I took a drive down to The Stour, around 09.30 hrs this morning. Not to cast a line, just wanting to have a look at the river and, more importantly, ensure that I was still okay to fish the stretch. As I was parking the van I spotted one of the tractor drivers and quickly established that I was more than welcome to use the yard and go fishing on their land. I enquired about driving closer, only to be told that the recent wet spell had resulted in one of the shooters getting their Toyota Hilux 4x4 stuck, so my van had no chance! I'll stick with that, and am happy to walk from the yard, almost a mile, to reach this particular stretch of the waterway. At least I know that the van is safe and for that I'm very grateful.
On arrival at my chosen section, I was delighted to find the river in fine fettle and the banks offering me a choice of positions from which to present a bait. I'm hopeful of getting two sessions in before the weekend, when Bev & I drive to rendezvous with the Kefalonia gang and also visit Daryl & Alix (Bev's son and partner) in the magnificent city of Bath. So for these first two sessions I am travelling light, gear pared-down to the absolute basics. With no barrow, what I can't carry I don't need, simple as that. I feel quite confident that, if Pike are present, I'll get some action purely because of Jim Gibbinson's "Pike thrive on neglect" theory which has served me so well over the decades. I'm also incorporating a little ruse, suggested by both Andy Larkin & Andy Brown (Canterbury & Thanet PAC guys) which might just prove to be an edge? Only time, and effort, will tell.
What with flowing water, proper snags and the possibility of a "big" Pike there is no place for the split canes, nor centrepins. My starting gambit wouldn't be out of place on Loch Awe? Two thirteen footers, Big Pits loaded with 50lbs b.s. braid and size 2 "doubles". I'm not going down there to play games, well not to start with. I'm ever hopeful that the weather settles down and a return to the "unfinished" RMC project is a realistic goal. However this sojourn, out on The Kentish Stour, might provide a spark for future campaigns as the retirement gig moves forward? I have only ever taken one "twenty" from a river; could The Kentish Stour provide a second? Let's get a bait in the water and find out!
should be good i know of at least four 20s that have come out the stour so far,and gossip of a 30+,so that why i sticking on the stour and being very mobile tight lines mate
ReplyDeleteCheers Mark, my cynical outlook takes such 30's nonsense with a pinch of salt. Not one member of the Canterbury & Thanet PAC have ever seen, or caught, a Kent thirty. The last verified one I am aware of was caught by Martin Gay, at Johnson's Lake, in the late 1970's? A river twenty will do just fine, at least I know that one has been genuinely caught in the past couple of years! If you don't bother weighing your fish, then guestimates have no place in my angling. - tight lines mate - Dyl
DeleteGood luck with the venture Dyl. Just a note on the tackle. If you want to exert more power to the fish end of the business, a shorter rod is required. Unless of course, casting long distance is the objective.
ReplyDeleteIt's the reason I cut down a pair of 12 footers to 10's.
Ric, the only reason why the Mk IV's have been left out of the equation is because the section of The Stour I am targeting has more than it's fair share of snags and the split canes just couldn't cope. 50 lbs bs braid ensures I can straighten any hooks, thus not leaving baited rigs tethered to underwater tree roots, etc.. Somehow a Whychwood Big Pit wouldn't look right on a 1959 "Dick Walker" would it? Not too sure how long I'll stick with the river? All depends on the weather I guess. Take care - Dyl
Deletewent today the river is well high and running fast carrying loads of weed and sticks,and looks like a muddy field,switched over on to the lake and had two jacks
ReplyDeleteHi Mark, I also was down on the river for nearly four hours this morning. Water levels were high, but didn't experience any issues with floating debris? I am still finding my feet, so to speak, but am quite hopeful of some action if I can find a hungry Pike? There were a few "silvers" showing on the surface, at dawn, so feel sure that I'm not a million miles away from the fish that I seek? It certainly is a wonderful river, all I need is a bite to confirm that my set-up is presenting the bait in a manner that is acceptable under the conditions. The fact that my rigs and bite registration methods appear to be capable of dealing with the running water is very re-assuring. Take care & tight lines - Dyl
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