Sunday 23rd October 2016 - 20.20 hrs (Part one)
It's getting late on Sunday; can't possibly have a three post day - that's called Facebook and I'm a blogger? If everything goes to plan, then I'm off pike fishing in the morning. Rods (three Duncan Kay's) are geared up - two Mitchell 300's and an ABU Cardinal 66X fitted, bait is in the freezer bag (defrosting nicely?) and there are some pungent fish oil mixes awaiting their introduction, via a syringe, prior to my casting out. I've got around three hours, so'll be travelling very light and leap frogging the rods every twenty minutes in an attempt to cover as much water as possible. Bite indication, at this small drain, will be front-runners and monkeys on needles, as opposed to drop offs. I am no fan off the line clip in these intimate situations, although have no problem with the concept and their use in other circumstances.
Monday 24th October 2016
Back home after a very short session out on the marsh, I was actually fishing for just two hours! What a shame that all my plans aren't this successful. I had four bites, three pike landed. I'd got all three rods out by 06.45 hrs and had only to wait for 35 minutes before the middle one was away. A very small jack, around two pounds, came angrily to the net - so I'd avoided the dreaded blank. Just fifteen minutes later, the right hand rod rattled off and a very similar sized pike spat the bait after half a minute, or so, just as it was nearing the net. I then had a wait of forty-five minutes before the left hand rod signalled a bite, this time a different class of pike all together. A very spirited battle before a nice fish of 12 lbs 2 oz was netted, my first double of the winter. I was getting the camera gear ready, the fish resting in the sling, when the right hander was away again. This time, no mistakes and, a very angry 9 lbs 8 oz fish joined its' mate for a photo session.
It was now 08. 40 hrs and time to get off home; it's half term and Bev and I have to help Debbie with the kids, as she started a new job today. If all goes well, I'll try a repeat performance later in the week, there is another section, of the same drain, that looked really good as I walked by on my way back to the car.
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| A cracking brace from a short session out on the marsh |
Piked are, well, pike. Dependable but fun and sometimes downright exciting. And just the sort of thing for a couple of hours too.
ReplyDeletePike angling now is all about enjoyment, not only of the fish, but the methods employed and the tackle I use. I would be a liar if I said that size didn't matter, but I can say that it's not the overriding purpose for my being at the waterside anymore. I love big pike, they're awesome creatures and, as such, demand respect - but I'll happily enjoy the make weight fish whilst awaiting the next twenty to visit my landing net. All the best - Dyl
DeleteDyl. I'd love to be commenting on your blogs but as I know bugger all about fishing I have to contend myself with reading your mostly, cheerful accounts of your hobby.
ReplyDeleteDerek - life is good, at present, so my blog reflects this aspect of being content with my lot. If it comes across as being cheerful, so much the better. As for a requirement to understand the art of angling? There are many blogs which I read that are about subjects way beyond my sphere of experience, yet allow an insight into the author, via their enthusiastic writing style.
DeleteIn general we have two choices. We can either moan about what we haven't got or rejoice in what have! All the best - Dyl