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An individual, of no great importance, who is unable to see the natural world as a place for competition. I catch fish, watch birds, derive immense pleasure from simply looking at butterflies, moths, bumble-bees, etc - without the need for rules! I am Dylan and this is my blog - if my opinions offend? Don't bother logging on again - simple!

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Sunday, 13 March 2016

Only gone and "dunnit"

Saturday 12th March 2016 - a date that will go down in angling folklore? My March eel is in the net, swiftly followed by a second, and what a way to complete a challenge. I arrived at the drain around 16.00 hrs - all three rods out and bait introduced by 17.00 hrs. Left hand rod - prawns, middle rod - spratt head section, right hand rod - lob worm (as suggested by Benno & Derek F). It was a strange session, I had no indication on any rod for nearly three hours. It was cold and clear, with a gentle easterly coming straight off the sea; I was confident whilst it was light - when it got dark my feelings were less enthusiastic.


I'd almost given up hope when, at 19.40 hrs, the left hand rod rattled away and I found myself attached to a very spirited fish. As is usual, the netting was a bit of a saga, but resulted in my best fish of the whole campaign - 3 lbs 10 oz; I was on cloud nine! It was whilst I was attempting to get some selfies of this fish that the right hand rod was away and the second eel of the session became engulfed in the landing net. Just a tiddler, this time - a pound and a bit - but a brace in March, I was very happy to pack up and head for home - job done!

I will get a decent photo of me with an eel - sometime?
Only a complete goon could find fault with this result - I'm still "buzzing"!

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14 comments:

  1. Derek Faulkner13 March 2016 at 05:55

    3lb 10oz, that's a bloody good eel. And I'm chuffed that the good old garden worm still works - a bloody good result all round, well done!

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    1. Dylan Wrathall13 March 2016 at 06:52

      Thanks Derek - it's been a thoroughly enjoyable project and I'm well pleased with my results - Dyl

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  2. Steve Gale13 March 2016 at 06:12

    Well done Dyl, a great personal challenge issued and completed. What's next?

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    1. Dylan Wrathall13 March 2016 at 07:00

      Cheers Steve, my next project revolves around split cane and carp - but there is to be a twist, which will become clearer after the Easter break. I'm now going to have a couple of weeks off from fishing and attempt to finish the garden - easier said than done! I'm hoping the weather picks up as I want to continue with the moth trap - two more, overnight, one each of Clouded Drab and Hebrew Character!
      Loved the painting - rather envious of such talent, my efforts with paint brushes are restricted to the hall and bathroom! All the best - Dyl

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  3. Ric13 March 2016 at 06:59

    Dyl, that's a result. The National Anguilla Club will be seeking your advice at this rate.

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    1. Dylan Wrathall13 March 2016 at 07:41

      The NAC website was where I went to seek information when I set out on this crazy project. I don't think anything I have done, subsequently, has furthered our knowledge about these fascinating fish? I am going to post a summary of my results, approach and conclusions in the next few days - the only piece of the puzzle which will be deliberately missed out is "WHERE!" Having gained access to some very remote areas of the East Kent marshes, I am not about to ruin my relationships with those landowners who have be so generous in granting permission that allows me to fish these venues. Take care and tight lines - Dyl

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  4. Bureboyblog13 March 2016 at 07:56

    Nice to have plan and one that comes to fruition. I am to haphazard for that, hence no chub this season.

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    1. Dylan Wrathall13 March 2016 at 08:15

      I, too, am easily distracted, but this particular project developed a momentum of its' own and I've really enjoyed the challenge. If the pike fishing wasn't so pants down here, I probably wouldn't have bothered. You've had a decent run up to the end of the season, some very nice fish. Hoping all is well in darkest Norfolk? Tight lines - Dyl

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  5. The Essex Scribbler13 March 2016 at 08:02

    Well done. Not exactly classic eel fishing weather !

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    1. Dylan Wrathall13 March 2016 at 08:27

      Cheers for that - March has been the most difficult month of the entire project!

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  6. paul13 March 2016 at 15:00

    Brilliant result, enjoyed following your Eel fishing.

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    1. Dylan Wrathall13 March 2016 at 17:07

      Thanks Paul - it's been a very enjoyable, and rewarding, project. - Dylan

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  7. Unknown14 March 2016 at 08:50

    Well done i'm still not sure about eels you might be able to get something from the doctors for that. First sand martins have hit tring. stay safe Ronny T

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    1. Dylan Wrathall14 March 2016 at 12:43

      Ron - I too am not sure about eels, although I do now have a grudging admiration for them. They have been nothing but a pain in the arse since I got back into fishing. The barbel sessions on The Stour were a nightmare because of these slimy pests and pike fishing on The Royal Military we'd be plagued by eels savaging our dead baits (sardine and bluey particularly) even when there was ice in the margins.
      I'm glad I did it, but won't be in too much of a hurry to get back there, although I did loose a huge eel on my pike gear in mid-December!
      Take care & tight lines - Dyl

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