tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37953262138700861652024-03-23T10:15:43.762+00:00Fishy Business, an angler's journal.Welcome to my angling diary. Here I will tell you about my trials and tribulations as I embark on my quest for Barbel (and other species) on the Warwickshire Avon, Severn and Teme.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-42063073176900468532023-11-04T09:03:00.005+00:002023-11-16T19:58:15.416+00:00Specimen roach quest<p>I had never managed a really big roach. Like many, I had caught some nice ones over the years but a 2 pounder had never graced my net albeit I had never made a concerted effort.</p><p>I was fishing with a friend in the summer and the subject of roach came up. It was then that we hatched a plan to catch a big roach. The Cotswold gravel pits would be the target venue in the first instance.</p><p>With some research and planning taking place over the last few weeks, the time had arrived. The plan involved two nights on a large gravel pit. For me, this became one night after an incident that resulted in a trip to A&E and nine stitches. Not a great start but I arrived the next morning. My fishing companion had drawn a blank overnight but we high hopes for the remainder of the trip.</p><p>The pit itself is over 30 acres so there's lots of places the roach could be. The mild weather meant there were plenty of anglers on the bank meaning that the areas noted for roach were not available. The swims we chose were not fancied for roach and had no previous. There was an element of finding a needle in a haystack. However, it was the cards we were dealt so it wouldn't stop us trying, especially with a southerly wind blowing towards our bank. </p><p>Tactics were relatively simple. Two rods set up with helicopter rigs. A very short fluorocarbon hooklink tied to a size 16 hook. A heavy feeder would create a bolt rig with maggots as bait. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBg-z6USqsQayhzuwI6X0hUHgXgZJTVS8PyM1R_ShFA2Nj4mQgsE93seopRNwFrLk4Z_7wa6FwJk9y2-EA9-dC_OtRoH2_9h-u1ycxONwx5pBgxzprBjicnDD0nDpqGkrfse0bV_wIsatrADGV5EoMcyQMbhSm-xNRTpTBh-qz5SaurvXq3V9r4eYcba6/s843/IMG-20231031-WA0011.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBg-z6USqsQayhzuwI6X0hUHgXgZJTVS8PyM1R_ShFA2Nj4mQgsE93seopRNwFrLk4Z_7wa6FwJk9y2-EA9-dC_OtRoH2_9h-u1ycxONwx5pBgxzprBjicnDD0nDpqGkrfse0bV_wIsatrADGV5EoMcyQMbhSm-xNRTpTBh-qz5SaurvXq3V9r4eYcba6/s320/IMG-20231031-WA0011.jpg" width="289"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fabulous 2lb 4oz PB roach</td></tr></tbody></table>My swim turned out to be weed free and presented a clean open area over gravel. I was fishing at about 40 yards in 12ft of water. It meant I would fish both rods very close to one another. I had one on an open end feeder with dark coloured groundbait sandwiching maggots and some hemp. The other was just a standard blockend feeder approach. Casting would be every 30 minutes to keep a trickle of bait going in. <p></p><p>There was little to report during the day. This wasn't a huge surprise. As light began to fade, the first fish was caught. A perch of about 8oz meant there was no blank and this was quickly followed by another of just over a pound. It then became dark and the action ceased. By 9pm, the alarms started to give some indications that there were fish in the swim. The weather was also pretty grim with Storm Ciaran putting in an appearance. At 9.45pm, the alarm screamed into life and up I jumped to find myself connected to a fish. You can imagine my excitement when the silver flanks of a roach surfaced. Using lighter tackle meant the roach was able to put up some stern resistance and I was really conscious the hook could easily pull from its soft mouth. The fish was safely netted. It was clearly a personal best roach and it looked huge. If you have never seen a big roach in the flesh before then they are really impressive creatures, likely over a decade old. The scales showed the fish weighed 2lb 4oz and it was a super result on my first attempt.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmLtLH979TTQGZuONUOICjGbojrvxlZVyx6I0FEIdn0ZKqaFhtfwpmliiZGUVro_fvLW9ZRaG5fofa8FMR4TuBzUZcdKKrQ6EQYQyw55DqWG_pEMviE2zF1B2C9o35RsQLaeUsRYppURqTM6PgW4uSnpULn8dlHEHAJKaH8yjWE9QIIZrcdJM-0FUzVe9/s3264/20231031_225353.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmLtLH979TTQGZuONUOICjGbojrvxlZVyx6I0FEIdn0ZKqaFhtfwpmliiZGUVro_fvLW9ZRaG5fofa8FMR4TuBzUZcdKKrQ6EQYQyw55DqWG_pEMviE2zF1B2C9o35RsQLaeUsRYppURqTM6PgW4uSnpULn8dlHEHAJKaH8yjWE9QIIZrcdJM-0FUzVe9/s320/20231031_225353.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A specimen 3lb perch</td></tr></tbody></table><br>Out went the rods again. I was continuing to stay active and trickle the feed in as the rain pelted down. Within the hour, another screaming run saw me connected to another fish. This felt better and made a dash for a nearside tree. I remember thinking, if this is a roach then it's going to be good. It wasn't a roach but it was a super looking fish. The stripey flanks of perch came into sight and having caught plenty of decent perch before, I could see this one fell into the 'decent' category. It went 3lb 1oz. <p></p><p>It capped an amazing 60 minutes that saw me land a 2lb roach and a 3lb perch. I can tell you that this doesn't happen very often so it certainly exceeded my expectations for the trip. </p><p>Nothing happened overnight other than the bivvy taking a battering from the wind and rain. The next morning saw a small roach landed and a huge roach spotted rolling in front of me. By the end of the morning it was time to leave but I did so with me planning my next roach trip and a potential 3 pounder. </p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-90568660717023652592023-07-26T18:21:00.000+01:002023-07-28T10:56:56.174+01:00Is the Teme back in business? <p>In my last blog, I mentioned the Teme was in my thoughts. My last barbel from the river was exactly 6 years ago, a small fish of a few pounds that came at last light. I've visited most seasons since once or twice each summer to keep tabs on progress. There had been little to report with blanks or chub the usual result. </p><p>Many will know that the Teme was once a prolific barbel river with multiple catches normal. Then the demise set in. Much has been written as to what the cause was with major flooding, otters, over extraction and pollution all blamed. To be honest, they have probably all contributed in some part. The outcome however could not be disputed. There have been far fewer barbel in the river in the last 15 years than before. </p><p>So, my latest visit beckoned. I had been ill recently and not really up to speed with things. I knew we had seen a weekend of rain that had ruled out the test match but it had made little impact on the Avon so assumed there would be little effect on the Teme as well. On arrival, I saw the river was coloured. It was up but not by a great amount. If I had anticipated these conditions then I'd have gone with a meat approach. As it was, I had to adapt. I saw a swim that I'd never fished before. In normal conditions, I'd just keep walking. In these conditions it looked too good to ignore. A smooth, steady glide. I settled into the swim and decided to bait with one and a half boilies on a size 8 hook and a PVA bag of crushed boilie and pellets. In summer, coloured water usually means barbel will be quick to the bait if they are present. They also don't mind moving so I was hoping the scent trail would pull any nearby fish in and onto my hookbait. I cast and sat back to take in the tranquil surroundings. The Teme valley is beautiful and if you have never visited before then I'd recommend it. It's part of the reason I've continued to visit even though the fishing has been less than successful in recent years. It's a river that has very little interference from humans. Trees have fallen into the river and been left there, the banks are wild as the river runs over shallow gravels and into deeper pools. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7zOEkGV4fh7IeXYPaR9Vkatgwu63FgybwtOHX3dCkFTMm5APJTgg5nnbwDIKP772Dlexp_uuIq82Ds9z3KFJY1ozJP49aE5DHYP4-fQngwE9Un5-HalaoMDX5R-Nn-tEanhfclO6z-0pJnN0GD-uJK3BrzpSzAf9GbCF15-52aw89UCawx9PrZvA9zhR/s4080/20230725_171815.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7zOEkGV4fh7IeXYPaR9Vkatgwu63FgybwtOHX3dCkFTMm5APJTgg5nnbwDIKP772Dlexp_uuIq82Ds9z3KFJY1ozJP49aE5DHYP4-fQngwE9Un5-HalaoMDX5R-Nn-tEanhfclO6z-0pJnN0GD-uJK3BrzpSzAf9GbCF15-52aw89UCawx9PrZvA9zhR/s320/20230725_171815.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A first Teme Tiger since 2016</td></tr></tbody></table>Back to the fishing and I was about ten minutes in when to my surprise the rod wrapped round and I was into a fish. Was it a barbel or a stubborn chub? The longer the battle went on then the more optimistic I became. A sudden run confirmed a barbel was definitely the culprit. It was safely netted and looked around 6lb. What a cracking start. After all those years, it had taken ten minutes to succeed where I had failed before. <p></p><p>I decided to have another cast to see if this was just a lone fish and I'd got lucky or whether the conditions had seen a few congregate in the swim. I attached another PVA bag and cast to the same spot.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIStyDgU-_aqfSH1J5n2H9yFtr3oWgyj9XM8Qnj7pwPRiQJeep8DLw5UCR4CEQC-q2vMUhntuYZpJxk1Q-tcWv1CTta22b-ow0IAxMz695f42_GQt34ASLZQTerwquMqCK_1yc7JOPbWIjlnWbAkP-33NoiOtX-jW5WgqcBUWG5CQR3EQSqZE7AuapiuC/s3840/IMG-20230725-WA0008.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIStyDgU-_aqfSH1J5n2H9yFtr3oWgyj9XM8Qnj7pwPRiQJeep8DLw5UCR4CEQC-q2vMUhntuYZpJxk1Q-tcWv1CTta22b-ow0IAxMz695f42_GQt34ASLZQTerwquMqCK_1yc7JOPbWIjlnWbAkP-33NoiOtX-jW5WgqcBUWG5CQR3EQSqZE7AuapiuC/s320/IMG-20230725-WA0008.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A second barbel in as many casts</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Again, the bait had not been out too long when I was connected to another spirited Teme Tiger. This fish put up a determined resistance, one that its predecessors had made the river famous for, but it was a little smaller than the first. I had been fishing for less than half an hour, made two casts and now had two barbel for my efforts. I was in total surprise. <p></p><p>Catching two fish so quickly made me decide to give the swim a rest so the fish could regain some confidence and maybe even see something larger move in. I went for a walk to check out some possible swims and then returned and deposited some hemp and pellet into the swim with a bait dropper. I then took my essentials to try another spot. The next swim gave me some twitches but it wasn't really deep enough to give me huge confidence. By the time I returned to my original spot, an hour had past since the second barbel. Out went the same bait and a small PVA bag and you've guessed it, another bite and </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYXIuNS0yGIXQr25iX5yInjacXpHKSdnCykr-rszt5LwDWeBdNv9RAyDeLQpENTFBz4B2nVM-2HfmpHEcIXdjNYn6zzpVUDMBbjhHEC_l2X83esURMx8SdpWdinhdY4JtE4GwpFMCHzGnhGXLSbbNzfMa6omTC0Gq1PngINW-OGeBM5w3ledUbhE8ZLm5/s4080/20230725_191329.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYXIuNS0yGIXQr25iX5yInjacXpHKSdnCykr-rszt5LwDWeBdNv9RAyDeLQpENTFBz4B2nVM-2HfmpHEcIXdjNYn6zzpVUDMBbjhHEC_l2X83esURMx8SdpWdinhdY4JtE4GwpFMCHzGnhGXLSbbNzfMa6omTC0Gq1PngINW-OGeBM5w3ledUbhE8ZLm5/s320/20230725_191329.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The biggest of the three barbel</td></tr></tbody></table>another barbel. It was larger too, probably 7lb or so. Another cast saw another rod bending bite but this time a chub was the result. The chub signaled a halt to the frenzy and for the first time, the fishing was quiet. I decided that I'd deposit some more bait into the swim and try another spot. The new spot was very different but my options were limited by steep banks that were now wet following an earlier shower and also overgrown. I settled for 40 mins or so but there was nothing to report and it saw me return to the original swim at around 8.30pm. The river had dropped quite quickly, about 6 inches judging by the lines on the trees. This had certainly switched the chub on and a few had been crashing on the surface. It seemed to have the opposite effect on the barbel who had now appeared to have gone into hiding. As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, I was hoping for one more bite. It did arrive, another slam on the rod tip but the level of resistance told me it wasn't the big barbel I had hoped for. Another chub was added and with it I decided to call it a day. <p></p><p>It had been a really rewarding session, my best on the river for many a year. The barbel were not huge by barbel standards but they didn't need to be. They provided me with as much satisfaction as the 12 pounder I caught last week off the Avon. They also gave me huge encouragement that the Teme is recovering. It may never return to the 1990s numbers but I believe that you can now visit with optimism and it will hopefully keep getting better. </p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-26078824677405013782023-07-26T15:41:00.027+01:002023-07-26T15:56:53.080+01:00Hunt for the next challenge<p> A new season is upon us and we're at the end of July already. As I've got older, my fishing has been more about my own personal challenges and learning. I don't need to catch the most fish or even the biggest. There are rivers I could visit and no doubt obliterate my PB, but what would it prove?