I work full time, Monday to Friday so my sessions are limited to weekends unless i book time off (which i assume is the case for most anglers really). So far this year I've managed 25 nights, which I personally think is a good effort considering the lockdown. I reckon by the end of the year i'll hopefully have managed around 50 nights.
But out of interest, how many nights do you guys normally manage per year?
But out of interest, how many nights do you guys normally manage per year?
In reply to Post #1
At least 2 a week, 60 y.o. And retired! Waited a long time for this!!
At least 2 a week, 60 y.o. And retired! Waited a long time for this!!
I the same as you work mon to fri so have to fit in fishing around work and family life....i normally get out probably 25 - 35 times a year generally from Saturday morning till Sunday evening.... i manage to get most time on the bank when the weather is at its worst and fishing is not the most prolific.....
During the better weather April till September i probably get fishing 3 sessions every 2 months...as the other weekends are spent with the missus or doing decorating etc....... during September till April i might get out 2-3 times a month.....
Working and family life I'd say averaging once a week or 50 times a year is pretty good going....
During the better weather April till September i probably get fishing 3 sessions every 2 months...as the other weekends are spent with the missus or doing decorating etc....... during September till April i might get out 2-3 times a month.....
Working and family life I'd say averaging once a week or 50 times a year is pretty good going....
In reply to Post #1
So far since The lakes opened again I have done 25, should hit 50 by the end of the year. I no longer fish nights in December and January. So 50 is pretty good going, had some very decent fish in the last four weeks too, I hope it lasts a while.
So far since The lakes opened again I have done 25, should hit 50 by the end of the year. I no longer fish nights in December and January. So 50 is pretty good going, had some very decent fish in the last four weeks too, I hope it lasts a while.
20 nights since June 1st.
I started a lot of decorating during lockdown and the wife is wanting it finishing (and I'm working Mon-fri) so fishing time has been sadly limited - but very productive. Hoping to step it up in September.
3 nights for me so far this year - working at least 5 days a week with further weeks blocked off by being on call. I often lack the motivation to go on the weekends especially as it is the only time I really get to do anything with the other half.
In reply to Post #1
Think anything over 50 for a working man with a family is a good turn out, I don't have the later so get 6/8 nights a month
Think anything over 50 for a working man with a family is a good turn out, I don't have the later so get 6/8 nights a month
Work Mon to Fri all the usual family commitments ,i manage around 20 nights a year
Not done a night since 2018 and that was 2 nights lol
In reply to Post #1
I work Monday-Friday and have fished 2 night a week since we were allowed again after lockdown. Mostly fish weeknights in between work, it's pretty rare for me to fish weekends and if I do it's similar times- 6-7pm through to 8am.
If you have a family and a full time job, and struggle to find time to go fishing, I would strongly urge you to scale down your kit and start fishing weeknights between work. Since I started doing this a few years ago it has revolutionised my fishing and I have more time in the bank than ever before, whilst having the weekends for my Missus and kids.
It required a bit of effort, but you'll soon become quick and efficient. Well worth it.
I work Monday-Friday and have fished 2 night a week since we were allowed again after lockdown. Mostly fish weeknights in between work, it's pretty rare for me to fish weekends and if I do it's similar times- 6-7pm through to 8am.
If you have a family and a full time job, and struggle to find time to go fishing, I would strongly urge you to scale down your kit and start fishing weeknights between work. Since I started doing this a few years ago it has revolutionised my fishing and I have more time in the bank than ever before, whilst having the weekends for my Missus and kids.
It required a bit of effort, but you'll soon become quick and efficient. Well worth it.
In reply to Post #11
Never a truer word Phil. Once you crack the art of week overnighters and strip your kit down to bare essentials, it is not only refreshing but keeps you sharp and on it.
Most bite times on my waters are midnight to 0600, this type of angling works perfectly for those guys that need to be up and gone to work and also spend weekends doing other things.
The key is to take next to nothing and get rid of all the clutter. I think this is where I've become a convert of the Scope Rods, was always 13ft Free Spirits Hi's however, using these little 10ft 3.5TC scopes it allows lest clutter and quicker mobility. I don't think there is much different in packing away times of say normal rods and the scopes as they can be a bit fiddly to get back into the rod bag but, these little rods are part of my overnight strategy. Feels odd now with a FS in my hand, they fell awkward and like a broom handle.
