So Close

I was so close to what I think would have been
in my opinion the best fish of the season.
I still feel gutted and quite honestly can
not get it out of my head .
This was not the biggest fish but it
could have been my best Roach from
the Ribble .
I fished with Mike who is on a dedicated
Salmon quest , I set up in a swift glide
some 20 yards below him and was into
a fish second cast a nice Roach . Next
run and a solid fish ''It's a Roach'' I shouted
joking ! thinking a Chub was the more likely
culprit ....... when it broke surface some few
feet at the front of me I could hardly believe
that a Roach it was , my heart skipped a beet
and I thought I would better net it to be safe .
I was waist deep and as I flicked the net over
my shoulder the hook pinged ''ARRRRGHH''
sure my voice echoed down the river .
Normally I just take these fish in hand
''if only!!!''
My only solace is I know the fish are in the
river now, ''god willing I get another chance'' .
Mike's put some time in after a Salmon
they are around and every minute spent
is a minute closer to his goal just hope I
can be with him when he hooks one he
deserves a bit of luck .