Time By The River

2012

2012-01-08T21:05:00.001Z

Well happy new year.. 2012 and my first trip
out on the river. It's taken a while after
what seems to have been a month of non stop
rain!!! I did try to get out before 2011 drew
to an end, but we got rained off. A nice gammon
made up for it in the Aspinall Arms at the side
of the Ribble. Think the gammon was on my mind
today as a back up, in case the river was too
high again. Has we made our way out for a spot
of long trotting on the Ribble.
We looked off the bridge and even though still
up a little the river could offer a chance of sport,
gammon would have to wait a much more pressing matter
was at hand.
In fact the unseasonal warm weather after such a heavy
spate filled me full of confidence, not to much, the
fish sometimes, even when everything looks good can
be of a different mind.
So with a few layers to keep out the cold, a warm flask
and with the hat I pinched off Logan I made my way along
the bank with Pete.Looking more like a Russian sniper than
fisherman. The first spot I picked looked as though
it would offer the fish some rest from the strong flow.
Back in fish stalker mode I made my normal approach, a
little feed, then set the rod up, a little more feed,
put the line through the rings "cold fingers already"
feed, float on ..... little more feed and so on. By the
time Im ready to make that first run down the glide the
fish have had twenty to half an hour feeding on freebies.
Those first few runs find you the depth, if a bite
is not forthcoming I play around with the shots
it can just change the way the bait presents itself
to the fish. Not too much needed on this occasion
the float in that special moment burried, without
even the need of thought my hand covers the line
trapping it and the rod is raised with a fick, I should
be able to this, I have practised it so many times in the
flesh but also in dreams and every time I see a river the
thought runs in my head.
The line draws tight the rod arches and the solid but electric
feeling of a hooked fish runs up my fingers... it's good to be
back!!!

After a good scrap a old freind reveals itself and a decent one.
a quick trophy shot and it tips the scales at 4.15lb. I love
Chub not that they are the best fish on the end of a line
but they are crafty and a worthy quarry.

This was a good start, a few more runs and away again this
fish twisted and glided across the swim....
"it's a Grayling"
was the shout to Pete, by this time I had mannaged to get my
line on a branch Pete waded and got it in the net,
"I would have lost that" I said
"I have been helpful then" was his reply.
"well it's once more than last year then" which got
a smile. this one went 1.5lb a few trout out of season
and a couple more lost Grayling before Pete landed
a few.

We moved down stream and Pete found some fish
this looks like it could be a good year even
Pete's catching!!

Pete with one of his brace of Chub.

So a great start to the new year lets hope it's a
good un!! All the very best Tony.

Insperation

2011-11-22T00:07:00.000Z

Well it's been a while, I could make excuses, busy life........
writer's block and so on and so on. The truth is I seem to have
lacked a little insperation. Something new, instead of the same
repeated mutterings of the last few years. These were the thoughts
running through my mind, after trips out and checking into the
blog on my return. The above is how I have felt in general
of late, something of a low I would say. Sometimes instead of
feeling a bit down you have to be glad of small things in
life you take for granted but that mean so much.
So back to the blog It would take a while to tell every story
of the trips out over the summer and autumn, so this is like a
highlightes post of good times.

If you have read or visited this blog in the past, you will
know that most posts will in all likleyhood have a picture
of a river. More often than not it will be the Ribble!
So here we go again! It's a thing to enjoy and even though
it's another in a long list, everytime I should remember how
lucky I am to be out doing what I love.

Well I do catch the odd fish. This season I have caught
a great number of Barbel, Chub, Trout, Dace and Grayling.
The fish above seems to like me, it's made several visits
to the landing net. This fish is a old warrior and looks how
I feel!

Phil was a bit special as far as catching Barbel from rhe
Ribble went!! After quite a few years and some quality fish
into double digits. He could hold his head high that they
had all come on the float. Well he finally lost this proud
record after quite a few attempts, I may add.

So autumn, Again we settled into a Ribble swim that screams fish
and after I lost a cracker Phil landed one of the best looking
Barbel I have seen these fish went hard to say the least.

A few weeks back was my mates birthday,we stayed in a barn and
got to spend some time of all places next to a river even better
the Ribble....... happy days!! not to miss the chance out came
the camera..... Melanie was impressed.......Not!

Well it was remote, a bit like a rally stage chance to test
Melanies new car out on the narrow roads and "bridges" she was
impressed! lol.

I will go back some good fishing around these parts.

Orrrr loves young(old) dream.

Well the fishy part of this and something new, well sort of.

I have had this river Roach project in my mind for well
ages. After a couple of half hearted last minute attemtps
I decided to put a bit of effort in. I listened to Martin
James and his roach on bread approach and gave it a go.

The best way to try this for me was to just take bread.
Any other bait with me and after a hour or so the temptation
would be to swap. Well no need, after feeding the swim with
mashed bread and running a float down for the first time I was
rewarded with a Chub, a few more Dace and Chub before the Roach
made for a perfect end to the day.
I went back for anoher go and lost what felt like a cracker, the
thought of it being that magic 2lb fish will have me back shortly.

Chub

2011-06-14T10:34:00.001+01:00

Even the chub liked the little nymphs

Small but such a good sign alls well

2011-06-14T10:32:00.001+01:00

Back on the river

2011-06-14T10:28:00.001+01:00

Only a few days to go before i can run a float down the river, a few casts brought me some fish last night on the fly.

Last Hour............ the life of me

2011-06-08T22:24:00.000+01:00

Well at least I can blog, after over
a month my internet conection is still
causing me great problems, they lived up
to their name because of the amount of
time I have had to "Talk Talk" with no action!!
My one trip on the Dee was also tainted with
me seeing my camera float past me
"That looks just like my camera case"
I thought when i caught site of it making it's
way down stream.
Along with more time I have had to spend at work,
the Kids are growing and I both need and want to
spend time with them both. So my new fly rod has
gone almost the whole year upto now with hardly
a cast. So the last hour has been a saviour.
Setting up the rod when the night falls is
though a bit special, a whole new world comes to
life when the sun fades and the moon is bright.

Jeff also took me to a nice spot not far away
and some great fish. I remember a book from when
I was a kid , it had a large net of Bronze Bream
and olive green Tench n one page. Well if I had
a keepnet one night I think I would have come close
to my Childhood dreams.

I think with the river season starting soon it
may be the inspiration I need to find a few
more hours but for now it's a night float
and warm clothes.

Wild fishing

2011-04-26T11:21:00.003+01:00

The alarm sounded and unlike a work
day it was easy to get out of bed.
The swim would I imagined, be full
of big Tench feeding after my groundwork
from the previous evening....Well maybe
not full but just one fish would be a reward.
I arrived at 5am and was relieved
to see my spot empty.
The odd fish roled has I made my first cast.
Everything looked perfect and on Q my
float slipped away the strike though was
without luck.
I just hoped my chance had not slipped
away in those few seconds. A re-cast
and almost before the float settled
away it sailed,this time the strike
was met by a solid "Bang" and the line
peeled off the reel,a good fish. It gave
a good acount of itself the previous nights
work had payed off.
A nice fish of 6.2lb.I will be back for
one of the big ones!

Ground Work

2011-04-26T11:17:00.002+01:00

Wild and hard a fish from these waters is a reward indeed

A plan and a bit of effort saw me
at a wild water, big fish yes hard
to catch? most deffinatly!! I decided
to pre-bait and also rake the swim.
Would it pay off early night and alam
set for a early start.

A Red Head

2011-04-11T22:23:00.001+01:00

What a week, mini heat wave and a
day off work. A call to Pete saw us
on a quest for Tench.

The effort was put in but the Tench
did not show up, we did get some,
fish, Roach, Rudd, Bream, Perch and
Pike.

I did see a large Perch(Pete) taking fry
in the margins, I managed to hook
a decent fish but lost it.

Three small Pike at least means a fish
off the list.
Sunday and the Tench was still on my mind.
The last couple of hours of day and into
dusk seemed the best chance and so it
turned out.

I muttered to myself after returning
the last of around thirty skimmer
Bream "last cast" the float dipped and
the rod arched into a my target, a fin
perfect fish at 4.14lb. That rounded the week
off and got me thinking of one a bit bigger.

Starting and Ending.

2011-03-20T21:02:00.002Z

Well it feels like spring, when the
season ends for coarse fish on rivers
my attetion turns to the fly and Trout.
The past few years have showed me, it may
be another couple of weeks before our
spotty friends are settled and ready
for me to cast some fluff at them, on
running water.
Today I thought it more fitting to have
a go at a fish that signals the change
in season........ Tench it took a while
but a fish just over 4lb finnally graced
the net.

Last week was my last chance to land a
decent river coarse fish before season end.
I headed to the Ribble sat back and waited
after I lost a decent fish I thought I may
have blown it . I need not have worried.

One fish marks the end as the other the
start. Time to tie a few flies over the
next week or two then back to running water.

Looking Forward

2011-03-09T22:28:00.000Z

So in the next few months things will change,
the weather will be warmer and the fishing
better, well at least more comfortable!

We had a trip out to the Dove and it's a
river we will return to no doubt. Both Phil
and I had good fish, the water looks capable
of throwing up a specimen or two.

We have also had our eyes on tempting
a large Roach locateing one may be the
task rather than even catching one.

Comercial fisheries seem to offer the best
chance, the only problem getting through
the other fish we managed a couple of
Roach amongst the multitudes of small
Bream.

Another coarse fishing season is near it's
end and it's always a little sad to think
it will be a few months until I watch the
little red tip of my float trundle it's way
down stream. With the departure of one season
we welcome the new Trout season onto our rivers
and streams and the fly rod alows me to spend
time next to and in flowing water. Which reminds
me time for some new waders!!

I have got new ideas for the seasons ahead,
flies to tie, tackle to buy and things to try.
I think we will have some good days(and nights)
God willing and even writeing this I get kid
in a toy shop feeling!!

The picture above is what keeps me fishing
and in general makes life all that much brighter,
to share these moments with good friends is a gift.
I look back through this blog and it always brings a
smile. So I will be making more of an effort with
the blog this year.
Im looking forward to the fishing more than ever.

It,s Cold

2011-01-30T21:54:00.003Z

Well it's been cold, I think my fishing time has been
short and when I have been out the goings tough.

I managed a trip to the Dee it was a metre up
it was a nice bit of water just a little wild!!!

It gave me a chance to try out my new rod and
reel. I could have made do but it's a nice river
set up. Ideal for a bit of nymphing with heavy
bugs. I did get two small ladys, the better one
for the photo never quite arrived, although I
did have a near miss.
A christmas presant that will get plenty
of work outs I think.

On the subject of presants I treated myself
to a new closed face Abu, a very nice bit of
kit.

The broken ice that had come to rest on
a slow bend made for a nice photo, it also
showed how cold it's been. I can't remember
and niether can anyone else who fishes the
Ribble a freeze like it.

Pete not in the artic but Preston!

We did get a few Roach, Pete is doing the
old rod race so was very happy when his last
fish was a Dace.
Went out on the Dane today "new water"
another fishy looking stretch but the cold
must have put the fish off not a sniff of
a bite. Just makes the next trip more
enticing.

Ribble

2010-11-28T19:25:00.002Z

River Ribble
Well this is new, a post off my mobile.
The fishing was hard frosty water and
cold feet. The views more than made up
for it.

Fall

2010-10-23T21:33:00.008+01:00

About two weeks ago we made a trip out

for some rainbows. Mike and Nick sported

two nice tashes. Mike looked like an extra

for faulty towers and nick like a German tank

commander. We had a nice day, plenty of fish

some good laughs, not many picture as my camera

died but I think I did get the best shot of the day!!

On arriving everyone had an array of big hairy things

I had my little box of river flies. Rather than rely on

any skill, or knowledge of the water, or any stocked

trout lake for that matter. The die was cast small flies

retrieved slowly, luckily it worked and a string of fish

followed.
I love this time of the year and the

American term(I think) describing it as

fall is about spot on.
The river Dane is a river I old in high

regard, not that some of my local streams

don't hold the same if not more amounts

of fish. I will stay clear of my normal preaching

of the reasons why and concentrate on the positives

of being out on the river, Gods good air and all that.
I love watching a float, if anything the last few

months and a touch of night fishing have made my

limited time even more enjoyable. This area of my

angling will continue I guess, even the stocked fishing

has been a nice diversion at times.
Well the Dane, a small river, winding by nature,

fast shallows, deep bends and tree lined banks.

Every new spot you fish seems likely to hold a

good fish and on a new beat of river, the often

long search for that perfect glide keeps you

walking and climbing through the rich under-

growth. Nettle stings and a hundred scratches

later I normally find that spot that looks "fishy"

and begin my way of setting about things.

The first thing before the rods set up is to put a

bit of bait in, this continues and by the time the

float runs down the water for the first time

the swims been fed for twenty minutes or so.

I also like to start upstream and work down,

it may be a false thought to think at least a few

bits have made the way downstream. Hungry

mouths wait around the next corner.

Two fish on the Dane are ready for you

at this time of year Chub and Grayling.

It's always been two althugh the latter

as replaced the Roach of my youth.
This is a water I will return too , it appears little fished,

apart from the Otter tracks that I think I found? The walk

will put most off I guess but I imagine some cracking Grayling

lie in wait, the Chub go three to four pound, I don't think they

get the pellets so are more of a natural size for the river here.

