WT 6degC, AT 11degC. 3.30-6pm

Partly inspired by CP's recent success, decided to try for some perch. Thought of going to the stretch of canal I suspect CP may have been to, but decided to try and be original - which was a mistake! There had been a hard frost overnight, but it seemed like a summer's day, and I hoped the warmth of the air would waken Sargeant Stripey from her slumbers. But the combined cold water temp and bright sunlight seemed to have turned them off.

There was another factor. I went to a stretch of river where I had success in the past finding perch amongst the weed in mid river. Thought at first that it would be easier with the weed having died off, but quickly realised that, with their cover gone, they would be among the canes on the far bank - all the more so with the current racing through at an unperchly speed. But the current added to my difficulties in casting (and keeping) my lobworm as close to the canes as I suspected it needed to be. It's possible I would have had some luck if I had stayed and waited for the bright sun to drop, but went instead to a bush on the flowing canal where I lost a good chub a few weeks ago. Trotted worm and maggot, and also tried maggot feeder, but zilch.

Hmm, that's blanks or near blanks right through Feb. Getting a bit sorry for my illustrious and long-suffering readership! For the next few weeks I think I'll only post if there's something to say - which almost cetainly there will be!