Hi its Steve again,
Just a short report on a 3 day session I had at Gaunts lake.
It was a sunny start with a South South East wind blowing into the car park area, so I chose a margin swim opposite the very popular Stones swim. As the wind was blowing into the tree margin I put two rods on that line. The other rod I put out around 45 yds to the left towards the middle in the weed. This was on a chod set up, to sit on any weed found. This rod produced a run on the second day( Monday) at about 1pm. It put up a good scrap and was well on the way to the waiting net when, unluckily for me, it picked up the back leaded margin rod. I could quite easily see the very lightly coloured mirror in the water, it looked like a mid double. I gave it a chance to get untangled but it also took the liberty of shedding the hook! It took the opportunity gladly!
Oh well, such is fishing!
I decided to move the offending margin rod to the same area as the rod that had produced the run, again on a chod rig. As the wind increased I thought that I might get a bit of action on one of these rods. Unfortunately, it wasn't so for the next day or so.
I left early Wednesday morning to get home to celebrate my wife's 20th birthday (or so she said). I didn't meet her till she was 30-ish and that was 20 years ago, so not sure about the maths !!!
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Monday, 18 May 2009
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Steve's 2nd session 3 x 30s and a 42lb mirror - awesome
9lb (ish) simmo
Hi there, Steve again. Just reporting on my second session on Guys Lake.
I had planned on a concerted effort for 5/6 nights to get a fish or at least find out more info.
The 1st day, Monday, was blowing a very cold N.East wind with high preassure. Damn! Oh well, I can't pick and choose when to go fishing so its get on with it and fish the conditions as best I can! I had a good walk round the lake and settled in a swim next to the one mentioned in my previous posts. This time I was in the middle of island, the south(sheltered) side. There wasn't a lot to report really as nothing showed in my area.
I had several walks around the lake, noticing the odd few fish showing in open water but the swims were all taken so a move wasn't really on.
I spoke to one fellow on Wednesday, Marc, who was really chuffed to get a PB fish of 33lb 8oz mirror.
Well done that man.
He had moved from the opposite end of the lake as he'd seen fish move at the other end. It was quite a hike round the lake. I suppose I could have moved into next swim to him but thought I might restrict his area, so decided that wasn't fair. Two more 30's were caught in open water at the end of the island, I believe.
Wednesday also brought a change in the weather and suddenly, in the late afternoon, a storm blew up and it lashed down. I new this would bring some fish on the move . After a rough old night with wind, rain and more rain I woke disappointed not to have had any action in the night. I looked at the rods - as you do - and noticed that my Right Hand rod had come out of the clip. I got up and felt the line and it was solid so I hit into it and Lo and behold! - a carp was on the end!!!
It was a simple job to land the fish really, considering that it was my first carp for ages. I netted and put it on the unhooking mat, ready for the photos. It wasn't a huge fish by any means, a little simmo of 9lb ish, but it was still a huge relief to finally catch a carp! It felt like a great weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
Later in the day, Marc, who had the earlier PB of 33lb 6oz ,came round to tell me he had another new PB - this time a mirror of 42 lb 6oz!! I was really chuffed for him and shook his hand.
This carping lark is easy, eh?
Game on !!!!
With a bit of luck I will be getting some pictures of his catches via E-Mail. I must say the pictures of the 42 are stunning.
A very interesting day in all but nothing more for me. Friday night was uneventful so I left Saturday morning with only my little simmo to add to my portfolio but masses info on certain big fish spots. Also, being two swims away from the capture of 3 x 30s and 1 x 40. gave me a genuine lift. Maybe it will be my turn soon. Well we live in hope !
Monday, 4 May 2009
Steve goes to Guys Lakes. A new start
Hi again. I have just got a permit for Guys Lakes Syndicate so on Thursday I made my way to the site for a exploratory three day session. Eventually I found the entrance and drove down the road with some excitement.
On arrival at the first car park I was surprised to see a few cars there and even more pleased to see the nature of the lakes. In the end I made my way to Gaunts and was very pleased to see plenty of parking around the sites lakes. There are ample toilet facilities and best of all, well manicured banks and walkways, which is a blessing when getting to the not too distant swims. After a look round I settled on a swim at the far end of the island. After a little chat with Tim and Andrew who were already fishing, I made my way to the car and started take my gear to the swim (with a big help from Andrew who brought some of my gear for me, life saver that he is !!).