I'm sure Phil and Mike would like it even with the walk it's

worth the trip.

Tale Of Two Rivers

2010-09-15T22:41:00.012+01:00

I was late home from work, an all to often

occurrence lately! The sky was already dark,

the end of summer and rain in the air. This

quite miserable portrait of an average day in

the life of me! Well not so bad after all, a text off

Pete and promise of good fish five minutes up the

road on a new bit of river. The little fast flowing

river that appeared before me was a little haven

of life. Set between busy modes of modern commutes.

"If this was half as good as it looked I was onto a winner."

"A chalk steam full of fish on my doorstep!!"

I set the rod up baiting the swim in-between each step

of the process. First run first fish, Brown trout...oh joy!!

The next fish was a cracking Dace, my mind quickly

drifted to the TV programme "catching the impossible"

It was basically as the name suggests, fishing for what

could be described as very special fish of each species.

It was this Dace. The programme had gone to a little

river just like the one before me to catch a decent Dace.

They are still common enough but not as before, often

getting picked off by predators before they reach full

potential, I have fished some good rivers, healthy full

of food and yet here second cast was a decent fish, not a

record but just maybe a very good fish may lie in wait.

It's seems a problem, we travelled to the Severn.....Dace

yes but all small and yet here in this little neglected

river they abound? Just like the programme what

next, well more Trout more Dace, Chub and as the night

fell a warm feeling to end a miserable day.
Weekend came, before it more rain and well rain!!

Now you wait all week for an hour or two on running

water, rain high water and a big fat no to the stick float

float on my favoured water, like I said a few posts back

I would fish the feeder, stick a night light on and I can

extend a short session into a long one "magic"
So me and Phil settled down, we had tried this a

week or so back, again high water, we fished pellet,

cage feeder result one bite and a lost fish to a hook

pull. This time round I managed to land a couple

phil had my problem hooked one and lost it!!

Not many anglers have caught Barbel to double

figures on rivers without the use of a feeder rod,

pellets or meet but as of yet phils took his fish

without any of the above.

The fish are in top condition and it's been

a joy sitting into the quiet of the night with

good company and the odd fish. A few new

things, the rods up in the air so I have

developed a sore neck looking up in the

sky at my night-lighted tip. On a plus

I can now spot the stars and also confirm

the UFO'S must have stealth.
Nipped back t the other river, how different

one was like a flooded Nile, the other a gentle

clear stream.
I have learned a little already and results

are going to be good.
Phil with a quality small river Chub.
The rivers list of fish goes up one with

the Roach again spot on.
I would imagine that Barbel would do great in

this little river. I think it may be better for

all if this never happens, its nice to have two

very different rivers so close to home.

Sweet

2010-08-30T10:20:00.004+01:00

It had been on my mind for a while.

I had found a good bit of river, not

overfished, good access, safe parking

and it also has some cracking fish .

Only problem, with a bit of extra water

the swims are hard to fish on the float.

So with this in mind I had thought of

fishing the feeder! I'm not one for sitting

for hours waiting for that one fish. So my

idea was to approach it more like I would

with the stick, a roving method. Some bits

of river would still be waded with me

feeding, as normal from mid river. I was

so confident this would work I have even

been looking for the ideal rod. Not a heavy

Barbel rod but a feeder rod, it has to be

powerful enough for the big fish but also

delicate enough for Chub, Roach, and Dace.

Phil got a Fox specialist which is a lovely

bit of kit and if they still did that model

"0.75tc" it would be top of the list.

So after picking up a few rods and

having a read I have now made my mind

up. What confirmed it was going out with

my old rod and giving it a go.

Jeff rang and after a quick chat we decided

to have a late afternoon /evening on the

piece of water I described I told him of my

thoughts and he quite fancied it although

he was happy to settle on his chair after a few

beers the previous night.

I set up 11ft feeder rod 3oz tip 8lb mainline

6lb Froghair hook length 14's Drennan

specialist hook. Nothing complicated a

running open end feeder two beads to

buffer the knot, which was tied loop to

loop, this acts as a mini boom helping

keep the hook length away from the

feeder. Caster was the bait mixed into

a fish meal based feed.

The first swim is easier to approach off

the bank, in fact its impossible in good

water "bloody dangerous" .

I made one cast, and with the normal

approach in mind, after the short time I

thought it would take the feeder to

empty, I re cast. This would feed the

swim and with an uneven bottom would

always give me a chance that the feeder

was in the best place on occasions.

Not long to wait the tip banged round

and I was into a good fish. Jeff was amazed

at the quick result. I was chuffed it's a

sweet feeling when you think about

something and it works so well.

Moments later a Barbel of just

over 8lb was at the net, prime

condition, I expected more and

soon after I did get one around

a pound. The swim only produced

a few more trout. Jeff sat waiting

and I had a wander only an hour or

so, it gave me chance to try the

"wading feeder" two more Barbel

only small biggest may have pushed

3lb but it was working!!

Just a few adjustments and I think this

will bring me some good days.

Catching Up

2010-08-27T18:52:00.019+01:00

The time for catching up is here I think.

This blog has been a very interesting

hobby for me. Around this time of

year it often slips a little. Its a record

of my fishing and on a cold day, the

thoughts of days well spent can be

most welcome.

The top photo was the view from the tent

on a couple of days camping in the Lakes.

Logan with a Perch I could only snatch

an hour or so, but the fishing was good.

I would imagine we may well go back!!

Some more photos of the last few weeks

below.

Even though time as been curtailed the few

trips brought some good fishing.

Me and David have talked over the last couple of

years about a morning fishing...... well it finally

happened! It was a good morning even though the

river was up a little we managed a few fish.

The wading was a bit mad but with the chances of

the next trip being some time we had a go!

Pete with a Grayling, I told Pete he would

Love the Dane and I think I was rite. We have

spent a couple of evenings fishing until we could

not see the float. The method we fish on here has

brought some good fish for us.
We know some good fish live in the river

but getting them out is not easy.
Another thing the blogs given me is

the ability to capture the things we see

when out fishing. A love for nature.

I love taking photos and it's something

that I hope to "develop" pardon the pun!
I have an affinity with Chub I'm

always glad to see them. Maybe

it's because of memory's? Or even just

the fact that it's more or less guaranteed

that I'm by the river when in ones company.
Mike with a nice Dane Chub on the pin of

coarse.
Well my dad loves rivers I'm still looking for

a nice spot with a short walk and good footing.

Until then it's a bit of carp bashing.
An afternoon on the pellet wagler brought

me a sore arm with a fish a chuck!!
We took Logan for another visit but not

so much joy we still managed one or two.
Logan helps his Grandad it's a joy to see.
Logan thinks the fish are daft

"if Grandad can catch them!!"
Well the fish race takes me up one more a Ruffe.
Another blogger spent a little time on the

river with me, again I have been saying

to Kerwin for some time we will get out

but that word "time" just not enough

of it for me!!! Not great, the water was up,

if I had not been promising him the trip

I wouldn't of gone he did manage a nice

Brown trout .

The nights have been getting shorter and the

rain makes the river a little unsure, so a bit of

late evening slider fishing at a local gravel pit.

I have really enjoyed this, it's taken me back to

being a kid, I can set off late and fish until.....

well "late" it's better than the TV.
As the night falls big fish move we are

not certain what they are, some are Tench

the big Bream but I suspect the odd

monster Rudd are also still in the waters.

Even though we did not catch a big one

Phil got to see the kind of fish I kept telling

him about with the one he caught below......

This story is only just starting I imagine.

Finding Time

2010-08-19T22:45:00.003+01:00

I have only managed a few short sessions

over the last few weeks.The kids are on the

long summer break, a time I loved all so long

ago.

We had Two weeks off and my amateur attempts

at sea fishing came up short. When I got back

work was more than waiting, and the kids are

ready for me when I get home.

The blogs not been updated, at times you find a

block as to something new to write. I did catch a

few fish in this time however and will get the

pictures up over the next few days.

On a brighter note I fished a old haunt from my

early years the other night with Phil. The challenge

of catching one of the beasts that crashed and rolled

as darkness fell is now very much on my mind.

We had a drive out with our daughters, who are

becoming friends. It kills two birds with one stone,

they are happy to come out for an hour, while we

score some brownie points with the good lady's

and do a bit of scouting and even pre baiting, or

as the girls say feeding the fishees. Pete came down

but he could not see much as it was already dark! I'm

sure Mike will love the place as well. The good thing

is it's quite close, the nights are closing in and to be

able to nip out and fish a little into the night is good

and a nice change.Will report further on the quest

in the next few weeks.

Chubber

2010-07-04T22:43:00.006+01:00

Well just in case...... the title is about the fish

not the angler!!

Saturday gave me Phil and Mike a chance to

visit some new water.
It was a bit of a drive but on reflection

once I had recovered from the drive

worth the effort. Phil often says I have

a knowledge of Chub, I take that as a

complement, because they are spooky

fish and even though they " as the name

suggests" have a reputation for being

greedy they can take some fooling at

times.

I say the tip was worth it on reflection for

several reasons. The first it makes me more

appreciative of the good rivers we have close

to home. The second is that on my first visit

I can take a 5lb Chub on the float, my as I

called it in the last post " Faith" in spotting

a decent swim improves on each visit to a

new river. I think that the skill is only acquired

after years on or in the water, I truly hope I

have the time to learn much much more.

My thoughts as I left seemed to be

"It's a long way"

"Is it worth it?"

Today I sort of think another visit with a

longer time to spend would be nice. After

all a few Chub one of 5lb on the first visit

in low water may just show the potential.

On the Friday I took my total to 21

thanks to a little Stickle Back

Faith

2010-06-29T23:53:00.003+01:00

You can read a more detailed account of

Sundays outing on Phils blog .................

http://flyandclassiccoarse.blogspot.com/

My summary goes a little like this.

I visited this part of the river over

our very cold winter period. I only

had a few fish but the ones I did get

seemed to be of a better stamp than

lower down. I put this down in the

end to the very cold weather, although

I had concerns about the amount of

predatory birds. I now still have the

concerns. While the odd big Grayling

can be found, fish of under a pound are

sadly scarce. A complete absence of

Dace in water that should hold them

in high numbers and no small Chub

either is a worry.

We fished the first pool, I have had

a couple of fish one of which pushed 2lb.

Also I have lost a couple of good fish.

I had told Phil this and I think he wanted

to get a good Grayling. Although we had

a few Trout we struggled a little.

I had spotted a good ripply glide in

winter, which had a barbed wire fence

in the middle of it making it un fish-able.

So I took Phil and it looked spot on.........

after one trout, I think he was loosing faith

in the water I had targeted, but he stuck with

it and reaped the rewards with a 1lb12oz fish.

I managed a few Trout and also got Chub taking

Crust although I somehow managed not to hook

one. I will give this area another try but I'm a little

worried. A family of Goosander as we left only added

to my concern.

The list

2010-06-27T09:09:00.004+01:00

The list, we have a little list going of the fish

we can catch this year it's a sort of laugh tinged

with "micky taking" You get a new species it's

just dropped into conversation!!

My chances would seem limited as I mostly

fish rivers. This still brings me a few fish

though and a couple of the harder ones.

The hardest was my lucky Salmon!!

So the running waters brought me

Salmon

Sea Trout

Brown Trout

Grayling

Roach

Chub

Dace

Barbel

Minnow

Stone Loach

Bull Head

While my few visits to the still waters

Brought me .........

Perch

Gudgeon

Bream

Tench

Crucian

Rudd.

So I needed to make the most of yesterdays visit

with my Dad to Beacon view a stocked still water.

I added Ide and also caught a golden orfe the

ornamental variety of the same fish.

The king carp sorted with Mirror and Common

again just one on the list.

Also a Brown Goldfish so another three.

It may get hard now as the remaining species

I don't really fish for. So for the moment

I will bask in the the fact I have caught 20

species of fish.

Forget Me Not

2010-06-25T22:26:00.007+01:00

I first visited the river Dane as a little

lad. I remember walking down to the

river with my Dad, on reaching it saying

"How do we get over the stream Dad, to

reach the river?" When we saw someone

fishing we could not believe it!! What was

even harder to believe was the quality fish

we went on to catch over the following years.

The little river has taught me so much

about fishing and rivers in general.

When the Dane is low and clear it's

like your own wild aquarium. Time

spent on her banks allows you the

privileged glimpse of river life.
I had took Phil on the Dane a few years back,

the promise of a Grayling and also knowledge

that he would appreciate this little gem.

It was with the same thoughts as I approached

the river with Pete. For us a new river or swim

is like being a kid again, It's not just about what

we catch but what we may catch, the challenge

of reading the water. The bend on the rod is

just the icing on the cake. It's been great to see

the faces of my fishing mates when they have

seen these little treasures, and when the first

run has brought the promised fish the gift has

more than been repaid by the big smiles.
The weather was warm and the river low

and clear, still sparkling though and full of

promise. Even though less than a mile away

from the every day bustle of man. We felt

we were in our own wilderness I'm sure the

last float to run down that glide would have

been my own last year. So we fished I think

Pete would have watched his float run down

that first glide quite happily all night.

After a couple of fish and a lot of coaxing

I did get him to wander a little. It was worth it

as he caught a good Grayling of a pound or so.
We had the most lovely evening even the battle

through the scrub is part of the adventure.

The final yards before you burst through

to the river is still full of wonder.

