How many just fish days? Have just done a single night and 2 days, and yet again, I'm exhausted, aching all over, shoulder pain etc, I caught my first carp in 1979, still love going but have decided it's days only now. I'm mid 60s btw.
In reply to Post #1
I started fishing again this year after nearly a 10 year lay off.
I bought the bivvy, bed chair, dug out all the camping gear and after one over nighter I realised it wasn't for me any more.
Since then I've been doing sessions from dawn to 6pm or hanging around if I feel there is a bite coming.
I'm more active - fish at least two swims a session and travel really light. It's also got me fishing different lakes on my club ticket - just getting around more and meeting more members. I've got my target fish from one pond, but I'm not stuck doing quite a one dimensional approach to fishing and still catching a few 👍
I'm thoroughly loving it and don't feel like I'm missing out on much and it's highly unlikely I will ever fish another night again.
I started fishing again this year after nearly a 10 year lay off.
I bought the bivvy, bed chair, dug out all the camping gear and after one over nighter I realised it wasn't for me any more.
Since then I've been doing sessions from dawn to 6pm or hanging around if I feel there is a bite coming.
I'm more active - fish at least two swims a session and travel really light. It's also got me fishing different lakes on my club ticket - just getting around more and meeting more members. I've got my target fish from one pond, but I'm not stuck doing quite a one dimensional approach to fishing and still catching a few 👍
I'm thoroughly loving it and don't feel like I'm missing out on much and it's highly unlikely I will ever fish another night again.
In reply to Post #2
Yes, I'm sorting my kit out tomorrow for day sessions only, will plan for another syndicate next year, (I've plenty of contacts) as my current is v much a night water.
Thanks for your post.
Yes, I'm sorting my kit out tomorrow for day sessions only, will plan for another syndicate next year, (I've plenty of contacts) as my current is v much a night water.
Thanks for your post.
In reply to Post #1
I have enjoyed spending a few night sessions per year. I like camping in general, enjoy being out in nature at the very end of the day and when the sun rises. And I have a comfy bed and it doesn't (so far) cause my 60+ year old body any problems.
Don't enjoy the actual fishing as much as I do during the day. My last session I had two carp the first night. And two bream the second...Yup, had to roll out at 1 a.m and 3 a.m for a bream....
On one of the syndicates I fish the carp really only feed at night, no point in even fishing during the day. So I am going to drop that membership end of this year (will maybe only do one more session there this year, even though membership runs to December) and just focus on the syndicate where the carp feed during the day.
I have enjoyed spending a few night sessions per year. I like camping in general, enjoy being out in nature at the very end of the day and when the sun rises. And I have a comfy bed and it doesn't (so far) cause my 60+ year old body any problems.
Don't enjoy the actual fishing as much as I do during the day. My last session I had two carp the first night. And two bream the second...Yup, had to roll out at 1 a.m and 3 a.m for a bream....
On one of the syndicates I fish the carp really only feed at night, no point in even fishing during the day. So I am going to drop that membership end of this year (will maybe only do one more session there this year, even though membership runs to December) and just focus on the syndicate where the carp feed during the day.
In reply to Post #1
Ive been doing days only for the last 12 years and can honestly say I catch more than when I used to night fish . It's a different way of fishing but when you get your head round it the bites come quickly . No marker rod no spod rod just 3 rods and a catapult. It's all about not letting the fish know you're there . Also use a lot of pva mesh and bags . Go out and give it a go mate .
Ive been doing days only for the last 12 years and can honestly say I catch more than when I used to night fish . It's a different way of fishing but when you get your head round it the bites come quickly . No marker rod no spod rod just 3 rods and a catapult. It's all about not letting the fish know you're there . Also use a lot of pva mesh and bags . Go out and give it a go mate .
In reply to Post #5
I meant to say, float fish for them close in too, I'd forgotten just how exciting and frustrating that method can be, takes me right back to fishing the canals in Manchester as a kid when night fishing wasn't even a thing.
What ever you decide though, just enjoy being out there doing it. Whether you're breaking your back on a bed chair or sat watching the float bobbing around it's just a hobby after all👌
I meant to say, float fish for them close in too, I'd forgotten just how exciting and frustrating that method can be, takes me right back to fishing the canals in Manchester as a kid when night fishing wasn't even a thing.
