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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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Tuesday 30 August 2016

Nice result

I was on my way before 02.30 hrs and had two rods out, in the new drain, by 03.30 hrs. It was a still, clear, night and, after getting my munga into the swim, I contented myself by staring up into the heavens and watching the stars. Umpteen satellites and a few shooting stars later, the eastern horizon started to brighten and a good fish rolled over the bait. The surface of the drain was rocking and I experienced several liners as fish were feeding on the freebies. My heart raced as a bat hit the line, causing a rapid burst from the alarm - but I just knew my moment was getting close.
A Barn Owl called, somewhere out in the semi-gloom of pre-dawn, and a fox trotted past on the opposite bank, completely oblivious to my presence until I "squeaked" it. As the light intensified, so the natural world started to awake. Skylarks and Green Woodpeckers made for a strange mix of sounds, there was a distant Tawny Owl hooting away and a Cetti's Warbler exploded into song very close by. I had just picked up my binoculars and was watching a juvenile Sparrowhawk hunting a side drain when the right hand rod was away. A dogged, yet unspectacular, battle ensued before I drew my prize over the net and she was mine. A magnificent Common Carp weighing in at a very pleasing 21 lbs 14 oz - I sorted out sacking the fish, prior to getting a few photos, then set about getting the rod back into the fray.


I rang Benno with the news before getting my camera gear set up, not exactly as I'd like - the dawn was very still and dank, with associated mist covering the surrounding marshes, thus light levels were not conducive to decent images. Still, I did my best and hope that Camo appreciates the effort that went into getting one with his "T"-shirt on. Happy days!


6 comments:

  1. Nice one Dyl - congratulations on this 'pure' project rewarding you with results.

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    Replies
    1. It's a very enjoyable challenge which incorporates much of Luke Jennings' "not how big?, but how you do it" mentality. However, all that said, I am targeting a fish of a particular size (thirty pounds plus) but will only catch it using my own rules, not go chasing "named" individuals at heavily fished commercial or club venues. If it comes to fruition, the target fish will have seen very few other anglers during its' days in these intimate drainage ditches. All the best - Dyl

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  2. Much appreciated Dylan, a stunning looking Common and the Polo Shirt looks good too

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  3. Stunning Common Dylan, appreciate the effort you put in effort = rewards

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