</p><p>A few years ago, I embarked on tackling a new stretch of the Warks Avon that had no real barbel form or history. Initially, the challenge was to prove barbel could be caught anywhere and not just from the popular venues. I managed this and caught consistently to prove it was no fluke. This had been as a result of tinkering with baits, baiting approaches and subtle presentation differences. I've worked out the most reliable locations and have caught from a number of swims along the stretch. I've now settled on a method that's proven reliable so the next challenge became about finding a double. A string of 10 pounders came my way but a decent double of 12 pound plus from the venue had eluded me until now. </p><p>This year's glorious 16th June was anything but glorious with just a chub and bream to dampen my new season enthusiasm. A hot spell kept me off the river and then last week I found myself on an evening session. My tactics were my standard approach. One rod upstream with boilie and then another rod baited with pellet over a bed of feed. The boilie resulted in a chub and then a barbel of just under 9lb came to the pellet before a lull in activity. As dusk approached, anticipation increased. I was not concerned by the lack of activity. I'd rather this than chub plucks, which normally tell me barbel aren't active. When it's quiet but I know I'm in a good spot then I know a bite can appear from nowhere. True to form, without warning the rod ripped round and saw me connected to a barbel that stayed deep and plodded about mid-river. A few runs and the fish was netted. It was certainly a double and the thickness across its back told me this was more than ten pounds. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMihioPlXQjXzMhlPkJQSqjGTJSyIif3LCAE7SbTu-dWAFBK4IPMfvhW-kjDfmbwsCGRlpFe7VDZlHeLINnvyWQLFMgOLYxNdCcdKoN9gHUGB9TxRogdCDGs_QJ8dRRRRnJyXFhY4Hny4LsKe07pItzhdMSrbp3Exmv1m7_do3Bl7X-Ofwmj7xfKX2TEW/s3264/20230717_220320.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMihioPlXQjXzMhlPkJQSqjGTJSyIif3LCAE7SbTu-dWAFBK4IPMfvhW-kjDfmbwsCGRlpFe7VDZlHeLINnvyWQLFMgOLYxNdCcdKoN9gHUGB9TxRogdCDGs_QJ8dRRRRnJyXFhY4Hny4LsKe07pItzhdMSrbp3Exmv1m7_do3Bl7X-Ofwmj7xfKX2TEW/s320/20230717_220320.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A super Avon barbel of 12lb 6oz</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The scales showed 12lb 6oz and was a real result on a stretch I've been fishing for a few years without it revealing its hidden gems. </p><p>So, what next? I'd love a 13 pounder and this latest fish makes me believe that it might be a distinct possibility. One thing I have not worked out is where the fish go once November kicks in. My reliable spots go quiet and I've not caught a barbel from the stretch after October. I am sure this is the key to the really big fish as 12 pound summer barbel are certainly much bigger come the winter months. Another challenge I want to pursue is the barbel on the river Teme. It's been a while since I caught one but there's been some encouraging stories over the past 12 months for me want to rekindle this. </p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-82917934794302854042021-10-31T09:30:00.005+00:002021-10-31T09:30:56.536+00:00Perchy PonderingsWith autumn upon us, I decided to target some river perch. The venue was a middle Severn stretch that I have fished on many occasions over the years but not too often in recent times. It was a lovely warm day with some October sunshine to boot. Not ideal conditions for perch who prefer to feed in low light but I did have an ace up my sleeve. Although the river had returned to normal level, it was still holding some colour. I also chose a swim that afforded me some shade. A quick plumb of the swim told me I had just under 5 feet of water a rod length out. There was some slight flow with trees upstream and downstream of where I planned to drop a bait. I began fishing a whip with maggots to see what was lurking in the swim. Unsurprisingly, bites came quickly with small dace, roach and chublets all making an appearance. This was encouraging since as any perch angler will know, where there are small fish then predators are never far behind. After half an hour or so, I dropped in a few broken bits of worm and baited a size 8 hook with a lobworm. I use barbless hooks with perch as they can at times end up deeply hooked. A barbless hook makes this event a lot more straightforward to solve. A small piece of elastic band on the bend prevents the worm escaping. The hook was tied to 6lb line with a bobber type float shotted with a single SSG shot around 8 inches from the hook. I see no point in over complicating matters. <div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuqwjoqSwyO2TLJD-mw8D9D_ZtJnlxoj_Vu9xpu7YoSO0WJMGkM59dltY2yZXujK4koDGDr1TPODXl2S2rvx4gcc8zrS4lffK34Bz0xsK5WoZ6pgpiFGrvfed34Uus9TRh-c0po3iWiEM/s4032/20211010_134343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuqwjoqSwyO2TLJD-mw8D9D_ZtJnlxoj_Vu9xpu7YoSO0WJMGkM59dltY2yZXujK4koDGDr1TPODXl2S2rvx4gcc8zrS4lffK34Bz0xsK5WoZ6pgpiFGrvfed34Uus9TRh-c0po3iWiEM/s320/20211010_134343.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1lb 7oz was the pick of the first batch</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Results were pretty instant with a 1lb 7oz perch the pick of the first three perch. They soon moved off and I went back to catching the small silver fish. With the steam engines of the Severn Valley Railway chugging along the valley it really did add something to the trip. After a bite to eat in the warm autumn sun, it was perch time once again. The second stint through up another fish around around the pound and a half mark before I hooked something completely different. I knew it was not a perch and and as the lively battle came to an end, a small pike came into view hooked right on the edge of its mouth and thus preventing my line being bitten through. Then the float dipped and again solid resistance was felt. The tell tale jags told me this was a perch and of much better stamp than its previous relatives. This fish really did put up a good battle and a beautiful perch was netted. It went 2lb 2oz which was a decent result and capped off a really enjoyable day. I plan to return when conditions allow as I know a 3 pounder is a real possibility and who knows, maybe something bigger. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrUW5Aii_CcNXYGm1XRloiJi09odNKgt9_HbCZVc1vchDJwNKDcwdZ3cbI8T0wAKlULHIiNlpe63_cZfuVhVBx2P0Wd2Cjke2MahRkx1AeD6YR1_9CCYeXTImb2oBg-GkDadAmm2Qx67D/s3264/20211010_163630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrUW5Aii_CcNXYGm1XRloiJi09odNKgt9_HbCZVc1vchDJwNKDcwdZ3cbI8T0wAKlULHIiNlpe63_cZfuVhVBx2P0Wd2Cjke2MahRkx1AeD6YR1_9CCYeXTImb2oBg-GkDadAmm2Qx67D/s320/20211010_163630.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2 pounder promises much for the future</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-52498039421947620902021-06-27T10:33:00.002+01:002021-06-27T10:33:28.702+01:00Off to a flyer<p>The past year has been a challenge for most. With the ongoing pandemic, my work has dominated this past 15 months and rightly so as there's been a lot to do for the greater good. However, it has come at the cost of my own personal interests. I noted that only one entry on this blog had taken place since June 2020. To be honest, not that much fishing happened and when it did I wasn't really prepared so unsurprisingly there was little to write about. When spring arrived, I was determined to try and make a bit more effort to make time and balance things up. I did a fair bit of cycling during the April and May, raising some money for Prostrate Cancer along the way. I used the Easter break to attack the garden after moving house at the end of last year and finally I was determined to go fishing on the rivers again once the season reopened on June 16th. </p><p>Of course, it fell on a work day and I had meeting which delayed my start but I finally made it to the river at about 7.30pm and promptly baited a swim with the trusty dropper. Eight loads of hemp and mixed pellet were deposited just off a far bank tree. This is quiet part of the Warwickshire Avon away from the crowds but several seasons of investigations has seen me find a small population of barbel on the stretch. I gave the swim half hour to work its magic as I went for a stroll. A pellet baited rig was cast over the bait with a second rod baited with boilie and placed mid-river for any nomadic fish that passed through. </p><p>A few taps and raps were seen as the evening progressed. The stretch has a big population of chub who are always first on the bait but nothing developed. By 9.40, I was starting to think that a typical underwhelming opening day session was about to play out. The 16th June always brings eternal hope and anticipation but as anglers reading this will know only too well, it is often an anti-climax. I'd told myself that I'd need to start thinking about packing up not long after 10pm with a busy day ahead the following morning. </p><p>Then at 9.45, without any warning, the pellet rod suddenly wrapped round and the first fish of the season was on. A great battle ensued as the fish made several blistering runs across the river. I caught a glimpse and it looked a decent barbel as its golden flank flashed beneath the surface. It was then safely landed and allowed to rest. This is vitally important during the warmer months. I could see it was a very solid fish as I lifted it onto the unhooking mat. The scales showed 10lb exactly meaning I had just about scraped a double on the first day of the season. I'm not sure I have managed that before and it was a great way to begin the new season. By the time I'd returned the fish safely, it was time to call it a day. I really hope this is the beginning of more positive year ahead and there will be plenty more stories to share. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb3VerdmzljMiwUXqRyqHqqjRNeFZSKOYFX1areqjLYAuXju5riGCmiczS50BkDeFyIEC8WIg3k8zebHHQ5SS7U7R5T6YGSGY78IxqYEdhaaWv61PuZAQo9Eu_GA-zDhdUXyPtPxFBphY/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-16+at+23.53.32.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb3VerdmzljMiwUXqRyqHqqjRNeFZSKOYFX1areqjLYAuXju5riGCmiczS50BkDeFyIEC8WIg3k8zebHHQ5SS7U7R5T6YGSGY78IxqYEdhaaWv61PuZAQo9Eu_GA-zDhdUXyPtPxFBphY/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-16+at+23.53.32.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great way to start the season</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-60032984006632503512021-01-05T22:46:00.009+00:002021-01-05T22:48:38.348+00:002021 brings hope or does it?<p>Well, 2020 has finally passed. For many, it will go down in history as one of the worst years in living memory. I realised I haven't posted on here since the end of June. To be honest, having worked throughout the epidemic and facing some tough challenges along the way it was obvious some sacrifices would have to take place. For me, it meant fishing ended up a way down the list and to be honest, the lack of focus yielded pretty mediocre results when I did manage to get out. That said, many have found rivers a tough gig during the past year so maybe I didn't miss out too much. </p><p>2021 commenced. A dawn of new hope maybe? I did manage a trip on the Avon with the end of the Christmas break looming on the horizon. The river had fallen. It was certainly cold but the water had taken on that tinge that always screams chub. Out came the cheese paste. This particular batch must be over a decade old now and has been in and out of the freezer more times than I care to remember. A light quivertip rod, size 8 hook and 6lb line together with just enough gear to allow me to stay mobile was all I needed. The first swim produced some indications but a few strikes met with thin air. My second swim saw me miss a really positive bite that I was way too late reacting too. Off to what turned out to be my final swim. I had seen some chub topping here so I had reason to feel optimistic. Two chub resulted pretty quickly plus another bite that I hopelessly missed. Neither fish was huge at 2-3lb but they brought some welcome cheer on a cold afternoon. The light soon faded and it had also started to rain so that signalled the end of the session. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yd35LLQEPhWKzCoMtfWjkDdX_Lc823O2Hk-PxjZ9Vf0m7_KI-AG1wtPiC_IgjJn4gWtj5LMm7dqWzpB29AExz-hSf8gwsFbsAeyGRxbOHnwvn2lr5V67V6tOOnmKUhLTywt8QEX2oLUW/s4032/20210102_153447.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yd35LLQEPhWKzCoMtfWjkDdX_Lc823O2Hk-PxjZ9Vf0m7_KI-AG1wtPiC_IgjJn4gWtj5LMm7dqWzpB29AExz-hSf8gwsFbsAeyGRxbOHnwvn2lr5V67V6tOOnmKUhLTywt8QEX2oLUW/s320/20210102_153447.