What ever you decide though, just enjoy being out there doing it. Whether you're breaking your back on a bed chair or sat watching the float bobbing around it's just a hobby after all👌
Haha, about time us day only fishers get some recognition.
I think i've done about 6 nights in almost 40 years of carp angling. Two because i wanted to fish with the lads in france once, it was horrible. And 4 because of matches, which was even worse, i decided just not to sleep. Mind you, this was in my younger days.
I can see the beauty of a nice sunset or rise, but not from getting out of bed 6 times or whatever in the night. Come on, please, i'm sleeping. Also, the stuff you need to make it a bit comfortable, unreal.
I do fish before sunrise, or after, so when baiting up goes on, i don't feel i miss that much compared to the time bandits and the campers, just a little bit, because i do see how a 48 hours session works in terms of fishing effectively. But all in all, i just value my sleep and other aspects in life too much to make that sacrifice.
I think i've done about 6 nights in almost 40 years of carp angling. Two because i wanted to fish with the lads in france once, it was horrible. And 4 because of matches, which was even worse, i decided just not to sleep. Mind you, this was in my younger days.
I can see the beauty of a nice sunset or rise, but not from getting out of bed 6 times or whatever in the night. Come on, please, i'm sleeping. Also, the stuff you need to make it a bit comfortable, unreal.
I do fish before sunrise, or after, so when baiting up goes on, i don't feel i miss that much compared to the time bandits and the campers, just a little bit, because i do see how a 48 hours session works in terms of fishing effectively. But all in all, i just value my sleep and other aspects in life too much to make that sacrifice.
I'm 53 and love me a bit of night fishing although half the time it's more camping as if I catch anything after midnight I'll not bother to put the rod back in. Can't beat just being outside under canvas (or the modern equivalent) Yes I do wake up stiff (ooh err mrs) and achy but I'll keep doing it while I can
I've always mixed it up. My local club water is days only and I enjoy the freedom of cutting the gear right back. Just take sandwiches and a flask and if the weather 's OK, don't even take the brolly. Also enjoy doing 24 or 48 hours but do have to travel a bit to get to them and so it is worth staying longer.
Know what people say about the stiffness, I suffer as well! I'm also knackered when I get home as I don't sleep properly and normally crash in the chair the next evening, much to her indoors annoyance.
Know what people say about the stiffness, I suffer as well! I'm also knackered when I get home as I don't sleep properly and normally crash in the chair the next evening, much to her indoors annoyance.
I love my night fishing but have got to the point where I don't function when I don't have much sleep & it takes me too long to recover. It's now got so bad that I have pretty much given up on doing nights completely.
I miss waking up & watching the world come to life as the day breaks - it's very special, calming & great for mental health but I find it hard to get sleep on the bank during the days.
It's amazing how much you can cut down on your kit too. I get by with a rucksack, mat, bucket, rods & chair - no need for a barrow which means I am more likely to walk to spots out the of the way, off the beaten path.
I miss waking up & watching the world come to life as the day breaks - it's very special, calming & great for mental health but I find it hard to get sleep on the bank during the days.
It's amazing how much you can cut down on your kit too. I get by with a rucksack, mat, bucket, rods & chair - no need for a barrow which means I am more likely to walk to spots out the of the way, off the beaten path.
In reply to Post #1
I have t done a night since the early may bank holiday 2019.
And only done a handful of days since 2020
No other reason apart from I can't be bothered
I have t done a night since the early may bank holiday 2019.
And only done a handful of days since 2020
No other reason apart from I can't be bothered
I tend to only do nights in France, and then only if I'm really up for it or struggling and need to put the effort in to justify the fishing part of the holiday. I will fish through the night and sleep during the day though if required, but too often messes with my routine.
I struggle to sleep on the bank at all anyway, and like some have said the older you get the harder the recovery, it starts adding up in my case. I wouldn't be adverse to trying a mega hard water where I'd likely get uninterupted sleep but for the odd fish, which is the reality of a lot of syndi's now.
