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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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Thursday 3 December 2020

Red letter in the wind & rain

 Today was the only day available this week, so it didn't really matter what the forecast was, I was going pike fishing! As it turns out, despite the horrendous conditions, I had a session to remember. I'd decided to fish at a spot which I'd located using Google maps. It was quite an obvious feature, when viewed from above, and required a decent hike to reach it, thus in a very lightly fished part of the RMC. I arrived in the dark and left at dusk, so gave it my very best shot. Four bites were registered, the first two fish came adrift during the fight, which didn't bode well. Although I had seen the first one and it was no more than five or six pounds - hey ho! At 11.45 hrs I had a very short lift (6 inches) on my right hand rod followed by a couple of bleeps. I picked up the rod, feeling the line twitch a couple of times before setting the hooks. Game on this time and I eventually netted the fish which, as soon as I saw it, had ensured my "wild twenty"  target was in the bag! It was a right caper getting the fish weighed and photographed, under the circumstances. Strong winds and driving rain aren't particularly conducive for self-take efforts.



22 lbs 6 oz of pure joy

So I rang Bev, Benno and my brother Sye, bursting with adrenaline and needing to speak about the fish before resuming my position, tucked away in the shelter of my brolly. I was buzzing, it had been a target that I knew was achievable, but not on my first visit to a new swim? Luck or watercraft - most likely something in between. It was almost 14.00 hrs when that same rod registered another, very twitchy, take and I found myself attached to another beautiful, big, wild pike. As it slid over the net chord I was thinking that it was the same fish. The scales revealed it was not so, although it was bloody close. 


19 lbs 5 oz - what a brace.

I should have gone home, there and then, but greed got the better of me and I remained on the bank until just after 16.00 hrs without another bite. So my twenty is in the bag, I've now taken eight doubles since 1st October, can I make it twenty by March 14th? It's a target that will certainly keep me focussed during these crazy Covid times.


16 comments:

  1. Excellent Dyl, well done that man.

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    1. Ric,
      I was like a big kid, punching the air and grinning like an imbecile. I'm sure you know that feeling when an angling plan comes to fruition, you did it often enough at Tring! Hoping all is well with you and Bronwyn? - Dyl

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  2. Classy stuff! Well done Dyl, really chuffed for you! 😄 👍

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    1. Not quite on the scale of The Exeter Ship Canal but the adrenaline rush was just as intense, as you'd blogged about, after catching your magnificent pike from that venue. It must be an age thing? Being able to gain enjoyment from other people's successes. Modern carp angling seems to be all about self with an inability to say well done when someone else catches a fish. Quite sad really, but a sign of where we're headed I guess. Cheers for the comment - Dyl

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  3. Well done mate cracking fish

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    1. Hi Mark,
      It was a very special session and one I'll recall with utter joy, that's for sure. Benno messaged me saying "it must be in my top 10 sessions" Not too sure if it was that good, but certainly very close. Take care & tight lines - Dyl

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  4. I doff one's hat to you brother. Nicely done!.. Nicely done indeed!

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    1. Hi Andy,
      I'm really back in the pike groove this winter and enjoying every minute. Dead baits only, yet so many presentations available to me thus no big deal. I'm now exploring a section of the RMC which requires a degree of effort to get to, therefore modern "park behind your swim - types" won't be an issue. Pike thrive on neglect and that's been my driver since 1st October - go where no man's been before! Work is absolutely mental, so I am having to make the best of any opportunities and feel sure that I've upped my game because of it.
      Hoping you're keeping well and still catching a few? Cheers for the comment - Dyl

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  5. Well done Dylan, graft and craft there for those two I'd say, very well done indeed!

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  6. Superb brace of Pike Dylan! Awesome fishing.

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    1. Hi James,
      Many thanks for this comment - always nice to welcome a new follower to my rambling nonsense. Take care, stay safe and tight lines - Dylan

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  7. Dad,

    I bet you can’t think of nine better sessions than that, especially given how rare pike like that are in the canal. I’d love to see the blog post if you can....

    Looking forward to this,

    Benno

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    1. I'll give it some thought. Would that be since 2011 or ever?

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    2. I’d say ever. Just to get your mind working.

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