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>Within 48 hours, Lockdown 3 had been announced. It looks like fishing will be down the list once again for a while. In the meantime, stay safe in whatever you're up to and let us all hope that better times are around the corner. </p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-12598111862724648162020-06-30T22:04:00.000+01:002020-06-30T23:26:59.112+01:00Slow start eventually bears fruitThe opening of the river season seems to have been an anti-climax for many of the anglers I know. Despite several rivers being fished by some good anglers, the results have been the same - very little to write about.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My opening day saw me fish the Avon after work with a solitary 3lb chub saving a blank. A few days later saw me out again in what looked reasonable conditions. A bit of extra water had coloured the river up but I didn't get so much as a tap. I did get a to watch a family of foxes with an excitable cub, two roe deer and a barn owl all in the space of about 15 minutes, which is all I can say about a pretty uneventful session. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I changed tactics altogether on my next trip, going lure fishing with my son on a completely different stretch. He christened his new spinning rod with a pike and managed to lose one that spectacularly leapt to freedom. I managed a couple of my own and a small perch. It was just nice to find some fish on a deserted BAA stretch of the river. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another blank followed that week and it seemed that the chance of an early season barbel was disappearing fast. As the end of June approached, I went out determined to put that right and set about hatching a plan to see a barbel grace the net. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I baited up a likely looking spot and then fished some rolling meat to see if anything was lurking. I managed to get the bait moving nicely with just enough plasticine to get the bait down to the bottom. Two chub were caught quite quickly before the shoal spooked. That was the signal to get a bait out and sit it out for what I hoped would be a plan coming to fruition. I had a small chub before all went quiet. Then at about 9pm the rod wrapped around in unmistakable fashion. A barbel was on although it didn't put up too much of a battle. A couple of short runs and it was safely netted where it then proceeded to put up more of a fight than it had at any point in the water. It was a nice fish though. I hoped it might be a scraper double but suspected it would fall short with the scales settling at 9lb 9oz to confirm this. It was a great looking specimen and a fitting fish for my first barbel. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z-2kWaHJDlo0abPKOmJxDRRZ_OAYD1hSV-gzxY7xNOecUEvq-fOR08teLd2GOiRwdEKzHjFcmYOKiQzLkT1FPrIJewbvtcknxDNN8Q7lhvD131jWas3wmsvFsW98GgcnkfP_t3ue-bBA/s1600/20200629_002327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z-2kWaHJDlo0abPKOmJxDRRZ_OAYD1hSV-gzxY7xNOecUEvq-fOR08teLd2GOiRwdEKzHjFcmYOKiQzLkT1FPrIJewbvtcknxDNN8Q7lhvD131jWas3wmsvFsW98GgcnkfP_t3ue-bBA/s400/20200629_002327.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely conditioned barbel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-37697561741078672322020-01-15T22:10:00.000+00:002020-01-15T22:10:25.174+00:00Happy New Year - A Pike PBIt was New Year's Eve and I was long overdue a pike or two. The rivers had been carrying extra water since October and windows of opportunity had been far too slim. I had however had my eyes on a new stretch of the Avon that I felt might throw up a decent fish so I hit the banks at first light.<br />
<br />
The obvious spot was actually quite snaggy and after an hour I'd seen very little to give me confidence. I reeled in and went exploring. It broke the morning up a little and allowed me to search out some potential new spots. An opening in the trees revealed a swim that had to be worth a cast so I walked back to my gear, collected the essentials and dropped a sardine a rod length from the bank. The bait had barely been in the water for 2 minutes when the float started to tremble as a pike picked up the bait. The float sailed away and I was into a solid fish that stayed deep and performed some powerful runs. It was however safely netted and unhooked and it was obvious a very nice fish lay in the net. The scales showed 18lb 9oz which was a new best for me from the river. The search for that Avon twenty goes on but this was a great way to sign off 2019.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpqxLACQh7AkcNp1jbYL-clGdhp8ph37UznGAPgpC7JzfSyALecXZqDj5wQ0urR4s9bJdn-k-dchzmPEec5JDmBkqf3j81XjQWU281zq7hq3_GiAsM5NgXlBfsOnoLGnms_j97qRkgVpa/s1600/20200104_113216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpqxLACQh7AkcNp1jbYL-clGdhp8ph37UznGAPgpC7JzfSyALecXZqDj5wQ0urR4s9bJdn-k-dchzmPEec5JDmBkqf3j81XjQWU281zq7hq3_GiAsM5NgXlBfsOnoLGnms_j97qRkgVpa/s320/20200104_113216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugJgOa_Y-fEZoUh3iyMksG9Pot3iB9FuVE4427I9x4baP5C-Lv_c_uhaYAy_mGdkj2cz2eWZ2qam3uYjmuPWdsQh30ba21fG5Ne1mpVDM-1HY0YPSlf5SQO-oPd8yVTAQlVk0iFYPv480/s1600/IMG_20191231_105032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugJgOa_Y-fEZoUh3iyMksG9Pot3iB9FuVE4427I9x4baP5C-Lv_c_uhaYAy_mGdkj2cz2eWZ2qam3uYjmuPWdsQh30ba21fG5Ne1mpVDM-1HY0YPSlf5SQO-oPd8yVTAQlVk0iFYPv480/s320/IMG_20191231_105032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-26812194706813547112019-10-07T21:17:00.001+01:002019-10-07T21:17:42.214+01:00Rising river rewardsA rising Warks Avon has always puzzled me. I've had some really great sessions and some that promised much yet delivered nothing. For me personally, a river fining down has always filled me with more confidence. This time last week, the heavens had opened and the river was on the up. Tuesday evening gave me a chance to venture out. I almost didn't. The river was still rising and for the aforementioned reasons I wasn't overly keen. Nothing ventured, nothing gained however so I set off with rain still falling and sporadic gusts of wind.<br />
<br />
These conditions leave many anglers bamboozled, a fact borne out by me being the only visitor. Where to fish? How to fish? This is where familiarity scores highly. It's ever so easy to cast into an area that looks the part only to find your rig has dropped into a reed bed, a hidden tree or some other obstruction hidden by the increased water levels. In contrast, fishing a stretch you know means you can cast with relative confidence. There's a number of stretches on the river that I have pretty well memorised for days like this.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu-UbceIVzLpgDsHVxoQRrvrji2Q6VHr49fJiyZUBX3CV3xGrKpXgNZDfvN3_Qa-hQryPfekR2ZdiPMA0P5TARdcszZdm8RB01d2iNBXO5OWSEH1UW3HpZKzj7ARaGLFFqHNKAxLxC2Pd/s1600/IMG_20191001_181628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu-UbceIVzLpgDsHVxoQRrvrji2Q6VHr49fJiyZUBX3CV3xGrKpXgNZDfvN3_Qa-hQryPfekR2ZdiPMA0P5TARdcszZdm8RB01d2iNBXO5OWSEH1UW3HpZKzj7ARaGLFFqHNKAxLxC2Pd/s320/IMG_20191001_181628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fantastic result</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two rods were cast. Both with a cage feeder filled with dampened pellets. This method means a scent trail is dispersed and the pellets stay in the feeder for up to an hour. The upstream rod was baited with a pellet (a bait that had scored two 8lb barbel the week before) with the downstream rod baited with a lump of luncheon meat. Usually, I'd be relative mobile in these conditions especially if I'd not received any indications after 30 minutes or so. That said, the weather was pretty grim and with not too many swims offering options I decided to sit it out. I did try my umbrella but the wind was so powerful it was a waste of<br />
time so I sat braving the conditions. It was about 6pm when the meat rod lurched round completely out of the blue. It caught me by surprise as I'd resigned myself to a likely blank. The fish kept low and used the extra current to its advantage meaning it barely budged initially. It then went on a run but I wrestled control back when it then became stuck in what I know is a small bed of reeds. For a minute or so it was stalemate. But pressure told and it began moving again before it surfaced for the first time. A great looking barbel emerged. I'd had to move downstream to remain in charge so the fish was eventually netted about 20 yards from swim. The net revealed an obvious double. It weighed 11lb 6oz and was a great result. It was to be the only fish of the session but what a fish.<br />
<br />
I did return 48 hours later on a falling river in what looked like my favoured conditions. I didn't get so much as a tap so it just goes to show what I know!<br />
<br />Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-41362415081485780822019-07-31T10:25:00.002+01:002019-07-31T10:25:23.841+01:00Patience rewardedAfter the success of my Avon visit a few weeks ago where I managed two doubles in a short evening session, conditions were back to normal summer levels. That night I had been able to take advantage of extra, coloured water. Now we were back to a clear river. I managed a super 9 pound barbel on the following session along with a smaller barbel of average size. The fish picking up a pellet baits presented with a pva bag of offerings. The next visit saw me in the same area. These few swims had yet to give me a double figure fish despite a few 9 pounders over the last few years. I kept returning sure that one day my luck might change but I was still waiting.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKAIFSLto92QqWWxHXKScNIDCqe9XrXdpv8s1O3URAN4kHzskA1_rbEVl1Zv76aUdfZAvJevKOvyJrTfEZK6-CA9RUjGFHLeWogl75qwg0DXCWZkk4DLEDHB8lh2J_14-rpdb-GJOd7Uw/s1600/IMG_20190723_213328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKAIFSLto92QqWWxHXKScNIDCqe9XrXdpv8s1O3URAN4kHzskA1_rbEVl1Zv76aUdfZAvJevKOvyJrTfEZK6-CA9RUjGFHLeWogl75qwg0DXCWZkk4DLEDHB8lh2J_14-rpdb-GJOd7Uw/s320/IMG_20190723_213328.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11lb exactly </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On this occasion, I fed more heavily laying down a bed of hemp and pellet concentrating on the head of the swim with a lighter effort downstream. I fished boilie on the upstream rod with pellet downstream. A chub of about 3lb fell to the boilie rod quite quickly. All was quiet thereafter. However, I was content. The baits were presented and there was food available. Some people might have been tempted to recast but in my view this is a mistake. Leaving everything alone allows the better fish to build confidence that the area is just as normal. Casting now would just arouse suspicion so I waited. Finally, there was a twitch on the downstream rod. Was it a chub? Another twitch then nothing. I was now thinking barbel as this is often the precursor. Seconds later the rod twitched again and kept on going and the battle was on. The fish was netted and my patience had finally paid off with an 11lb barbel, my third Avon double this summer. Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-21162945566201317602019-06-30T10:20:00.000+01:002019-06-30T10:20:07.779+01:00A slow start bursts into lifeI have to be honest, the start of the river season has kind of passed me by this year. A combination of other things going on meant that for the first time in decades I missed out on the 16th June. A couple of trips in the first week or so resulted in a blank and then a couple of small chub. It was all a bit underwhelming.<br />
<br />
Last Tuesday saw a whole heap of rain fall in Worcestershire and the Avon inevitably began to rise. By Wednesday evening it had peaked and was around 3ft up but starting to fall. The weather was grey and cloudy and I did have second thoughts on venturing out. The fact that a heat wave had been predicted for Thursday and beyond was enough to give me a nudge to get my act together so by 7pm I was set up in a swim that gave me some nice steady water on the inside with the fastest water on the opposite bank. The river looked good and as expected, several other anglers were on the bank hoping to take advantage of what looked decent conditions. However, not much had happened and a few were already calling it a day.<br />
<br />
I cast out two rods. Upstream with pellet, downstream with meat. Both with a cage feeder packed <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8K8YV2uyln2spEhMoDFnQUG2hRz_T4y2KQWAZI00eXNN5z_MA-n2cNKqBrkJwPTec8_ZHKpvDp-PO7deqgwiiylCDMft7FwEv7YTZJvQX7WcIIE0WSpGX6YNejvXJ1s_PlFILn8FLVlv/s1600/IMG_20190626_200236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8K8YV2uyln2spEhMoDFnQUG2hRz_T4y2KQWAZI00eXNN5z_MA-n2cNKqBrkJwPTec8_ZHKpvDp-PO7deqgwiiylCDMft7FwEv7YTZJvQX7WcIIE0WSpGX6YNejvXJ1s_PlFILn8FLVlv/s320/IMG_20190626_200236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first barbel of the season, and a double.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
