Gone Fishing On River Severn Near Bristol, England – Short Story

The crisp autumn air nipped at Arthur’s cheeks as he hunched over his tackle box, rummaging for his lucky silver spoon. The River Severn, a ribbon of pewter under the low morning sun, gurgled serenely beside him. Across the water, the spire of St. Peter’s Church in Bristol pierced the hazy sky, a familiar landmark against the changing canvas of the city.

Arthur wasn’t a man of many words, finding solace in the quiet companionship of the river. He’d been coming here since he was a boy, his father teaching him the art of casting a line and the patience required to wait for a bite. Today, though, the familiar peace was tinged with a melancholic undercurrent. The news from London about his grandson, Tom, had left him heavy-hearted.

Tom, a bright lad with dreams bigger than the Severn itself, was leaving for university. Arthur understood ambition, the yearning to explore uncharted waters. Yet, a part of him ached at the thought of the empty chair at the Sunday roast, the stories left untold across the worn kitchen table.

He cast his line, the silver flashing briefly before disappearing into the dark water. The world shrunk to the rhythmic plop of the bobber, the gentle tug of the current, and the distant cries of gulls wheeling overhead. As the sun climbed higher, the water shimmered, revealing fleeting glimpses of a world beneath the surface – a flash of silver, a graceful curve of reeds.

A sudden tug on the line jolted him back to reality. The fight was fierce, the rod bending low as an unseen creature battled for its freedom. Arthur, muscles remembering the rhythm of countless such battles, played the fish with practiced ease. Finally, a plump salmon broke the surface, its scales glistening with the colors of sunrise.

He admired the magnificent creature for a moment, then gently released it back into the river. As it disappeared into the depths, a sense of calm settled over him. Letting go, he realized, wasn’t about giving up, but about trusting the current to carry what you love to where it needs to be. Tom, like the salmon, would navigate his own course, and Arthur, like the river, would always be there, a constant source of love and support.

Packing up his tackle, Arthur turned towards Bristol, a newfound lightness in his step. He wouldn’t smother Tom with his worries. Instead, he’d tell him stories of the river, of patience and resilience, and the strength that comes from letting go. After all, sometimes the greatest catches weren’t made with a rod and reel, but with the open arms of love.

General Tips:

Respect the environment: Leave no trace and practice catch-and-release responsibly.
Research the area: Find out what fish are in season and where they tend to be found in Broad Creek. Consider factors like the tide, water depth, and structure.
Choose the right bait: Live bait like shrimp or minnows can be effective, but artificial lures offer variety and convenience. Match your bait to the target fish and current conditions.
Learn basic knots: A secure knot is crucial for landing your catch. Practice common knots like the Palomar or Clinch before heading out.
Cast smoothly and quietly: Avoid spooking fish with loud splashing or erratic movements. Practice your casting technique to achieve a clean, accurate launch.
Be patient: Fishing is about enjoying the process, not just catching fish. Savor the peace of the outdoors and relish the anticipation of a bite.

Saltwater Fishing Specifics:

Consider tidal movements: Fish tend to be more active during incoming or outgoing tides, depending on the species. Plan your fishing trip accordingly.
Look for structure: Fish often congregate around structures like oyster beds, reefs, or docks. Cast your line near these areas to increase your chances of getting a bite.
Be mindful of currents: Strong currents can make it difficult to control your line. Anchor your boat or adjust your lure weight if necessary.
Beware of marine life: Be aware of potential hazards like stingrays or sharks while wading or swimming in saltwater.