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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 14 December 2021

Canal capers

The weekend get together with Leon & Leeney, Craig & Carrie-Anne, was everything Bev and I could have wished for, plus some! The tears of joy and laughter were a result of genuine friendship and there was no disguising the fact that we all need a Kefalonia holiday asap! Over all too quickly, there are at least a few ideas knocking about which, Covid willing, should see us back on the hallo'ed isle next year? That there is no logical reason why we should be so close is one of life's great mysteries? Not that any of us care to seek answers, just happy to accept that fate has dealt us a proper result?

Because of the travelling associated with this social gathering, plus the significant detour to Bath, I couldn't attend the Canterbury & Thanet PAC regional meeting (Christmas bash) on Monday. Therefore I spent my evening getting the kit assembled in readiness for a return to the RMC. On my way just after 05.00 hrs, this morning, I had all three rods fishing by 07.00 hrs. The section I'm targeting remains very coloured, due to run-off from the adjacent escarpment, but I felt sure that conditions should have stabilized enough to allow the pike to get back on the munch! So much for the theory? At 07.45 hrs the middle rod was away when a bloody Eel decided to take a bite out of my Sardine section. I got it sorted out and, within ten minutes, the same rod was away again. This time there was no messing and, after a decent tussle, a nice Pike of 11 lbs 6 oz found itself on the unhooking mat. That'll do nicely.

At 11 lbs 6 oz it is the smallest "double" I've landed this season.

Within twenty minutes of getting the bait back in the canal, that same rod was again in action, however, I failed to connect with the culprit and was less than pleased with my own performance. Fresh bait, and back out again, only in the water for forty minutes when the same rod was away again! This time round I managed to go through the drill and set my hooks, no messing. Barry, the dog walker who'd photographed my "twenty" earlier in the season, popped his head through the trees on the opposite bank, having heard the alarm, and watched me land Pike number two of the morning. A rather battle scarred warrior of 14 lbs 5 oz, this one. As I was going through the unhooking ritual, Mouse (a Jack Russell, with attitude) and his "mum" turned up to view my prize. That was about the sum of it. Another great session on this section of the RMC, enhanced, as always, by the other folk who share a passion by enjoying the surroundings of the wide open space adjacent to the historic waterway.


"Double" No. 10 for the campaign - I'll settle for that.

Back down again tomorrow, although targeting a section three quarters of a mile to the east, just on a hunch? I pushed my barrow passed it, as I left, and couldn't help but ask myself "how many "twenties" have I walked by to reach my preferred spot? It is the same area as I caught my first "twenty" from the canal in February 2013. What's the worse that can happen? If I don't try, I'll never know.

4 comments:

  1. Look forward to reading about the next session, maybe a twenty is on the cards.....

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    1. Hi Adam, sadly there was no "twenty" to report from this morning's session. My only bite resulted in a nicely marked 7 lbs 8 oz "jack" I reckon that I'll get at least six more sessions in before the New Year? If previous years are anything to go by, then January/February are the months when there is a possibility of a real "big girl" visiting the landing net. In the mean time, if a seven pounder means I avoid a blank, then I'll take it every time! Cheers for the comment, take care & tight lines - Dylan

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  2. Hahaha....I don't think Mouse knew what to make of that big old pike, she'll normally take on anything! Hope to bump into you again soon...:)

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    Replies
    1. Wow, that's a nice surprise. I wasn't sure if you'd bother looking at this nonsense, however, I am very happy that you have. I'm back down on Monday for my last session before Christmas, so hope to speak with you then? All the best - Dylan

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