with scalded pellet to act as an attractant. A few chub topped mid-river so at least I knew some fish were about but all was quiet as far as the baits were concerned. To be honest, I didn't expect much. However, that was all about to change. Around one hour in and the pellet was picked up and it was a barbel. A good fish held its own, using the extra water to its advantage. I kept the pressure on and inched it closer to the bank where it was finally beaten. A good fish that surely had to be a double. Indeed it was, weighing in at 10lb 14oz. My mood had completely changed. What a way to open my barbel account but better was still to come. Both rods had seen a few knocks and at around 9pm the meat was picked up and another barbel was on. This fish just held station. It didn't really run and I could hardly move it. I think at one point it might have snagged but I managed to get it moving again and finally it surfaced. Another double and bigger than the first. The second fish went 11lb 5oz. I packed up at 10pm. I maybe could have stayed on a little longer and maybe another would have showed but I was more than satisfied with two doubles in less than three hours of fishing. The river is now back to normal and we've just seen some very hotweather so right time, right place and all that.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WVIMf8TJkm0JHJoLVnBcNhMCT63Bt40ALJrU-_zs2OxHvg1JfbTOIbNSpgyD4EU9vK2k_2SV7DfySA9P9ehPRguiA_K6Tw3qrM8Cb4n315lGKf_aCgXCPLqBiMoBA-xKX-7RmfFsjvCC/s1600/IMG_20190626_213106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WVIMf8TJkm0JHJoLVnBcNhMCT63Bt40ALJrU-_zs2OxHvg1JfbTOIbNSpgyD4EU9vK2k_2SV7DfySA9P9ehPRguiA_K6Tw3qrM8Cb4n315lGKf_aCgXCPLqBiMoBA-xKX-7RmfFsjvCC/s320/IMG_20190626_213106.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second of the session at 11lb 5oz </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyone that does read this may have noticed I have slowed up with the post releases. I have decided that I will slow down my output, probably posting an update every month or so and maybe an extra if something turns up worth mentioning. However, I'm not really sure how many people are reading this anymore and social media seems to have taken over. There's plenty on here for those that want to search around. Thank you to those that still check in and comment. That's always appreciated.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-63122523073603797132019-05-01T22:15:00.000+01:002019-05-09T20:52:14.285+01:00Tench - Heaven 17If you're here because of the 80s synth band, Heaven 17 then you're going to be disappointed. However, if you enjoy tench then read on as I'm about to describe a super day on the banks. With some recent warm weather, I decided it was time to catch some tench so set off for a water I fished a couple of times last spring with some reasonable success. The fish are average size with some over 5lb but give great sport on the float. There are rumours of fish to 8lb but I've not found any evidence of them yet.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim07rUiLa6qQPHWanDmQAXJDkDatbIdzBWrORwuJvnSOqzGshHTyXLFwZ0Hf8_EqsU8IHqVk9CTYcsjwPurJixZDYeUETBbf65g6B6CPL2w10zoGAqasx6NgWuf79Y6C-sMDTfNBMQ8u7n/s1600/20190426_092057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim07rUiLa6qQPHWanDmQAXJDkDatbIdzBWrORwuJvnSOqzGshHTyXLFwZ0Hf8_EqsU8IHqVk9CTYcsjwPurJixZDYeUETBbf65g6B6CPL2w10zoGAqasx6NgWuf79Y6C-sMDTfNBMQ8u7n/s320/20190426_092057.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first tench of the session</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite the warmer weather, the day I visited was quite cool with a persistent wind blowing towards me. This was punctuated by some pretty strong gusts and the occasional rain shower. I'd had my heart set on fishing relatively close in using the traditional lift method. A size 16 hook was baited with double maggot and I was up and running. It didn't take long before the float started to twitch. The culprits could have been some of the roach and rudd that also inhabit the lake but I was sure that the tench were not far away. Eventually the float disappeared from view rather than lifting and my centrepin started to spin gently as a fish moved away. A strike saw me connected with the first tench of the day. My new Avon rod gave a satisfying bend as it toyed with its first fish. A fish of over 3lb gave a good account of itself and was safely netted. I thought this would open the flood gates but the next 2 hours were pretty slow. Lots of dips of the float but nothing worth striking at. I tried some modifications. I put a fake maggot on the hook along with a live one. I hoped that a better balance might enable a more confident pick up and also enable the bait to sit on, rather than sink into the weed. The result was instant. I was tighening up to the float when it lifted, fell flat and I felt the line pull. The second tench was netted and a third followed not too long after. However, I was<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YorvMM4pkBOHxUlNCgmuxvJHH9rs4gOD0o0Z_uqMsZFV_WiL7PC6TsHsELLZ8Z_LUVED6aEYrZnFmBlFPzAW3qH2KEmUB5oYGew5WjX-Kdod7gcO2JHvSYTWG2eHOcDHzNYVsPbfVYR9/s1600/IMG_20190426_133556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YorvMM4pkBOHxUlNCgmuxvJHH9rs4gOD0o0Z_uqMsZFV_WiL7PC6TsHsELLZ8Z_LUVED6aEYrZnFmBlFPzAW3qH2KEmUB5oYGew5WjX-Kdod7gcO2JHvSYTWG2eHOcDHzNYVsPbfVYR9/s320/IMG_20190426_133556.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5lb 7oz and the best of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
not happy with my presentation. I was convinced tench were in the swim but my optimism was not converting to bites. The wind wasn't helping which by now was pretty strong. I made the decision to switch to a thin tipped waggler. This change proved pivitol as bites came regularly and were now positive. No more maybes, just a twitch and gone. These bites proved easy to hit and the result was tench after tench. I had a few hours where nearly every cast resulted in a tench. I ended with 17 tench. Most were 3-4lb with the best going 5lb 7oz but provided non-stop entertainment. I even had a roach of 1lb 7oz which somehow found a way out of my net as I set up the camera for what would have been a nice photo. It was a great session in what were less than perfect conditions with the troublesome wind. I'm already planning my next trip.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-55607404774419010442019-04-14T20:30:00.000+01:002019-04-14T20:30:53.820+01:00Perch bring spring actionWith almost a month passing since the close of the river season I was beginning to get a few withdrawal symptoms. With the weather still cool, my target was perch so I headed to my stillwater destination full of confidence. Arriving at around 1pm, my intention was to fish through until around 6.30pm, which would give me plenty of time for the perch to decide on feeding.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSh1wdbiglS76sSZ5FMIH8RkDmZTpOk_4MP9UEF0zuG9ARek8MV3kMZ1f_41vuNONMRy2lOaJ8FpN6P25fML8QM-NMJiiRZBgue8juTspAuoQDtEmM9KepDiPgBhNNpgupH6seAU6kaTY/s1600/20190407_143754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSh1wdbiglS76sSZ5FMIH8RkDmZTpOk_4MP9UEF0zuG9ARek8MV3kMZ1f_41vuNONMRy2lOaJ8FpN6P25fML8QM-NMJiiRZBgue8juTspAuoQDtEmM9KepDiPgBhNNpgupH6seAU6kaTY/s200/20190407_143754.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2lb 2oz to kick things off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two rods were set up. The first a running ledger baited with a large prawn, the second a more traditional bobber float and worm combination. Although there have been occasions when the fish have fell to both baits during the same session, I have often found the perch have a preference to one or the other on any given day. One day can see all the fish fall to worm with prawns ignored while another can see the complete opposite. I hoped that my approach would cover both bases. I started off catching a few fish on maggot for a bit of entertainment. A large gudgeon and a few rudd made an appearance. Soon after a worm was placed into position with the prawn rig positioned just outside the main feeding area. The little and often approach to feeding maggots meant that there were plenty of smaller fish in the swim and I hoped the<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZuLqKWW_Rx72yRwJ6AY0ySlSdgbxaHNvxHyt72a3ema_MSKvTNqdHdtFuX1kNUHfZoEuz6APk2eTnuYq8lUr2MrTXMWf_Es6yIS8FU88oEr0b1M7pd4UCf6D4E8Fx86X0YhyphenhyphenGsfH5R1E/s1600/perch+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZuLqKWW_Rx72yRwJ6AY0ySlSdgbxaHNvxHyt72a3ema_MSKvTNqdHdtFuX1kNUHfZoEuz6APk2eTnuYq8lUr2MrTXMWf_Es6yIS8FU88oEr0b1M7pd4UCf6D4E8Fx86X0YhyphenhyphenGsfH5R1E/s320/perch+5.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2lb 7oz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
perch would not be far behind them. Any stripy predators observing from afar could pick up the prawn and then when they decided to go on full hunt mode and enter the fed area then the worm would hopefully provide an easy meal. After an hour I was perchless. A few fish had shown signs that perch might be about. I was convinced they were not far away so I put a prawn on the float set up as well and dropped it right under where the maggots were being fed. Within moments the float buried and I was into a perch. It put up a super fight, probably the best I've had from a perch and the prize was a lovely fish of 2lb 2oz. Within twenty minutes another fell to the same approach weighing in at 2lb 7oz. A carp of around 6lb then found its way to the bank marauding through my swim in the process. After a pause in the action the ledgered prawn was then picked up and the third perch of the day was landed. Again the fish put up a great scrap with this perch registering 2lb 5oz on the scales. Another carp came along with a perch under a pound and then sport curtailed around 5pm. Just at the time you'd expect fish to feed the opposite happened and I packed up as planned with no further fish. However, that 90 min spell during the afternoon and produced three 2lb+ perch. Prawn had won the battle of the baits and given me a great day's fishing in anyone's book.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dBbsY8zlU8lAJNwlfRYdS182xM55p3YP_Resz4bb25yYxQw1HcEtuof3cYOsKynR1axPe7e_egk14QAWTrUkW2LJ_taEgi9wL-_q1sDMNzZt-Yt115nCqllk9mFzMZuknm7PgsVM0G6-/s1600/IMG_20190407_160123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dBbsY8zlU8lAJNwlfRYdS182xM55p3YP_Resz4bb25yYxQw1HcEtuof3cYOsKynR1axPe7e_egk14QAWTrUkW2LJ_taEgi9wL-_q1sDMNzZt-Yt115nCqllk9mFzMZuknm7PgsVM0G6-/s320/IMG_20190407_160123.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The third and final 2 pounder of the session</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was then given an unexpected opportunity to return a few days later. I was keen to experience more of the same and even attempt to beat my PB which the lake is more than capable of doing. The conditions were spot on so I was optimistic and deployed the same set up as the previous session. After 2 hours I had only managed to catch a dozen or so roach and rudd. The prawns and lobworms had been ignored as far as the perch were concerned. I was convinced they hadn't wandered too far from the area so I took the decision to try a livebait. Within ten minutes a familiar fish was on the bank. A repeat capture of the 2lb 2oz perch and its distinctive split dorsal fin fro a few days earlier. Another live was lowered and mullered instantly. I hadn't even put the rod down. This perch went 2lb 6oz. I lost another decent perch later to a hook pull but that was the end of the action and then banked a smaller perch of around a pound. They had certainly been more difficult to catch on this day. Neither prawn or worm had returned me a perch and a blank would have been the inevitable result but for the change to live baits.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-56SGTohB5KCSE52qt5M4fCCBkYtCS5-BiFT6zUZD9wDfroiVmOlhylgT5aQaMzrGgFusQ7lsbJyIhvTjxTjSf-SlgEcApW16EXU_7FrsfKdjXYz9mGmMrJ1YtNmaLu569pq2ZvnQACyv/s1600/IMG_20190409_160742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-56SGTohB5KCSE52qt5M4fCCBkYtCS5-BiFT6zUZD9wDfroiVmOlhylgT5aQaMzrGgFusQ7lsbJyIhvTjxTjSf-SlgEcApW16EXU_7FrsfKdjXYz9mGmMrJ1YtNmaLu569pq2ZvnQACyv/s400/IMG_20190409_160742.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2lb 6oz from the return visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-75512057638266845792019-03-18T20:39:00.002+00:002019-03-18T20:39:33.143+00:00Barbel bring the season to an endAfter my pike adventures of the winter, I was keen to finish off the season with a few barbel. The weather was relatively kind too. Temperatures were reasonably mild and most rivers had extra water. The only issue was that the levels had been up and down on an almost daily basis so stability was certainly lacking.