Anyway, to keep it short I was fishing and taking notice of things.
I had a good chat to the guys already mentioned, gathering info, as you do. Tim was finding it hard to get his bait and attached PVA bag to spot near island in the brisk wind, so I told him to use bait only, and to get it on the spot. Low and behold a bit later we were photographing a 27.05 linear! Well done that man! He had one more little simmo and dropped another in the next two days, his first from the lakes. His mate Andrew had a 22lb carp and a 10lb+ tench. I must say they were two very pleasant guys and we will be keeping each other informed of the lakes catches etc. Myself, I did not catch this session but i am confident that I will and I am glad to say what a really pleasant time I had. I can't wait to get back in a weeks time for a really serious assault on these lakes. Many thanks to Tim and Andrew for making me welcome and giving me plenty of info. Much appreciated guys !!!
On arrival at the first car park I was surprised to see a few cars there and even more pleased to see the nature of the lakes. In the end I made my way to Gaunts and was very pleased to see plenty of parking around the sites lakes. There are ample toilet facilities and best of all, well manicured banks and walkways, which is a blessing when getting to the not too distant swims. After a look round I settled on a swim at the far end of the island. After a little chat with Tim and Andrew who were already fishing, I made my way to the car and started take my gear to the swim (with a big help from Andrew who brought some of my gear for me, life saver that he is !!).
Anyway, to keep it short I was fishing and taking notice of things.
I had a good chat to the guys already mentioned, gathering info, as you do. Tim was finding it hard to get his bait and attached PVA bag to spot near island in the brisk wind, so I told him to use bait only, and to get it on the spot. Low and behold a bit later we were photographing a 27.05 linear! Well done that man! He had one more little simmo and dropped another in the next two days, his first from the lakes. His mate Andrew had a 22lb carp and a 10lb+ tench. I must say they were two very pleasant guys and we will be keeping each other informed of the lakes catches etc. Myself, I did not catch this session but i am confident that I will and I am glad to say what a really pleasant time I had. I can't wait to get back in a weeks time for a really serious assault on these lakes. Many thanks to Tim and Andrew for making me welcome and giving me plenty of info. Much appreciated guys !!!
Friday, 17 April 2009
John goes to Newlands for one night
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Arrived at 6.30am, it was a grey and miserable start to the day. The weather forecast was for rain and drizzle all day with heavy rain that night. The forecasters haven't been exactly spot on recently, so I might have a bit of leeway before the rain comes in. I just hope its not raining in the morning and that I can get my bivvy and stuff packed away before it gets too wet while I'm packing up!
First thing I set up is the bivvy. I've chosen the 2nd swim on the Roadbank side of the lake for various reasons: There's an Easterly wind forecast, rain is coming in and I saw people catch from here before. If it does start to tip it down at least I'll have somewhere to keep dry.
When that's done I cast out the rods. The LH rod is about 45yds out on a patch that felt slightly bumpy while I was using the marker float. Its a running rig set up with a KD rig on a 8-9" hooklink. Bait is Fusion Pop up topped with plastic corn. RH rod is a chod rig. I've caught a tench or two on this rig this season but not a carp. Maybe I'll get lucky this time! The popup is one from Steves own stock. He's made them himself and is still nurturing them to maturity! I'll be chucking this rod around a few places and use it as my roving rod. If I see a fish top, I'll throw this at it.
I also spodded out around 40-50 boilies around the LH rod, using 5-6 boilies in a spod and half filling with mixed size pellets. Not long after, a few fish topped over the bait but I think they may have been tench. They didn't pick up my bait anyway.
Later that evening, around 18.45, my LH rod tip whips around to the left and the bite alarm goes off. I pick it up and my first thought was that I'd missed it. Then I felt a slight tug on the rod. I knew it wasn't a carp but only a tench or bream. It turned out to be a smallish (4-5lbs)tench. This gave me confidence that the fish were feeding and that if the tench are feeding, the carp won't be far away.
Alas, I was wrong.
No fish that evening or night BUT, I did enjoy a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir. Very nice.
