Golden Scales: A Lost Summer on the Banks

Chris Yates' account of his pivotal months in 1981, when he caught the largest British carp and released him back into the world, is recounted in his book "The Lost Diary." It is a magical record of his relationship with a beloved and mysterious pool, as well as familiar and freshly discovered waters, meetings with new friends, and unexpected encounters with creatures other than fish.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Unbound

In the summer of 1981, at the age of thirty-three, Chris Yates found himself captivated by a thought that had been lingering in his mind for years. Could he now envision himself capturing the legendary King, the largest British carp of its time? The mere idea of encountering such a majestic creature ignited a spark within Chris, drawing him closer to the banks of Redmires Pools. Little did he know, this would be the final season he would spend with the King, playing a part in his journey before releasing him back into the world.

Chris's account of those pivotal months, originally published as "The Lost Diary," takes readers on a captivating journey. It chronicles the final reckoning of an angler's long relationship with a beloved and mysterious pool. At the same time, it serves as a magical record of both familiar and freshly discovered waters, meetings with new friends, and unexpected encounters with creatures other than fish, as well as presences that defy human understanding.

As Chris immersed himself in the world of Redmires Pools, he found himself captivated by the King's presence. The mere sight of him would send shivers down his spine, fueling his determination to catch him. He spent countless hours studying the pool's patterns, analyzing the water's conditions, and perfecting his techniques.

One summer day, as Chris cast his line into the depths of the pool, he felt a tug that he had never experienced before. He fought with all his strength, trying to reel in the mighty creature that had taken hold of his line. After a long and arduous battle, he finally managed to bring the King to the surface.

As Chris gazed upon the King, he was struck by his beauty and power. The fish was a true testament to nature's ingenuity, with scales that shimmered in the sunlight and eyes that seemed to peer into his soul. Chris knew that he had accomplished something extraordinary, and he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that was indescribable.

But as the summer drew to a close, Chris faced a difficult decision. He knew that the King was meant to roam free, to live in the wild and to continue to inspire anglers for generations to come. He couldn't bear the thought of keeping him captive, even if it meant losing him forever.

With a heavy heart, Chris released the King back into the pool. He watched as he swam away, feeling a sense of sadness and loss. But he also knew that he had done the right paragraph:
In the summer of 1981, at the age of thirty-three, Chris Yates found himself captivated by a thought that had been lingering in his mind for years. Could he now envision himself capturing the legendary King, the largest British carp of its time? The mere idea of encountering such a majestic creature ignited a spark within Chris, drawing him closer to the banks of Redmires Pools. Little did he know, this would be the final season he would spend with the King, playing a part in his journey before releasing him back into the world.

Chris's account of those pivotal months, originally published as "The Lost Diary," takes readers on a captivating journey. It chronicles the final reckoning of an angler's long relationship with a beloved and mysterious pool. At the same time, it serves as a magical record of both familiar and freshly discovered waters, meetings with new friends, and unexpected encounters with creatures other than fish, as well as presences that defy human understanding.

As Chris immersed himself in the world of Redmires Pools, he found himself captivated by the King's presence. The mere sight of him would send shivers down his spine, fueling his determination to catch him. He spent countless hours studying the pool's patterns, analyzing the water's conditions, and perfecting his techniques.

One summer day, as Chris cast his line into the depths of the pool, he felt a tug that he had never experienced before. He fought with all his strength, trying to reel in the mighty creature that had taken hold of his line. After a long and arduous battle, he finally managed to bring the King to the surface.

As Chris gazed upon the King, he was struck by his beauty and power. The fish was a true testament to nature's ingenuity, with scales that shimmered in the sunlight and eyes that seemed to peer into his soul. Chris knew that he had accomplished something extraordinary, and he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that was indescribable.

But as the summer drew to a close, Chris faced a difficult decision. He knew that the King was meant to roam free, to live in the wild and to continue to inspire anglers for generations to come. He couldn't bear the thought of keeping him captive, even if it meant losing him forever.

With a heavy heart, Chris released the King back into the pool. He watched as he swam away, feeling a sense of sadness and loss. But he also knew that he had done the right thing.

As the years passed, Chris continued to visit Redmires Pools, but he never forgot the King. He would often sit by the banks of the pool, reminiscing about the days he had spent with him and the lessons he had learned. He knew that the King was a symbol of freedom and resilience, and he felt a deep connection to the creature that had captured his heart.

In the end, Chris's story serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preserving it. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to connect with the natural world and to appreciate its beauty and complexity. And it is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest treasures in life are not found in the things we possess, but in the experiences we have and the relationships we form.

Dimension: 178 x 111 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783529605