Quick update: went out exploring the local canal/river system with my ultralight lure gear again on Saturday. I upped the jig size a bit and was rewarded with a fat 10lb pike which I landed before quite a crowd of appreciative walkers.
I secretly love it when that happens. It's particularly gratifying when yourmate has been catching steadily but you're the one that catches when there's someone watching.
Been out today. Absolutely bloody freezing in conditions veering from blizzard to rain and back. One medium-sized roach from 4 bites !
It’s always the same script: “that’s a fat ‘un” and “are you putting it back”.
Because we had family coming around that I didn’t like, and I was curious about the local flood damage, like an idiot I took a rod out on Sunday afternoon. After two detours due to submerged cars, I arrived at a local massive reservoir on the top of a hill. I walked down to the dam wall and was nearly blown off it. The reservoir looked like the North Sea, I wouldn’t have even been able to cast.
I have myself a stern talking to and went straight home.
He’s definitely right. Shit weather usually equals shit fishing, especially in the winter.During the blizzard I was talking to my mate about this and I was explaining my theory along the lines of "fortune favours the brave", that venturing out when mere mortals stay indoors will be rewarded by catching something special. He said it was "bollocks" and I fear he's right.
You must have been the only guy fishing in the U.K. on Sunday. Much respect mate.It’s always the same script: “that’s a fat ‘un” and “are you putting it back”.
Because we had family coming around that I didn’t like, and I was curious about the local flood damage, like an idiot I took a rod out on Sunday afternoon. After two detours due to submerged cars, I arrived at a local massive reservoir on the top of a hill. I walked down to the dam wall and was nearly blown off it. The reservoir looked like the North Sea, I wouldn’t have even been able to cast.
I have myself a stern talking to and went straight home.
I have caught Grayling with ice completely blocking the rod rings. Also caught them in blizzard conditions. That was when I was a lot younger though. Wouldn’t attempt it now. I like my comforts too much.He’s definitely right. Shit weather usually equals shit fishing, especially in the winter.
Yeah, grayling and chub are the only real prospects in those conditions. Cold toes and fingers are hard to avoid, though. Haven’t even had a grayling trip yet this winter as it’s nearly always been poor river conditions. They don’t feed well in coloured water. For some reason I can’t get excited about chub. I’ve had plenty but don’t really enjoy fishing for them TBH. Last dedicated chub trip was a horrible blank last winter on the Ribble in the cold. The one before I had a couple on The Dane at Swettenham on cheese. Actually, I’m lying. I tried to go out one Sunday this summer on my local river in the rain but couldn’t find a single slug.I have caught Grayling with ice completely blocking the rod rings. Also caught them in blizzard conditions. That was when I was a lot younger though. Wouldn’t attempt it now. I like my comforts too much.
nice one mate. One of my favourite haunts is the Lake of Menteith which is 20 minutes west of Stirling. It’s primarily a trout fishery but has started to encourage Pike fishing the last couple of seasons. Some massive lumps have been taken. Over 40lb. They grow big on the rich feeding of rainbow trout. If your ever up this way give me a shout.Forgot to add: I’ve got two days boat fishing for pike in March on Esthwaite Water in the Lake District. I’ve done five days over the last few years and not had a single one. One day we sat there while the boat filled with snow /slush. That was miserable.
In the summer I’m doing a week on The Ebro in Spain for catfish.
During the blizzard I was talking to my mate about this and I was explaining my theory along the lines of "fortune favours the brave", that venturing out when mere mortals stay indoors will be rewarded by catching something special. He said it was "bollocks" and I fear he's right.