RMC fun

 It was around 05.15 hrs when I headed off towards the RMC for my first Pike session of December. On arrival, at my chosen section, it was fairly obvious that there was still a lot of colour in the water. However, the head torch revealed that there was probably around six inches of clarity, so certainly worth a go? Two, very heavily flavoured, baits were in the water before 07.00 hrs and the waiting game commenced. Sunrise was at 07.41 hrs, yet completely non-descript due to the thick grey clouds. It was a very slow morning, even with the camera and binoculars for company, there was little worth mentioning. It wasn't until 09.00 hrs that a bite alarm actually made a sound, I was on the rod within seconds and, after going through the time honoured ritual, found myself attached to a spirited opponent. In the net within a couple of minutes. My prize was a nice Pike of 13 lbs 14 oz and turned out to be the only action of the session, despite me remaining on the bank until 13.00 hrs!

A bent rod and a December "double" - what's to moan about?

I seen the odd Chiffchaff and Little Egret, whilst tending my rods, but it really was very quiet out there this morning. A couple of Ravens got into a noisy dispute, way out over the marsh and several, perched,  Common Buzzards could be picked out when scanning the area with my bins. It wasn't, however, until I was making my way back to the van when the highlight of the day occurred. I was almost back to the van when I espied what I first thought was a, very pale, Grey Squirrel drinking from the canal on the opposite bank. A closer inspection revealed it to be a rather spectacular-looking Mink.. Now whilst I am no fan of these American vermin, even I had to admit that this individual was worthy of a second glance. I quickly grabbed the camera kit from the barrow and managed to record a few shots which do the encounter justice.

A very striking individual.

I won't be back on the bank again until Saturday, at the earliest. The Christmas decorations need some attention before everything surplus is returned to the loft. To be fair, the weather forecast isn't that brilliant, so I probably wouldn't have gone fishing anyway?