I go to sleep around 22.30 after listening to the football on the radio - Man U v Porto. Arsenal were also playing but they weren't on the radio. I wanted to listen to the Arsenal match instead. What's the point of having several sports stations if they only broadcast one team when they could have had one on each channel? I know, I know, money, politics, contract clauses and producer preference all involved. Makes you mad sometimes
I wake up at 00.30, not with my alarm in overdrive but my shoulders and knees giving me jip. I end up walking the road bank for awhile before getting my head down again at about 00.50. This happens twice more during the night and is becoming more and more common as I go fishing. It wasn't as painful this time but still sore enough to get me out of the bivvy. At least I could keep an eye on the water during the night!
Nothing stirs on the water until around 08.45 when my LH rod alarm goes off stutteringly. It seems to be a small carp and its putting up quite a scrap. I manage to land it easily enough but it turns out to be a 6lb 11oz tench. A good specimen even if I'm not trying to catch them!
Well, I pack up the bivvy and have most things packed away in the car by 07.45. Not long after though, it decides to rain. It had only been drizzle and light showers during the night, making a mockery of the weather forecasters predictions. They'll get it right one day. Luckily, I had my 50" brolly with me so up it went. I had my chair, table and tea making things under the brolly and the rest of my gear safely packed away. I never got wet!! Only my rods left to pack away now.
During a dry spell, I start to pack up the rods but half way through it rains. I don't even bother to put the rods or the rod rests in the bag, nor the bite alarms. I chuck everything in the back of the car and sort it out at home.
Until my next session,
Cya,
John
Arrived at 6.30am, it was a grey and miserable start to the day. The weather forecast was for rain and drizzle all day with heavy rain that night. The forecasters haven't been exactly spot on recently, so I might have a bit of leeway before the rain comes in. I just hope its not raining in the morning and that I can get my bivvy and stuff packed away before it gets too wet while I'm packing up!
First thing I set up is the bivvy. I've chosen the 2nd swim on the Roadbank side of the lake for various reasons: There's an Easterly wind forecast, rain is coming in and I saw people catch from here before. If it does start to tip it down at least I'll have somewhere to keep dry.
When that's done I cast out the rods. The LH rod is about 45yds out on a patch that felt slightly bumpy while I was using the marker float. Its a running rig set up with a KD rig on a 8-9" hooklink. Bait is Fusion Pop up topped with plastic corn. RH rod is a chod rig. I've caught a tench or two on this rig this season but not a carp. Maybe I'll get lucky this time! The popup is one from Steves own stock. He's made them himself and is still nurturing them to maturity! I'll be chucking this rod around a few places and use it as my roving rod. If I see a fish top, I'll throw this at it.
I also spodded out around 40-50 boilies around the LH rod, using 5-6 boilies in a spod and half filling with mixed size pellets. Not long after, a few fish topped over the bait but I think they may have been tench. They didn't pick up my bait anyway.
Later that evening, around 18.45, my LH rod tip whips around to the left and the bite alarm goes off. I pick it up and my first thought was that I'd missed it. Then I felt a slight tug on the rod. I knew it wasn't a carp but only a tench or bream. It turned out to be a smallish (4-5lbs)tench. This gave me confidence that the fish were feeding and that if the tench are feeding, the carp won't be far away.
Alas, I was wrong.
No fish that evening or night BUT, I did enjoy a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir. Very nice.
I go to sleep around 22.30 after listening to the football on the radio - Man U v Porto. Arsenal were also playing but they weren't on the radio. I wanted to listen to the Arsenal match instead. What's the point of having several sports stations if they only broadcast one team when they could have had one on each channel? I know, I know, money, politics, contract clauses and producer preference all involved. Makes you mad sometimes
I wake up at 00.30, not with my alarm in overdrive but my shoulders and knees giving me jip. I end up walking the road bank for awhile before getting my head down again at about 00.50. This happens twice more during the night and is becoming more and more common as I go fishing. It wasn't as painful this time but still sore enough to get me out of the bivvy. At least I could keep an eye on the water during the night!
Nothing stirs on the water until around 08.45 when my LH rod alarm goes off stutteringly. It seems to be a small carp and its putting up quite a scrap. I manage to land it easily enough but it turns out to be a 6lb 11oz tench. A good specimen even if I'm not trying to catch them!
