It was around 05.15 hrs when I headed off towards the RMC for my first Pike session of December. On arrival, at my chosen section, it was fairly obvious that there was still a lot of colour in the water. However, the head torch revealed that there was probably around six inches of clarity, so certainly worth a go? Two, very heavily flavoured, baits were in the water before 07.00 hrs and the waiting game commenced. Sunrise was at 07.41 hrs, yet completely non-descript due to the thick grey clouds. It was a very slow morning, even with the camera and binoculars for company, there was little worth mentioning. It wasn't until 09.00 hrs that a bite alarm actually made a sound, I was on the rod within seconds and, after going through the time honoured ritual, found myself attached to a spirited opponent. In the net within a couple of minutes. My prize was a nice Pike of 13 lbs 14 oz and turned out to be the only action of the session, despite me remaining on the bank until 13.00 hrs!
.JPG) |
| A bent rod and a December "double" - what's to moan about? |
I seen the odd Chiffchaff and Little Egret, whilst tending my rods, but it really was very quiet out there this morning. A couple of Ravens got into a noisy dispute, way out over the marsh and several, perched, Common Buzzards could be picked out when scanning the area with my bins. It wasn't, however, until I was making my way back to the van when the highlight of the day occurred. I was almost back to the van when I espied what I first thought was a, very pale, Grey Squirrel drinking from the canal on the opposite bank. A closer inspection revealed it to be a rather spectacular-looking Mink.. Now whilst I am no fan of these American vermin, even I had to admit that this individual was worthy of a second glance. I quickly grabbed the camera kit from the barrow and managed to record a few shots which do the encounter justice.
 |
| A very striking individual. |
I won't be back on the bank again until Saturday, at the earliest. The Christmas decorations need some attention before everything surplus is returned to the loft. To be fair, the weather forecast isn't that brilliant, so I probably wouldn't have gone fishing anyway?
Great stuff, Dylan! That mink is beautifully marked, isn't it? Violence and beauty all wrapped up in one dangerous little package. We've had them on the school grounds- always jet black; one put its head into the classroom at the back of the building!
ReplyDeleteI've lost my driving licence, but I'm still planning some piking trips. I'd like to do the North Stream near Sandwich, so I'm checking out bus routes and there's always the train.
I take the bus early every morning for work; it goes past Pegwell Bay and I've taken some lovely shots...
See you soon, mate- May All Your Pike Be Big Ones! Gazza
Hi Gazza,
DeleteYes indeed, that Mink was something very special. I've never seen another one like it and now understand why rich, ugly women wanted coats made from the fur of such creatures. They don't appear to be as numerous along the RMC as they have been in previous years and I am wondering if there is a co-ordinated trapping program in place allied to the Water Vole re-introduction projects?
As for a bit of Pike fishing? Maybe we could sort out a morning session together during your Christmas break? I'll email you to chat about the options available to us.
All the best and cheers for the comment
Dylan