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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 23 April 2017

When the wind's in the east

I had a window of opportunity, Bank Holiday, Monday afternoon, so took a drive down to the club waters for a peruse. Although wonderfully bright and sunny there was a chill wind blowing from the N/NE and I failed to discover any signs of feeding fish at either of the venues. "When the wind's in the East; the fish bite least!" It's a proverb which has been passed down through the angling generations, yet still has as much relevance today as it did when Izaak's peers first offered this observation. I returned home without bothering to get the tackle out of the car, such is my lack of confidence under these conditions. I give absolutely no credence, whatsoever, to the "moon phase" theory and will go fishing whenever I feel the conditions are right. So, for me, it's all about confidence. An Easterly is the kiss of death where carp are the target, being a species who's distribution and feeding behavior is dominated by wind direction. The moon, however, will only play a part if there is no cloud cover, thus, increased light intensity will also have to betaken into consideration when setting out my stall. I think that the only time I welcome clear skies, with a full moon, is when I'm pike fishing and either arrive pre-dawn or plan to stay late, exactly the opposite would apply if perch were my target species. At all other times I don't give the moon phase a second thought when I head out of the door - I'm going fishing, confident in my methods and abilities. Get an easterly wind; my confidence takes such a dive that I sometimes find myself sitting there wondering why I bothered ?
All this week I've been studying the weather forecasts, looking for that combination of wind direction, cloud cover and barometric pressure, attempting to pick my moment. Benno had wanted a Thursday session - all his fish, last year, came on Thursdays (how very scientific!). I fancied the Friday, but it coincided with Benno's birthday and so didn't happen. St. George's Day it would have to be, the best forecast for a while given the ridiculous temperature drop we've been threatened with.
On my own today, Benno still sulking over the football results - he's a Spurs fan (I tried my best, but school friends turned his head). I arrived just after 16.00 hrs and spent the next hour and a bit walking a two mile section looking for signs of carp. It wasn't until I was almost back to my starting point that I found what I'd been looking for. Couldn't be 100% certain that carp were responsible, but seeing reed stems being knocked about was better than nothing. Two rods out by 17.30 hrs, I had a two inch lift on my right-hander within 30 minutes. Tench? Half an hour later and I had a liner on the same rod; something was happening out there. Both rods recast and another scattering of freebies catapulted over the top I had to wait until 19.50 hrs for the next action - a screamer! Same rod again, this time there was no messing as a huge boil on the surface appeared as I picked up the rod! What a battle, I had the fish over the net only to have it swim back out. It was an epic encounter and one which left me reduced to a gibbering mess when I finally managed to draw it over the chord of the landing net. On the scales it gave the statistic of 23 lbs 5 oz - what a way to start my campaign.

I am forever indebted to Keith for getting the photos - thanks!
I rang Benno, who was willing to drive down to get some photos, but I said I'd ask another angler, who was fishing a couple of hundred metres away, if he'd do the honours. The guy, who's name was Keith, did me proud and I am forever in his debt. I slipped the fish back and pretended to go through the motions of carrying on. It was pure farce; I'd done what I wanted, now it was time to pack up and get home - job done! I'm typing this post, grinning like an imbecile, a glass of 1664 close at hand. Days like this don't come round too often, best make the most when they do - tight lines.







9 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Gav - you'd better believe it; I was a complete mess when I netted it. Shaking like a leaf. The guy who came along to do the photos was a real star - hoping all is well with you? Dyl

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  2. Well done what a stonker bet that put a good old bend in your garden canes.I'm well made up for you nothing to report from Marsworth as yet but the birds are coming in thick and fast. Tight lines luv to all Ronny

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    Replies
    1. Ron - great to hear from you. It was a cracking fish which wasn't too pleased about me sticking a hook in it. A right tear up on the Mk IV and Mitchell 300 combo, absolutely fantastic fun! Hoping all is well with you and yours - Dyl

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks - I was very lucky to have someone close by because it would have been dark if I'd had to wait for Benno to get there.
      All the best - Dyl

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  4. Replies
    1. Steve - so sorry for the late reply, I only saw you'd commented as I was leaving for work. To say I was chuffed would be an understatement - I'm still buzzing now. It's very rewarding when an idea delivers a result. All the best - Dyl

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  5. Wow great fish Dyl Chalk up another :-)

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