november-2026-free-line-part-2 - Flipbook - Page 102
FREE LINE / FIELD JOURNAL
JAY NEWTON
FIELD NOTES
There was a large weed bed to the right of the swim that the fish ripped
right through, sending huge shockwaves up my line and right through
my body. My rod fell silent several times whilst it darted from weed
bed to weed bed, and each time I was fearing the worst. I held on for
dear life whilst the most dramatic game of give and take unfolded until I
finally caught a glimpse of her. The large shoulder scales glistened through
the gin clear Wraysbury water. Her head broke the surface, taking in a
mouthful of air at the same time as making eye contact with me. We both
knew it was done, and over the line she went, nose on the Y-piece and tail
folded over the net cord. I lifted the net and let out a big sigh as I fell to my
knees I d done it! My neighbour came over and helped confirm the ID
as Not Mike s Pet . The scales tipped to 40lb 12oz, breaking my personal
best, and what a way to do it my first Wraysbury original.
After all the commotion, I had a very slow pack-up, taking in the moment
and trying to control my emotions. Once packed up, standing looking
out across the lake having just experienced the true force of Wraysbury
and witnessed in the flesh the beauty that resides in the there, I couldn t
help think what could be next. My opening weeks have been packed with
excitement and emotions. I can t wait to see what 2019 has in store for me!
FREE LINE
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