Well, I pack up the bivvy and have most things packed away in the car by 07.45. Not long after though, it decides to rain. It had only been drizzle and light showers during the night, making a mockery of the weather forecasters predictions. They'll get it right one day. Luckily, I had my 50" brolly with me so up it went. I had my chair, table and tea making things under the brolly and the rest of my gear safely packed away. I never got wet!! Only my rods left to pack away now.
During a dry spell, I start to pack up the rods but half way through it rains. I don't even bother to put the rods or the rod rests in the bag, nor the bite alarms. I chuck everything in the back of the car and sort it out at home.
Until my next session,
Cya,
John
Thursday, 9 April 2009
John Goes to Newlands For a day
I got up at 5am and made my way to Newlands. Its a goddamn weird time of day - to late to be night, too early to be morning! I made it there with no problem so its game on!
I met Steve, who I knew was already there, in the Coot Island swim. He 'd set up the previous day and was feeling quite confident.
I had seen a couple of lads catch from the Diving Board swim the last time I was down, so I set up my stall there for the day. The weather forecast was for light to heavy rain that afternoon so I set up my brolly in readiness for the rain. As it happened it never did but at least it kept the wind off my back. I was using a chod rig on my RH rod and a running rig on my LH rod.
I had a small take on my chod rig around 10am but other than the odd bleep from my alarms, all was quiet and no fish presented themselves yet. Steve and I saw a fish jump across the lake, near the first swim on the road bank, so it looked like the fish were on the move. Maybe we'd see some action soon!
Well, it got to 6pm and I was fishless so I packed up and went o home, wishing I could stay but knowing I'd be back at sometime! Steve was staying until the end of the week so I wished him farewll and made my way home.
No doubt Steve will give a commentary on his session when he gets back
Until next time,
John
I met Steve, who I knew was already there, in the Coot Island swim. He 'd set up the previous day and was feeling quite confident.
I had seen a couple of lads catch from the Diving Board swim the last time I was down, so I set up my stall there for the day. The weather forecast was for light to heavy rain that afternoon so I set up my brolly in readiness for the rain. As it happened it never did but at least it kept the wind off my back. I was using a chod rig on my RH rod and a running rig on my LH rod.
I had a small take on my chod rig around 10am but other than the odd bleep from my alarms, all was quiet and no fish presented themselves yet. Steve and I saw a fish jump across the lake, near the first swim on the road bank, so it looked like the fish were on the move. Maybe we'd see some action soon!
Well, it got to 6pm and I was fishless so I packed up and went o home, wishing I could stay but knowing I'd be back at sometime! Steve was staying until the end of the week so I wished him farewll and made my way home.
No doubt Steve will give a commentary on his session when he gets back
Until next time,
John
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
John goes to Newlands
Went to Newlands on Monday for a quick dip of the rods. Only a one nighter but a chance to catch a carp.
I set up around 10am. I finished the bivvy and recast the rods to their proper spots about 11.45am. I was knackered. I'd just finished nights that morning so I thought I'd get my head down for a while. I slept like a log for 2 hours. Trouble is, I'd stiffened up while I was asleep and my joints were in agony. It took about 10 mins to get loosened up and back to a semblance of normality.
I didn't have a spod mix with me, only boilies. I'm useless now with a catty, only able to get the boilies around 20-30 yds. So I decided I'd spod out about 4-6 boilies at a time. This seemed to work quite well as I could spread the boilies around my swim quite easily and at greater range. Another plus was the fact that I wasn't plagued by the rats with wings! (seagulls!) while I was putting out the boilies, I'll have to remember to do that more often.
So evening comes and only a couple of knocks on the bite alarms to show for my efforts. I enjoy a glass of pear cider and a bottle of stella to see the evening through.
By 22.00 I'm in my bivvy and fast asleep.
By 23.30 I'm pacing up and down the road outside my bivvy trying to walk off the stiffness in my joints. I manage to get back to my bivvy around 23.55 and nod off once more. I was up within the hour walking the road again. This went on throughout the night sleeping for around 1-2 hours then walking off the stiff joints for around 10-20 minutes. By 05.40 I'd had enough and decided to stay up. I watched the morning sun appear and saw a few movements on the lake surface as the fish basked in the early morning sun.