The Dane changes so much a glide that

held fish last year may not this, even worse

the glide may not even exist. The upside

that many new ones are created.
The plague of Minnows did not hamper

us much, the cold winter may have hit

the numbers?? It makes 16 on the list!!
I promised myself a couple of years back, that

I would take in more my fishing and the rivers

that I visit. I may of wrote this before, I sort

of was thinking of the good times with my

Dad, and it struck me that the last time

we made our way back to the car some years

ago he probably would have thought he would

be back, some weeks later, maybe months

but life's not like that. Every time I leave now

I say my own little thanks ,

"I'm appreciative of the Time"

I finished the evening with the perfect

fish for this water the Lady of the stream!!

Two happy anglers ready for next time .....

"God willing!!"

Fast Water Faster Fish

2010-06-21T21:52:00.005+01:00

We could not resist another visit to the river.

Fast water is a must in these low conditions.

Several reasons better oxygen levels, meaning

more fish and in better condition once landed.

It also makes for an exciting fast fight on the rod.

Mike had wanted a Barbel and with not another

angler in sight we went on and had a cracking

evenings sport. Mike was set up in a flash and

his first run brought a Chub over 4lb and in

great nick.

A string of Chub, Dace, Trout and Barbel

followed. I left Mike to enjoy his fishing

and explored a little. I was soon glad I did

for I found some great float water and a string

of Chub all over 3lb and a couple pushing 5lb.

The best fish was a great Dace which I lost at

the net, or should that be I should have netted it.
After some of the best fishing in years the swim

died. So another bit of water which I had noted

was fished.
I think it could be a glide that holds some big fish,

half an hour brought me a decent Grayling, a good

Chub and another Barbel. Another great outing.

You wouldn't Salmon n Eve it!!

2010-06-18T00:22:00.002+01:00

I could go on and tell you how me and Pete

ended up with an hour or so on the Ribble.

I could then tell you how he hooked a Salmon

(looked a big one) and how I landed the one

above. If I did though you would think I had

been drinking or the sun had got to me!!!

For the ones who know Pete I would ask

him, still can't believe it my self.

Anyway cross another off the list Mike.

That Special Time Again

2010-06-16T23:41:00.019+01:00

As a lad I can remember, that feeling of

going to bed knowing the day after we

could fish the rivers. I thought that I

would not sleep. It was like Christmas

for me the 16th . The thing is now I'm

older Christmas is more a time for my

kids, yes I still love it but that magic

feeling is not the same as in youth.

Not to worry though because the truth

is the night before the river opens to run

a float down every pool and glide fills me

with childhood dreams.
So it was off to the river, a glorious day

no rain for weeks and every word seemed

to point out that we stood little chance of

a fish. Well I have listened before and

to be honest I think although harder you

can have some great sport on the stick that

other methods don't bring.
I think roaming the river wading, watching

and of coarse the odd cast learns you so much.

When you mix in the fly fishing, pre coarse season,

the river gives up just a glimpse of her many secrets,

enough for you to understand the likely spots that bring

the occasional bending of the rod.

It was great to see Phil find a good spod of

fish. I had weighed a few places up while out

on the fly and this was one, I did not need to

tell him though, which shows how at home he

is on a river. This is a swim that many would

walk past and think "no chance" well he's one

up on those. I would say the mix of the long trot

and fly makes for a more complete river angler.

I do know it brings us more than enough to keep

us very happy.

It was Chub, Trout, Barbel and Trout

for most of the day the best an 8lb Barbel

to Phil I took one over 6 and some good

Chub the best over 5lb
I had walked off to fish with Mike who's

day was cut short by work commitments.

He had fished earlier and had a lot of trout

he moved to avoid them and at one point

became duck rescuer. While I was down

river Phil had his biggest fish but no trophy

shot. He soon put it rite though.

A great day and happy anglers.

Busy busy Busy

2010-06-03T22:36:00.008+01:00

Well I have been "Busy" this should have been

put up a week or so ago. I'm snowed under

with work, not complaining though.

I have some pics of Mikes wedding and our

"night club" adventure not that much

adventuring took place!!
Anyway I got out onto the river with Jeff .

We seem to be a gathering of like minded

anglers....... being out by running water is

good, better if you can share the catch of

the odd fish with good company and a laugh

or two on the way.
I spent most of my early angling life by

the side of my Dad. Although as I got older

he often sneaked off............

"after that special fish"

although as I later found out so he could have

a quick smoke in peace! without the worry of

me telling "my Mam!!"

The thing is I then spent a lot of time on

my own ,the solitude only broken with the

odd chat. Often I would start a day and finish

it without a word.

Then I found something, I had gone out with

Phil on the river. I more or less promised him a

Barbel, so pressure on! I was relaxed though and

confident and it was not misplaced. The thing I

found that day was not just a fishing buddy but

the joy which I got from watching Phil catch.

That was the same feeling with Mike. We

fished a "snowy river" and caught one fish

but the adventure of the day was like being a

kid again "fantastic."
I fished a new bit if water Pete found

around Christmas again like two kids

we tackled up and even though we had

no monsters it was great.

Phil asked today "does anyone read my blog?"

well I do and I go back and read older reports

on days shared "White water Chub" is one of

my favourite reads and I mean of anything

I was there and every word brings back a memory

and a smile!!!

Every time I come on here

I check all the blogs to see who's updated and

you can learn so much so keep blogin!!
Jeffs a river angler, new to fly but he has

the river craft, so battle nearly won, just

a technique or two. This stretch of water

is ideal for a traditional approach or that's

what I think? Its difficult sometime to

describe what makes you take a fish or two

Down and across ? well not really more

across and down? well not that either.

I sort of came across this, its dead drift

with a twist. Most of the flies we fish would

in natural form be swept along with the pace

of the river, so its more across and the mend

follow at rivers pace with the rods length the

twist is to lift and dip the rod, the slack by

dipping the rod tip can slow the fly down,

only for a second but so so vital, the lift can

tighten the line and just again for the vital

second the fly rises or darts upwards. The

mending of the line is important a fast dragged

fly is not on a fishes menu.

You can then start to work the river more

searching the creases and slacks more

effectively.

May be rubbish but it works for me. It's hard

to describe such things because its just self taught

technique.

Jeffs first trip brought some good takes but no fish.

I think he was sort of hooked on getting one.

The next trip and he was in within the first half

hour. The river was low and we were told

"Busy ........people swimming"

He now had confidence, a fish .... it works!!

We carried on and he even managed a little Sea Trout .

I was getting a few as well and as dark approached

we both gazed into the fast shallows as the Chub where

busy spawning. We can fish this area with the pin and

as the count down to the coarse season approaches I cant

wait.

Fishin n a Curry Later

2010-05-17T21:59:00.009+01:00

It's nice to be out again fishing with friends.

The occasion was special because it was a

kind of angling stag party for Mike.

We found ourselves on a new bit of water

and it looked great!
From the moment I saw the first glide and pool,

the way to fish it screamed out at me! The odd large

fly flew and skipped across the river.

I did not rush, just took in the surroundings watched

the water a little and planned my attack.

I put a large silver bead head PTN on the tip

and on the dropper a F-fly. It may seem a strange

combination but it brings me a lot of fish when fishing

down and across. The F-fly is fished wet, in broken

water like the one that faced me I think it covers a lot

of the fishes natural food drowned, emerging ect.

I think, or it may just because I use it a lot that

the F-fly is one of the best all round flies.

Number one it's very easy to tie, not that I'm

lazy (although the Mrs may not agree) but if

you are fishing under trees, or likely to lose

a few on the cast a simple pattern that's quick

off the vice is a luxury. Not just simple but

deadly, fished dry it never seems to deny

me a take from a rising fish.

If you can't tell I'm a fan!!

I had a few fish small Parr and a half decent

Brownie. Mike had a few bangs but I was sure

a spidery kind of pattern would bring him a fish.

He tied one on and moments later he was into

a string of small trout.

I lost one good fish and moved to the next

bit of decent water. A few fish rose and I

whipped off the dropper and point placing

the dropper on the point.

I had some great sport over the next hour

or so the best being a good brownie (above).
I even took a little Sea Trout off the top.
I decided to have another cast in the first pool.

I'm sure some big fish lie in wait, another angler

was just leaving so I decided to give it a go a bit

deeper Phil had taken a out of season Grayling

earlier and I finished the day with another.
A great day followed by a funny night........

a few pictures to follow!!

Me n Dad

2010-05-16T18:45:00.005+01:00

Chances to get out have been limited, mainly

down to the little ones. So my only spare time

was spent on a sunny afternoon with my Dad.

We arrived at an easy to access fishery. Not

either of our number one choices but with my

Dad not wanting to walk to far and needing

decent ground it's perfect.

On arrival after a quick chat to a few already

fishing, it seemed the going was hard, but my

Dads owed a few favours off the fishing Gods.

After a couple of trips to the car for the tackle we set

up and it wasn't long before we had some action.

In fact it turned well worth the extra effort. It's

my preferred option to throw the rod in the car

and get to some running water. I take the ability

to walk, climb, crawl and fall into some fishy spots

much to easy at times, and when a lot of these times

was spent doing so with the "owd fella" walking to the

car for his tackle is little to ask for someone who as given

me so much over the years.

So with these thoughts echoing around my head we got

down to catching some fish. First thing getting him

comfortable, not easy!! The riggers of years of hard

labour on the building sights of the North West leaving

it's toll.

The moment the float dipped for the first

time , the hook struck and his rod tip arched

into a beautiful Golden Orfe, I knew it was

worth it. For those minutes as the fish dove

and swirled he was a kid again no pain just

the joy of what fishing is. The smile on his face

was more than any reward I could ever receive.

We went on to catch nearly every cast just a Dad

and his little lad fishing again.

At Last

2010-04-04T22:13:00.010+01:00

After a long winter at last I got a few

hours and a few fish.
It was a still water, not my usual fishing these days

but with the lad in tow at least it meant a fish or two.
Even though the going was a little slow we managed

to catch.

I didn't have that long and when I left Phil

had worked out the way to catch wary bites

on the tip.
Mike steadily caught no monsters but decent enough.

Just as I was leaving Phil had a nice Perch which

made his day.

I will try and get some time over the next few weeks.

Family and work have put my spare time to a limit.

I hope to get Logan interested over the next few

months, it just needs to be a little warmer.

New Water

2010-02-07T20:25:00.004Z

Today was going to be the day that

I got back onto a river or so I thought!

I had to put some wall paper up. Logan

is having is bedroom decorated so

Saturday after rugby training I gave

my Dad a ring.

"Give me a lift" I said.

Having fished for years my dad was

soon at the house helping. I thought

that;s it free day Sunday.

I looked at the phone "1 message"

kick off 11 am . My lad had a game.

With luck I would be back at dinner.

We had to wait Logan won a trophy.

Very few things are worth me missing

time by the river but the look on his

face meant this was one for sure!!

It was later and again my phone had a

message it was Pete.

"Fancy exploring @~~@+ upstream"

Literally saved by the bell.

We got the map out 10 to 15 minutes we were

looking at some nice water and quite close to home.

A few of out of season Trout means this water

will be visited with the fly come spring.
A couple of Chub made us wonder what surprises

the river may hold.
Not a bad day at all in the end.

Spot The Fish

2010-02-07T19:46:00.006Z

Spent an afternoon on the upper river.

Conditions may of been hard but the

hope of a fish or two was high.

I set up with two little nymphs suspended

under a dry. The way I have been intending

to fish for a while is to go small. So the little 1.5

tungsten headed PTN's tied on a SLD 18's

was I hoped going to do the trick. The dry

was a sort of Klink with a large foam post,

I had also tied a small loop of mono on to the

fly and it fished a treat. Well what I mean is

it floated and cast well!! the fish paid little

notice.

I was busy with this trio while Rob was

doing the same but with just a duo.

We fished the first run hard and it

looked good water but not a touch.
After wading across and almost not

making it I decided to fish a little Red

Tag tungsten head nymph, again tied

on a Partridge SLD only slightly bigger

on a 16's. This was teamed up with the

same fly with a yellow tag my little plays

on very traditional Grayling flies. It did

the trick half way down the pool the line

tightened into a fish and we were both glad

to see a sign of life.
The fishing was hard so we moved down stream

to a area we have had success before. I fished

a team of nymphs Czech style without a touch

in several pools with very good water.

What I did see was two Goosander and a few

Comorants. This seems to be very common

and the Grayling, Dace and other fish also

are just not in the same numbers. It's very

sad.

Snow fishing

2010-01-10T17:55:00.007Z

The Christmas break normally affords me

at least one trip fishing. This years cold

snap has mannaged to leave me without

so much as a sniff of the river.
On a plus the kids have had a good time

and I settled down to joining them, with

some fun in the best snow since I was a

kid myself.
Today though at last gave me a chance of a

little sport. I had rang Mike who has had

a few nice fish from his trip to warmer

waters(fishing fiend linked on here).

After getting told from his other half

that we were not to go Mike made

arrangements to meet up for a couple

of hours. It's been ages since our last

trip and felt longer. I gave Phil a ring,

he's moved house so it was no problem

to pick him up . I dont know if Mel will

be so happy come the warmer weather?

With one of my mates just down the

road, I can see us nipping off for a

quick cast.