Never a truer word Phil. Once you crack the art of week overnighters and strip your kit down to bare essentials, it is not only refreshing but keeps you sharp and on it.
Most bite times on my waters are midnight to 0600, this type of angling works perfectly for those guys that need to be up and gone to work and also spend weekends doing other things.
The key is to take next to nothing and get rid of all the clutter. I think this is where I've become a convert of the Scope Rods, was always 13ft Free Spirits Hi's however, using these little 10ft 3.5TC scopes it allows lest clutter and quicker mobility. I don't think there is much different in packing away times of say normal rods and the scopes as they can be a bit fiddly to get back into the rod bag but, these little rods are part of my overnight strategy. Feels odd now with a FS in my hand, they fell awkward and like a broom handle.
In reply to Post #11
I've done seasons like this in the past, but I found it a killer. I was going to work so tired the next day that I began to think it was getting dangerous.
Also I lost count of the amount of times I'd have fish showing over my bait as I was packing up. All became very frustrating.
I can have some pretty hefty walks back from swims on my waters, in an effort to maximise the time I actually had rods out I found myself fishing car park swims more and more. Probably cost me fish by not being on them.
So midweek overnighters didn't really work for me.
Now I prefer to get to the lake earlier on a Friday afternoon, have more time to look about and set up. Then I still pack up fairly early on sat morning. So I still feel I'm getting a weekend as well.
I've done seasons like this in the past, but I found it a killer. I was going to work so tired the next day that I began to think it was getting dangerous.
Also I lost count of the amount of times I'd have fish showing over my bait as I was packing up. All became very frustrating.
I can have some pretty hefty walks back from swims on my waters, in an effort to maximise the time I actually had rods out I found myself fishing car park swims more and more. Probably cost me fish by not being on them.
So midweek overnighters didn't really work for me.
Now I prefer to get to the lake earlier on a Friday afternoon, have more time to look about and set up. Then I still pack up fairly early on sat morning. So I still feel I'm getting a weekend as well.
In reply to Post #13
I lost count of the amount of times I'd have fish showing over my bait as I was packing up.
Snap. When I was doing work overnighters this used to kill me. So frustrating.
I lost count of the amount of times I'd have fish showing over my bait as I was packing up.
Snap. When I was doing work overnighters this used to kill me. So frustrating.
In reply to Post #14
I think maybe if you can go straight to work from the lake it's not as bad, but I need my van for work and I can't work out if it with it full of my gear. So I have to go home and unload first. Plus my journey home is round the M25 in the morning, the road from hell. So I had to build in enough time not to be late for my first appointment at 8.30am. So I was definitely packing up time and time again at bite time. Especially later in the year when the nights have drawn in. I was off home at first light. I didn't find this a productive way to fish at all.
On top of that with my waters being so weedy, you need to be doing a lot of leading about to get spots. You create all that disturbance and the fish definitely don't like it. I never really felt I was allowing the swim to settle again before I was doing the off again.
I think maybe if you can go straight to work from the lake it's not as bad, but I need my van for work and I can't work out if it with it full of my gear. So I have to go home and unload first. Plus my journey home is round the M25 in the morning, the road from hell. So I had to build in enough time not to be late for my first appointment at 8.30am. So I was definitely packing up time and time again at bite time. Especially later in the year when the nights have drawn in. I was off home at first light. I didn't find this a productive way to fish at all.
On top of that with my waters being so weedy, you need to be doing a lot of leading about to get spots. You create all that disturbance and the fish definitely don't like it. I never really felt I was allowing the swim to settle again before I was doing the off again.
In reply to Post #14
Probably about 50 nights a year but concentrated.
I tend to do every fri night between March & October and a few extra nights during holidays. When not on the Friday nights, I'm fishing Saturday on the rivers.
Probably about 50 nights a year but concentrated.
I tend to do every fri night between March & October and a few extra nights during holidays. When not on the Friday nights, I'm fishing Saturday on the rivers.
In reply to Post #15
It was a real double edged sword with the work overnighter, fishing a proper water, like you say it doesn't feel like the swim has settled by the time you leave. But after a long run of blanks I went to an easier venue, caught a lot of fish but had to work all day having had no sleep and without that buzz you get when you catch from a tricky water.