At 07.30 (ish) my bite alarms sounds and I'm into a small tench. Its not what I wanted but at least its not a blank session now! I land and release the tench and hope for better things to come. Sadly, it never did.
Steve came around 10.00 and we had a chat and he threw some boilies in. He left around 12.30 and I packed up and left at around 14.30.
Don't know when I'm going fishing next, so watch this space
John
I set up around 10am. I finished the bivvy and recast the rods to their proper spots about 11.45am. I was knackered. I'd just finished nights that morning so I thought I'd get my head down for a while. I slept like a log for 2 hours. Trouble is, I'd stiffened up while I was asleep and my joints were in agony. It took about 10 mins to get loosened up and back to a semblance of normality.
I didn't have a spod mix with me, only boilies. I'm useless now with a catty, only able to get the boilies around 20-30 yds. So I decided I'd spod out about 4-6 boilies at a time. This seemed to work quite well as I could spread the boilies around my swim quite easily and at greater range. Another plus was the fact that I wasn't plagued by the rats with wings! (seagulls!) while I was putting out the boilies, I'll have to remember to do that more often.
So evening comes and only a couple of knocks on the bite alarms to show for my efforts. I enjoy a glass of pear cider and a bottle of stella to see the evening through.
By 22.00 I'm in my bivvy and fast asleep.
By 23.30 I'm pacing up and down the road outside my bivvy trying to walk off the stiffness in my joints. I manage to get back to my bivvy around 23.55 and nod off once more. I was up within the hour walking the road again. This went on throughout the night sleeping for around 1-2 hours then walking off the stiff joints for around 10-20 minutes. By 05.40 I'd had enough and decided to stay up. I watched the morning sun appear and saw a few movements on the lake surface as the fish basked in the early morning sun.
At 07.30 (ish) my bite alarms sounds and I'm into a small tench. Its not what I wanted but at least its not a blank session now! I land and release the tench and hope for better things to come. Sadly, it never did.
Steve came around 10.00 and we had a chat and he threw some boilies in. He left around 12.30 and I packed up and left at around 14.30.
Don't know when I'm going fishing next, so watch this space
John
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Korda Tackle and Tips 2 DVD
I just watched the latest free DVD from Danny Fairbrass and Co. It's called "Carp Tackle, Tactics and Tips Volume 2". It's quite enlightening. It is full of tips, tricks and suggestions, as well as all the latest gear from the likes of Daiwa, Trakker, Harrison's Rods etc.
I've watched a lot of these dvd's over the years and some of them are diabolical, but Danny and his gang have made this a peach of a DVD. Some of our top anglers have produced some horrendous DVD's but this ain't one of them! I recently received a Hinders DVD with Bran Jarrett showing you their products. Although it was a well produced DVD, it didn't make you want to go out there and get some fishing in. Bryan did his best but there's only so much you can talk about pellets or boilies or mixes. I didn't get to finish the DVD as I got bored but that's only my opinion. You watch it yourself and see what you think.
In contrast try watching the Korda Carp Tackle and Tips 2 DVD. Whatever you may think of Danny Fairbrass, at least he makes decent DVD's (or at least features in them). They've got articles that get you thinking about your own fishing situations and giving you tips in the construction and use of your own rigs, plus previews of the latest offerings from leading manufacturers. I was particularly interested in the construction of the KD rig, as I'd seen this in action when Steve changed his rig at Orchid Lake. Within a short space of time of changing his rig he'd lost a bream and landed another bream. OK, it wasn't what we were after but it did make you wonder if the fish had been at our rigs before and done us.
I understand that Steve is making his own single hookbait pop ups, using advice on the DVD from Ali Hamadi and Gareth Fareham. We shall have to see how that pans out!
The people on the DVD caught some spectacular fish, from 20 lb to 60 lb+ . It was filmed on a lake in France (it did mention the name on the DVD but I wasn't listening!) Also, they moved to another location which turned out to be a lake that Danny Fairbrass had just bought! It is now called Gigantica but it was called something else before Danny bought it. It looks like a smashing location and no doubt we will be hearing of it more in the future. He's obviously got big plans for his new lake so expect a few advertisements and plugs for his lake during the last part of the DVD!