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG9BwzrY9nt_cORDoaRkhB9h9F5tD7CWNp0LAdg7VAx8cJap8FtsfjYTTw4MDG8osui1ghkBL2dm3zGa_Bc29GX76zICSZUBX3HuUXIvLg8dI5c4-hImHolZeosAR5i72xCgUuyfJULT_/s1600/20190309_155927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG9BwzrY9nt_cORDoaRkhB9h9F5tD7CWNp0LAdg7VAx8cJap8FtsfjYTTw4MDG8osui1ghkBL2dm3zGa_Bc29GX76zICSZUBX3HuUXIvLg8dI5c4-hImHolZeosAR5i72xCgUuyfJULT_/s320/20190309_155927.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Severn 9 pounder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the last weekend of the river season upon us, I headed to a stretch of the middle Severn. This stretch had been kind in the past, especially when carrying extra water so I was confident of a bite or two. A rather busy car park greeted my arrival. Hardly surprising but a little disappointing nevertheless. It forced me upstream instead of my usual ventures downstream. I bumped into a couple of chaps who had blanked the previous day. It was similar news among the other anglers there but I found myself a likely looking swim and gave it a couple of hours. It was an uneventful few hours too without so much as a tap. I'd have liked to have roamed the stretch but it was too busy for that. By now it was lunchtime so I decided that given no one was catching it was time for a different stretch. Fifteen minutes later and I was in a new swim. Again fishing was slow despite what looked to be great conditions. A change to a pellet hookbait accompanied with a PVA bag finally saw a bite and a barbel was on. A lovely plump fish of 9lb 2oz was the result. I hoped it would prove to be a catalyst for a few but it was to be the only bite of the day.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxJjPZou8YflVPTuW0jW_aJH9UFZDA40DB63zZFmhqnYRhFP1qKmTFKDy-HqtZj3NOt_3NsniVnV1rwgjt1jSJl0h-fAhuXAbazckdRyh1XRJIxhDKUYTHt1RPzOaPgIetbusJ5pWvE06/s1600/IMG_20190312_173820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxJjPZou8YflVPTuW0jW_aJH9UFZDA40DB63zZFmhqnYRhFP1qKmTFKDy-HqtZj3NOt_3NsniVnV1rwgjt1jSJl0h-fAhuXAbazckdRyh1XRJIxhDKUYTHt1RPzOaPgIetbusJ5pWvE06/s320/IMG_20190312_173820.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first Avon fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two short sessions on the Warks Avon after work completed the season for me. The first was on a rising river that had yet to colour up. Within 45 minutes a barbel was landed at 8lb 7oz falling to pellet presented upstream towards the far bank tree cover. The river continued to rise rapidly and by 7pm I called it a day with no more action seen.<br />
<br />
The final day of the season saw me back on the river. It was highly coloured but dropping. A few fish had come out during the day to other anglers so I was mildly optimistic. That optimism soon dissipated as my baits were ignored. It looked for all intents and purposes that the season was going to end in a disappointing blank. The session was drawing to a close so I began to pack up. The first rod came in and was dismantled when out of the blue the bait on the remaining rod was picked up. My third barbel of the week was landed. Although very welcome, it wasn't huge probably going between 6 and 7lb and with it my 2018-19 season was over. Much has been discussed regarding the close season although I for one welcome the break. I may be in the minority these days but a break makes the heart grow fonder and it will allow me venture to pastures new. While the weather is still on the cool side I will target perch and then switch to tench as the water begins to warm. By then my thoughts will already be wandering towards the 16th June.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQACkprrNBk4L_NrCMqFYZWcX1F9d4IkaZ9FFGgbnIYCxJGBCuCTT7oNrG_hR6tRAYLANqimc6lX4ZQfO65LapcdnlxfIw2ykZr644hgWNjQbP3kpzFiHdlCrxq3TXrmOlIb7K43TnMfr/s1600/20190314_193250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQACkprrNBk4L_NrCMqFYZWcX1F9d4IkaZ9FFGgbnIYCxJGBCuCTT7oNrG_hR6tRAYLANqimc6lX4ZQfO65LapcdnlxfIw2ykZr644hgWNjQbP3kpzFiHdlCrxq3TXrmOlIb7K43TnMfr/s400/20190314_193250.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final barbel of the season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-74943103555224706022019-03-12T23:16:00.001+00:002019-03-12T23:16:17.725+00:00Another nice pikeThe last time I blogged, I was in the middle of an enjoyable pike fad. Having already landed some nice river doubles my appetite had yet to be sated and I was still on the hunt for more. Several sessions saw me catch on each of them although the fish were small. One Sunday afternoon session was particularly slow. Sat in my banker swim, the light began to signal the end of another February day. It looked like a blank was looming. I drew the float back towards me, partly as the light was now departing making it difficult to make it out on the water's surface. In its new position it sat nicely in between the reflection of some trees. It was then that it moved ever so slightly into the darker part of the reflection. It was a matter of inches but it had definitely moved. Was it the current? I was unsure. If it was a bite then it was very subtle. I held the braid between my fingers and felt for movement. A slight tug registered but again very subtle. If this was indeed a fish then it had barely moved upon picking up the bait. Another slight pull on the braid was enough to see me wind down and strike and indeed a fish was on. It felt good. No alarming runs but a decent force at the other end nevertheless. By the time it made the net it was pretty much dark. However, I could see enough to be sure another great river pike had been landed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYGvdXvM5bbJz43oIS-jOZYR1rago0_kaSlD0JZOfxwNy5kUt3zUewb6aOwCc_p97wagW9WjeMPG4HqFOTqjcctVuJyYl5wz9ciLRMy4lcX2fLvHFgFwp3VBhw_BZ24pgyxGEWjpd7ycD/s1600/20190217_180958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYGvdXvM5bbJz43oIS-jOZYR1rago0_kaSlD0JZOfxwNy5kUt3zUewb6aOwCc_p97wagW9WjeMPG4HqFOTqjcctVuJyYl5wz9ciLRMy4lcX2fLvHFgFwp3VBhw_BZ24pgyxGEWjpd7ycD/s400/20190217_180958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It also was a great learning experience, showing me how little a pike can move a float despite picking up the bait fully. I had another smaller pike do the same more recently so it really does pay to give your full attention. With March now here and the river levels fluctuating almost daily it has almost certainly signaled the end of my pike campaign for this year. Three very nice pike have been landed with plenty of smaller ones keeping me busy on the slower days. With the season almost over I shall now look to finish with a barbel or two.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-71988220620075696802019-01-14T21:28:00.001+00:002019-01-14T21:28:15.939+00:00New Year breeds pike shaped enthusiasm So another year is upon on us and with it comes new targets and new found enthusiasm. I finished 2018 on the hunt for barbel. I set myself a target of catching one in every calendar month of the river season. I am yet to succeed with the winter months always proving tricky and as far as December was concerned, time was fast running out. A couple of days on the Warks Avon gave me seemingly perfect conditions but I failed to trouble the scorers and with just a few days left it took a trip to the Severn to break my duck. I bumped into a chap that had a red letter day 24 hours earlier. He had managed a barbel first cast and looked set for another bumper session but had failed to record a bite since. How many times have we returned to the same spot and used the same tactics after a good day only to see a tough session ensue? It's what makes fishing impossible to predict and keeps anglers going back in the hope that today will result in that magical catch. However this particular day turned out to be tough. Even fishing maggots which I had hoped to be my secret weapon failed to produce the barbel I was looking for. I upped sticks and moved to a swim that has produced for me in the past. It was going to be an all or nothing approach with about 90 minutes to go before the light was gone and and the session would end. I switched to worm but still ensured a slow release of maggots from the feeder to hopefully attract some interest. Eventually the rod twitched twice and a small barbel kept my challenge going for another month at least.<br />
<br />
January has seen me targeting pike. I have to be honest, it's been really refreshing and I've has some <br />
success which has given me fresh impetus. Although there are many ways to catch a pike I still think a float setup is hard to beat. It gives me the flexibility to stay mobile and search the fish out and bite indication is straightforward with no need for extra kit such as alarms. In fact, the sight of the float bobbing slightly as a pike picks up the bait before it moves across the water and slides from view certainly sets the pulse racing. My first session of the year could hardly have gone better. Fishing sardine, a pike found the bait quite quickly but refused to pick it up purposefully. Slight movements for what seemed an age had me doubting it was even a pike at all. Maybe smaller fish were pecking at the bait? I recast. The same thing happened. Lots of movement on the float but nothing to make me feel a strike was warranted. I pulled the bait a few feet hoping the movement would entice a take. Eventually the float sailed away and a pike was on. It was a good one too. It leapt clear from the surface adding to the experience. It was netted. It looked easily 15+ pounds and maybe a good deal more. It was rested whilst I set up for a photo and scales. However, whilst taking the photo the fish flipped. I lost my grip and it found its way back to the river before returning to the depths never to be seen again. It was a slight disappointment not knowing what the fish weighed but it didn't hide the fact it was probably my second best pike from the stretch. A smaller fish resulted from another spot but it had been a rewarding few hours.<br />
<br />
A few days later and I was back. The swim of the big fish was tried. I hoped to catch it again to put to<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHcDtnSN_CUXJ9G0JO1OFOd2IfUzAdZ-okQoQyEe6uYcYukpZoOp5sMIRnVDbU16g83kZQu2kHtJgWu9fz2xUtDbcc-wNkNZgTh2j0KDRco0m42QsBYtvWmZFi1uP1wW8Hy37_zj4Nfww/s1600/Pike+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHcDtnSN_CUXJ9G0JO1OFOd2IfUzAdZ-okQoQyEe6uYcYukpZoOp5sMIRnVDbU16g83kZQu2kHtJgWu9fz2xUtDbcc-wNkNZgTh2j0KDRco0m42QsBYtvWmZFi1uP1wW8Hy37_zj4Nfww/s400/Pike+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another decent river pike. This one didn't mind a photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
rest my nagging doubts but that did not happen despite missing a run. I then visited the swim that had given me the smaller pike. After 20 minutes or so the float started to move towards the reed bed on the near bank. Another good pike was successfully hooked. The fight was less spectacular than the previous decent fish but it was another great river specimen. It went 15lb 12oz with the photo and weighing passing without any drama on this occasion. The fish was returned safely and no more action was seen.<br />
<br />
My most recent session saw a jack pike arrive quite quickly. Another soon followed. There were almost identical in size but I always feel that when the smaller pike are this active it signals the bigger fish are not feeding. If you were a pike of a few pounds, you'd keep a low profile if a fish 4 times your size was on the look out for lunch. I then lost a fish at the net, again estimated at several pounds before another spat the hook. I think this can always happen as the smaller pike takes that bit longer to position a reasonably sized bait in its jaws. Strike too early and you won't hook it. Too long and you risk a deeply hooked fish, especially if it turns out to be a bigger fish that will engulf a bait more rapidly. I think today's culprits were smaller fish. It's been a really enjoyable week or so on the bank and my relative success with the pike has certainly freshened things up and renewed my enthusiasm. Hopefully there will be few more fish to follow.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-32523649551547213552018-11-20T20:25:00.003+00:002018-11-20T20:25:56.935+00:00Wonderful WyeRecent weather finally brought some rainfall and with it the hope that the rivers would finally give us something to get excited about. While this week's weather has seen a cold blast hit UK shores, the last few weeks have been very mild with most rivers returning temperatures of about 10°C. However this had been largely coupled with low clear water so any rainfall would be gladly welcomed.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1az-yPwh7lsHk9CXC7HzCXVWCVaeST880fNyWNzkQMKPlQULmJuJtPMVqwelxt29GTlWXTRnM_V-M-BClEbhDGi1gWT1RkGweeln3nF3CKyO7jvFSDLtoFrBwnB16vtYZQMbGjnVv1KfE/s1600/20181111_142131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1az-yPwh7lsHk9CXC7HzCXVWCVaeST880fNyWNzkQMKPlQULmJuJtPMVqwelxt29GTlWXTRnM_V-M-BClEbhDGi1gWT1RkGweeln3nF3CKyO7jvFSDLtoFrBwnB16vtYZQMbGjnVv1KfE/s320/20181111_142131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my chosen swims</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />With the temperatures so high for November it seemed silly not to have a go for barbel. The weather is fickle at this time of year and it could be weeks, even months before another opportunity this good arose. My local Warwickshire Avon saw no change to its levels, well maybe a few inches but nothing to set the pulses racing. The Severn had risen a little but again it didn't really fill me with confidence. The Wye however looked to have about 4ft on and was starting to drop. It was what I was looking for and my mind was made up pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