I do a lot of short morning/evening sessions at venues I can bait regularly, 20 nights a year would be a good one for me
It was a real double edged sword with the work overnighter, fishing a proper water, like you say it doesn't feel like the swim has settled by the time you leave. But after a long run of blanks I went to an easier venue, caught a lot of fish but had to work all day having had no sleep and without that buzz you get when you catch from a tricky water.
I do a lot of short morning/evening sessions at venues I can bait regularly, 20 nights a year would be a good one for me
I normally fish a work night each week between end of March and end of October, my. Issues works every Saturday so weekends don't happen for me. I take minimal kit and fish local lakes that I can bait 2-3 times a week, this maximises my chances, I also watch the weather and try to fish the best possible weather around our kids and family life routine. Keeps everyone happy generally, happy wife happy life etc 😁
Baiting this much and doing the overnighters takes some effort, but the rewards are made even sweeter due to this.
Baiting this much and doing the overnighters takes some effort, but the rewards are made even sweeter due to this.
In reply to Post #1
Work full time in the week & spend the weekends with the other half, worknights are the only way.
Managing 2 or 3 nights a week at the moment, can't complain - only wish the fish were playing ball!
Work full time in the week & spend the weekends with the other half, worknights are the only way.
Managing 2 or 3 nights a week at the moment, can't complain - only wish the fish were playing ball!
In reply to Post #1
I'm lucky if its 4-6 nights a year. I work full-time but as a single Dad with 3 kids, two 12 year old lads and a 14 year old daughter I just can't leave my kids alone overnight.
I'm therefore restricted to quick day sessions or if I'm lucky an overnight if I can get my mum to babysit.
When my daughter hits 16 then I'll feel a bit more comfortable going on overnight sessions but it's no joke not being able to do the kind of fishing you love.
I'm lucky if its 4-6 nights a year. I work full-time but as a single Dad with 3 kids, two 12 year old lads and a 14 year old daughter I just can't leave my kids alone overnight.
I'm therefore restricted to quick day sessions or if I'm lucky an overnight if I can get my mum to babysit.
When my daughter hits 16 then I'll feel a bit more comfortable going on overnight sessions but it's no joke not being able to do the kind of fishing you love.
I'm separated and single, and my children are grown up, late teens and twenties.
Until lockdown I worked full time, when I was put on furlough. When fisheries re-opened I fished probably 14 nights on lakes for carp, and a few nights for barbel on the river.
Normally I fish I suppose every other week on my two days off, sometimes for the two nights, sometimes just days for other species as well as carp.
I guess I fish around 75 days/nights a year. I'd much rather be fishing than in the pub or at home drinking.
Until lockdown I worked full time, when I was put on furlough. When fisheries re-opened I fished probably 14 nights on lakes for carp, and a few nights for barbel on the river.
Normally I fish I suppose every other week on my two days off, sometimes for the two nights, sometimes just days for other species as well as carp.
I guess I fish around 75 days/nights a year. I'd much rather be fishing than in the pub or at home drinking.
Up to couple yrs ago I'd do at least one work overnighter every week even in winter but with 4 kids and a mrs that's really my only option, I'm not the type of dad to leave her with them at the weekend after having them all week, plus I don't want my kids growing up and I've missed it as I've been fishing every weekend, and it's a recipe for divorce. It's weird thinking how 10 yrs ago I'd go every weekend for 48hrs without fail, I now treasure every overnighter I get as those hours are precious, I've found myself now only going once every 2 weeks and work overnighters in winter not quite so much, feel like I've lost the determination in winter to turn up at 6pm and leave at 6am
In reply to Post #22
I try to do 48rs every other week, I'm single and work 5 days a week (half-day every other Friday if I can wangle it).
I try to do 48rs every other week, I'm single and work 5 days a week (half-day every other Friday if I can wangle it).
In reply to Post #11
That's what I do 7pm till 7am.. once a week. Maybe push a bit longer in the morning depending .. easily manage 25 nights a year like that if you want to.. however I've only just got back into it and thinking if I can do 10 nights before winter I've done well. Wife , 2 kids, full time job ( trying to get them to let me do 9 days every 10 instead of 2 x 5 day weeks ) like most 20 to 40 yr olds i see the retirement game as a bad gamble / no hope of refirement at all so i want tbe time now while I'm fit and capable. Rather than eagerly awaiting this retirement that will likely never come until I'm 70.