All in all a DVD worth watching even if your not wanting to buy anything!
See ya later,
John
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Getting Sarted
Hi Its Steve.
I've been told by John to post my comments in the correct manner so that's what I'm doing right now!
I'm undertaking a pre-baiting campaign this season (hope its easier done than spelling it !!). I have been fishing away from the area for 3 years, so I have not been able to do any pre-baiting at my previous lake. I hope to get down to my new lake at least once a week and put bait in areas that I know fish do frequent. Not loads and not whilst anyone is in the area. I will be using a good quality bait so I would expect some sort of action in a shortish time, maybe as soon as a month, say. I would not put in a lot of bait whilst I'm fishing but this could change with a bit of action. I'm able to put a bit of time in, during the week mostly, so we shall see. I'm quite looking forward to putting some time in, fishing or not
Steve
P.S
As John has pointed out, our session at Orchid Lakes was quite a pleasant time. Although fish less (carp wise), a few lessons were learned i.e. DO NOT accept the offer of a second bottle of red wine after dinner. Even if you are forced to, DO NOT finish the bottle! This leads to a condition known to many as "Ooh, that was nice, lets have another one" syndrome!
Anyway, no bad effects next morning as we blanked quite comfortably!! Next time out I'll probably be fishing Newlands Specimen Lake at Heyford Fisheries (in April probably), after a bit of pre-baiting (I am on the Guys Lakes Syndicate waiting list but I'm not expecting a reply just yet). After travelling to Reading and Slough for the last few years, its quite nice to be at a local again. Anyway, the bait has been ordered from Mike Wilmot. I can't wait to get going.
John and I will keep you informed !!
Steve.
I've been told by John to post my comments in the correct manner so that's what I'm doing right now!
I'm undertaking a pre-baiting campaign this season (hope its easier done than spelling it !!). I have been fishing away from the area for 3 years, so I have not been able to do any pre-baiting at my previous lake. I hope to get down to my new lake at least once a week and put bait in areas that I know fish do frequent. Not loads and not whilst anyone is in the area. I will be using a good quality bait so I would expect some sort of action in a shortish time, maybe as soon as a month, say. I would not put in a lot of bait whilst I'm fishing but this could change with a bit of action. I'm able to put a bit of time in, during the week mostly, so we shall see. I'm quite looking forward to putting some time in, fishing or not
Steve
P.S
As John has pointed out, our session at Orchid Lakes was quite a pleasant time. Although fish less (carp wise), a few lessons were learned i.e. DO NOT accept the offer of a second bottle of red wine after dinner. Even if you are forced to, DO NOT finish the bottle! This leads to a condition known to many as "Ooh, that was nice, lets have another one" syndrome!
Anyway, no bad effects next morning as we blanked quite comfortably!! Next time out I'll probably be fishing Newlands Specimen Lake at Heyford Fisheries (in April probably), after a bit of pre-baiting (I am on the Guys Lakes Syndicate waiting list but I'm not expecting a reply just yet). After travelling to Reading and Slough for the last few years, its quite nice to be at a local again. Anyway, the bait has been ordered from Mike Wilmot. I can't wait to get going.
John and I will keep you informed !!
Steve.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Two Nights at Orchid Lake
Steve and I arrived at the lakes car park around 10.30. I didn't recognise him at first as he'd changed his camo outfit! It wasn't until he spoke that I recognised him. How silly is that!
We went into the office to book our swims and that's when we were told that the lake water is high and some of the swims were underwater. We'd need welly's or waterproof boots to access some of the swims.
Hmmm, not a good start.
We decided to have a walk around and see for ourselves how bad it was. Walking along the roadbank side it was obvious that the lake was high. The people already fishing there had their bivvies on the bank, rather than in the swim and the rod rests were positioned on the side of the swim so that their feet were kept dry should they have a run!
Walking further around it became quite obvious that selecting two swims that were fishable was going to be a big task. We decided that two swims were possible choices although Steve's face said this was not a good idea. Mine probably looked the same. Other than the swims that were already occupied it didn't look like we had much option. I was already thinking that we might have to scrap this session. I found out later that Steve was thinking the same thing. It really was grim.