I find myself far more pro active just doing days, working harder for the fish, as mentioned no spod or marker. Last week I went out for 6 hours, 10-4, I didn't sit back in my chair once, felt knackered when I came home but I was happy with the result. I could have carried on, the fish had moved to the surface and the young me in my head was thinking 'you could have double figures here off the top' but the older aching me was content that I'd enjoyed myself.
I struggle to sleep on the bank at all anyway, and like some have said the older you get the harder the recovery, it starts adding up in my case. I wouldn't be adverse to trying a mega hard water where I'd likely get uninterupted sleep but for the odd fish, which is the reality of a lot of syndi's now.
I find myself far more pro active just doing days, working harder for the fish, as mentioned no spod or marker. Last week I went out for 6 hours, 10-4, I didn't sit back in my chair once, felt knackered when I came home but I was happy with the result. I could have carried on, the fish had moved to the surface and the young me in my head was thinking 'you could have double figures here off the top' but the older aching me was content that I'd enjoyed myself.
Retired now and creeping up to the big 70.
Still do night sessions but the single overnighters I don't normally bother with. I fish midweek and due to the distance and fuel costs do 5 nights normally, Mon to Sat morning, pulling off on Saturday morning to give the weekend members a chance of a good swim. Most of the time I see no one else, and if the fish are crawling up the line and no one is coming on over the weekend I may then I may extend it.
My knees are fairly shot but otherwise I seem to be holding out and still enjoy night sessions, and although I enjoy my comforts and good food now, plus the company of the dog, it is still fishing and not camping with some rods
Still do night sessions but the single overnighters I don't normally bother with. I fish midweek and due to the distance and fuel costs do 5 nights normally, Mon to Sat morning, pulling off on Saturday morning to give the weekend members a chance of a good swim. Most of the time I see no one else, and if the fish are crawling up the line and no one is coming on over the weekend I may then I may extend it.
My knees are fairly shot but otherwise I seem to be holding out and still enjoy night sessions, and although I enjoy my comforts and good food now, plus the company of the dog, it is still fishing and not camping with some rods
In reply to Post #1
54 here and I'm struggling to get out at all, but a new bird isn't making things any easier 🤣. Why don't you look into a motorised barrow, it won't stop all the aches and pains but it might help a bit?
54 here and I'm struggling to get out at all, but a new bird isn't making things any easier 🤣. Why don't you look into a motorised barrow, it won't stop all the aches and pains but it might help a bit?
In reply to Post #10
Yes that's the main issue with me, ie recovery, got home yesterday at 6pm, physically and mentally exhausted, extreme lower back pain, bath then straight to bed.
In all honesty the pack down of all the kit takes its toll, then loading car, unloading....guess 40+ years as a plasterer hasn't helped.
Anyrate, really looking forward to travelling light and doing days only.
Yes that's the main issue with me, ie recovery, got home yesterday at 6pm, physically and mentally exhausted, extreme lower back pain, bath then straight to bed.
In all honesty the pack down of all the kit takes its toll, then loading car, unloading....guess 40+ years as a plasterer hasn't helped.
Anyrate, really looking forward to travelling light and doing days only.
In reply to Post #12
Yes, I will only consider nights for a week in France myself now, and last time I went I reeled in at night for 3 nights.
Yes, I will only consider nights for a week in France myself now, and last time I went I reeled in at night for 3 nights.
In reply to Post #1
Mainly days now, I'm mid 50's with a few health issues. It does take it out of you doing nights, so very few for me nowadays. I only did 2 nights last year, done none so far this year. Will do a few this year as I have 3 nights booked on a local water in August, may do the odd one or two on my club waters also. But very limited nights, do like my days though - get out as early as I can until it goes dark.
Mainly days now, I'm mid 50's with a few health issues. It does take it out of you doing nights, so very few for me nowadays. I only did 2 nights last year, done none so far this year. Will do a few this year as I have 3 nights booked on a local water in August, may do the odd one or two on my club waters also. But very limited nights, do like my days though - get out as early as I can until it goes dark.
I only do holiday fishing now.so a week at a time, the effort to get the gear in the car and then set up just wipes me out, i need a long session to recover. Also i can never get to sleep on the first night so short sessions just exhaust me. I may look at day only sessions when I retire, which would involve taking absolute minimum gear.
