The Journey
Cramming everything into my car went smoothly this morning, a dry-run 2 weeks ago helped. I even found time for another trip to the tackle shop at Sessay.
It is a very hot and sunny day. The drive went without a hitch, stopping off for lunch on the way.
Arrived at Hull Ferry Port in good time.
Check-in and embarkation all went well. A quick drop off of my overnight bag in my cabin and then I headed for the bar.
Well, would be rude not to.
Journey from Rotterdam
I arrived and disembarked just after 9am. I then had a 2hr 25min drive to my accommodation. I chose the toll-free route that was a few minutes longer bit I wasn't in a rush. Check in was at 3pm but I contacted them and asked if I could drop off a few items to make room in my car for a trip to the worm farm and tackle shop for maggots & casters. I had a good chat with the host on arrival and he invited me in for coffee. Even better, he keeps horses and every fisherman knows what that means! He has no problem letting me have a dig through the muck heap - Bream bait heaven - assuming I find some wrigglers!
Once I made room in my car I headed off for the worm farm. On the way I drove over several idyllic looking canals: -
One in particular was at the confluence of two canals where one was controlled by a sluice gate. In front of the sluice was a big bed of lillies that had obviously been fished from the far bank. It is only 2 or 3 mins from my accommodation so I may start pre-baiting it over several days and give it a try one morning.
A little further along I drove along the Ijssel and it looked so inviting. I have been told that there is often good fishing around the riverside village of Wijhe on the way to the worm farm. Another place to try out one day.
I then drove into Zwolle to introduce myself at the tackle shop (Zunnebeld) and get some maggots and casters. Unfortunately they do not sell sacks of crumb - 5kg bags being the largest they stock. So I am still on the lookout.
Once I got back it was a long job of unpacking everything and finding room for it in my "tiny house" - as it is called. I asked if they had an outbuilding that I could use to store worms etc. There was a wood store right next to my house. Even better it had power so I could plug in the small fridge that I brought with me. I use a "ready rod bag" and had removed all reels for the journey. I therefore setup 3 feeder rods and 2 float rods. It was now 9:30 and time to eat, go to bed and dream of the next day. I will, of course, report on how I get on.