On the way back to the office we were debating whether we should go on the roadbank side or the other two swims near the swim known as the Royal Box. it certainly wasn't ideal but at least we'd be
fishing. I must admit that I wasn't looking forward to setting up in either swim and I suspect that Steve was of the same opnion.
Anyway, as we approached the office we I suggested that we take a look at the L-shape and the Alamo swims. These are swims that have a "lodge" in them that anglers can use instead of their bivvy, although lodge is the wrong term. Garden shed that needs a major face lift would be better description!
fishing. I must admit that I wasn't looking forward to setting up in either swim and I suspect that Steve was of the same opnion.We checked out the L-Shape and although one person would have been comfortable, 2 people would have been a bit cramped. Casting our rods out would have been a bit of a nightmare as well. We decided to hold judgement until we had seen the Alamo. As soon as we saw the swim I knew we would book it. The water level wasn't over the boards, there was ample room for two bivvies and we could cast quite easily (ability notwithstanding!). We could also cast to most of the bottom half of the lake. We didn't know how much more it'd cost us but if it would cost more than £20 on top of the normal rate, we were going to go elsewhere. So off we went to see Phil, the bailiff.
We were under the impression that these swims are only available if you book in advance. We talked to Phil about how much extra it would cost to book the swim for two nights. He said that it could be booked as a normal swim unless it had been booked in advance.
And it wasn't!
Great stuff.
We weren't allowed to use the lodge at all, not even for sheltering ourselves or our gear, but that wasn't a problem as all our gear would fit in our bivvies anyway.
We set up and I spodded out a mix of hemp, pellets and boilies to an area approx 40-50 yds away (that's about how far I can cast at the moment due to joint problems). I cast out my three rods quite confident that we'd have something that afternoon or that evening. Steve cast out his rods a bit further with one rod positioned just before a sandbank, one near some trees and the third towards the middle.
We waited.
And waited
And waited some more.
While we were waiting we chatted and had the occasional glass of wine, watching the evening close in and the night fill with stars. But still no bites.
Damn!
Second day arrives and although we hadn't caught anything we were still hopeful of one or two that day. Later on in the afternoon, Steve changed the rig on one of his rods to the KD-Rig. This is where the hair is brought forward from the shank of the hook after two turns of the knotless knot and then the knot is continued up the shank with the hair coming from near the eye, making it heavier near the hook eye than the hook point.
Not long after Steve had a drop back and he knew straight away that he'd got a snotty bream. As luck would have it, it became unhooked before Steve could land it. All we need now is for Mr Carp to pop in. Not long after Steve has yet another drop back and again its a snotty bream. But Steve lands this one and unhooks the fish and releases it whilst its still in the water.
I had a couple of knocks and bleeps but nothing to brag about!
We pack up on Wednesday carpless but still happy that we managed to get out on the bank and in a decent swim. Maybe next time will be different.
Here's hoping,
John
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Littemore RFC Reuinion
I'm going to watch Littlemore RFC play today. Its an important game apparently (aren't they all!!).
I'm going because its also a reunion of the old players - and a bit of a piss up! Time to have a chat, reminisce about past times and how good we were (and we WERE good!) and generally have a good time.
That's me in the middle row, left hand side wearing the Welsh Rugby shirt
Last time I went I ended up singing Max Boyce songs with John Searle. Also, The opposing captain got presented with "why was he born so beautiful...etc" for giving away the penalty that made Littlemore the winners. Oooh, so sad!
Damn! Just missed the 12.35 bus to Littlemore, I'll have to catch the 13.35 now. All because I forgot my mobile phone. Prat!
I arrived at around 2pm and was pleasantly surprised that there were so many people already there. I didn't know hardly anyone, so I got myself a lager and loitered around the clubhouse!
Lol, I wasn't the only one either. A couple of other boys must have come together because I heard one one them comment "it aint changed much has it". It certainly made me smile as I was thinking the same.
Anyway, kickoff was at 2.30 so I finished that one and had another to take away and watch the match.
The first 5-10 minutes was looking pretty dire for Littlemore as they didn't seem to be switched on to the game. Suddenly, a couple of passes, a few offloads in the tackle and some very good supporting work from everybody and Littlemore had scored their first try. It was a lovely worked try and a pleasure to watch!
