As sharp as a dishwasher?

Sometimes I astonish myself with just how thick I really am, no - not a bit silly, completely stupid! Over the past two weekends I have had five eel bites, landing just one fish. I have spent incredible amounts of time thinking about my rigs and the presentation of my baits. I've explored all sorts of excuses for my short comings and then yesterday evening, having just missed another chance, I had my "eureka" moment!
Here we go - this will blow you away! Fish my bait directly on the hook, not on a hair! Such has been my stubborn insistence to use a braided hook link, in conjunction with a hair-rigged bait, that I have consistently overlooked the glaringly obvious. The eels are picking up my baits without ever getting the hooks in their mouths, my attempts at striking the bites simply pulls the hair out of the bait. Yep, couldn't make it up - I am one dumb arse! I'm back out again this afternoon; let's see if putting a bait directly on the hook improves things? (Can't see the wood for the trees seems to fit very well in this situation) Standing there, last night, the wind howling across the marsh - I found myself thinking about Mum, which lead me to other thoughts. Why was I out there, pushing myself, when it would have been far easier to be tucked up warm and cosy indoors?  If you've not read it - Jonathan Livingstone Seagull might help provide an insight into my own views on life. It's a powerful tale for anyone seeking answers - if you've a spare 45 minutes then Neil Diamond's soundtrack might set you on the right road? https://youtu.be/8jbIizyoLdI I suggest that, if you are a birder, reading the book will be far more advantageous than watching the film - how many species did they use to tell the tale?

This one's for Leon!(We met in Kefalonia) In 1973 Mum introduced me to the story of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull.
A superb narrative, the book written by Richard Bach, an aviator and member of The God Squad.
 I didn't sign up then and haven't now, but find myself drawn by something more meaningful than atheism.
The soundtrack album, by Neil Diamond, is a work of genius - there's some powerful lyrics in there.
"Dear Father we dream, we dream, while we may"

Only two rods tonight, the swim I want doesn't allow room for three without potential of disaster in the form of eel knitting, as a hooked fish picks up one of the other lines during the fight. Back to my short session approach, I will be at the drain by 16.00 hrs and off by 20.00 hrs (especially as the forecast predicts heavy rain and 60mph gales). Temperatures are down, slightly, from yesterday yet it is still very mild for the time of year.

I love this blogging lark, I can go anywhere I like - I'm now back home with another part of my challenge out of the way. I've just spent a couple of hours getting soaking wet and blown to bits; enjoying every minute. The words of Neil Diamond have been rattling around inside my head since I revisited the album yesterday evening. Why was I out eel fishing in February? Because I can and that's my driving influence - because I can! How often is it easier to find an excuse to put off, or prevent, an event taking place? I've done it many times myself but now realise the importance of making the effort whilst I still have the ability and health! Mum knew that us boys were never going to join her devout and stoic belief, but she sure pointed us in the right direction for living life to the maximum, and for that I'm eternally grateful.

A February eel - because I can; thanks Mum!

My February eel came at 18.20 hrs to a Sprat head section, fished directly on the hook. Who'd have thought it?

An extended session - "The hype v's the reality!"

I am writing the first part of this post after finishing my Friday shift at 20.00 hrs. Work is done and now it's play-time! This morning, before going to the Garden of Remembrance, with Dad, I had dropped Bev off in Herne Bay so that she could travel up to Newcastle with her parents and brother to visit Christine - Bev's auntie! From Herne Bay I had a drive out onto The Levels in order to deposit some pre-bait in a couple of swims. With the aid of a catapult I got 3 kilos of particle mix into the various spots, plus a few hook bait samples (freebies!) in preparation for a full day out on Saturday. I made no effort to introduce any eel bait, I can do that during the session - with a plan to fish another swim on Sunday afternoon/evening. The weather forecast is horrendous - severe gales for most of the day, but remaining extremely mild; I can't expect miracles in February! I'm going to start with two rods for carp and a "sleeper" pike fishing just along the drain. Some time around mid-afternoon, unless events dictate otherwise, it will be one rod carp fishing and two out for eels! My intention is to fish through to about 19.30 hrs - I'll see how things pan out? In an ideal world I will get action from all three species which I am targeting, what will the reality of the situation be? My camera is already packed, fully charged, awaiting the outcome. The Sunday session will, very much, be governed by the results of Saturday.

11 lbs 10 oz - the same fish as I had taken at 12.02. I took another set of hooks out of it, so there are
others now fishing the drain! 

Well now I'm back home looking rather windswept, but not very interesting! It was bloody hard going; despite my best efforts and generous pre-baiting, I failed to register any action on the carp gear. My "snide on the side" however, did the business with two doubles gracing the net - 11 lbs 10 oz & 10 lbs 6 oz, most welcome. I made a complete hash of my first chance of a February eel; there is still much I have to learn about my bait presentation. All being well I will be back tomorrow evening to get the job done. Really enjoyed my time outside, I added Peregrine to the year list and had some very intimate views of a Little Grebe quietly fishing in the opposite marginal weeds. Fourteen hours is a long time, on the bank, when you're used to doing short four hour stints - I'll sleep well tonight, that's for sure!