The day was crisp and cold, the water had

a tinge of colour from the slight thaw. It was

the melting snow entering the brook that had

me worried as to our chances and I watched

Mike slave away for a hour or so before I

finally set the rod up. Even the Herons looked

like they needed a fish or two.
Mike was keen as ever, I never thought I would

meet anyone who was addicted to fishing but he

comes close. He's not on his own though by this

time Pete had walked down so the four of us in

a foot or so of snow stood Mike fishing and even

worse us watching "must be mad!!"

Mike wanted to walk the extra half mile

or so to the next fish holding area, I said we should

head back thankfully Phil agreed .

The area I fancied always seams to produce a nice

Roach and so it turned out.
I set up and after a while the float dipped and I lifted

into a nice Roach. Mike got a quick photo and then a

couple of casts later I hooked the fish above a little

smaller but perfect. The first fish of the New Year

and very welcome.

It's Stopped Raining

2009-12-13T22:20:00.015Z

Well it's been a bit wet to say the least.
The rivers have been in flood for what
seems a lifetime to an addicted fisher of
streams. Not that I have not managed
the odd outing, most wasted.
I did manage a walk down the Hodder
and I wish the rod had been packed
as it looked low enough to cast a line.
A quick snap off the bridge was as
close as I came to a fishable river
for close on a month.

So when I got out today it was just
the fix my addiction needed.
I made the trip onto the upper
Dane last week, the river could
only be described as a mud bath.
While still carrying a bit of water the
colour had dropped out and the chance of
a fish was fair to good, so it proved.
Two nice Grayling helped ease the pain.
My last fish had been a few little
Sea trout all be it a few weeks too late,
non the less a good sign.

The pool I fished today holds a few good fish,
Two fast runs merge fish fight well in such
water.
Even though the time was short a couple of
fish and a few snaps was most rewarding.

The fish above is about as big as the Grayling
grow at the moment on the lower river.
I did manage a lot better fish higher up
but managed to not get a photo. I hope
to get a good fish over the next few
weeks with a little luck.
A perfect fish and a perfect way to relax.

A Day With The Lady

2009-09-30T09:21:00.015+01:00

It's Melanie's 40th Birthday today, so with that in mind I
had took a couple of days out of work. It being a surprise
she had arranged a full day of girly things on Tuesday.....
It looked like the fishing Gods had looked kindly on me
leaving me with a free day!!
It was good because a busy weekend had left me fish less
and a chance to re-fill the old battery's could not be ignored.
I approached my first swim with caution, a quick call to Phil
had warned me of the low conditions and spooky fish , he
had fished over the weekend. The glide looked empty as I
peeped from over the bank side, resembling some kind of
sniper than a fisherman in an attempt to stay hidden.
I started to feed and within a few minutes the first fish
glided across the swim, after a few more minutes a few
more fish, feeding like this is a must in low clear water.
I entered the water some 30yards up stream and my first
run with the float brought a nice Chub all going to plan.
Then I had a mad few minutes it all went pear shaped.
First I managed to lose the Chub as I was taking a quick
snap it went into the streamer weed taking my float with it.
So I set up again next run snagged on a branch lost my hook
length. I went to get a hook knocked my bait over loosing
half of it Oh well at least the rain had stopped.

I carried on and took another few Chub not big
but good fun, the other thing it was nice on the
old rod now fully restored, and it was very nice
just the job.
Last time out I had a couple of Roach Phil's
had a couple as well no big ones but signs they
are still around is welcome all the same.
When I reached the area I caught one last time
I had it mind to move the weights slightly, I put
the weights in the last 18in but spread them out,
the last small one only a few cm off the hook, this
helps when holding back which for the shy fish helps
a lot, I only managed one but was happy.
I have had a lot more Dace over the last few visits
not like years back but better .
My first Grayling was a good one but it slipped the hook.
Soon after another decent fish darted around in the fast
water.
The Grayling switched on and the next few hours
was one of the best I've had every run was met by
a fish and some of a better quality than usual.
A true sign Autumn here is fallen leaves and Grayling.
Great fish in top condition and on my pin and old rod
life's great.
The next one was strange a short stubby face,
no damage just looked strange.
I made my way to the area Phil hooked a Barbel
the fish are still around. I was feeding when I saw
what looked like a good Chub it's large fin gave
away the fact it was in fact a big Grayling, much
bigger than any I have caught or even seen in
the Dane before. I dropped in the river above and
fed again the response with my first run was instant
it was a good fish but not the big one.
With the water low I put it into a little fast pot of water
behind me to recover. My next cast brought me another
good fish if the other one had not been behind me I would
of thought it the same fish. It allowed me a nice photo of
a good brace to end a day with the Lady even if it was not
the one I had planned.

A Few Trips And A New Project

2009-09-15T17:53:00.031+01:00

Managed a couple of trips and found a
new project. Not a bad few days all told.
The weathers been better but the end of
Summer is here, the first signs of Autumn
are around, watching the float trundle
down a Gin clear glide accompanied by a
fallen leaf or two is a sure sign of a change
in season. The waters a touch colder and
the days are getting shorter, but as night
falls little can offer more than the river.
Phil had spoke of a day on the Dane I
have had some good visits lately, the
chance to spend a little longer on the
river(in it) could not be turned down.
We both booked the day off work and made
our way down the M6 to this small stream,
because when you compare it to the Ribble
that's all she is. When this river is low and
clear you can not believe how destructive
and wild in flood she is but on a day like
we found ourselves with nothing could
be better.
We made our way to fast water, a few Grayling
was the aim. Phil asked of our chances on the way
" Oh we will catch"
I think he thought the same, when I made
my first cast and the float darted under without
traveling more than a few inches, we had guessed
rite . Moments later the first fin perfect Grayling
was in my hand. The only other fishermen that it
may of encountered in all likelihood me or Phil.
You see if a river has Barbel in it most ignore other
small fish. However on lite tackle and in fast water
these fish are fun and in my humble opinion catching
fish like this with fly or float is the best.
Phil was next, within two or three runs down the
swift glide he was playing a fish.

This way of fishing is a sort of tradition now for
us both a couple of fish from the glide before we
split up and seek out more.
Safe in the net .
A typical River Dane Grayling with it's happy captor.
We continued and I found some new water.
I had walked round the little bend and was
disappointed too see the river had changed,
the little pocket water that has brought me some
good fish gone, but now a great gravel run into
the next bend, it looked full of fish. After another
four Grayling and a few Dace I went back for
Phil, he had a few more but when I said that
he should fish this new water because I thought
he may get a good fish, he was soon on his way.
Well I was nearly rite Phil was into a good fish
it glided back and forth across the swim, his pin
whizzed and the bright fin of a large Grayling
broke the surface
"@~##"
He had lost his prize thing is I think I feel just
as bad when my mates lose a fish I know the
feeling only to well.
We found the Chub and Barbel, problem
someone was sat fishing for them. Still I thought
we may eek one out n the pellet but we failed
that's fishing though.
I carried on with the float and maggot a couple
more Grayling a few small Barbel some Dace,
small Chub and then bang a better fish my pin
spins hard and before I regained control
the line hit a snag!! back came a float but no hook.
I managed a half decent Chub before we moved again.

We spotted some Chub and Barbel, Phil was
on a quest for a better fish, I sneaked off and
had another dozen or so fish .
We fished another new swim on the way back to the
car, we had a half dozen fish between us before the
night fell.
This Photo of Pete was a few weeks back
I had forgot about it, the last hour a snatched
cast that brought Pete a few fish.
Well another few hours on the Ribble only a
Short session. The water had been up and was
dropping I was hoping to find a river still carrying
a touch of colour but it was just tea stained at best.
The reason was any colour in the water and you can
get the Roach, I told Phil we had a chance and after
a few casts made contact with a fish just short of a
pound.
It was a case of sack the juggler, I dropped it before
a photo I did get another couple not quite the special
fish that haunts me from last year but welcome all the
same.

The time for home was approaching when the float
dipped again, I had managed a few Dace a couple
of Roach and a brace of Trout . This fish was better
if only it had been that Roach!!!
A Autumn Barbel
The night falls on the Ribble........sad it's time to go
also Beautiful .
Again last hour with Pete and Logan
a nice Common.

Well the nights are are falling on us fast so
it's time for a new project.
I have been thinking of a rod build but a
practice on a old rod rather than a new blank
was in order. It's a long time back but my 18th
birthday brought me a stick float rod a good
blank and a spliced tip. A few years back I broke
the tip on a tree and so the rod minus the top few
inch spends it's time at the back of the garage.
So about two months ago I made contact with a
professional rod builder a new eye and handle would
leave me with no change out of £100 so that made up
my mind.
First thing first a makeshift thread winder
to hold the rod, this worked well and with
the design in hand some decent wood will
bring me a long term tool.

The Daiwa stick float blank was and still is well
thought of it's a fast rod but has a good through
action when a decent fish is hooked. I have had
Double figure Carp and Barbel on the rod and the
butt section kicks in on big runs.
The tip just needed a new eye easy job.
No expert on stripping cork but it's not hard.
It was only the reel seat area that was worn
so I blended the new section into the old one,
time consuming but worth it. I kept the original
look. Another thing I nicked a few inch off the
handle length making the fishable length the
same as pre break, this rod will be married up
with the pin, helping keep the balance.
Some wood filler mixed with coffee helped
the look just sand it down after 24 hours.
A order from Guides n Blanks cost me a grand total
of £20 ..........£80 now towards my new blank!!!!
A good practice on my old rod should stand
me in good stead . The rod was looking the
part the blank is fully sanded and the new
whippings look good. Will post some pictures
when it's all done.

A Boys Day Out and Out Chubin

2009-08-24T22:35:00.013+01:00

Me my Dad and Logan had a few hours fishing.
Its good to see my Dad back up and about,
he has had a hard few years with one thing
and another. Two new hips keeping away from his
beloved rivers and the golf coarse. It must be
hard for him because he has a great passion
for the outdoors.
We arrived at a local stocked fishery a few bites
and a bend in the rod for Logan the plan.
When we arrived most people were fishing pole,
and it was a little quiet. We only had our float
rods and with the weather hot I made my mind
up to fish shallow. The first cast brought me a fish
Logan soon took over and a string of Carp all around
one to three pound followed.My Dad was soon in on the
act. As we fed the water boiled with fish.
Some big fish could be seen but with so many smaller fish
they could not get the bait first.
It was good fun Logan enjoyed it and it was great to
for us boys to spend some time fishing.

Out Chubin
Mike and Phil where on a Tench mission, I quite
fancied it but with clear skies and no wind I took
too the river(what a surprise)
I had no maggots and only carried pellet a year back
I frowned on such things but after reading about fishing
them on the stick float I gave it a go the results have been
stunning. I decided to fish a little further up stream. The river
was low and clear so a bit of fish spotting was the way forward.
I went on my knees and got between two trees and spotted some
Chub gentle feeding soon had more fish out from the shadows
amongst them some Barbel a couple of good fish amongst them.
At one point I must have had twenty plus fish feeding all over 3lb
and the biggest Barbel around eight. If you look at the photo below
the shapes on the sand bar mid river are fish.

I made my way a little above now and tried to bring
the fish into more open water , if I had cast into the
shoal results would have been instant but only one or
two fish would have been taken before they spooked.
By tempting them towards me away from where
they held near the snag I hoped I could take more
fish then drop in for the bigger Barbel later.

It worked perfectly a string of Chub no
monsters all between two to three pounds.

Good fun on the float with the water slow
I used the closed face and a pole float, a carp
dibber which is like a little stick float.
A dozen or so Chub followed all on soft pellets
the fish took the pellets as they hit the water
they were so confident. I had spent an hour
feeding them and watching before my first cast
but it was worth the wait. All the time I watched
I worked out the swim and how to maximise my
chances.
I hit a good fish which I could not stop from the snags
even with my normal tactics I lost the fish which I think
was a Barbel.
The lite was fading so I waded slowly and could see the biggest
Barbel at my rod tip I lowered the bait and watched the fish
move and take it again the swim has a very bad snag and
I lost it will need to step up for her next time.

Could not Help Myself

2009-08-10T17:03:00.009+01:00

It was a nice day on Sunday, even though
it was the last day before I had to return to
work the river was on my mind.
I could not help myself, I had to try to get
out for a hour or two, time was ticking by
and by the time I was at the river only a
couple of hours of good lite was left.
Last time out the water had a little colour
and was carrying a few inch, this time low
clear water met me.