Not long after that Littlemore were again attacking down the left wing. Forwards were dummying and swerving, backs were clearing out the rucks and again some superb support play created another try for Littlemore. Perfect Stuff!
Tadley managed to score a penalty right at the end of the 1st half to make it 15-3 ( I think!)
2nd half kicked off and I was still in the clubhouse nattering. I had a pint whilst I was there and had another take away for the 2nd half. Littlemore seemed again to be starting the game with their thumbs up their backside. To give them their due Littlemore didnt concede a try but they never looked like scoring one again either. Then about 10-15 min into the game, a friendly little tête-a-tête started between 2 forwards and in the wink of an eye had escalated to handbags and bunfights at 5 yds. The ref took an instant liking to his whistle, even putting the crows and magpies to shame in his haste to separate the miscreants. Tadley were awarded a penalty and Littlemore were deemed to start the fracas. Warnings were issued and the game resumed.
A few minutes later and Tadley were attacking. A Littlemore player said/did/or did not do something that the ref didn't like. So he was sinned binned!
Tadley broke through the Littlemore defence to score a try, which wasn't converted, but soon after a lovely break and support from the backs ensured the game was won comfortably. Final score:
Littlemore 35 Tadley 18.
Right,back to the bar! By this time I had been stood up for a considerable time and my joints were on fire so, unusually, I decided to go home. I had just missed the bus so I rang Jane and she picked me up at Sainsburys.
A good day out, all in all
Time to get ready
As you can see, I had a bit of a nightmare trying to get my head round the proper way to use this blog. I think I finally managed to understand it, but in the process, the chronography went astray slightly. Hopefully I won't make that mistake again! The 1st post should have been the "here Goes" entry but due to editing errors on my part it ended up as 2nd entry. never mind, at least I know now.
Anyway, here goes.
Well, now that the decision has been made, its time to get the bait ready.
I think I'm going to go with hemp and pellets, with dynamite bait boilies, plus a few pva bags.
I'll also need to change my sleeping bag to my warmer one as I read that it is gonna feel quite cold over the next few days. Hope the lake doesn't freeze over though. That would be the pits
My tv is knackered so its only my little battery radio for company, along with some decent wine and beer. I'm sure Steve and I can entertain ourselves somehow!!
I'll not be able to chuck out a rig more than 40-50 yards but hopefully that'll be enough to entice Mr and Mrs carp into my swim. You never know, I might be onto a winner. Steve also has a few new pieces of equipment to try out as well, so all in all, it looks like an entertaining session
Anyway, here goes.
Well, now that the decision has been made, its time to get the bait ready.
I think I'm going to go with hemp and pellets, with dynamite bait boilies, plus a few pva bags.
I'll also need to change my sleeping bag to my warmer one as I read that it is gonna feel quite cold over the next few days. Hope the lake doesn't freeze over though. That would be the pits
My tv is knackered so its only my little battery radio for company, along with some decent wine and beer. I'm sure Steve and I can entertain ourselves somehow!!
I'll not be able to chuck out a rig more than 40-50 yards but hopefully that'll be enough to entice Mr and Mrs carp into my swim. You never know, I might be onto a winner. Steve also has a few new pieces of equipment to try out as well, so all in all, it looks like an entertaining session
Friday, 6 March 2009
Here's Hoping
Steve and John are hoping to go fishing on Monday. Depends on the weather and if Marsh Pratley is still doing the half price tickets.
We shall see.
I tried to get hold of the office today, but got no reply. 4 times I tried. Steve is going to try later on today. If he doesn't get hold of anyone or Marsh isn't doing the half price tickets then I might try to go to Newlands. I think Steve is going to Kingsmead for 4 nights if it falls through
Its on
Rang up Orchid Lake. They're still doing the half price tickets until week Sunday so guess what? Steve and me are going fishing Monday and Tuesday.
When Steve sees this Picture he's going to do his nut. Last time I wore it he threatened to disown me and throw me in the lake if I wore it again in public. Called me the Little Chechyan tank commander on a bad day! Cor, at least I was warm! Sadly, I have traded in this item for a more modern look! See below.
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