That's what I do 7pm till 7am.. once a week. Maybe push a bit longer in the morning depending .. easily manage 25 nights a year like that if you want to.. however I've only just got back into it and thinking if I can do 10 nights before winter I've done well. Wife , 2 kids, full time job ( trying to get them to let me do 9 days every 10 instead of 2 x 5 day weeks ) like most 20 to 40 yr olds i see the retirement game as a bad gamble / no hope of refirement at all so i want tbe time now while I'm fit and capable. Rather than eagerly awaiting this retirement that will likely never come until I'm 70.
In reply to Post #24
Working in the bait industry means you are flat out from March to November and this means I generally fish 4 nights a month unless my good lady and daughter are away doing stuff. Sometimes I don't fish much at all in summer but catch up in winter where I can do 3 nights a week! I'm ok with that 😉
Working in the bait industry means you are flat out from March to November and this means I generally fish 4 nights a month unless my good lady and daughter are away doing stuff. Sometimes I don't fish much at all in summer but catch up in winter where I can do 3 nights a week! I'm ok with that 😉
I'm another one weekday night after work a week. Arrive about 7pm and on the road to work at 6.30 the next morning. This time of year it's great as evenings are long and being up at 5 to watch the sun rise is what it's all about for me. Not too fussed if the fish are there and I have to go, as there's always next week and catching isn't the be all and end all.
Winter is a bit more of a challenge!
Winter is a bit more of a challenge!
DP
On target for 130 nights from june 12th. Think that's enough.
None, days only for me.
In reply to Post #1
I only work a 4 day week, kids long grown up and moved on, still only manage about 15 nights a year! I'm on a syndicate where I can come and go as I please, I don't know how some manage shed loads of nights, work and run a household, see mate's and family 🤔
I only work a 4 day week, kids long grown up and moved on, still only manage about 15 nights a year! I'm on a syndicate where I can come and go as I please, I don't know how some manage shed loads of nights, work and run a household, see mate's and family 🤔
I use to do every weekend . Depending on what shift I was doing at work. If I was on an early shift then I'd do a Friday night till Monday morning. Then when on a late shift I'd do a Saturday and Sunday night. But the last few years I've been on days only on my club. But just got a night ticket for it a week ago and now on my 2nd 48 hours
I aim for 25.....ticket is justified then....... 
Having a full time job, wife, a 3 year old, and a house that always needs jobs doing, I'm lucky to do 10 nights a year....and a France trip.
My syndicate bugged the s**t out of me. Always the same faces, always stitching it up from Friday to Sunday, which made weekend fishing over there a no go. What I never understood was that when talking to most of these members, they also had wives and young kids, but still spent all weekend at the lake. I lost a lot of respect for these blokes, choosing fishing over seeing your kids grow up! Hopefully their wives are having it away with Barry next door! (Or am I just bitter)
I gave up syndicate life and now just squeeze in 4 or 5 hour sessions now and then on club lakes.
Someone once said that to be in the big fish game, you need to be single minded....and to be single minded you need to be single!
My syndicate bugged the s**t out of me. Always the same faces, always stitching it up from Friday to Sunday, which made weekend fishing over there a no go. What I never understood was that when talking to most of these members, they also had wives and young kids, but still spent all weekend at the lake. I lost a lot of respect for these blokes, choosing fishing over seeing your kids grow up! Hopefully their wives are having it away with Barry next door! (Or am I just bitter)
I gave up syndicate life and now just squeeze in 4 or 5 hour sessions now and then on club lakes.
Someone once said that to be in the big fish game, you need to be single minded....and to be single minded you need to be single!
I generally fish 48 hours on a Friday and Saturday night If I add my annual weeks jollies to France it's about 50/60 nights a year.
As said by others, my kids are in their late 20's I don't go to the pub maybe once or twice a year for an occasion or two and I work with my wife so we have each others company Monday to Friday 24/7 as well as one maybe two weekends in every month we will go off and do something together.
I have had years where I've done a lot more but the above is a happy balance for I me always look forward to my fishing then.
As said by others, my kids are in their late 20's I don't go to the pub maybe once or twice a year for an occasion or two and I work with my wife so we have each others company Monday to Friday 24/7 as well as one maybe two weekends in every month we will go off and do something together.
I have had years where I've done a lot more but the above is a happy balance for I me always look forward to my fishing then.
