Chub

I could start with a whinge about dog owners... Suffice to say that on this morning's evidence only about 10% have any control over their mutts at all and the owner of the first dog to interrupt my quiet outdid himself in rudeness - refusing to even acknowledge my existence as his dog repeatedly jumped up at me leaving muddy paw prints all over my jeans and coat.

After that it was the police helicopter hovering directly overhead - if they want to cut police budgets that should be the first thing to go. Its annoyance factor outweighs any practical benefits in a city as small as Exeter.

Grr... ;)

All that said, it was a stunning morning soaking up the sun and watching the wildlife come and go: The local buzzard being mobbed by rooks, two male wigeon or pochard (can't decide on which from the RSPB site) fighting over a female. Even a few bumble bees bouncing around drowsily.

Didn't expect to catch anything, but in a lull in the all-out canine/ball/stick assault, the line started to twitch, I lifted the rod and a fish cannoned off to the centre of the river. After a minute or two of give and this beautiful big chub sailed into view and after a quick photocall shot back into the green depths of the Exe.