I made my way to the waters edge and
started too feed, my maggots were few, most
had turned to casters, but after last time from
the start I put a few pellets of different sizes into
the swim. I did not want to rush onto the pellet
knowing it would pick the better fish out.
So I set the rod up and went straight through
onto my main line, a four No 4 float and a 22's
Fox carp hook the shots were styll the small
hook is ideal for maggots and caster and one other
advantage with the strength of line I was using the
hook gives before the line!! the styll shots also
help in snaggy water, if a fish hits a snag the styll
will slide without damaging the line, any nick on
pre stretched mono reduces the strength and you
often get smashed.
I started on caster, a few Dace and pesky
Minnows and one hand sized Barbel followed
I kept the pellets going in and after hour or so
changed onto the Pellet.
Expecting bigger fish i put a size 16's Fox carp hook
on and one of the larger pellets. After building the
swim up I was hoping the fish would have settled
and I may take a few.
First put in and first fish a Chub a good 4lb.
A great start I fed again and no sooner had
the float settled than "BANG!" I was in again this
one was a good fish it surged away under the willows
but with the rod tip under the water out it came I
was thinking Barbel but a great Chub hit the surface.
It was worth the scales and they went round well over
the 5lb mark. The Dane always had a good head of
Chub but pre pellet days a 4lb fish was a good one
these are now common but a 5lb fish is still good.
My pictures don't do the fish credit(still not got a tripod)
but the fish kept coming every cast the float slid away
in what was a great few hours.
I had no big Barbel but even these 1lb fish put up
a good scrap on a float rod.
Another fish followed not quite as big but spot on
the fishing was magic.
Another babel not quite the normal size but getting
bigger my only problem the fading lite. Two problems
seeing both the float and my way back through the
jungle!
Lat cast I thought and for once it worked. The rod
arched into what was the best fish I could feel it going
into the roots and the line hitting things, I buried the
tip of the rod low into the river, I could not see the line
or the fish night was falling quick. This was surely a
Barbel it surged away again breaking water midstream
but this was its last lunge for the bushes and the fish was
mine........." Chub" now I may of lost the ability too see
but this fish went over 6lb on the scales it was very long
and in fantastic condition it was as long as the fish I caught
on the Ribble a few weeks back but not as deep or broad
(god knows how much that weighed) It was a shame that
both fish went without a decent photo, if only someone
had been with me.

I think this tactic may get some good fish over
the next few months . I plan too show Phil next
time out if I can get him away from the "Ladys"
Grayling that is by the way I know Mike and
Pete would have a great time with this kind
of fishing and I plan too show them.

Early Bird

2009-08-04T22:22:00.010+01:00

It had been on my mind too visit the River Dane. My
last visit with Phil was a very damp squib, the river
carrying too much water and colour for a stick float
angler.
I arrived and was met by almost perfect conditions,
the river was at a good level and still had a little colour
in it. The morning was turning out quite nice "all I need
now is a few fish."
This small river can change, so even though disappointed
it was of no surprise too find one of my favourite higher
water swims with a newly fallen tree lay bang in the
middle of it. The swims very good in winter so I hope a
good flush will move it before the cold weather arrives.
"Not to worry many places on here to try" My mind
had been on taking a fish from a fast water swim and
even when the waters up you can normally squeeze
a Grayling or two out today was only a few inch above
normal summer level so no problem.
Phil will know this swim. I can almost tell what fish I'm
going to get just looking at the water and feeling with
my feet what the river beds like on the Dane, this little
river as taught me so much over the last 30 years or so .

My first runs through brought me a few Dace
which I was glad too see, the rivers had plenty
of these years back but they are on the decline
to get a few small fish was good. After playing
around with the depth and shots, I got the
presentation just right for holding back, the
result a couple of nice Grayling.
Time for a move. This part of the river is under fished
and it took me some time hacking through the jungle
like bank side undergrowth. The spot was my Dads old
Barbel swim and with that in mind I mixed some pellets
with my bait. This is mainly too avoid the Minnows
which can be a pest in any slower water. I started with
maggot and was soon into a few Chub a couple just over
a pound the biggest towards 4lb
The smaller fish is a good sign, all the fish in
very good condition.
I lost a good fish in a snag, so stepped up the line fishing
straight through on my main line. Next cast and another
good fish ploughed downstream, it put the rod and line
too the test but the stepped up tackle soon had a Barbel
in hand . The next one showed me no mercy and broke the
hook!! may be a fault but the first time it's happened.
With a few Barbel around I swapped to a banded pellet
on the hook, my plan too stick the rod tip into the snags
and hold the float back. Almost like stret pegging . As
you can see below the water is snaggy and the fish are
tucked in tight. I could see the shapes drifting over
the sandy bed of the river and after a short wait the
float drifted away, my strike was met by the solid thud
of a good fish. I learned some years ago that the best
way too play a fish in these swims is too pin the rod
tip low into the water keeping your line on
the bottom under the snags instead of high which
seems to almost pull the fish into trouble, the
next steps easy"hold on."
My time was running out I had promised Melanie
I would be home for 10.30 it was now 11.30 so one
last cast in another Grayling swim was all I could
afford too risk.
A swift response and another Grayling ended a
good morning.

Back Blogin

2009-08-03T12:39:00.015+01:00

Im back ................ a mixture over the last few weeks
brought my blogin too a minimum .
The laptop broke and was away being fixed,
the day I got it back was also the day before
the family Holidays.
So a bit of belated updates of my angling over the last month.

Again if possible my time is around running water the rains have
both helped and stopped my fishing on occasions. A good night on
the Ribble brought me a mixed bag two good trout in very fast
water was very rewarding.
The Barbel have been a little patchy just the odd fish the one
below around 8lb the best. Mikes son is a dab hand with the
camera and took some good shots he's not shy on the one liners
either and I spent most of the night laughing at his jibes at me and
his dad.
I spent a very warm day with Pete in fact it was so hot
we came home early!!!
One decent Chub was all I could manage along with a few Dace.
Spent a few hours with Logan at Petes local pond
the little un got well into it at the end much too my
delight.
Rob invited me too the Hodder , we arrived too see the river in
a most perfect level and colour, It almost screamed that a few
SeaTrout may be around and so it turned out as within the first
hour we had landed three and lost a couple.
We also had some nice Browns in what was the best evening on the
Hodder for a few years.
Rob hit into a heavy fish it's dull fight made Rob think
it was foul hooked I waded out to net it and for a second in
the dark thought the large silver flank was of a good Sea Trout
alas it was a Sea Chub.
My attempts at a Bass on Holiday.... conditions
against me wild in the morning too say the least.
Last evening I got another few hours with Rob and the river looked
good again . The fishing was very hard just Three Browns.

So my Laptops back , a good break and a few fish,
Mikes been away too and Petes not been too well
I hope too get out on the Dane with Phil, our last
attempt was met with a river of "MUD" .

I end all this on a very sad note the day of my return
was met by the news of my Uncle John passing away.
I will always remember the days we spent fishing
both when I was a kid and later, the day we found
one of my favourite swims on the Ribble the look he gave
me as we both knew it must be stuffed with fish .
What more can you say a good man who will be missed
but remembered only with happiness.
"God Bless"

Chubtastic with Worzel

2009-06-28T21:42:00.011+01:00

It's been nearly impossible over the last week to blog
the computer is playing up.
Anyway enough of the moaning, last night was good so
I spent most of the morning with my tech head on alas
to no avail. Logans little net book to the rescue and even
though I thought it would be a long process it's been
quite easy.
We fished some old water that I have fished a lot in the
past, it looks OK another foot of water would be needed
ideally, I managed a nice Trout though before we moved
on too faster glides.
Mike was in first a good Chub just short of 4lb,
I took four fish in quick fashion from a glide I
have wrote about before. Back then it was a
''white water Chub swim'' now even though very
fast it was a lot easier.
A bit of a difficult wade took me too some short narrow
glides, small they may have been but the fishing was great.
I landed a small Chub ''well 3lb'' before a nice Barbel and
a great Chub only problem I was in fast water and Mike was
on the other side of the river result no scales and not the best
photo's, The Chub ran close to 6lb I would say.

We had around a dozen good Chub between us very nice.

Mike with a good fish he had one at 5lb later.
Mike found a nice hat he looked like a cross between
Worzel Gummidge and Chris Yates (famed river angler)
I decided to nick a name from both and as you can see
Worzel the fisherman was not most impressed.
''Quality

And So It Starts

2009-06-17T22:42:00.006+01:00

It does not seem that long since the coarse season
started last year, Phil, Mike and I had booked the day
off . This year we all had busy days ahead so I hoped for
a few hours late on.
Mike had the same idea and we made our way and planned
too fish until dark. The 16th of June is a special day in the
calender for me a return with the float rod on the rivers is
something I relish.
The river was quite low and my thoughts as we made our
way was of how to fish the conditions. I love the center pin
but I thought of fishing a little lighter on the closed face.
It worked pretty well first cast and run through brought
a solid thump on the float, I lifted into a very good fish,
now I wished I had heavy gear on, not that I was fishing
very light ''7lb hook length'' but this was a big fish and it was
boss. Five minutes later and making no head way the fish
found a ledge and pinged the line. Thinking this may be
a sign of things too come I put 10lb line straight through.
I had a few good Dace before the Eel above. We had four between us.
Mike had the first fish (landed) a nice little Brownie.
The action was a bit hit n miss but a nice Sea Trout was very welcome well
above a pound.
I did finally land a Barbel around 6lb. The river seemed in good
nick just needs a little water which after the rain today may well
be sorted .
So first day a dozen Dace, Sea trout, Chub, Barbel and two Eel's . I think
after reading reports that the heavy storm the night before
put a bit of a quick cold water on which had left the river with
a tinge of colour I don't think it was too bad.
Mike almost had the same only having a Brown instead of a
Sea trout.
Now how can I create some time to get back.

Local Stream

2009-06-09T17:08:00.013+01:00

Had a few hours to kill Sunday the question
was how and which way and place?
A quick call to Mike ,Phil and Pete left me quandary
we all seemed like a few hours was likely I had a little
longer but could not decide.
As always a bit of running water always seems to win
and so me and Phil decided to give a local stream a go.

I like to fish the dry but the way to fish this stream
and get the best results is a little wet fly fished upstream,
the most important thing is weight of fly and length of
leader, get this right and the results are great.
A little silver headed fly seems to be just the job
a short cast and your eyes glued on the leader is
all that's needed. I will try the NZ style sometime
as I'm sure this could be just as deadly.
A few fish topped as we arrived so Phil had a go
while I turned a few rocks. I was pleasantly
surprised to find all the life of a very clean
river.
Phil moved up stream and took a nice fish .
Phil on the right in the photo above blends in
which on a small stream helps, slow movement
and not much wading can be the difference between
a fish and a dry net.
The fish came swift and fast from a few inches
to a monster for this river of a foot!

All the signs are of a very healthy little stream
all kinds of birds common on our rivers and a
a good amount of insect life abounded.
After twenty or so fish I took a couple on the dry
''well it would be rude not too'' and then finished
with another on the wet as the light faded.
As always I did hit one very good fish and lost it
just to bring me back and keep me keen for next time.

Ribble nearly Ribble

2009-06-09T16:43:00.004+01:00

This report is a little late, it's around two
weeks since I made my way to the Upper
Ribble . It was a great day if anything
a little hot, I made my way to an area
Known for its beauty so even if the fishing
was hard the scenery would be good.
Unfortunately I arrived at a most delightful
spot to find everyone else had had the same
idea, not fishermen by the way but people
just enjoying the river swimming etc.
I made my way to the lower river and even though the
going was tuff managed to eek a few fish out.
Two good Browns on the dry and a pleasantly
surprising brace of Dace.
Not so bad I guess.

Such A Nice Day

2009-05-25T11:09:00.014+01:00

I had thought my chances to get out over
the weekend slim, maybe a late few hours
was going to be my limit. A phone call from
Phil "who had a free day" only made it worse.
I was planning on going to see Mike who was
fishing a stocked water I had mentioned, he had
a good session looking at his report on his blog......
http://www.manchesterfishingfiend.blogspot.com/
The fishing gods smiled on me though, a phone call
from Melanie's Dad asking if the kids would like the
day out with them freed up the day.

I called Phil and we packed up the fly rods and
made our way to the river.
Phil wanted to fish some spider patterns
I was intent on bugging upstream to start
with and so we spent our first hour or so
fishing both methods.

I had a few small Trout and some nice Grayling.
Most fell to the point fly .
I have been tying up some new patterns
I have been inspired by good tying but
losing bugs that take a good while to create
is frustrating. They look good and so I have
created my own inventions although inspired
by other peoples patterns.
I was especially pleased to take fish on my
new nymph and creeping caddis these are quick
to tie and very bug looking. The fish seemed to
agree, my thoughts had been do fish count?
just legs or tails or a rough imitation
will do, when trying a Oliver Edwards imitation
this can save time so a lost fly not so bad!!
I would say the flies are Oliver Edwards "esk"
but without the long process. It struck me when
watching his DVD that the flies he used did
not seem quite as exact as the ones you
see him tie at the vice so to answer my
question fish don't count and if they see
a bug with four legs or six they don't care.

The Grayling may not be quite as good at maths!!

Not big fish but all in good nick even though
out of season.
Phil had made his way to fish the fast pocket water
with me.
Very fast takes seemed to be small Trout
hard to hit but it kept me on my game.
I moved downstream to a nice bit of water
and decided to relax, fishing down and across
with some traditional wets, another Grayling soon
obliged taking a Red Tag very nice.
My last fish fell to the dry to end what turned
out Such A Nice Day.

Middle Earth At 40

2009-05-18T23:01:00.014+01:00

What better way to spend the day after your
40th birthday than with your Friends fishing.
That's what I did Sunday, the weather was
not the best but a visit to the Hodder and
Middle Earth did not allow the constant rain to
dampen the day.

Mike and Phil had arrived before us and
Mike already had a nice escaped Rainbow
in the bag on our arrival.
The day was spent on the dry fly for me although
as you can see the river is full of life , the Stone Clinger
above (False March Brown) and the Hydropsyche below
seem to be under every stone on the river bed. We had
a good laugh looking and catching the rivers little creatures,
Bullheads abound along with Beatles, Caddis, Minnows and
countless others, one Elver even made a surprise appearance
very far up the river indeed. I have turned forty but for an
hour or so it was back to being a kid ''brilliant''

Phil fished the dry also and despite a good few rises
he found hooking up a problem the fish when he did
get one quite small and hard to keep on. Good fun
and practice all the same.

