boy, older people normally have a story to tell and you love a story"

My main angling buddy retired to Wales three years ago, he is nearly 20 years my senior. We are totally different he was originally from Doncaster and me from the East End of London. But we just got on and had a right laugh the years we fished together.

Nice memory Brian.

 

My fly fishing vest has a back pocket that holds 4 cans of ale, or 2 plus 2 water if a puff is along. Balances the front weight perfectly for wading and relaxes my day fishing.