Swans, mink play havoc with fishing

THERE was a bit of autumn sunshine and I had some free time so I decided to go fishing.

I wanted something relaxing so I packed coarse fishing gear into the car, added a comfortable folding chair, and headed for a quiet place on the River Barrow.

As I was setting up my gear and throwing a little bait into the water to encourage the fish to start feeding everything looked peaceful and rather idyllic. It was a beautiful spot and there was nobody else around. I cast out and settled back into my chair. Then the trouble started.