A nicely marked, chunky, little pike which registered 10 lbs 6 oz on the Avons.
The picture is crap, being a self take effort, I've managed to crop some of it's tail. One nice thing is that it
is a new fish for me, from this drain.

Mum

I've just been to St. Nicholas Church, in Ash, with Dad to place a flower in the Garden of Remembrance. Three years ago, today, Mum passed away and there aren't many days when I don't find myself thinking about her at one point or another.

Mad really - you don't know what you've got until it's gone!

There's a frog on the drive!

Bev's just got home from her regular Thursday night "Ladies Dart League" socialising and announced, on opening the front door, "There's a frog on the drive!"
I grabbed the camera and went outside where, sure enough, a frog was hopping about. A quick burst of camera shots and then back inside. It's incredibly mild this evening - 11C - and frogs remain a relatively common species on Thanet. Still a nice, unexpected, encounter, all the same.

No comparison

Since May 2011 I have captured a large number of carp all, but eight, from the local commercials where they are an extremely easy target. At Long Shaw, on a good day, it is possible to experience catch rates of three fish an hour, off the top! It is incredible fun, but it ain't carp angling - it's "scamping!" Ravenous hoards of small/medium sized fish that exist to provide the casual/pleasure angler with just that - pleasure!

If you are going to target carp it is essential that you use the right kit!

I have used these type of venues as a facility where I can go to get a bend in the rods after extended periods of blanking elsewhere, or to have a social with Benno & Luke on a sunny afternoon when we've nothing better to do. Commercial fisheries are there to provide easy fishing for anglers in the modern, instant gratification, world in which we now live. Exciting, enjoyable, fun - yes they fulfil all these requirements, but what they don't provide is challenging, thinking, carp angling. In no way will these fisheries assist in your development, as a carp angler, beyond the basic skills of tackle control, playing, landing and handling the species. Location, rig mechanics and presentation, bait selection and umpteen other of the finer points, of carp fishing and water-craft, cannot be learned whilst on the banks of these overstocked carp puddles.

Fish of this stamp are able to test you, and your tackle, to the very limit - not a challenge for the feint hearted?

It is certainly not my place to question how other anglers choose to spend their time and money - if the commercials work for you? Fill your boots! From my own perspective, I will also continue to visit them; particularly Sandwich Coarse Fishery, in order to test ideas for knot strength/reliability and hook patterns but, my real quest is in secluded spots, away from the crowds, where it will just be me against the fish. Venues with low stock density, where location is fundamental to any chance of success. Bait choice and rig effectiveness, however thorough their preparation, count for zilch if fished in the wrong place. Just as I had set myself targets when I returned to pike angling, I have a goal, a benchmark, which I would like to reach before once again seeking new angling adventures. Between now and the end of 2016 I would like to have captured four carp in excess of twenty pounds, one of which weighs more than 23 lbs 14 oz. I make this statement of intent to draw a line in the sand, so to speak!

A "scamp" from a commercial fishery. I cannot deny that they provide great fun, but they ain't a challenge!

Obviously there is much which could conspire to stick a spanner in the works - but this will do as a template for my angling journey through the coming year. It will also serve as a kick up the arse should I get distracted. Four twenties in a calendar year is, actually, a pathetic target in 2016 - I managed five in the season 83/84 and three of them were on consecutive casts! Some of the carp anglers, I work with, would expect to beat this target during the first weekend session of the new season. so I'm not aiming at the stars! However, unlike my work mates, I will not be bivvied up at some syndicate venue, or club lake, my carp fishing will be short sessions on very unfashionable venues. I think that "Hit and Run" might be the best way of describing my tactics. I've a head swirling full of ideas. I am actually getting quite excited by the prospects - silly me! Until I complete my eel challenge, this carping lark will take the back seat, but I already have a window of opportunity coming my way. I will know more after Friday - the 3rd anniversary of my Mum's passing - time flies! Emily was five yesterday - and that's proper scary! Where's all that time gone?

A proper carp, from a proper venue. I very much doubt if this fish has ever been caught before - a
magnificent wild English carp from an East Kent drain - four more of the same please.

Birding bits

Newland's Farm is, for the most part, totally devoid of birdlife at present. A couple of Meadow Pipits flew over, as I walked to work, yesterday and a Rock Pipit was in the factory compound, feeding in the bunded area below the solvent tanks. Golden Plover and Lapwing have taken to roosting out on the ploughed cauli fields and are regularly disturbed as I walk home, their calls betraying their presence out in the darkness. A Chiffchaff has been seen in the garden on a few occasions over the past week, it is quite possible that it is the same individual as was present this time last year - a strange coincidence or regular occurrence? Chris Hindle's re-trapping of a Chiffchaff, one year on, at Reculver points towards wintering individuals being faithful to favoured spots.

Sorting out bits and bobs in the study, this morning, three Rose-ringed Parakeets dropped into the garden, pausing just long enough for me to grab a couple of photos. A Jay flew through and there is a light, but very deliberate, passage of Black-headed Gulls passing East, high overhead. Not much, I agree, but if I can't get out fishing, watching the local birds will do very nicely as a fill in!