Again I fell on my F-fly+ to catch the fish, I call
it the + because I put a few tail fibers on .
I picked out one tied up to match the Pale Watery
spinner above at least that's what I thought it was
and a quick look seems to confirm it.

A few mini fish and a couple of decent ones
made the Day a very pleasant one it gave me
chance to try out my Birthday present from
Melanie's brother Carl.
The fishing was not easy and the weather didn't help
we managed about a dozen fish between us .
Petes new to this game but he was the last one fishing,
his passion for all things around the river is contageus
I'm sure he will soon look as much at home with a fly rod
as Phil and Mike.

I hope I spend the next years enjoying time out
on the water with a few fish and good company
it made it a wet but Happy Birthday.

Looking To the Future

2009-05-05T21:10:00.013+01:00

Spent Sunday with Mike on the Ribble.
The wind was gusting and the sky bright
not the best of conditions but it was so
nice to be out on the river.
The first few runs through brought a lot of
little bangs and pulls little Parr to blame .
This is such a good sign for the future,
on my last couple of visits the river as
been alive with small fish jumping
and generally looking like running fish
in miniature.
I caught three or four and hooked many more .
The day turned better weather wise and the
bank was full of small flowers and the odd fly
think the one below is a good example.
The odd rise gave me chance to use my sedge
imitation which fooled the fish quite well last time
out.
The fish seemed to be taking a small pale
crane fly and a switch to a light F-fly brought me
the best fish of the day.

The fish was 11in about 3/4lb very silver and lept
and fought above it's size think it was either a
Sea Trout although it could have been a larger trout
on it's way out to sea for the first time?

Mike fished hard all day for little reward fish wise
but he got to wade a very clear weed free river
and spotted some nice glides for later in the
season on the pin and float.
The sad part of the day is when you leave
a last look at the river ensures your return.

On The Sedge

2009-04-14T23:32:00.012+01:00

It was the last day of my extended Bank Holiday
I had an extra day, When Melanie said why don't
you have a few hours to round the break off I could
not turn it down.
A quick dash to the Ribble was what a decided on
while in the car park putting on the waders a sedge
landed, interesting .....
I got to the river and was met with a large hatch.
More importantly fish were switched on and a good
rise was taking place . I put on my closest imitation
which on the water looked pretty good and made my
way down stream to the furthest fish . My thoughts
were on not spooking them I crawled down the bank
and got within an easy cast of the first fish .
My first cast brought a confident take ....wish I Could say
the same of the hook up 1-0 to the fish .The next did the
same and so on I even checked the hook thinking it must
be broke . Finally I hit one a nice fish 12in .
It was stuffed with Sedge .
I carried on much the same tempted enough fish
to keep me happy but missed more than for a very
long time. Finally my ineptitude put the heads down
and the chance was gone.
I made my way down stream but the rivers low
clear condition made the fishing hard.
Time for a few snaps with the camera.
A lovely Primrose was first when I got home
I read a little about them........The primrose
has many uses - beautiful and glorious they are
to look at, but did you know that the leaves can
be used as a salve for wounds, or that the petals
can be used to make wine!
Turning over a few stones always brings out
something of interest look like mini monsters .
I found a fast crease and after a few plucks on
the wet I finally got a little Parr .

I enjoyed the evening but again my fishing wasn't
the best if I had hit half of the fish I could have had
half a dozen at least it ended around 14-2 to the fish
tonight but I can live with it.

On Golden Pond

2009-04-10T22:36:00.011+01:00

Mike mentioned that he may get a few hours
out and fancied a local pond it was one my Dad
took me in my early fishing days.
Mike rang to say he was catching but I had
only just got home, the rain was falling and
I rated my chances as low but as you may
guess a couple of hours later I was by the
waters edge Mike was into a nice fish within
moments of my arrival , he had only caught
smallish ones until then.

It turned out to be a nice Tench.
My first put in brought me a nice Roach
on worm, this continued good steady fishing.
A few missed bites and I Said to Mike
I think Skimmer Bream have arrived
the next fish confirmed my suspicions
Mike gave me some pinkies I soon realised
why he was using pellets!!
Mike was into another fish it circled around
Crucian carp was what we guessed at.
We guessed rite a lovely little fish .
I may now get to take my Dad fishing
for the first time in four years just need
a little warm weather he will be happy
to catch fish like the one Mike had.
I remember him sitting for hours in
the same spot as Mike fished over thirty
years ago catching the same sort of fish.

Nearly

2009-03-30T23:16:00.015+01:00

Sunday seems now to be our fishing day
and a trip out with Phil and Mike is always
good fun even when the fishing's hard.
Mike was busy at the boulder pool, the water
looked clear and I thought the fishing may be
hard .
Just as I reached Mike he lifted into his first fish,
he is now more than comfortable taking Brownies
on the fly .

A typical fish for the river not big but
good fun on a lite rod .
It turned into a bright day and I picked
up a few stones, I tried to match the nymphs
I found, a wee bit smaller and darker would
have been spot on.
I set up with 0.10 line thinking I may get
more takes but alas this did not happen.
It became a bit of a off day for me, the fish I
hooked mainly got off and the rest of the time
seemed to be spent in every bank side obstacle
or worse untangling line.
The little nymph was getting the odd fish
and I finally landed one.
The odd fly came off in fact most of the day
you could see them but not in any great
numbers, the fish seemed to match this the
odd spasmodic rise was about it.
I managed to get a half decent shot of
a spent fly, it's part of my day now
snapping the odd shot, I almost fish to
blog at times, its made my days fishing
better, I for sure observe more and take
in all the things happening around me.
I would like to think its improved my
angling, this may not be fact but my
logging of days gone by as been looked
back on over cold winters nights with
great fondness .
Think Mike is finding the same feelings
as me with his angling these days, it's
nice to catch, after all that's what we
go for but being by and knowing all we can
about the river adds to the pleasure .
Phil is also getting to grips more and more
with all things fly! It seems a long time since
I constantly told him about how he would enjoy
fly fishing , I love rivers and I think he has the
same passion, he has certainly caught some good
fish since our first outing and he came up trumps
again Sunday .
I felt a little guilty on the way home that evening
the scales pushed round to 1lb 15oz, depending on
how accurate they are the fish may well of broke
the 2lb mark which is one of his aims for the year.
One plus it will keep him going if you hit the target
too early you may miss an even better prize .

Still a most beautiful fish and one to be proud of.
The picture above is Phil perking his lips he was that
happy !! if I knew the kiss was for the fish I would of hung
around and took a picture of the moment !!
So not my best day but still very enjoyable,
I do think I'm learning more and more even
though my last outings have been a little
lite on fish caught my approach has changed
it sort of took my eye off the ball a little, missed
fish, tangles lost flies and I find myself stood in one
spot day dreaming of why I'm not catching and
what I'm doing wrong that's because I'm trying
to read the situation more, last year I found a fly
it worked and I stuck with it and fished .
This year I want a little more think what the fish are
doing the thing is I'm not fishing but when I do and
it clicks I think the satisfaction will be worth
the wait.

Flying Start

2009-03-18T21:41:00.013Z

You may be thinking why the picture of my daughter?
well the story starts with a small explanation of why
after the Trout season started Sunday it's Wednesday
before I managed to post.
Scarlett looks like butter would not melt, but she is
''Oh so much a little lady'' Strong willed, intelligent,
loving, funny and well the list goes on and on.
Give her a ''Pandora's box'' though and she can not help
herself, on this occasion it was my camera.
For hours I searched but it was only when I asked
Logan did the mystery unravel, ''well dad it's strange
but they asked at school today was this anyone's
camera ?'' so I popped into the school office before
I dropped the kids off , and there it was ,but how?...
.........Scarlett..... she looked at me like a cat caught in
the headlights '' it floated off dad'' it got in Mummy's
car Dad'' a string of excuses before a little tear.
It's funny now but at the time!! her Mums not helped
my hair line over the years she will finish it off without
doubt. All that said I love her more and more each
day if thats possible.
Any how back to the fishing we met up at the river,
it was Pete's first outing with the fly rod. I had been
telling him about the good Trout, so when we arrived
and looked over the wall to see Mike landing a fish
at nearly 3lb it was great.

We left Mike and Phil at the first pool and made our way
to an area that would require a short cast and also give Pete
a good chance of a fish. I made a cast to see how the water was
and to show how too fish the line, as I did the line twitched and
my first Trout was on and lost in a few seconds . Pete now tied
the old favourite for this water the ''peeping caddis''
A few casts later and the line tightened and Pete was playing
his firs fly caught Brown Trout ......well done!!! I was well happy
the feeling of sharing moments like these is fantastic, I know Pete
was happy with the smile on his face .
I had spotted a few fish rising and could not resist
trying for my first dry fly fish of the year in fact my
first fish, they seemed spooked very easily but a fish
lower down was still rising quite a few casts later
and I managed to fool it .
Plenty of LDO's came off Phil had one or two in
a bottle no doubt he will be tying one or two up
A fish on the dry can not be bettered in my opinion
not too bad for the first day.
I took another fish on the wet before we moved on.
Phil was fishing fast water but it was hard going
I had little else for the rest of the day a odd little
bang but that was it . As always I worry a little
when conditions are seem good but the fishing is a
little slow. Still it was the first day and we had
seven fish between us a couple lost so not too
bad, if anything the water may have been a
little low and clear .
Pete was now tuning in to nature above the fast
riffles .
Petes first trout above was typical of the fish we caught last
year in great condition and quite silver .
I also have a new pattern of the caddis to try I may
give it a longer go soon if it does the business I will
post a picture, I like the looks of it hope the fish
think the same .

Last Outing

2009-03-08T16:16:00.004Z

Today was in all likelihood the last outing
of this coarse season on the rivers .
I really enjoyed the last few hours last week on
the River Dane so made my mind up to get out
again this week.
I decided that today would be a nice time to get the
pin out , and made my mind up to try the swim from
last week. I soon found that the wind was a bit stronger
and had a bite of cold in it . My reason for fishing the pin
is because I like it so much , but the closed face is also
a very enjoyable way to trot a float down the stream.
I now think on the Dane the closed face is a more useful
reel , it allows you to both fish slower water with lighter
floats better .
I hooked into another animal today , now I'm
gaining confidence in my Normark I Lent into
the fish hard , the glide as a bad snag and the
fish know only too well how to find it!! after a good
struggle the hook pulled .
The swim died but a move brought me a couple
of nice Chub .

The weather turned a bit nasty so that ended my
day and another season , looking forwards now to the
Trout season opening .

March Bronze

2009-03-01T21:49:00.006Z

I had been wanting to spend a few hours
on the River Dane , it had been on my mind
to have a few casts and this afternoon I found
myself with a few hours .
I packed the gear up and made a quick dash
to the waters edge.
The spot I picked as always produced in winter
but today really felt like Spring .
The neck of this pool as very fast water , then
the river bends the water deepens and the pace
is taken out ,the river though small as little
swirling creases and you can fish several lines
each holds food so by feeding the fast water at
the neck you can guarantee a little feed on each
run.
The first half hour or so brought a few little Chub
and even the Minnows , thankfully not too many.
The rod soon arched into a better fish a Chub
over a pound.
The next run brought a solid bang after a good
few minutes the fish found a snag ,it was a good
fish , time to step the tackle up .
I was glad I did!!
I now put a 0.14 hook length on it's the new line
I've been trying it's about 7lb which is needed
when you hit a big fish in fast snagy water .
The float made it's way downstream , every now
and again I held the line back , slowing the bait and
allowing it to raise and flutter , I almost imagine
the river bed , and what the bait is doing .
It was just as I allowed the float to carry on it's way
that it dipped , the fish came upstream , I had learned
from the last fish lifting the rod instead of side strain .
This also tested my Normark rod out and it soon
had the fish under controle several last lunges
and she was in the net .
A perfect Barbel in great condition I would say getting
towards 8lb deep bronze and very broad a cracker for
this little river .
Unfortunately I was now loosing the light on what was
a lovely evening .

You Lookin At Me........(2)

2009-02-22T22:33:00.008Z

The title of this re fares to a post on Mikes
blog ''fishing fiend'' . He was taking a photo
on one of our trips of a Rainbow I had caught
when the fish tried to jump down the camera
this was replicated when he caught one and
it did the same to me .
We fished last Sunday and it was frustrating
we could see large shoals of Roach but they
where not interested.
The odd one took the bait but try as we may
the vast amount of fish just turned away.

Mike pulled in some weed it was alive with
all sorts of little bugs and critters.
We even tried one or two in desperation ,
the Caddis above is the reason these Roach
are so fat .
I had an hour during the week prior, again
the water was low and the fishing hard
a couple of Trout and half a dozen Roach
was about it .
The trout are now in top condition and very well
marked , we could see one that looked very large
so we may well target it when the season opens.