I arrived just after lunch to find the stretch empty. Just the way I like it. I had not fished this stretch before in such conditions so a bit of roving was the order of the day and with no one else there it meant I was free to do what I liked. I walked upstream, eyeing a few likely looking spots behind trees. It was this type of swim that I dropped into first. With the main current a torrent I hoped the fish would be sheltering behind these obstructions. I had only brought one rod and that was tackled with a straight lead to a size 2 hook baited with meat. I aimed to give each swim up to 30-40 minutes. In these conditions a fish ought to show relatively quickly if they are indeed present.<br />
<br />
Within minutes of settling down the heavens opened. The forecast has not mentioned rain so without an umbrella I simply had to sit it out. Soon after it turned to a sharp hail storm. It was not a great start but the sun returned and gave me just enough heat to attempt to dry off a little.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjwGrINEOg4dtTFnY0E0aTnsaTeQPLRtTYyCqYd2WWTM6_RMTGG_M75Ko5V6mYMF5rqCJCJt6is4HnzcC_uAmGtVH255xyhZJMobF4t2hMRyoIibeNBr4dhhgvmLfIQUtgjWlRKh8VwEC/s1600/IMG_20181111_150433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjwGrINEOg4dtTFnY0E0aTnsaTeQPLRtTYyCqYd2WWTM6_RMTGG_M75Ko5V6mYMF5rqCJCJt6is4HnzcC_uAmGtVH255xyhZJMobF4t2hMRyoIibeNBr4dhhgvmLfIQUtgjWlRKh8VwEC/s200/IMG_20181111_150433.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A promising start in the new swim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first two swims produced nothing other than one sharp jag on the rod tip. I dropped further downstream to an area that looked a whole lot more promising. A smooth looking glide screamed barbel so my bait was cast just my side of the crease. I didn't have to wait too long before a tap turned into a wrap around and the first barbel of the day was hooked. It put up a decent scrap and a fish of just over 8lb was my reward.<br />
<br />
I did contemplate moving on again but this area looked as promising as anywhere else so I decided I would sit it out on the premise that if it was good enough for one barbel then they'd probably be another in the area at some<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaK95OG5vLfXoAyDE_ZxURuBMCSeoymaSVBK3PBKV2H8QdsDjuVvIc8ZCTXDXa2BjRzdtTp77n5txXC2ypBVjm14jHGyAvdjIqm5kNlKUIk0MheCMZAi9Vl6O9RWEtfQ_kb6e1Xx_ydHx/s1600/IMG_20181111_165502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaK95OG5vLfXoAyDE_ZxURuBMCSeoymaSVBK3PBKV2H8QdsDjuVvIc8ZCTXDXa2BjRzdtTp77n5txXC2ypBVjm14jHGyAvdjIqm5kNlKUIk0MheCMZAi9Vl6O9RWEtfQ_kb6e1Xx_ydHx/s320/IMG_20181111_165502.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best fish of the session</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
point. The next hour or more was pretty quiet fishing wise but the Wye Valley is as good as anywhere to spend an autumn afternoon. With stunning scenery, buzzards soaring overhead and the chance that any moment could signal the arrival of a barbel the afternoon flew by. The sun started to set and with it daytime began to lose its grasp. This time of the day is always synonymous with a barbel bite and today was to be no different. A positive bite saw me connected with another barbel that put up a much more stubborn resistance than the first fish. Another fine looking barbel was landed with this one going 9lb 9oz. It was a fitting way to end an enjoyable afternoon on the river Wye.<br />
<br />
If you find yourself here then please look around the rest of the site. Comments are always welcomed.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-44972064064618300802018-11-12T22:09:00.001+00:002018-11-13T12:56:34.268+00:00Autumn Perch and Chub<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDq305hgPbjguBRX9UTOXyGCyvxY_RjvHLK1dRlW88uAhn_-woTo2U7svDtNn153l3m2LjFfWtM2u5Wog4LmlbtrnoLLj7m1FsIKTfK8r6sAHgqbavvgazmh8ys1UD2_ImqTseQI12qZ/s1600/20181102_145603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1600" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDq305hgPbjguBRX9UTOXyGCyvxY_RjvHLK1dRlW88uAhn_-woTo2U7svDtNn153l3m2LjFfWtM2u5Wog4LmlbtrnoLLj7m1FsIKTfK8r6sAHgqbavvgazmh8ys1UD2_ImqTseQI12qZ/s200/20181102_145603.jpg" width="200" /></a>The end of October coincided with high pressure meaning cold nights and bright days. Despite having the week off, I still ended up having to fish on one of the brightest of them. I had decided to target some decent perch and as we all know, bright sunshine is not the perch anglers favourite condition. Arriving at a stillwater that had been kind to me in the past, I tackled up with a ledger set up with prawn and a float set up with worm. Regular feeding soon had the swim filled with the resident roach and skimmers. With perch sport slow, I changed to a maggot hookbait and enjoyed some nice roach.<br />
<br />
As the afternoon wore on and the sun began to dip behind the trees on the far side of the lake. I was left in the shade and the temperature dipped sharply as another frosty night loomed. Although chilly, I knew the low light would give me a better chance of a perch so it was all systems go with prawn and worm baits cast into prime position. The waiting game began. Regular feeding kept the prey fish in the area and I just had to hope the big perch would turn up at some stage.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOGQfscDzi-SO5E9B_Ly5gc5VImmmK9qqwiRzJvNfrL2xraJhJgwyvqOSqEafv0f8tZ_ssmDzTt1U-ARlFZPhxyNTtKxMP6DVJhk4eu9cbw-Ctn7HoerfrDaIbs7aMOer2Y9cGyGRILWY/s1600/20181102_151618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOGQfscDzi-SO5E9B_Ly5gc5VImmmK9qqwiRzJvNfrL2xraJhJgwyvqOSqEafv0f8tZ_ssmDzTt1U-ARlFZPhxyNTtKxMP6DVJhk4eu9cbw-Ctn7HoerfrDaIbs7aMOer2Y9cGyGRILWY/s400/20181102_151618.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 2lb 4oz perch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of the resident day ticket anglers fishing for carp started to depart. It was now as the lake became quiet that I noticed something a little different. The smaller fish in my swim seemed to have disappeared. Had the perch moved in and caused them anxiety? I recast my ledger rig baited with a prawn. I then placed the rod into the rest. I was still holding the line as I set about clipping on the bobbin but there was no need. A sharp tug registered. Then another. I struck and a decent fish was on. I quickly decided it had to be a perch so I just had to ensure it stayed on. Every time a good perch surfaces it never fails to be a breathtaking sight. They have been described as <i>the biggest fish of all</i> and there's no doubting they make for impressive viewing. The fish was safely netted and although it wasn't going to threaten the 3 pounders I'd had from the venue previously it was certainly over 2lb.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY0qroQXUbNbeem7nMnwoXvPY_Z716N2H7Ite-TXXY06Zf0uH8l2WmXlMNL2jAiEKipPU5jPccX5Es8XWGve15b9lNf8mtu_8Y4_4ZUdCfbcyX4e2HcL1kCvc33yzamgPHUdyxFWCgNdk/s1600/20181102_222736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY0qroQXUbNbeem7nMnwoXvPY_Z716N2H7Ite-TXXY06Zf0uH8l2WmXlMNL2jAiEKipPU5jPccX5Es8XWGve15b9lNf8mtu_8Y4_4ZUdCfbcyX4e2HcL1kCvc33yzamgPHUdyxFWCgNdk/s320/20181102_222736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A carp approaching double figures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The scales confirmed this at 2lb 4oz. I hoped this would signal a flurry of activity and another perch around the pound mark fell to the worm. Another positive bite on the worm put a huge bend on the rod and signaled one of the resident carp had been hooked. Whilst good fun on a through action rod and centrepin its marauding around the swim put an end to end hopes of anymore perch. Soon enough the light had gone and the session had ended.<br />
<br />
<br />
A few days later I was on the Warwickshire Avon. The river had been low and clear for what seems an eternity. With the temperature dropping it was a toss up between pike or chub with the latter winning. Tactics were going to be simple with trotted bread flake the order of the day. By the time I'd faffed about it had gone 3pm by the time I'd thrown some mashed bread into the head of my chosen swim. With the nights drawing in I probably only had about 90 minutes to make this work. One thing in my favour was the fact the Avon has a great head of chub. Most are in the 3-4lb class but they are great sport especially on fair tackle. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSXBgXGDghBBSHO1tun69UEfMP982mU4MJh5SaclrZAB2pN3H_W23bcAGeJtuubrGxx4ALvhTNwE5HfXCvo9bAY0AAb90mQdA86Ti2OJSva31dmJMdfwPh2xGX0VW9ikdhuvnE77ec4WW/s1600/20181104_152934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSXBgXGDghBBSHO1tun69UEfMP982mU4MJh5SaclrZAB2pN3H_W23bcAGeJtuubrGxx4ALvhTNwE5HfXCvo9bAY0AAb90mQdA86Ti2OJSva31dmJMdfwPh2xGX0VW9ikdhuvnE77ec4WW/s320/20181104_152934.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first fish of the session</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A piece of flake was presented on a size 12 hook to a 7lb hooklength. My first cast was made and the float started its journey through the swim. Half way down and the float sunk from view. My strike was met with solid resistance as the first chub of the day made a bid for the nearside cover. It was a great start. The next cast saw a repeat with the float burying and another good chub hooked. This was beginning to look like a super session in the making. It was maybe the next run down that another fish was hooked. However this one had a bit more intent about and took off across the river towards the far bank trees. I was unable to tame it and the hooklength parted. I have no idea whether this was an over energetic chub or whether I had connected with a barbel. I will never know. Another chub showed meaning I had managed three chub and a lost fish within the first 6 or so casts. It was then that the chub vanished almost as quickly as they had been caught. I persevered hoping some more mashed bread would entice them back upstream. Had I not started so late in the day I would have moved and most likely added some more fish but with light fading it was time to call it day. It had been an enjoyable hour or so and something I must do again soon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2MvQWGkusN_S4BFk5aTzzP1Krrsmi82dq5oFAlGL9V7jRUwIPO7SrysBFQtHO2cnVgBqZ86IWkCy4RQbEVEpCB4JLzTnOzAQFZPQ8Q9r5s_HSpJl-M6qSPw5ByJJzvixBUHBGdVuPdZs/s1600/20181104_165428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2MvQWGkusN_S4BFk5aTzzP1Krrsmi82dq5oFAlGL9V7jRUwIPO7SrysBFQtHO2cnVgBqZ86IWkCy4RQbEVEpCB4JLzTnOzAQFZPQ8Q9r5s_HSpJl-M6qSPw5ByJJzvixBUHBGdVuPdZs/s320/20181104_165428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice return for little more than an hour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-35113726479460484572018-10-19T18:49:00.000+01:002018-11-12T22:55:00.486+00:00Autumn round-up....so far!With autumn upon on us, I set out to get some serious barbel fishing in before the cooler nights were thrust upon on us. It's been a really mild autumn so far and aside from a few frosts here and there temperatures have been unseasonally warm. My hope was that this would coincide with a feeding frenzy and some big fish. But fishing is rarely that simple.<br />
<br />
Fishing the Avon on a familiar stretch, I set my stall out for a double. A piece of meat was sent mid-river as light faded. Within 20 mins it was taken and a barbel was on. It felt a good fish, it looked a good fish but it fell 2oz short of a double.<br />
<br />