In my head I love night fishing and the memories of the years gone by. In reality I rarely do them, apart from a weeks uk holiday.
For me there are a few reasons, firstly whilst I have some cracking waters nothing really lights my fire regards targets or even catching them and moving on. Then when I do get my arse in gear I sit there as the sun goes down and think, where would I rather be - and usually hurriedly pack up and go home.
Ultimately I would rather be at home, with a glass of wine, chatting crap with my Mrs than under a bivvy. I am a far better angler doing days, and in recent years will fish from midday Sunday into the evening, it's one of the biggest edges I know, once you ignore the car park talk of ‘good luck I've just done the weekend for nothing' if you are confident and don't start until there's something worth casting at, the feeling of reward is better.
With the above said, I will dream and think I will fish nights - the reality is my bed, and night stuff will not be used....
For me there are a few reasons, firstly whilst I have some cracking waters nothing really lights my fire regards targets or even catching them and moving on. Then when I do get my arse in gear I sit there as the sun goes down and think, where would I rather be - and usually hurriedly pack up and go home.
Ultimately I would rather be at home, with a glass of wine, chatting crap with my Mrs than under a bivvy. I am a far better angler doing days, and in recent years will fish from midday Sunday into the evening, it's one of the biggest edges I know, once you ignore the car park talk of ‘good luck I've just done the weekend for nothing' if you are confident and don't start until there's something worth casting at, the feeling of reward is better.
With the above said, I will dream and think I will fish nights - the reality is my bed, and night stuff will not be used....
In reply to Post #18
Agree, a weeks holiday fishing will be the only time I put a bivvy up, as you said, the effort involved for a one nighter, even two, is too much for me now, I am still aching from doing Tuesday night lol.
Agree, a weeks holiday fishing will be the only time I put a bivvy up, as you said, the effort involved for a one nighter, even two, is too much for me now, I am still aching from doing Tuesday night lol.
In reply to Post #15
I think it's more about the approach to fishing than the actual nights that screws you. I've been fishing a days only venue for the past 3 or 4 years and I find it knackers me every bit as much the nights. Up at silly o'clock and off to the lake, find the carp, set up, with any luck it's game on but if you disturb them (right at bight time!) you end up chasing them. By 5pm I'm knackered.
String 2 or 3 days together and you're ready to drop by the end of it.
Started doing the odd night on a new ticket this year. It's heaven. At least on the nights you can find them, get yourself sorted, and barring any crazy change in conditions, get your head down and await some action.
I think it's more about the approach to fishing than the actual nights that screws you. I've been fishing a days only venue for the past 3 or 4 years and I find it knackers me every bit as much the nights. Up at silly o'clock and off to the lake, find the carp, set up, with any luck it's game on but if you disturb them (right at bight time!) you end up chasing them. By 5pm I'm knackered.
String 2 or 3 days together and you're ready to drop by the end of it.
Started doing the odd night on a new ticket this year. It's heaven. At least on the nights you can find them, get yourself sorted, and barring any crazy change in conditions, get your head down and await some action.
I also think it depends on what drives you in your fishing. Before I stopped fishing regularly 5 years ago I was a up at 0500 and pack up at 1800, or later to beat rush hour, sort of day angler, I suppose the drive was to make the most of my day but my shorter day sessions have been no less productive, in fact I'd say they were more productive, so the requirement to be on the bank for longer has faded somewhat. I guess part of that's driven by fishing a relatively unpressured water where bites are somewhat expected (by me), I think if the challenge was harder I would change my approach, or would I...hmm.
I went through a phase of fishing short 3 to 4 hour sessions. Usually evenings. I would rarely fish the same swim for that time, sometimes up to 4 or 5 moves, and it very often paid off. I jist fish so much harder and smarter on a short session, i wish I could transfer it across to my longer lazier sessions.
In reply to Post #23
On overnighters I just go down, pub chuck and go through the motions. Only there to get away from home and work, don't even want to catch a smelly horrible fish.
It's good to read that whilst I though I was physically a wreck, loads of you are way worse
On overnighters I just go down, pub chuck and go through the motions. Only there to get away from home and work, don't even want to catch a smelly horrible fish.