Almost But Not Quite

2009-02-17T09:14:00.005Z

Me and Rob had a few hours on the Upper Ribble , we
arrived and stood on the bridge as we did Pete phoned
telling me about a rod he had seen .
The water looked spot on , A silver springer was making
it's way upstream a double , the opposite way another
double fish almost black was trying to make it's way back
to Sea a more natural contrast you could not see .
We decided to walk , it's nearly a mile to the other side of
the wood but what fantastic water it is .
Half way through the wood the phone went again this
time Mike, I wish I could show my mates this water
complete with fisherman's cabin which has bunk beds
Think if I was a member many a summer night would be
spent by the river it's like your own holiday cabin , you
can take non fishing friends for free
The length as been adapted to help both fish and fishermen
the stones form a waterfall with a run in the middle ,this
channels the fish , if we had Bears I'm sure this is where
they would be fishing .
A further 200 yards or so another such sculptured feature
in between is a long fishy looking pool .
We crossed the river lower down at the ford and Rob fished
down the pool while I moved up Nymphing, as I did I noticed
silt coming down I thought it was Robs wading upstream so
no concern , it soon became apparent though that the river
was going into spate no rain maybe snow melt? we rushed
back to the ford and the river was now over 2ft higher we
just made it
Today I'm off with the kids it's half term the weather looks
spot on but dont think I will find any time, but you never
ever know!

On The Beck

2009-01-25T23:44:00.006Z

Spent Sunday with Phil n Mike ,with rain
falling through the week a spot of still water
fly fishing was a nice way to spend the day
while the rivers are flooded.
It was a lot warmer than our last visit but
the fishing was quite hard .
I only managed to land one fish and lost
a couple more, still good to be out .
This year I hope my Dad wll be up to
getting back on the bank with me ,
I have not been fishing with him for two years
in this time he has had two new hips .
Just writing this brins back great times
I've spent with him from being a little lad
he was and is my best mate ,to spend time
with him by the water will be great .......
also I can blog about all the fish he wont
catch !!!!

Solid Silver

2009-01-11T20:30:00.012Z

I knew today that I had some free time
the question where to spend it .
Mike had been out Saturday with Phil
but the -5 temps made the fishing hard.
The weather had warmed over night
and we had the first lite rain for weeks.
My first thoughts was to make a trip to
the Dane, it takes me a good half hour
along the M6 and with the low temps
and clear water I had a feeling the going
would be tough .
I have had some nice fish off the local
brook , the recent good Roach on caster
was still at the back of my mind.
So when Pete rang to say he was
''playing out'' my mind was made up.

The last time I fished maggot I found a
switch to caster brought me more fish,
this was because I hid the hook in the
hard shell , I think the Roach have
been taking loose feed all the times
I've fished but seeing the hook avoided
my attempts to catch them . I looked
hard for a fine hook and the one I
chose allowed me to hide the hook
very well.
I also decided to fish small in every way,
I took the smallest stick float and cut the
stem down, this float needs 2 no4 shot,
I use Styl shot on the fine line, low diameter
lines are pre stretched mono and the slightest
damage weakens them. The Styl shot is best,
another advantage you can move it up and
down your line very easily ,if a fish runs into
a snag the shot moves avoiding lost fish.
I also used some of the new 0.08 hook-length
which as a good breaking point of nearly 3lb .
While doing this Mike rang to say he would
meet us for a few hours.

Mike was fishing the spot which had brought
us fish recently ,today they had moved .
Even though little rain had fell the water
had rose and also carried some colour.
So the hunt was on.
I commented to Mike how the spot upstream
where the river narrows may be worth a cast.
We both had a Roach each before I tried it.
The Roach seemed to be lined up for
me a succession of ''solid silver'' winter
Roach followed.

Some of these fish must be approaching
a pound Mike thought he had left is scales
in the car, when we got back he found them
in his pocket .... ah well .
This set up makes such a big difference,
I have had quite a few Roach over the
last few months ,now with the new approach
I'm sure my catch rate will increase greatly.
On the river Dane quite a few years ago I had
some cracking Roach I used this method
but with caster to great success .On my recent
visits no Roach so this tactic may well be the secret.
I then got a little Perch followed by a better
one which I lost .If the weather stays a wee
bit warmer the next week or so should be
interesting .

A Quick Fix

2009-01-04T20:54:00.005Z

Well after getting my first blank of the
New Year out of the way Friday it was
on my mind to get the first fish .
Basically A Quick Fix was needed.
So I scored a few brownie points
with the good lady , hoping I may
get a late cast on the local brook.
Time was ticking by and it was just
the last hour before dark that I made
my first cast , my only bait was bread
I was hopeful of a few Roach , but the
previous outing and reports of hard
goings on most water left my confidence
a bit dented .
Ten minutes past before a couple of little
Roach broke my 2009 duck.
Then followed a Trout out of season and
on bread !
It was lean but well marked .
The white edges is something I find
shows a fish off ''very nice'' , a quick snap
with the camera and back to the Roach.
A couple more small fish next before I finished
the short session with two better fish , just
what the doctor ordered ... better now .

My Rod Bent Double

2009-01-03T19:30:00.006Z

Got the chance to fish the upper Ribble with
Rob . The night had been a little warmer so
I thought we may stand a chance ,the high
pressure that had settled and caused clear
nights and deep frosts seemed to have moved.
We arrived at the river I've fished the spot a few
times and it's great water .
Every time the Christmas break comes along me
and Rob try for a few Grayling ,he had a cracker
a couple of years back .
The river was very cold and clear as usual at this
time of year spent Salmon litter the bank and
shallows.

It's sad to see these King's of fish dead and dieing
but such is life and with the sacrifice comes a new
beginning .
I imagine a lot of life along the river feasts at this
time on dead Salmon remains and after a few years
we have decided the pink flies we fish are more than
likely imitating the flesh that washes down the river
and Grayling gorge them selves on it , almost
prebaiting the river for us .
Today was hard going, I tried three flies under a
stick on the pin , spiders , Czech nymphs you name
it . I spotted a fish or two in a pool and gave them a
go . I thought I had hit bottom but then all hell
broke loose my little 6# rod bet double and my
line stripped off down stream I hoped for a
monster Grayling but I knew only one fish
could be responsible ''Salmon''.
No matter how I leaned in to the fish it would not
yield . After a good struggle it made another run
and the top dropper found the only snag on the river
the fish was still on so I gave Rob the rod and
waded out I could see the fish a big double and
not as dark as I thought!! only thing it saw me one
shake of it's head was enough and away it went.

I blanked but it was still a good day Rod had
a couple of wee fish .
I tried hard today and would have loved the
slightest sign of a fish on what was a new method
for me but not a sniff , even on the fly rod we both
struggled . I sort of expected we would after reading
a few reports and blogs of people who had fished
earlier in the week .
Not to worry hopefully plenty more days fishing
to be had .
Happy New Year.

It was that cold my ring froze

2008-12-31T17:57:00.008Z

I had arranged to fish over the Christmas break
with Phil , I have fished in extreme weather but
today was as cold as I can remember .
It was that cold my ring froze on the rod every
second cast even a couple of times on the retrieve
I even struck once !!
We decided to visit Mere Beck a mixed fly fishery , by
mixed it's a still water with flowing sections and I was
quite impressed even the odd nip from the hip flask that
melanie got me for Christmas could not keep JackFrost at bay .
Even tying on the flies was a task , hands numb
eyes watering making the simplest task hard.

I had sort info from a fellow blogger and got to
meet him and his Grandad on the bank.
Phil struck first , we started off with small natural
presentation a move to a big pink lure did the trick
for Phil ,he the went on to tell me how only skilled
anglers could catch on such a hard day.
I switched to a lure, a ''Cat's whiskery thingy''
and was soon into a nice Blue Trout I lost it under
the rod tip but it warmed me a little .
A little Brownie followed before I finished the day
with two Rudd .
The Cats thingymebobs can be seen on the
second one , quite a mouthful for a small fish.
The two Rudd got me thinking on Friday I'm
off to the upper Ribble , I have said for a while
I may fish a team of nymphs on the pin below
a stick float so thats my aim , hope to post
a good result if I survive the Arctic like
conditions .

The Day Before Christmas

2008-12-24T19:57:00.002Z

The day before Christmas is normally busy
for me , two young kids and the familly
round for Christmas day means a long
list of jobs .
So when everything falls into place
leaving me a free few hours guess
where I spent them ?
The weather was mild infact
quite warm , a quick call to mike
and although he was working he was
soon saying he was finishing up and
would have a ride to see how I was
doing . I aslo rang Pete he only lives
a few miles away but he seemed to
be in the position I find myself only
too often......................
''busy''
I was setting up when Mike wandered down,
the first half hour in a new spot brought little
luck although fish rose further down stream.
We moved down and finally made contact
with the first fish a nice plump Roach.
Several more followed on maggot but
the killer blow was a switch to caster being
able to hide the hook nside the shell brought
a Roach on nearly every run and every fish
was prime upto a pound in weight .
Unfortunatly the bateries failed in the camera
on what turned into a top few hours Roach
fishing .
Mike joked it was the same fish but these fish
almost all have a black spot (like below) on
the gill cover.

This was a great morning we lost count of the
quality fish and from such a little brook it
was amazing . I would travel a long way
to catch such fish and think the journey
worthwhile for this to be on my door
step I'm a lucky man.
My blogs a year old and I have met
a few people who I can class as freinds
because of it , also contacts around
the fishing world ...too eveyone
''merry Christmas and god bless''

Two Hours Later

2008-12-14T17:29:00.012Z

All morning part of me had wanted to nip
off to Pennine fisheries , today was a forum
match . I imagined it would be a day of
a job and with Christmas now only just
over a week away I thought it a bit much
to ask .
At 10.30am the kids were off with Melanie
to a party it's a works organised thing
this gave me until dinner ''be back for
one'' was the last words as she left !!
so as long as I was back before two I'd
not be in for much earache.
My mind was still thinking of how Phil
and Mike were faring as I walked down to
the brook but I was soon fishing ...... the
first cast brought me a little Roach ,this
continued and the float dipped and the rod
arched at a steady rate .
Before long I was into a better fish
well over a pound and with the river
pushing through it fought well , with
them being out of season I play them
as quick as I can and take a quick
picture , it was cold putting them
back I like holding them in the current
until I feel them kick and swim off .

The next Trout was a good one again
it was lean but a good length , on closer
inspection it had been marked looked like
it may have had an encounter with a Heron.
(I hope)
What do you think......Heron ?
The float dipped again just as I was
talking to a bloke who informed me
of how polluted the water was 40years
back . It felt solid another trout?

A red fin broke the surface and I was
rewarded with a perfect winter Roach
this was the sort of fish I Was after !!
Pristine is the only word to describe
a fish like that and from such a little
Brook .
The fishing was good Trout , Roach and so on
The Trout were taking the bait so
much so that the Roach got pushed
out.
My hand was now numb with returning Trout
and with the Roach drying up I decided to
pack up .
Two things the Chub... have they gone?
and on a more positive note the little
closed face reel works a treat it was
for this kind of ware I got it and was
worth every penny.
On my return just after one it was hard
to believe some two hours later I had caught
so many fish ...... and I wasn't late ahhhhhhhh
bliss!!

Loafing Around

2008-12-07T20:34:00.009Z

I had a feeling I may not even get a few casts
this week . The cold snap gave us snow early
in the week , chaos followed , the roads
came to a stand still and with the thaw came
the prospect of cold rising water on the rivers.
I spent most of Saturday in Manchester , Judo
in the morning and out around town for a few
drinks in the evening . I also got to watch Tom
who's band had a gig at the Academy .
Mike was out after some Roach and I knew
my best chance would be a snatched hour or
two on the local brook.
Mid way through my third pint ; and that's
about my limit these days ; I had a text from
Pete he had the same idea ''Great'' another
plus he had some bait .
Sunday was again a deep frosty day ,
afternoon came and I Was all at 2.00
it's dark at 4 so time was at a premium.
Pete was delayed at work so it gave me
an excuse to use some bread , mashed
for feed and a little flake on the hook
results where instant and a succession
of prime winter Roach followed all on
flake it also gave me a chance to use
the closed face reel ....... spot on for
the speed of water and light tactics.

Basically I take a slice of bread add some water
and mash it with my fingers until no big lumps
are left , little is fed, the fish are not as active in
such cold water .
I fished the flake held back it rises and falls in
the current and Roach love it .
It was nice to fish this way on moving water
it was a favourite years ago on the Ribble and
Dane ,but the unfortunate decline in Roach
and Dace numbers along with the head of
smaller Chub being much smaller made it
redundant . I was most entertained and
even when Pete turned up with Maggots
I found it was getting me more bites.
The only reason I stopped was the cold
got so bad I could not feel my fingers to
put the bread on the hook .
I had more Roach on the Ribble this
year than for some time who knows
the practice may come in useful.
Pete had quite a few Trout and Roach
his set up was the same as me but with
maggot . He sent me the pictures but
my lack of brain power makes uploading
them to a decent size hard .. well most
things are on a computer for me.
Night was soon on us , we stood on
a fantastic frosty evening talking about
fish and the small northwest rivers .
The Chub from this brook have all but
gone how can we make it better or help
the fish stocks . Making river habitat
seems to be the way , you can stock
fish but if the water life and food chain is
not abundant or the river has no retreats
for fish in flood the numbers wont last .
It's a long term thing and again I think
angling makes these things happen more
than anything else .
I saw two Kingfisher in the mile or
so of river with improvements to
the river this will increase and all
the nature on these little streams
will benefit , it makes true fishermen
content to see such things we go to fish
and occasionally catch but so much more
many magical moments .
I feel sad not that everyone has seen
the little miracles that are common to
us who spend time in gods good air .