With an influx of rain into the Severn during the third week of September I set off for a stretch not too far from Bridgnorth. The Avon had seen no change to its levels so I felt with the Severn offering more favourable conditions it could be the key to some good sport. It started well. Casting a piece of meat in one of my favoured flood swims a fish was hooked and landed on my first cast. A chunky 8lb 7oz barbel showed plenty of signs it had been on the munch. I sensed a barbel bonanza that afternoon roving to all the swims that have produced in the past. However, the fishing became really tough. The level started to drop, quite quickly in fact and it seemed to curb the resident barbels' appetites. One more fish of average size appeared as light faded but I have to admit to being slightly disappointed with the lack of fish that afternoon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9FMuvBbOazJ4fm8pBRupvd8DJQIMnDvOcUqyLiXYXbvgmMZFIHIgHnSrArLKR583DccFalKyiNYTBW5mwj46w6nZTfe2DT2_cfg3ee1pJGOIuJQrNjycDxM0SqGZO18s5TCioLUjDZMV/s1600/BeFunky-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1500" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9FMuvBbOazJ4fm8pBRupvd8DJQIMnDvOcUqyLiXYXbvgmMZFIHIgHnSrArLKR583DccFalKyiNYTBW5mwj46w6nZTfe2DT2_cfg3ee1pJGOIuJQrNjycDxM0SqGZO18s5TCioLUjDZMV/s640/BeFunky-collage.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the better fish of the last few weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's about this time of the year that my interest in the lower Severn increases. It's never easy but if you're lucky enough to land a barbel there's a really good chance it will be a good fish. My first session only produced a blank saving chub. The next did yield a barbel but yet again it fell short of the hallowed 10lb, weighing in at 8lb 14oz. My two most recent evening visits have both resulted in blanks. This is one to come back to as the season progresses.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cymbeaAvHXt5q_soUvXUJYFuUMKT5eYpZBxLRy8UMqYvzrlTD1Qus7KmrpBZ7nzJs_QLuTFjKbG4YZhZB02NKOPcFlcBE9DtPmiDhyphenhypheniGihVgl1w3ihNSVvIAmkZrctKwCnpl_G-Poy_T/s1600/20181001_191705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cymbeaAvHXt5q_soUvXUJYFuUMKT5eYpZBxLRy8UMqYvzrlTD1Qus7KmrpBZ7nzJs_QLuTFjKbG4YZhZB02NKOPcFlcBE9DtPmiDhyphenhypheniGihVgl1w3ihNSVvIAmkZrctKwCnpl_G-Poy_T/s200/20181001_191705.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An autumn pike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In between these two blanks was a short evening session back on my local Avon. A bream and a chub sandwiched another nice barbel but again it fell short at 9lb 6oz. There's been several smaller barbel throughout this period as well as the usual chub that inevitably show up. I also had a few hours with the lure rod which threw up a few fish including a nice pike at last light.<br />
<br />
As I write this the weather is getting cooler and the last couple of nights have been chilly. With this in mind I am planning a bit of predator fishing this weekend. The barbel can wait for a bit. There will be better conditions to come.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-32698963429146960672018-09-21T21:39:00.001+01:002018-09-21T21:40:38.662+01:00August Catch Up - Wye and Warks AvonAugust finally saw the heatwave leave our shores and with that the rivers were once again fair game. I love this time of year. You can sense autumn is on it's way. The nights begin to draw in and dusk sees the geese travelling to roost in their v-formations. It is also a great time to be on the banks fishing.<br />
<br />
A failed barbel trip on an Avon weir pool did see me unlock some decent predator potential so I <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJOpvDaV5_CgwbMQlbLhyphenhyphenTzFis_dswArPJ5h4bI7CSEroYR7DbEIDbDuEVJBy3DsGJFlVxb5Zx25uMRHCf3D04NWbPnE4fAMTaFNGCy3-0jn2CSycLBoVODYXxovJ_R0jngw8HglphJtk/s1600/20180825_183650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJOpvDaV5_CgwbMQlbLhyphenhyphenTzFis_dswArPJ5h4bI7CSEroYR7DbEIDbDuEVJBy3DsGJFlVxb5Zx25uMRHCf3D04NWbPnE4fAMTaFNGCy3-0jn2CSycLBoVODYXxovJ_R0jngw8HglphJtk/s200/20180825_183650.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A weir pool pike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
returned a few days later armed with just a lure rod. It didn't take long to connect with a fish but whilst I was expecting perch and pike to be the likely targets it was indeed a chub that put in the first appearance. A small perch followed then a couple of fish were lost. Unfortunately, the weir pool has a large bed of underwater cabbages on the near bank and to land fish successfully I had to manoeuvre them over this obstacle. That was fine for the smaller fish but anything that could stay low used them to escape and there was little I could do. A decent pike that was certainly a double beat me this way as did a nice perch or two. I did manage a pike a few swims further down before the perch became active at dusk. Another decent perch was hooked but as before the near bank plant growth got the better of me. Maybe it's a chapter to return to when the weed dies back a little.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pXhSiPFO4-604Bhi9a0567PFv0tZHZx1g3T7SzLokzA8VsMi-8RdPoYnD3cpgy-iHTEJxYo0YpWUks5SN22gBqpx1WQqWL1UfZujcv_UPL4-76zi4t81t0ILsAt8k4Zg1m34o74am8MA/s1600/IMG_20180827_165637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pXhSiPFO4-604Bhi9a0567PFv0tZHZx1g3T7SzLokzA8VsMi-8RdPoYnD3cpgy-iHTEJxYo0YpWUks5SN22gBqpx1WQqWL1UfZujcv_UPL4-76zi4t81t0ILsAt8k4Zg1m34o74am8MA/s320/IMG_20180827_165637.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wye fish going 9lb 11oz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't fish the Wye too often, indeed it's been a year so as August came to its conclusion I once again found myself in wonderful and beautiful county of Herefordshire. Much has been said about the beauty of the Wye Valley so I won't attempt to convince you here. My swim was relatively shallow and laced with streamer weed. I had to do a fair bit of bank clearing to find enough space to be comfortable for the day. In swims like this I always fish upstream. That way you are not pulling your rig or fish back up against the weed which often results in inevitable breakages and lost fish. The bites will be drop backs and the fish will drop with the flow allowing you to bring them across the river without too much trouble. A couple of barbel showed up in the first hour before the daytime drought set in. I did attempt some trotting, wading mid-river but the slightly increased level meant there was a huge amount of weed coming down the river that hindered presentation meaning a biteless one hour. A bit of roving after lunch rewarded me with a third barbel before I settled in my original spot late afternoon. The bites started again and I finished the session with 9 barbel including a 9lb 11oz, 9lb 9oz and an 8lb 13oz plus a chub of about 4lb. By 8pm the level had rose by about a foot and the already problematic weed became impossible to fish on in. A good session was ended slightly earlier than intended but it was a super session in what became pretty testing conditions.<br />
<br />
A few days later I was on the Avon, keen to try a new area in search of some larger fish. I didn't arrive until about half past 7 and immediately baited three swims. A 3lb chub showed up quite quickly in the first of them before I moved to the area I had not fished much before. I am convinced there's fish to be had there but as yet they were not playing ball. By 10pm I'd barely a tap. Time was fast running out so I moved slightly upstream to probably the shallowest part of the stretch at about 5ft deep. I cast a chunk of meat mid-<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOcvbRAhqK-55fF6inF86zrE0-xCnvWs0dDpus06r95RF3sYsHx9LuUo4StEZFzAygPFXpGavugZrm_1MFY3qrpZle2aqO8_hFzTGCxtPuP05nZFuapltoGVYqJn2ycFH89-qX3okQVOj/s1600/Avon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOcvbRAhqK-55fF6inF86zrE0-xCnvWs0dDpus06r95RF3sYsHx9LuUo4StEZFzAygPFXpGavugZrm_1MFY3qrpZle2aqO8_hFzTGCxtPuP05nZFuapltoGVYqJn2ycFH89-qX3okQVOj/s320/Avon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 9lb 11oz barbel, this time from the Avon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
river. About 15 mins later the rod arched round and I commenced what turned out to be an epic battle. The fish took me way downstream in an instant. I heard a splash as it broke the surface. I then teased it back upstream. There was a lot of reed growth between me and the river. I then saw the fish for the first time and realised I'd have a game getting it out. A few more powerful runs and she was beaten. I tried to net the fish with difficulty. My right leg went in upto my knee but I eventually netted my prize. I was convinced an Avon double lay before me. However, it wasn't to be as the scales settled at 9lb 11oz. Not to be grumbled at as it was a fine fish that won't be easily forgotten.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-1272393499580204262018-08-21T15:11:00.003+01:002018-08-21T15:11:36.079+01:00When a plan comes togetherWith the brother-in-law up for the weekend the inevitable fishing trip was arranged. We'd been given most of the day to fish rather than my usual few hours after tea. Arriving late morning on the banks of the Warwickshire Avon, we set up in a new area that offers potential but had yet to bear fruit. I'm sure a fish will come from it this autumn but the middle of the day was probably not the best time to put its credentials to the test. After 40 minutes, a few sharp bends of the rod was all that could be reported. The plan was then to fish a maggot feeder further downstream to encourage a few bites during the warmest and brightest part of the day. Once Mike had his eye in on the casting front the bites started to arrive. Most of them were lightning quick but eventually some fish made their way to the bank successfully. Most were small chub although perch, skimmer bream and a roach all put in an appearance. One chub had a lucky escape when a pike tried and failed twice to launch an attack as it was brought to the bank.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCXZl7cLSYAW_LYUuHcJ4FXmkw20p-GlSZrckxcNiRTke48AmhehrF1DB0FKPeEJxSW9QznuB1parXyNNg8GAW_lFW_3TsXWrd6WeLxamuhxW33NbtZJImQ8F682IAEuap8o8Ic3D1f72/s1600/Video.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCXZl7cLSYAW_LYUuHcJ4FXmkw20p-GlSZrckxcNiRTke48AmhehrF1DB0FKPeEJxSW9QznuB1parXyNNg8GAW_lFW_3TsXWrd6WeLxamuhxW33NbtZJImQ8F682IAEuap8o8Ic3D1f72/s320/Video.mp4" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Avon barbel goes back strongly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By three o'clock, I decided to go and bait a swim with barbel in mind. I used a bait dropper to put about a pint of hemp and some pellets down. I also threw in around 20 boilies. It was then a case of leaving it alone for at least an hour in the hope that some decent fish would find it and grow in confidence. Most of the bait had been concentrated in area slightly upstream with a lighter offering downstream and across towards cover. Quite often, larger fish spook when faced with a large bed of bait. Whilst it no doubt attracts fish to the area it is often the downstream rod that performs as the larger, more wary fish hang back. With both baits in place it was a case of seeing if the plan actually worked. Five minutes or so passed when Mike's rod twitched twice before slamming round. It was of course the unmistakable bite from a barbel and a fish of about 4-5lb gave him value for money with several surges towards both banks. He was very pleased with his first Avon barbel and I also took satisfaction from the fact the plan had worked so quickly. Soon after, it was my turn to do battle with an Avon's barbel. This fish stayed low and felt a better fish. Indeed it was at 8lb 4oz. We'd <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs7b5VvX0JmaMuQGNAzu1W3Mjnz1HRJp-QE2QEq_ec3seOtW6qd2c2jUmAvqZhYCODU4luFIM-pMpkjz2-40MurR1tC6Vh2vc1LQpSbWSxGcO-44qiPw1UmEe5PtVIm_i_MJVUxwBRXwJ/s1600/39861989_307006036721410_720271641946357760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs7b5VvX0JmaMuQGNAzu1W3Mjnz1HRJp-QE2QEq_ec3seOtW6qd2c2jUmAvqZhYCODU4luFIM-pMpkjz2-40MurR1tC6Vh2vc1LQpSbWSxGcO-44qiPw1UmEe5PtVIm_i_MJVUxwBRXwJ/s320/39861989_307006036721410_720271641946357760_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fish came quickly after giving the swim time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
managed two daytime barbel from a crystal clear river within 15 minutes so things were looking up. Unfortunately, the fish had spooked and the action ceased. Ideally, we should have had another swim prepared to move into but we sat it out with us needing to pack up by 7pm. A barbel decided to jump from the water in front of us signalling they were still in the area. Time for a second plan to outwit them. I decided to change tactics to a blockend feeder with a short hooklink. The size 10 hook had a hair with 3 fake maggots attached and then the hook was baited with as many live maggots as possible. I then taped up the feeder to slow the release of bait. Thankfully this approach also came off as I hooked another barbel of around 5lb with not long of our session left. Mike went home happy although it would have been nice if he could have followed up that early barbel with another decent fish.<br />
<br />
Comments are always welcomed to help me gauge the reach of these posts so feel free to leave a few words.<br />
