Autor/-in: Colin Woods

Colin Woods grew up in the county of Middlesex. A short walk from home a quiet canal provided good float fishing for roach and gudgeon for Colin as a five-year-old. By the time he was ten, cycle trips had widened his horizon to include local ponds, including the Royal Parks, and the rivers Thames and Colne were within range. In his teenage years he was able to fish more distant waters, travelling by coach with a local club or on outings with friends and family. Like many anglers of the time, Colin was inspired by the writings of Bernard Venables and by his mid-teens, barbel became his main interest; his first was caught at the age of sixteen. Barbel have continued to be his favourite species, and the passion remains. Other fish are of interest, especially roach. After over twenty years working in local government, he accepted redundancy and moved to a new home within walking distance of the Hampshire Avon. Ever since, he has had little desire to fish other rivers. Colin has now spent half his lifetime living in Christchurch. More recently he moved within the town and now resides a walk away from the sea. Looking for a quieter property with a larger garden he found just the right garden, and fortunately it came with a house. Beyond the nearest neighbour is a small lake with fish and its resident ducks and geese are often welcome guests in the garden.