Jack Frost

2008-11-30T21:08:00.008Z

What a change a few degree's can make
all the swims and glides of the river are
the same , but seeing them coated in frost
makes them different and quite beautiful .
I fished the river a few weeks back on quite
a warm day but the rain had been falling
most of the week and the river was a few
feet up this made for a hard day . It was
the first time Pete had fished the beat and
he was rewarded with a little Grayling .

Today was different I opened the curtains and Scarlett
said it had snowed ? Logan ran to the window I told
them Jack Frost had been out and it looked cold ,
would it be too cold to stop two mad men fishing
Mike soon rested any fears that he is not less
bonkers than me when he rang to say he was on his
way .
A quick cupper and we were off for some bait .
We finally arrived at the river after a few traffic
problems of one kind or another.
Mike said he would not be wading much!!
We stopped at the first glide and and two
minutes later Mike was half way across the
river , you just have too it sort of draws you
in the river , even if your freezing .
I got the first couple of bites but they dropped
off a small Grayling followed and Mike had a decent
out of season Trout . We split up for the next few
hours both of us having little luck.

A new pool which I have walked past a few times
brought me a couple of very cold Trout.
It was now getting really cold the frost was deepening
and I decided to have another move to deeper water.
Looking through another blog it seems the
spiders are as cold as I was !!
The deeper water brought me a few fish a
couple of Chub and a Grayling to finish ,
Mike packed up his line froze to his
rod rings . At this point my line was froze my
centrepin seized and I lost a better fish which I think
was a Grayling .
I like to think the river does the ''lose a decent
fish thing'' to bring me back and keep me keen
although it may be wishful thinking it makes
me happy.

Bloom-in Freezing

2008-11-09T21:27:00.005Z

I'm sat here now just writing up the days events
and I've just about thawed out ! To say the day
was wet and cold would not do it credit ...........
...it was much worse .
The rain last night had me wandering if our trip
to the Dane would go ahead ? Although a
small river she rises quick but the water can
run off even quicker . The trick seems to have
been over the years to catch the water thinning
down , this means that both the fresh water and
sediment that it carries are settling down ,the
little colour seems to disguise the line and the
fish are on the look out for food after fighting
the colder fast water . I think this was starting
to happen but then the rain came and the river
started to rise not very good .
I lost a couple of fish from a swim last visit and
with the water slightly up I knew the spot would
have some fish waiting for me today .
A change in tactics , I normally scale down
the wall and fish past a large tree which
is partly in the water . The good points
; the tree is a good hiding place for
both Chub and Barbel also even though
a good strong glide runs past for some
20m or so just in behind lies some slower
water ,this is a ideal place for Roach
and for all fish to retreat to in flood .
Bad points ; as you hook any fish it as to
come back past the snagy roots you can
guess the rest ! also that wall is not very
high but slippy when wet .
So today I stayed on top my idea to run
down stream and pull the fish away from
any underwater dangers .
I was soon into small Chub and then a
better one slipped the hook.
Finally I was into a large fish or it was
into me after going up and down the glide
several times it decided to run downstream
50 yards later I past Phil with the fish taking
me for a walk deeper water lay ahead so
something had to give the hooked pinged!
I took several Chub on a hard day when
most seemed to struggle ,the photo
at the top being around the best
(thanks to Phil) a in depth Chub
artical can be found on his blog
http://fishingaddict-phil-k.blogspot.com/
Well worth a look and a good read
We made an early return home both very
wet and cold a good dry week is needed
before my next outing , a bit of fly tying
will make the time pass easier .

Cold Day Warm Glow

2008-11-02T20:04:00.008Z

Well winter arrived this week , the clocks moved
and the days became short and cold even a bit of
snow.
But you cant not go on the river can you?
So Phil , Mike and myself decided the
Ribble would be worth a cast or two.

Even in the cold a Grayling is always willing
to feed and this was very much on our minds
today.
As we arrived the weather was milder than on
the previous few days even so I put two pair of
waders on and wrapped up warm.
The first place we tried did not bring much
Phil taking a little Grayling on his new Hardy
rod.

I fancied a glide and mentioned to Phil on our way
past we should give it a try ,I had a few fish
mostly Trout out of season but a nice Grayling
just over a pound was a good result.

Phil moved to his favourite spot taking a few Trout
and a lovly grayling pictured below .

It's unavoidable catching the odd Trout a

quick snap and return .

While Phil was having fun with his new rod I

took Mike to a spot Ilike for Chub , he was

soon trotting the float and into a fish and just

as predicted a Chub of around 2lb was soon in

the net . Almost imedeatly he was in again

this one better over 3lb it slipped back before

we got it's picture .

One last cast in Phils glide saw Mike finish with

a lovly little SeaTrout .

Another ver nice day on the river with

good company a cold day that left me

with a warm glow !

A few hours

2008-10-25T20:07:00.007+01:00

We have neglected the Dane a little this year
the Ribble and fly fishing responsible for
taking up much of our fishing time, also
Mike is not a member of the water on the Dane
we fish , I've fished quite a lot with him , we have
tended to fish where we can all enjoy the day
and enjoy we have looking back what a good
laugh we've had and also caught a lot of fish
along the way.

So with Mikes time for Salmon running down
he was out on his ''quest'' for old Salmo .
Phil and I decided to try for a few Grayling long
trotting .
We tried first spots at the top of the water
I hooked into two very good fish both
found snags think they were Barbel or
large Chub. Phil meanwhile was into
a shoal of Chub and managed a
Grayling .
We moved to the glide I fished last week
again I was left to regret not bringing
a net , that's two weeks running must
be my age . Hooked into another
good Grayling a lovely cock fish
over a pound . Brought it to hand
a few times before the hook slipped!
phil had another couple and I wandered
down stream to my next swim.
Second cast and as the float trundled
down the glide the float dipped the rod
was pulled round ''more like it'' few moments
later the fish was at my feet still deep
must be a ''Chub? no a Grayling!!!''
now I've been here before and guess what
hook pulled this seems to have been a big
problem last couple of months ,it's got me
questioning hooks , rod too strong and
of coarse technique it may be luck or lack
of it but I cant help but wander ?

I was now intent on just landing one I got a few small
Dace and Chub also a very small Grayling .
Phil came up he was having a move to the fast swim
we had luck with a few weeks back, he was soon
into another fish . I stuck it out and hooked a fish around
a pound and landed it ''HALLELUJAH'' I noticed at this
point a few Grayling drifting up stream past me , it
struck me that while I took the snap with the camera
I had stopped feeding, I think these fish had come up
looking for the source of feed ? I fed and watched a
dozen or so fish feed in a foot or so of water , a quick
call to Phil who I knew would be as interested as me
we took five fish from the shoal all around a pound
taking it in turn .
I spotted a much larger fish lurking at the back of the
hungry pack not sure it was a Grayling but if it was
it could be around the two pound mark , something
to dream about !! a return is now very much in my
mind sooner rather than later.

Put To The Test

2008-10-19T21:33:00.014+01:00

I'm no kid but today was a little like a Christmas morning
the chance to try the new rod !! The rain had held off
and the weather turning cold now means you can
fish the River Dane without the plague of Minnows
attacking every run of the float . A little late ''traffic''
I arrived and made my way to a area that produces
a good amount of Grayling . On the way it was
Mushroom city all types and hundreds lined the
meadow.
The tension mounted and I could hardly wait to set up
and run the the float. The water was up but no colour
and quite cold ,I tried my banker glide for Grayling nothing!
gutted I just wanted a fish. I then hooked one in my second
swim ,at this point I realized my net was in the car
anyway the hook slipped as I brought it to hand, a nice one
over a pound but no photo .
Not to worry I have spent a lot of time on the Dane so I changed
swim again and had quite a few Grayling I then bumped a much
better one .
The rod is nice and I could tell it had a good bit of power
lower down but with a fine enough top action to make the Grayling
and Dace good fun in the fast water .
First photo of fish and rod ...... It felt good !
A typical glide on the Dane , at around 3ft deep ,always
look for a gravel bed with a swift flow if you are after
Grayling , normally you get a couple of small ones
the bigger specimens hang off the back .
If you rest the swim and feed a little between
fish you can take quite a few fish from a glide
rush and they spook I got eight from the spot.
Tried a new swim first cast a Dace quite a good
one not quite a pound but after a brief juggle dropped
it before a picture ''oops'' not going to plan .
Next cast and bang !! a great big solid lump was not
expecting a Chub in the fast water after a great fight
landed what was my best from the Dane in over
20 years of fishing her! well over 5lb plus my guess,
not very long but deep thought it was a Carp as it
turned , got a picture need some scales .
It was getting late so thought I would try a spot near
the car, I got a cracking Grayling, I put it down next
to the rod for a nice photo blumin thing jumped in!
Ended as I started but what a lovely day the Chub
put the rod to the test................''Quality''.

Avenger

2008-10-16T20:38:00.007+01:00

Well four weeks of waiting finally ended today
with the arrival of my new rod , and much to
my joy what a quality item it appears to be .
The Normark name is very much a item
you associate with river angling and after
a few seasons with my Greys rod I thought
a change may be needed the Greys was
solid but I was not in contact the same way
that I was in the past with the fish , may seem
strange but my older stick float spliced tip was
just an extension of my arm and I only realized
how much I missed it after landing a Perch on
Pete's Drennan which was a dream to use with his
little Shimano reel .
Mike also owns a Drennan 13/15ft but on the
Ribble he worries about its strength with
that in mind I did a bit of research and after
a chat with with a very good angler on the
river who owned the Mk1 Avenger my
mind was set . The big draw back the
£399 price tag the rod retailed more like
£299 but still a lot of money .
So on to the world wide web and after a
search the price came down£260,£240
and finally just a shade under £200 the
fact that Shimano have now taken Normarks
parent company over and Normark in effect
are no longer producing the rod made the
hunt harder . After finding a couple up for
sale on E-bay I thought a bid may be worthwhile
I did not have the money to buy one at full price
and resided my self to a wait but a last minute £120
bid secured it .......... ''yes'' nearly as good as landing
a fish .
My next search is for a closed face reel
this will allow me to carry a few options,
in slow water with a light float the pin
can be a bit of hard work the closed face
will be much better ,also a waggler could be
used and seeing they come with a couple of
spools my options will be increased the
search is on for a cheap Abu 704 watch
this space .

A...n..d ..... Relax

2008-10-12T21:17:00.009+01:00

Today was a chance to snatch a few hours
out , I sort of had a plan to nip down to the
river Dane. I was up early with the kids
Logan was doing his school project Scarlett
had found a new love for Mince pie's .

I had just made breakfast when
Melanie's Mum n Dad arrived, we got
talking and looking at old photos
and before we realized the morning
had almost gone.
Mike phoned to say he may snatch
a few hours on my local brook?
I had sort of built my hopes on a few
Grayling alas the better part of me said
I should take the kids to the park
and then catch the last couple of hours
with Mike and so it turned out.

The little brook is shallow and it's hard to
believe the quality of fish you can catch
Mike was busy fishing when I arrived.

Setting up light for the Roach is a must the
better one's are shy fluro line 1.10lbs with
a 20's hook under a little float does the job
I use a pole float it's just rite. Again I use
the same method I feed and don't rush to
fish . A steady trickle of Maggots today's
choice was regularly fed while I fixed up
the rod . First run and first fish not a bad
start . A a few seconds later I was into a
better fish my hopes for a Roach where
dashed an out of season Trout the culprit,
a quick snap , I wrote a few weeks back
on how well marked the fish from this brook
are the photo shows what I mean.

Mike was well impressed he soon was looking
at my set up and was changing his float
and the results were instant.
We both had a good amount of quality Roach
at a rough guess we had 30 odd fish between
us almost all Roach ...... 2 Trout and a perfect
little Pearch.

We carried on into the evening and Mike
finally called it quits when he lost the ability
to see . A nice few hours spent with good
company after a week at work it's a case of
get on the bank..... A...n..d....Relax all ready
for a new week .

Abstraction

2008-10-04T00:18:00.003+01:00

I was thinking of great places I've fished and one
place is the river Lyon in Scotland, a place I must
return to at some point . The photo above just
about does it credit , it's some years since I was
last on the banks ,and apparently like so many
other rivers water abstraction has paid a toll
on the amount of fish in the river .
The Hodder is another example of the effect
dams can have on a water way . I have no
evidence but I can almost without doubt say
the fish numbers have declined in such rivers.
The Hodder is now much slower flowing
and is more silty than a few years back
I'm sure this effects the insect life? looking
under stones during the summer I found
fewer critters in the Hodder than the Ribble
especially Baitis .
This in turn will effect the amount of Parr
both Trout and Salmon I'm sure not just that but
rate of growth .
Even so I would love to go back to a most
beautiful part of the country.

2008-10-03T23:02:00.002+01:00

I was reading Steve Dobson's Blog (linked on here)
when the post below caught my eye .................

I was driving home from a backwoods-fishing trip one time and stopped at a roadside farm market. They had the usual corn and tomatoes but I noticed the proprietor sipping from a cup of something with obvious enjoyment.

He soon offered me a glass of the best home-made, Apple Brandy I had ever tasted. I ended up buying a bottle to take home with me.

As I pulled back onto the road, I saw a local man hitchhiking. Because the trip would be long and quiet, I stopped the car and the man climbed in.

During the small talk, the man kept glancing surreptitiously at the
brown bag on the front seat between us.

"If you're wondering what's in the bag," I said, "it's a
bottle of Apple Brandy. I got it for my wife."

The man was silent for awhile, nodded several times and said, "Good
trade."