<br />Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-73254031766723021792018-08-16T13:28:00.000+01:002018-08-16T13:28:01.333+01:00Back to businessHaving returned from holiday it was time to get back on my local Warwickshire Avon. Hopefully, the fish would be more obliging than their French cousins. My time away had seen the heatwave pass and with it the the bickering in the barbel world that had been taking place all summer. I didn't get to the river until until almost 7.30pm. A few baits were thrown in and a first cast was made some twenty minutes later. This summer had seen the river alive with chub leading me to start fishing with pellets again as they are not as easily stolen as my boilie baits. On this occasion, I set up two rods to see which bait would prove more effective.<br />
<br />
Within minutes of casting a positive bite on the boilie saw a 3lb chub make its way to the bank. It seemed that the chub were still here and still hungry. That said, they were not as ferocious as they had been a few weeks earlier when it was almost impossible to keep a bait in the water for more than a minute. It was soon after that the boilie rod was signifying another bite and this time a barbel was on. A fish of around 4lb put up a great scrap before another chub took a liking for the boilies.<br />
<br />
A pause to the action ensued as the evening began to draw in. It was only 9 o'clock but already the <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBr2m255otKVZ6k4w3C78bIoTe2AXiVjXqxQkUfYQ9tJwfSPeef8yLwFkLPfQ0nN1fBmtASLNBybCVnWa4Rdm5qJ14mox-hlVDI_hZE3i6U3VPcBLFR5F2ZaPqxH59lLUkSYrX4-rzQLa/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBr2m255otKVZ6k4w3C78bIoTe2AXiVjXqxQkUfYQ9tJwfSPeef8yLwFkLPfQ0nN1fBmtASLNBybCVnWa4Rdm5qJ14mox-hlVDI_hZE3i6U3VPcBLFR5F2ZaPqxH59lLUkSYrX4-rzQLa/s400/collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few barbel put a bend in the rod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
sense that autumn is just around the corner is present. I then heard a huge crash in the water just upstream. I stood up to see the bow wave and the trail of something that had moved to the near bank. I suspected an otter so I walked slowly towards the commotion. It was then a deer spritely jumped up the bank before running away, pausing every so often to see if I was a genuine threat. It had obviously decided that the grass was greener on the other side.<br />
<br />
The pellet rod now jumped into action with a rod wrenching bite that had to be a barbel. Indeed it was as another fish of around 5lb put up a spirited battle. Another barbel of similar size put in an appearance as light faded before sport stopped dead in its tracks. I was back home just after 10pm so two chub and three barbel was a decent return for just over two hours of fishing.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-15497785076260372702018-08-14T11:39:00.000+01:002018-08-14T15:14:59.423+01:00French barbel fishingWith a family trip to south-west France planned I managed to pack the bare essentials to allow me the opportunity to fish a French river. The river Dordogne was in easy reach of our temporary home and it apparently had good stocks of barbel or barbeau as they are known across the channel.<br />
<br />
Before my trip, I put out a few feelers and got some ideas as to where I might find some fish. Barbel are rarely targeted in France. Instead match fishing tactics and game fishing dominate although there is growing interest in carp, another species that inhabit the Dordogne. With a lack of interest in barbel, information was scarce but I had enough to to make a start.<br />
<br />
My first view of the river came in Bordeaux, a huge expanse of water that flowed strongly towards <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFxgUOWfNoIlmrBJnB1nHsTfsS7SclzQ11xkEQljs2yYjZDcv-_LVWQY32E6O0Elu70Gsqo3wA3z3t-OR3OWXBJVYLc3ri7uLDZMA9pqwU_hFncUU2Yc3Ssxn4oanhuP5QXXCf0d2hAZ7/s1600/20180803_122306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFxgUOWfNoIlmrBJnB1nHsTfsS7SclzQ11xkEQljs2yYjZDcv-_LVWQY32E6O0Elu70Gsqo3wA3z3t-OR3OWXBJVYLc3ri7uLDZMA9pqwU_hFncUU2Yc3Ssxn4oanhuP5QXXCf0d2hAZ7/s200/20180803_122306.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dordogne at Bordeaux</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the ocean. A couple of days later a visit to a small town called Sainte Foy-La-Grande presented me with the middle reaches. Fast, shallow water with streamer weed that certainly looked ideal barbel habitat. It was almost a wider version of the Wye. I saw a carp close to the near bank almost immediately but much of the gravel bottom was devoid of all but small fish. A deeper channel under the bridge did give up the presence of barbel. Not huge fish with most a few pounds at most. The nearby eddy was also home to three carp, one of which looked to be approaching 20lb. Unfortunately, there was no access to this area so I would not be able to fish here. I also visited two further villages that had been recommended: Gardonne and Limonzie Saint Martin. I was able to stand on the bridge at Gardonne and again barbel were present. It was quite mesmerizing watching the barbel flash their golden flanks as they ventured away from their weedy sanctuary. The second venue had a railway bridge and although I couldn't look down into the river I had no doubt that this area would also contain my quarry. Deeper water was pushed into a rapid channel that shallowed as it rushed between the pillars of the stone bridge. It looked right and with this viewing I decided this would be my chosen venue.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CYlIfePFip1-reY1PClFfv8XPZ-pUjyMlOdyCvDDCDx0TQc04wmazdRWUeLjUG5HZec7ZSCAbwXoBuYNbqQVCE4rOg6qDiScK8_Zns-i4FBH4Fr4Q4S_nGRRw39QD2cIRnRZYaj4CDRK/s1600/river-frontage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CYlIfePFip1-reY1PClFfv8XPZ-pUjyMlOdyCvDDCDx0TQc04wmazdRWUeLjUG5HZec7ZSCAbwXoBuYNbqQVCE4rOg6qDiScK8_Zns-i4FBH4Fr4Q4S_nGRRw39QD2cIRnRZYaj4CDRK/s400/river-frontage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dordogne at Sainte Foy-La-Grande</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An early morning start saw me set up under the railway bridge. A barbel rolled which gave me great confidence. A simple running ledger rig baited with a pellet and small PVA bags would be my chosen tactic. Surely it was just a matter of time before the unpressured barbel succumb? Well, it didn't quite turn out like that. The barbel were not falling for my pellet bait. After an hour there had not even been a tap. I was convinced there were fish in the swim but they were certainly not switched on to modern day angling baits. I had decided that the fish were obviously feeding on natural food stocks and I had nothing that resembled these. I looked under the rocks for anything that might make a bait but drew a blank. A trip to the supermarket saw me return with two tins of ham, the first of which I managed to step on. It was going really well, not!!! The meat wasn't great quality, well not for<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07EIedNmSfLaq3e_vNFYsWx-vy4wRMlDbwMSoAjRg6vfgxVKtsNC4I-AkObtLX4rqj14bdpRFIKgiY1H49sv45Q9Ja0-0HPpz5ulGy2ivdF7OY77Ml0T0PtfC7Lj2KO_at1enkWCvvJ1l/s1600/French.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07EIedNmSfLaq3e_vNFYsWx-vy4wRMlDbwMSoAjRg6vfgxVKtsNC4I-AkObtLX4rqj14bdpRFIKgiY1H49sv45Q9Ja0-0HPpz5ulGy2ivdF7OY77Ml0T0PtfC7Lj2KO_at1enkWCvvJ1l/s1600/French.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a French barbel obliged</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
fishing at least. Keeping it on the hook was an issue but it eventually tempted a bite and a fish was finally on. It was a barbel too. As expected it wasn't huge but it certainly put a bend in rod in the fast water. Another fish followed soon after but the sport slowed and my ongoing bait issues severely hindered me<br />
<br />
I decided to move to the swim at Gardonne but this saw me suffer the same issues with no interest in pellet baits and problems keeping a meat bait on long enough for it to be found. The barbel were there, I could see them from the bridge although there were in one very tight area that needed a very accurate cast. The slack water behind the stanchion also revealed some of the biggest perch I have ever seen. Unfortunately, the heaviest lure I had in my armoury fell just short to tempt one of them. It was pretty frustrating stuff.<br />
<br />
It had certainly been a learning experience. It was never going to be a serious session on a family holiday but it certainly made me reflect on what might have been. Having found the fish I expected them to be easier to catch but the lack of angling in this area certainly had an impact. If I had managed to squeeze another session in then I would have gone down the maggot or worm route as I feel these baits would have been more readily accepted. It would have also been useful to have a bit more tackle with me as then I would have been able to make a few changes that might have made a difference. As it was I managed a peaceful morning, a couple of fish and taste of what the Dordogne has to offer.<br />
<br />
<b>N.B.</b> Fishing French rivers is essentially free from day permits/club books. All you need is a permit that is essentially the equivalent of our EA licence. This can be bought in tabac and tackle shops as well as <a href="https://www.cartedepeche.fr/" target="_blank">online</a>. They can be bought in a variety of formats: day, holiday, annual, etc. Once you have this then you are able to fish any publicly accessible river bank. If the bank crosses private property then you will of course need the landowners permission. Day permits in addition to the licence above are needed for private fisheries which generally are aimed at the carp angler.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-27676623537692328712018-07-26T12:00:00.002+01:002018-07-26T12:00:52.504+01:00A brief catch upIt's been very quiet here since the first week or so of the river season. With the country baking in a heatwave it's been pretty difficult to face the heat and summon enough inspiration to do anything other than hide away. That said I have been been out on the Avon for some short evening sessions as the sun begins to lose its strength. No blanks since my opening day debacle courtesy of the obliging chub. Inevitably, a few barbel have showed up along the way although nothing big.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlpE71yzEkKUpx21ZonEBmMzWhBzkoqBLmOwf7saS6z4LM5EuryDzoyuaeku-g4yLI_dIs40-M2LfzM8fXCi21NOKf7eY0hbXuS4wTOMzWrqbugDP6X-_CZLRDBx3ooDa6MWdvLE-NUze/s1600/Collage+2018-07-22+18_33_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlpE71yzEkKUpx21ZonEBmMzWhBzkoqBLmOwf7saS6z4LM5EuryDzoyuaeku-g4yLI_dIs40-M2LfzM8fXCi21NOKf7eY0hbXuS4wTOMzWrqbugDP6X-_CZLRDBx3ooDa6MWdvLE-NUze/s640/Collage+2018-07-22+18_33_08.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3795326213870086165.post-49885174658832871632018-06-19T19:25:00.001+01:002018-06-19T19:25:06.921+01:00Season up and runningAs ever, the 16th was earmarked for a return to running water. It had been a busy week leaving me a little under prepared compared to recent years but I was all set to hit the Warwickshire Avon after lunch on the opening day. I was in no rush and managed about 15 minutes in a new swim with no result. Then a series of events occurred curtailed the session. The result of this was meeting up with friends on the lower Severn instead. To be honest I had lost my enthusiasm for the opening day by now so much of my time was spent chatting and catching up. I did manage a couple of hours fishing but one tap was all I could muster. That said, there were some cracking fish caught over the weekend with some saying it was the best opening weekend on the lower Severn for some years.<br />
<br />
As for me, I tried the Avon again on Sunday evening. I simply threw a few boilies in the swim and<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKgNYTRB_5RcRCFFZY2XVtn0pGDIUigXA0dmhTTzJmtk9Uukq1GMIxURcSDRF3VZn911RmxqV9wFyGMc1Letn_EDZPbXDsaxPqCgvITPoDWMpUEo8ijLM4FHuSGg1i9u2ZgUoKpW2bvrL/s1600/Barb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKgNYTRB_5RcRCFFZY2XVtn0pGDIUigXA0dmhTTzJmtk9Uukq1GMIxURcSDRF3VZn911RmxqV9wFyGMc1Letn_EDZPbXDsaxPqCgvITPoDWMpUEo8ijLM4FHuSGg1i9u2ZgUoKpW2bvrL/s320/Barb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
made my first cast at 7.30pm. After 15 minutes, a chub of a couple of pounds got my season up and running. I then decided to get the bait dropper out and put in about 8 deposits of hemp and pellets. My boilie baits were recast and I waited. About half hour had passed when the downstream rod wrapped around. A fish was on. An initial screaming run left me in no doubt as to the culprit. The fish stayed low, now moving upstream with purpose. It went on to be a great battle before I was able to catch sight of the fish. It looked a decent specimen and it was soon netted. A cracking looking barbel lay in the folds of the net. It came out at 9lb 10oz which was a fair return for the first barbel of the season and more than made up for the previous day's disappointments. I fished on until just gone 10pm but no more fish appeared. The fish itself was an outstanding example of a barbel. There was not a blemish on it and it's one I'd like meet again later in the season.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432763090239837056noreply@blogger.com1