Achievable goals - too much time spent thinking about stuff?

It was May 2011 that I caught my first double-figure carp, since December 21st 1988! An awful lot had changed, in carp fishing, during the twenty-three years between these two dates. Not that it should be any great surprise, just look at how so many other aspects of our lives have altered, massively, since the 80's. Information technology is probably the most influential, of many advances, which we all now take for granted. If, for instance, I wanted to share my opinions and ideas about carp angling, in 1988, I would have to write, using a typewriter, my "article", double spaced on A4 paper, and post it, via The Royal Mail "recorded delivery" network, along with any images (my precious slides!) I wished to accompany my thoughts, to one of the National Monthly publications - most likely David Hall's Coarse Fishing - because he was my mate! It would only get published if the editor (David, or Des Taylor?) saw fit and would very likely be altered, from the original due to space restraints and other such considerations. One thing it could never be, was instant! It would always be two months, minimum, between sending and publication - very often it was far longer. On the plus side, I did get paid for my efforts in those days.

27th June 1984 - Stanborough Lake, Welwyn Garden City - 18 lbs 10 oz

May 2011 - Long Shaw Farm - 14 lbs 6 oz; my first double-figure carp in 23 years!

Today I have no such restriction and, even with my lowly understanding of this technology, can post news, views and pictures almost instantly. (Not always the wisest choice - as many of my fellow bloggers will testify!)
However, back to 2016 and what this is all about - my carp angling ambitions going forward. I am incredibly fortunate to live in a part of the UK that is full of fisheries which are able to offer wonderful carp angling opportunities. Some of the biggest carp in the country are to be found in the lakes of Kent and I could, if I so desired, join the massed ranks of cult devotees and fish at many of these venues, for a price! If things were different, it is quite likely that I'd join this circus and go off chasing monsters but, fishing must now fit into my life and not the other way around. My targets, therefore, need to be adjusted accordingly, so as to remain realistic and, as such, achievable. I have neither unlimited time, nor money; two fundamental requirements for the full-on "big carp" angler in 2016. There is a third piece to this obsessional quest for monster carp - the angler must be of a totally focused mind-set. There is no room for distraction or compromise - it has to be all or nothing, there are no intermediate stages when "that'll do" is tolerated. Not a situation suited for me, any longer, as there's so much else that I enjoy doing.

23 lbs 14 oz - the one to beat! (It was a very good fish in Feb '84)

So where am I at today? My PB carp is easily beatable, even at the local carp puddles, where fish of 25 lbs+  are a realistic proposition. Most of my local clubs have waters offering a chance at fish well in excess of 30 lbs. - what am I waiting for?  Well, just like everything else I have done, since my return to angling, any carp fishing has got to done my way. I can see them becoming central to my 2016/17 season in much the same way as Barbel and , most recently, Eels have provided the challenges.
I have a list of "Do's & Don'ts" which I am going to attempt to adhere to if the project develops? With seven weeks still remaining, in which to complete my eel challenge, all of this carp stuff is just "pie in the sky" at present. I've been working in the "packing section" of digital for the majority of last week; on a manual bay, where there is plenty of opportunity to think about anything which takes your fancy! Digital ink packing is a repetitive task which, if you allowed it, could become incredibly tedious and boring. One way to combat this outcome is to engage in idle "tittle tattle" with fellow members of the workforce - my way, however, is to explore random thought and see where it leads? It is of no surprise that the majority of my colleagues think that I'm a miserable old git, because I try to avoid "gossip"! My mental explorations have been down some rather weird back roads as my mind has wandered - however, angling and natural history nearly always provide the inspiration for a starting point.
So there I am, packing away, thinking about various projects that might, possibly, be worthy of pursuit. I have a desire to see a PB carp landed on the Mk IV - it's that dream scenario again, but I have been to many other places. I've a few ideas for improved particle mixes, hook baits and rigs. Being an old git does have some advantages - I can think back to previous campaigns, draw inspiration from bygone experiences, and it frequently works for me!

The realisation of a dream - my first twenty since returning to angling after an eighteen year
sabbatical - my pike fishing has gone downhill ever since!

Pike fishing has also been, very much, an afterthought, thus far this winter. My results being very underwhelming. It seems that since the fulfilment of my ambition to land another "twenty" - coming to fruition just day's after my Mum died; I've taken my eye off the ball.  It appears that my/our Scottish exploits, as pike anglers, now mirror the antics of UK carp anglers who head off toward France, and beyond, to get their fix of "big fish". My pike angling has now become focussed upon a week of intensive effort - then nothing special for another year. I've morphed into a "holiday piker" - that isn't good! I have two trains of thought to counter this, moving forward - a) I join a local club and have next pike season on a big pit or b) Don't fish for pike at all over the next winter and concentrate on getting to grips with the chub/roach in The Stour ? Neither scenario is important, as yet, there's loads to see and do before any decisions about next winter need to be made. As I mentioned recently, making plans is like wishing your life away - I'm far better living each day as it comes and seeing where it leads me - digital packing = too much time thinking! May be I'd be better off bored?