In reply to Post #1
One night a week for me every week, generally Fridays when the lakes at its peak anglers wise between late February and November, the very occasional weekend and the odd day off here and there. then weather permitting I fish days/ evenings for the most part on the rivers for other species. I used to fish far more, 2/3/4 nights a week between work and weekends, since that stopped 6 years ago I found my success in the way of big fish captures rocketed, funny old game, I found it's more about consistent intense angling and I seem to do it far better in shorter bursts.
One night a week for me every week, generally Fridays when the lakes at its peak anglers wise between late February and November, the very occasional weekend and the odd day off here and there. then weather permitting I fish days/ evenings for the most part on the rivers for other species. I used to fish far more, 2/3/4 nights a week between work and weekends, since that stopped 6 years ago I found my success in the way of big fish captures rocketed, funny old game, I found it's more about consistent intense angling and I seem to do it far better in shorter bursts.
In reply to Post #1
I'm about the same as yourself will be around 50 by the end of the year which is a real push, keeping a fine balance between fishing, and bein at home with the missus and kids. I take the pi$$ at certain times of the year and do less time at others
I'm about the same as yourself will be around 50 by the end of the year which is a real push, keeping a fine balance between fishing, and bein at home with the missus and kids. I take the pi$$ at certain times of the year and do less time at others
In reply to Post #20
not long now RigDemon . Hang in there. My son is now 13 . for last four years I hardly went as he stopped wanting to go
and I spent weekends taking him to skateparks.
but now he will do an overnighter with me any time just to stay in his pit all day LOL.
things constantly evolve.
not long now RigDemon . Hang in there. My son is now 13 . for last four years I hardly went as he stopped wanting to go
and I spent weekends taking him to skateparks.
but now he will do an overnighter with me any time just to stay in his pit all day LOL.
things constantly evolve.
In reply to Post #37
Not many nights now im getting old
but my kids love fishing and to be honest i did more than most in years gone by. Im happy doing days or short sessions now.
Not many nights now im getting old
but my kids love fishing and to be honest i did more than most in years gone by. Im happy doing days or short sessions now.
In reply to Post #37
I remember what it was like before I had kids, I was out constantly, car loaded up Thursday night and a sneaky get away from work at 3.30 Friday fishing straight through until Sunday afternoon. What bliss.
Sooo difficult now, the new misses wont entertain it like the old one did either. My mate Gary practically lives on the bank, I tell you what, massive compelling argument for staying single and childless.
Looking forward to more me time that's for sure 👍
I remember what it was like before I had kids, I was out constantly, car loaded up Thursday night and a sneaky get away from work at 3.30 Friday fishing straight through until Sunday afternoon. What bliss.
Sooo difficult now, the new misses wont entertain it like the old one did either. My mate Gary practically lives on the bank, I tell you what, massive compelling argument for staying single and childless.
Looking forward to more me time that's for sure 👍
In reply to Post #39
Well. Mines just bugger it all up.
He's broken his arm. AGAIN
Well. Mines just bugger it all up.
He's broken his arm. AGAIN
In reply to Post #1
I used to fish a minimum of 2 or 3 nights a week in UK and 14 nights in France up until 4 yrs ago
Since then and the fact Ive completly fell out of love with modern day carp angling bullcrap and bitching, I probably do 2 or 3 nights a year in uk and 7 nights in france.
don't think i'll ever return to carp fishing seriously
I used to fish a minimum of 2 or 3 nights a week in UK and 14 nights in France up until 4 yrs ago
Since then and the fact Ive completly fell out of love with modern day carp angling bullcrap and bitching, I probably do 2 or 3 nights a year in uk and 7 nights in france.
don't think i'll ever return to carp fishing seriously
In reply to Post #41
That's because you have let it get to you Joss........
That's because you have let it get to you Joss........
None days only.
A couple at best. However I'm changing careers being a chef is just not what it used to be. Barely see my friends and family, work 80 hour weeks but get paid for 40 cos of salary bull and it's affecting my health. So will be having a lot more time on my hands so planning to do more nights
I'll generally do 60-80 nights per year, and along with other non carp fishing and hobbies like wakeboarding and kitesurfing it keeps me fairly busy. I have a full time job but they are really flexible - flexi time, work from home, time off in lieu all help. As does being single and not having any kids. I was on course to start a family but circumstances changed and now I've decided to see what I feel like in 4-5 years. Honestly, family life and kids really doesn't sound appealing at this point in time but never say never. Right now it seems I dodged a bullet. Might just do a Bernie Eccleston in the end 
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