It's good to read that whilst I though I was physically a wreck, loads of you are way worse
In reply to Post #24
Used to fish sutton at hone syndicate years ago when it was days only, I'm sure it was a 4am draw then fish till 11 and it was nearly an hour from home so after a few days of that you were like a zombie, I've fished a few day only waters over the years and always enjoy not being over encumbered by loads of gear, always used more of a stalking approach which kept thing really interesting, i pretty much gave up night fishing for about 15 years when my girls were young but have gone back to doing nights in recent years, there is something so special about the 1st light brew of the day especially if your on the fish and they're sheeting up on the bait.
Used to fish sutton at hone syndicate years ago when it was days only, I'm sure it was a 4am draw then fish till 11 and it was nearly an hour from home so after a few days of that you were like a zombie, I've fished a few day only waters over the years and always enjoy not being over encumbered by loads of gear, always used more of a stalking approach which kept thing really interesting, i pretty much gave up night fishing for about 15 years when my girls were young but have gone back to doing nights in recent years, there is something so special about the 1st light brew of the day especially if your on the fish and they're sheeting up on the bait.
In reply to Post #24
In reply to Post #1
I'm 66 now and suffer with arthritis so packed in nights a year ago but I do still beach fish at night because it's so much easier than carping with not having so much gear with me, ie no bivvy,bedchair and sleeping bag just a tackle/seat box rod holdall setup in fifteen minutes and pack up the same.
I'm 66 now and suffer with arthritis so packed in nights a year ago but I do still beach fish at night because it's so much easier than carping with not having so much gear with me, ie no bivvy,bedchair and sleeping bag just a tackle/seat box rod holdall setup in fifteen minutes and pack up the same.
In reply to Post #27
Yep, it's all the kit, loading car, unloading car, loading barrow, wheeling barrow, unloading barrow, setting up bivvy....and repeat 24h later, add to that little sleep, bare truth is it's too much for me now, age and a worn out body.
Looking forward to day sessions now, minimum kit, and a new water lined up.
Yep, it's all the kit, loading car, unloading car, loading barrow, wheeling barrow, unloading barrow, setting up bivvy....and repeat 24h later, add to that little sleep, bare truth is it's too much for me now, age and a worn out body.
Looking forward to day sessions now, minimum kit, and a new water lined up.
In reply to Post #28
Just getting all the gear together for a 24hr trip is enough for me sometimes & i travel pretty light, get the big heap of stuff together, look at it, look at the car think sod it & put it all back in the shed.
Effort seems to exceed the reward now would rather do a floater session or drown maggots although its nice to chuck a couple of rods out & sit for a day in a chair now & again.
Maybe its getting older but its not the same.
Just getting all the gear together for a 24hr trip is enough for me sometimes & i travel pretty light, get the big heap of stuff together, look at it, look at the car think sod it & put it all back in the shed.
Effort seems to exceed the reward now would rather do a floater session or drown maggots although its nice to chuck a couple of rods out & sit for a day in a chair now & again.
Maybe its getting older but its not the same.
In reply to Post #28
Get one of the less abled vehicles, wheel your barrow straight in, no packing/unpacking then, futureproof yourself for when a mobility scooter is needed to pull the barrow
Get one of the less abled vehicles, wheel your barrow straight in, no packing/unpacking then, futureproof yourself for when a mobility scooter is needed to pull the barrow
In reply to Post #30
I'm 76 now ( 😅
Still do the odd night,only when son comes along!,,
I do 2 day sessions a week on my sindy,electric carpporter fully loaded in vivaro van,but I do feel the pain when home,and it takes a day or two toget over it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
But I love my carping,been at it 50 yrs now, also a half decent clay shooter,👌
I'm 76 now ( 😅
Still do the odd night,only when son comes along!,,
I do 2 day sessions a week on my sindy,electric carpporter fully loaded in vivaro van,but I do feel the pain when home,and it takes a day or two toget over it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
But I love my carping,been at it 50 yrs now, also a half decent clay shooter,👌
In reply to Post #1
Im 35 and only ever fish days. Cant stand the faff of night fishing plus my insomnia means I don't sleep at all and the next day is a write-off.
Plenty to be caught days only. Prep a spot, early morning raid, back home mid-morning for a fry up
Im 35 and only ever fish days. Cant stand the faff of night fishing plus my insomnia means I don't sleep at all and the next day is a write-off.
