IT never ceases to amaze me how different the west coast is from the east side. The harsh land is such a stark contrast to the sea which is so full of life. For someone from the ‘other side’ I find it amazing how you can have such rich oceans lapping against such dry shores. 

Read more: Back to basics at West Moore

I have to say it is a huge honour to step into Hal Harvey’s shoes as the new Tackle and Tactics columnist. There is no doubt I have a big set of boots to fill after Hal has been penning this column for so many years. While I may be based on the other side of the country I have long been a fan of Western Angler. I have even contributed the odd piece along the way. As for fishing, I love the West and have fished from one end to the other of your spectacular coastline for some awesome fish. Throw in some strong ties with the boys at Halco and I am practically a local well, maybe a distant cousin anyway!

Read more: Living the dream

WHAT would you do differently today, if you knew it was your last day? You’ve probably seen that question, or a variation on it, and haven’t given it much thought. It’s one of those philosophical things that sound a bit interesting but very rarely makes anybody act any differently, it seems. Even those who draw up a ‘bucket list’, as we in middle age are wont to do, don’t get too eager to complete it in the next 10 years.

Read more: This fine fishing life (condensed)

ONE of the questions that fisheries management sorts often want answered is: how does the fishing now compare to (however many) years ago?’ And of course peoples’ memories being what they are, most people remember the good old days and relate that things aren’t as good now. A trait that is of course not limited to angling recollections – as Franklin Adams succinctly put it, “nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory”.

Read more: This is the good old days!