Using Fishing as a Therapy

Fishing as a Therapy by Martyn Russ

 I remember back to my youth when I used to pop down the local water with my father for a days fishing. Watching my father pull his hair out as he tried to teach me the basics of fishing and how to set up my tackle correctly are memories that I will never forget and the time that I caught my first fish. The adrenalin rush I got when playing the fish on the rod and the joy when it dropped into the net and I actually landed it was something you just cant put a price on. These memories are what planted the seed for my love of the sport and the reason I love fishing so much. It wasn't until I was older that I realised the benefit I was getting from my fishing, The calm and the scenery around you whilst waiting for the bite. The total concentration and focus as you watched for the float to go under signalling there was a fish on your bait. Then the enjoyment when you managed to actually catch a fish and then the determination to catch more and more. These are the things that drive me to go fishing each time, even when I don't actually catch on a session, and the main reason you keep on going back.

When I was diagnosed with an incurable illness I was like most people who have been through the same thing. For a short while I though my life was over and there was nothing I could do to change it. I couldn't work any more due to the attacks being so frequent and erratic, I couldn't do any sports as it could make me worst, or so I thought. I couldn't go out socializing as the Cluster Attacks can appear at any time and are so severe that people actually thing you are having a stroke or actually dying as you scream your head of in agony for hours at a time. Knowing that the cold is one of the main triggers for my condition caused me to lock myself away all the time and avoid going out in the cold weather as I just knew it would cause me more pain. I didn't know what to do. It was at that moment when I saw my mother going fishing despite being stuck in a wheelchair and suffering from a few very painful conditions. I noticed there was also other fishermen and women around the lake that also suffered from disability and they were sat there happily fishing and enjoying themselves. This made me take up the sport once again despite having taken a break from it for nearly 12 years. When I was young I used to do a lot of match fishing as we used to live in St. Neots which is on the main stretch of the river Ouse. You could say I was spoilt for fishing as we had some of the best waters to fish and some great quarries and gravel pits that had been turned into fisheries. 

When I decided to start the sport again a few years back I jumped straight back into the match fishing scene and I have to say I loved every second of it. Being out amongst nature and the beautiful scenery was amazing as it had a strange effect on me. It actually made me calm and even stopped me from having the cluster attacks. Not only did it help my moods but also helped me to empty my mind and concentrate on one thing showing me I was able to focus my energy on something other than my illness all the time. It keeps me calm and still brings excitement when you manage to hook into a fish and play it in. The rush you get when you land the fish is still as good as when I first started all those years ago. 

For me fishing is one of the best treatments I have ever had, it has helped me deal with my depression and to show me that I am able to focus on something positive. When I feel stressed or upset due to my illness all I have to do is go for a day down by the lake and by the end of the day all my troubles and worries have melted away. Fishing has really changed my life and helped me to get through some very difficult times. I think fishing should be offered as an actual treatment for depression or mental health issues. I know some times it can be frustrating trying to catch the fish and missing bites but even though it can have you sat at the edge of your seat it is still enjoyable and calming. Just being out in nature is the key and getting plenty of fresh air. 

Fishing also gives you the chance to socialize with others that love the sport and the best thing is it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or professional , if you are rich or poor, everyone is the same when on the river bank or lake side. Everyone seems to share experiences when out fishing and they always seem to help each other out. If one person isn't catching and the other are they will share their tactics with that person so they too can catch the fish. It is one of the friendliest sports there is. Yes you do also get the few idiots or youngsters who don't respect the sport and think its funny to mess about on the bank but they have bailiffs to take care of that but you get that in any sport.

I honestly think if it wasn't for the fishing I wouldn't be where I am today and I would probably be a lot worst with regards to the illness. I really do think fishing, whether it be Match (coarse), Specimen or Carp fishing, should be promoted as an actual therapy for those that need that little bit of help to get out in the fresh air and improve their focus and social skills.

Wet Nets & Tight Lines

Getting Ready for a New Season 2015

By Martyn Russ
Yes it's that time again when i start preparing for a busy fishing season. Last year i didn't manage to get out as much as i wanted due to illness so i decided that this year i would try and make up for it visiting a few different venues around Wales. The first thing was to ensure that i had the right tackle that will last me through the year and make sure i have plenty of spares just in case. One of the first jobs was to renew all the line on my reels to ensure the strength and not have crack offs and breaks due to old line slowly rotting after it has been used a few times. I decided to stick with Korum on my main reels and rods and opted for the 15 lb Expert line in green mono to go with my Korum KXI reels. 


On my spod rod i have opted for the Fox Horizons 20 lb Spod & Marker Braid in Silt and on my Marker Rod i have chosen the 10 lb Shimano Technium Mono as it has very little stretch and acts like braid ensuring you can feel the bottom and obstructions on the lake bed with ease. On my spare reels i had a choice between the Korda Sub line or Carp Force Stealth 15 lb quick sink mono so i filled 2 with one type and 2 spare spools with another. This will give me options to play around with at different venues depending on what the lake bottom is like and the debris you are fishing over.

I have also spent time topping up my tackle box ensuring i have a good selection of sharp, strong hooks to play around with and a selection of different types of hook link materials. This way i can chop and change my hook links to blend in with the lake bed to ensure proper camouflage so i don't spook wary fish and give me the best opportunity in catching those monsters. As far as end tackle is concerned i decided to stick with a few well known brands to ensure strength and quality such as Taska, Korda, Korum, Avid Carp, Fox and Ace. 

This will give me confidence in my rig components and ensure i am getting the best out of my tackle. The rods i am using this year are not the CK budget rods from Dragon Carp that i used during the first year. I have decided to use my Korum Distance Rods 3.5 lb TC 12 foot. These rods are great rods to use and very sensitive despite the large test curve. This will allow me to fish at greater distance than before meaning i will be able to reach those hard to get swims. The spod rod i am using is the CK Armaplate 4.5 lb tc Rod for casting large spods and for a marker i have decided to use the Nash H-Gun 2.75 tc Rod , Still stiff enough to feel the bottom and subtle enough to feel every little knock.   

I decided that this year we will be concentrating on specimen and Carp fishing so it was important i had the right gear to do the job. Also having a bit of comfort whilst fishing also helps to enjoy the sport that little bit more and with that in mind i made sure i had a comfortable bed chair for when on longer sessions and night fishing along with a good quality bivvi. This year i will be using the Korum Multi Shelter that is also a 2 man very large bivvi that will be great from spring and summer and then i will use the TF Gear Speed Force 8 2 Man bivvi that is great for winter and is very warm inside. The most important item was the barrow to ensure i manage to carry all this gear to the swims. I chose the TFGear Juggernaut Barrow as it takes very little effort to push this 3 wheel monster and with my back playing up every now and again its a blessing.

It has always shocked me on how much gear you take with you when you want to fish for Carp or larger fish for a couple of days. It wasn't until i took up that side of the sport that i realized how much gear there is just to make sure you have a comfortable and pleasurable fishing experience. With that said it is nice to go back to basics with just a rod, reel, net and landing mat and stalking out your quarry. To do this i have the Korum Mutli-Mat that is also a retaining sling, weigh sling & Landing mat all in one for those days where i just want a quick session down the local lake. For larger sessions i have the Avid Carp XL Recovery Sling and the Korum Weigh Sling to go alongside my CK XXL Cradle Mat to ensure fish safety always comes first. I can now honestly say i am all set and ready for a great year fishing and i am hoping to smash my personal bests this year. I believe preparation is half the battle and i am prepared for almost any fishing situation to arise and hopefully catch me that monster fish. 

Wet Nets & Tight Lines