Prospecting a few spots for the littleuns so they can catch a couple and perhaps spark an interest for the future. Popped over to a likely bet, it's shrunk and the fish have grown so it would perhaps be a bit hairy in a whip. Here's what beat the smashing golden rudd to the bait anyway.
Headed over to the millpool at Horstead where the Bure becomes tidal. No local kids risking life and limb this time but lots of noisy canoeists doing the same but perhaps better protected. Had a short turbulent trot and the 3bb Avon probably not that suitable but even so had a real variety bag in a short 45 minutes. I'd been taken to task for my mattless shot above so felt it only proper to show I had learnt my lesson with this first cosseted dace. Several of the fish taken had quite large bellies, tapeworm perhaps? Though the bloke a swim up had fed rather a lot of bread.
The flow meant even modest fish sent the Drennan Tench Float into a pleasing bend and the pin smoothly paying out line on the trot. Given longer I would have have beefed up the float and had more control. Dace, roach, perch, gudgeon, a bream X roach hybrid and a chub that was all chub apart from a concave bright red ventral fin. Chace? Then a real surprise and certainly the spriteliest of the little lot. Spottiest too.
Wouldn't mind catching it again when it has had a few years silvering up out in the North Sea and decides to head back to spawn. Had noticed a few splashy rises even in the white water. Saved the best till the last cast when a roach was taken on the retrieve and a really serious bend in the rod from a decent pike. Not the fast dash of the pond bound carp but really testing power in the heavy flow. Took a second attempt to let the flow drift the fish into the rather small looking pan net. Even in summer lean condition probably 12 lb. The tiny looking #18 lodged in the outside of the mouth hence it's secure hold. Sadly a trace left in the fish and the bottom treble in the stomach. Removed it and hopefully the fish will recover. Not once did I not feel out of control even with only 4.4 lb line straight through in the heavy flow but not overgunned for the hand sized fish either.
Headed over to the millpool at Horstead where the Bure becomes tidal. No local kids risking life and limb this time but lots of noisy canoeists doing the same but perhaps better protected. Had a short turbulent trot and the 3bb Avon probably not that suitable but even so had a real variety bag in a short 45 minutes. I'd been taken to task for my mattless shot above so felt it only proper to show I had learnt my lesson with this first cosseted dace. Several of the fish taken had quite large bellies, tapeworm perhaps? Though the bloke a swim up had fed rather a lot of bread.
The flow meant even modest fish sent the Drennan Tench Float into a pleasing bend and the pin smoothly paying out line on the trot. Given longer I would have have beefed up the float and had more control. Dace, roach, perch, gudgeon, a bream X roach hybrid and a chub that was all chub apart from a concave bright red ventral fin. Chace? Then a real surprise and certainly the spriteliest of the little lot. Spottiest too.
Wouldn't mind catching it again when it has had a few years silvering up out in the North Sea and decides to head back to spawn. Had noticed a few splashy rises even in the white water. Saved the best till the last cast when a roach was taken on the retrieve and a really serious bend in the rod from a decent pike. Not the fast dash of the pond bound carp but really testing power in the heavy flow. Took a second attempt to let the flow drift the fish into the rather small looking pan net. Even in summer lean condition probably 12 lb. The tiny looking #18 lodged in the outside of the mouth hence it's secure hold. Sadly a trace left in the fish and the bottom treble in the stomach. Removed it and hopefully the fish will recover. Not once did I not feel out of control even with only 4.4 lb line straight through in the heavy flow but not overgunned for the hand sized fish either.
Action packed BB - what colours on that troot! The mat issue is one I have to deal with all the time - I rarely hold fish to photograph, but do take ground shots, on the net, wet grass as a cushion - more than adequate - some of the salmon boys though need a rocket up em, awful pics causing loads of distress and fish on stony ground - I'll get of soapbox! TTFN Dickie
ReplyDeleteI have to confess Dickie I was in a hurry to get a shot and leave as it was prospecting trip only. Usually have a mat as a sit on anyway. This was a bish, bash and out seeing how the land lay.
ReplyDeleteBefore the irate gloom set the dogs in me..
DeleteOh dear. Before the goon set the dogs on me
DeleteDickie, I have reported you to the Unhooking Mat Police and there is a warrant out for your arrest. Disgraceful, using a wet net or even damp grass to unhook fish on. Totally unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteThey'll have to find me first ES! I did it again tonight, thick, wet grass - better than any old mat....or coat for that matter!! TTFN Dickie
DeleteOi, Russell from Sparham Pools is still trying track you down Lighty. He has never got over your smart arsed use of a folded coat to protect his precious Tench. And worse you used a spod the size of a bucket. And me for having the temerity to put two out on the ledger
ReplyDeleteOi, Russell from Sparham Pools is still trying track you down Lighty. He has never got over your smart arsed use of a folded coat to protect his precious Tench. And worse you used a spod the size of a bucket. And me for having the temerity to put two out on the ledger
ReplyDeleteSpod ? I never used any spod Guvnor. Officious little man wasn't he ?
DeleteWhat's an unhooking mat? Something else for you to carry when you are trying to travel light I suppose. Axminster or Wilton I say. Or do you sail it down on your bait barge.
ReplyDeleteBait barge. Now that I like.
ReplyDelete