I was on my way shortly after 04.00 hrs, this morning. I had planned to be casting a baited rig on June 16th, but didn't because I didn't feel too sparkling, first thing and then there was the England footie match in the evening which put a spanner in the works. I did, however, get down there mid-morning on Sunday so was able to do a bit of extra prep work and introduce a bit of bait in some likely looking spots. One swim really stood out and that is where I began my Tench quest today. As advised by Gazza, I used worms for my bait but fished over a bed of groundbait (mixed with molasses) and hemp seed. This baiting strategy is due to a recent Vlog by Mark Erdwin, on YouTube, so a big thanks must go his way.
I fished with one rod, a 1.75 lbs t/c,, 12' Specialist Barbel model, fitted with my Alcock's Match Aerial centrepin, loaded with 12 lbs b.s. Diawa Sensor mono.A flying back lead, behind a length of lead core on which a running 1 1/2 oz cubic lead was fitted, ensured the end presentation was pinned to the bed of the drain, whilst the hooklink was a 9" length of uncoated braid (dyed green) with a size 10 Nash "Flota Claw" fished blow-back fashion. My bait presentation was the "worm kebab" which I certainly don't use on a regular basis.
I was fishing by 05.00 hrs and it was little over an hour later when the alarm sounded as the swing arm smashed up to the blank and the centrepin began to spin. I was on the rod within seconds and found myself connected to a very spirited adversary. In the gin clear water it became apparent, very quickly, that I had a Common Carp to deal with and not the Tench I so desire. It proved to be a right gnarly old character, tipping the scales at just over ten pounds. My first "double" from the venue, so something to be grateful for. I continued fishing for another couple of hours, seeing several other Carp plus a lone Bream feeding in my general area. No other action to report, but at least I hadn't blanked. All things being equal, I should be able to get three sessions/week in so am reasonably confident that a Tench, or two, will grace my landing net at some point.
Dylan, I too had a slow start, no tench and 2 solitary Rudd and an eel also on worm, nothing of notable size though! Will give it another go Weds morning, I just know there are still in there- just too many give away signs, but not a drain that I can see the bottom on where I am fishing. Good luck on your quest. I think you are going to encounter more carp to start with! Phil
ReplyDeleteHi Phil,
DeleteThese first few trips will be little more than an attempt to learn about the fish that are living in the drain. From what I've seen, thus far, seems to confirm that Carp are the most numerous species present, thus your prediction is very likely to be accurate. I know that Tench are traditionally associated with first light/dawn fishing but, I am interested to explore the possibilities provided by fishing into dark? I'll stick with the same methods and bait choices but feel confident that it might prove to be a good decision.
Cheers for the comment and tight lines for your own efforts - Dylan
Hello mate- Lovely stuff! Well, it's not a tench, but a common from there is a thing of beauty- What a wonderful start- Roll on the tench- Or perhaps a bigger carp? Speak Soon, Gazza
ReplyDeleteI certainly can't complain about a bent fishing rod on my first outing; even if it was a "nuisance" Carp on the other end! One thing I didn't mention in the post was that I had a Terrapin sp. in my swim at 05.30 hrs. I watched it, on the surface, for a few seconds before it submerged and headed off upstream. - Dylan
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