Friday, 28 February 2014

A day fishing the stick...

I managed a trip out on Wednesday fishing the stick float. I'm a big fan of watching a float, mending the line, holding back, appropriate feeding and doing everything possible to try and tempt a bite. Unfortunately, conditions were difficult with plenty of flow and extra colour. Well I was there so had to try!

The stretch...



I opted to try the drennan matchpro ultralight, in 13ft, using an abu 506 closed face reel, 3lb line and a 2lb hooklink to a size 18 drennan silverfish match hook. Dace were the target, as they migrate to these lower reaches during winter. Using double maggot on the hook, I was flicking out a few maggots or casters each cast to keep any fish interested. Starting at a depth of 7ft at two rod lengths out, I gradually increased the depth by a couple of inches each cast until I got the first bite, which resulted in a nice dace of about 4oz. Half a dozen casts and three fish of a similar stamp later, I thought I was in for a bumper catch and was enjoying it. Unfortunately, and amazingly, no more dace were caught in the next 4 hours! I did, however, land a nice perch which put a smile on my face. But it was a difficult day....

Still its nice to be out on the river, especially as there is two weeks (and just three more river sessions) to go.


Sunday, 16 February 2014

A couple of carping blanks at a new venue....

With the rivers in disarray, I have switched my thoughts to different targets and species. I've never been a carper, avoiding that style of fishing in favour of running water and fishing of a more wild nature. Commercials are a definite no no, however I have found a venue by accident really that Is deep, not stocked and has a small stocking of large carp (at least large by local standards - i.e. fish over 20lb). It looks to be a difficult venue, but I like the feel of the place...If I catch one fish from it this spring and it beats my rather poor 12lb 4oz pb, I will be a happy man.

Some pics.....














Sunday, 2 February 2014

A complete wash out......time to tie some flies

Well, Today was a complete wash out, so I took the opportunity to take a few photos at the awesome power of the river in flood....

 
 
 
 
 
So I've decided to stay in and start dreaming about fly fishing. I've knocked up a couple of 'bugs' in the hope of a few winter grayling on the fly next weekend. Looking forward to trying out my new fly gear, which I managed to obtain at a bargain price and pay for through selling a few bits and bobs, but cant wait.....I really want to try get in to this fly fishing lark seriously...