I had all three rods cast out, baits in position, before 06.45 hrs this morning. A clear, calm, dawn saw the sun rise in a cloudless sky and therein lay the problem! As the light intensified, so the temperature dropped and "cat ice" started to form on the surface of the canal. By 08.00 hrs the canal had a lid on it and my baits were underneath. Absolutely no surprise that nothing happened from that moment onwards. I packed up around 11.00 hrs, having to break the ice to get my rigs back - what fun!!! A Barn Owl ghosted past, at 07.05 hrs, whilst three Little Egrets flew east and a Grey Wagtail fed along the canal margin. I did glimpse a Kingfisher, as it sped by, but the majority of my time was spent attempting to get decent views of a Mink. Always remaining in the shadows, my attempts with the camera were "iffy" at best. A cracking little animal, whatever the rights and wrongs of it being at liberty in the Kent countryside.
Not back with the rods until after the weekend, there are some nest boxes to build which should see me gamefully employed, in the interim, plus Bev has some ideas for tidying the garden and conservatory. No rest for the wicked - eh?
Mink! Can't say I've seen more than a couple of those. Their arrival on one pit I fished apparently accounted for the dearth of rats in the days after. Handy.
ReplyDeleteMy nest-boxes are already built and in place. Discovered that the usual wood boxes became wet and soggy from water running down the tree trunks. Fixed the problem by backing them with old bike inner tubes and sealent.
Been fishing myself for once. Dabbled down the local river for three afternoons. Using bread I've had three chub of four pounds and two others over five. 5:14 yesterday being biggest so far. Bream of 6:10 as well.
Hi Ric,
DeleteMink were far more common along the RMC a few years back. I've only seen a couple whilst Pike fishing this winter. Absolutely ruthless predators, they have it all. Quite happy to climb trees, go down burrows or swim in search of prey.
Nest boxes are being constructed to add to those already dotted around the garden. I'm hoping to attract House Sparrows with these latest additions. Great to hear about your angling exploits, a 5.14 chub would be a PB for me! It would seem that us old'ns retain the notion that if we can be bothered to hook a fish, we have a duty to weigh it? No guesstimates or nuisance fish where we come from. Hoping all is well with you and the family - Dyl