Plenty to be caught days only. Prep a spot, early morning raid, back home mid-morning for a fry up
63 and still enjoy nights. But with an electric barrow straight in and out of the van. Got home lunchtime today from a two night bream slaying trip. Got a three night trip planned in a few weeks with my dad 93 yrs old. I may well have to do the donkey work but he is talking about taking a float rod in case it gets boring during the day.
Did a spell of around 25 nights last year but this year days / early mornings. Still caught loads. Either way I go very light. Can't remember the last time I purchased gas canisters.Nights would involve no shelter, just the goretex bed cover. Got wet the odd time. Certainly could not be bothered with a barrow and van arrangement. Far too much hassle. Set up / pack up in 5 minutes, days or nights suits me fine.
No matter how hard I have been trying I cant out run my age and like many of you I have been fishing days only and shorter trips. I have found fishing for single bites with a small amount of freebies and/or PVA bags or stringers. It has been working well so far. I used to pile the bait in, when called for, on overnight and 2-3 night trips. How have your tactics changed fishing your day sessions?
In reply to Post #35
Totally agree re the use of bait. I've been mostly method fishing for the last decade or so, sometimes I may add a stringer, most of the time a small handful of boilies around it. Prior to that it was a inline, stringer & freebies. I think on the average day session I use around 6-700g of boilies, bait goes a long way !
Totally agree re the use of bait. I've been mostly method fishing for the last decade or so, sometimes I may add a stringer, most of the time a small handful of boilies around it. Prior to that it was a inline, stringer & freebies. I think on the average day session I use around 6-700g of boilies, bait goes a long way !
It also means on mornings like todays if you don't fancy getting wet, you can sit back with a cuppa and see what the weather is going to do rather than hoping it'll stop and dry up so you can pack up.
Used to really hate packing up wet gear
Used to really hate packing up wet gear
In reply to Post #1
i gave up nights a long time ago, the tiredness and 'bedchair back' were awful. my sessions are dinner until dusk and have been for a long time now. i don't miss the nights and you certainly don't need them to catch fish
i gave up nights a long time ago, the tiredness and 'bedchair back' were awful. my sessions are dinner until dusk and have been for a long time now. i don't miss the nights and you certainly don't need them to catch fish
Thanks for all your great replys, it wasn't a decision I made easily, more the realization and acceptance after a few attempts this year, that it wasn't working for me anymore.
Now v much looking forward to catching strictly on my own terms, days only, minimum kit.
Thanks all.
Now v much looking forward to catching strictly on my own terms, days only, minimum kit.
Thanks all.
In reply to Post #38
Buy a good quality bedchair/bag/system and you never get a bad back imo.
Nash MF60, yes, it might be expensive but I've never had a bad back and I get a good nights sleep, in deep winter I remove the sleep system and put a ventec 5 season xl bag on it, never got cold, never have a bad back.
Tried cheap one's, it just doesn't work for me, got the MF60 and never looked back, all of sudden zero back ache, it's a pleasure to be out be it 48 hrs or a week.
Buy a good quality bedchair/bag/system and you never get a bad back imo.
Nash MF60, yes, it might be expensive but I've never had a bad back and I get a good nights sleep, in deep winter I remove the sleep system and put a ventec 5 season xl bag on it, never got cold, never have a bad back.
Tried cheap one's, it just doesn't work for me, got the MF60 and never looked back, all of sudden zero back ache, it's a pleasure to be out be it 48 hrs or a week.
I am 60 now and I too struggle with fishing overnight nowadays. Still working 4 days a week so have weekends and Monday off luckily to fish days for carp or the rivers for Barbel now.
For me it's the relaxing in the countryside I enjoy now and if I catch it's a bonus.
For me it's the relaxing in the countryside I enjoy now and if I catch it's a bonus.
In reply to Post #37
Nothing worse than packing up in a downpour then arriving home with a heap of soaking wet gear to dry off.
Fair weather angler who gets the hump if the weather catches me out nowadays.
Nothing worse than packing up in a downpour then arriving home with a heap of soaking wet gear to dry off.
Fair weather angler who gets the hump if the weather catches me out nowadays.
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