Another potential swim (I'm getting the hang of this)
Entry posted by Rusty
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River Kennet, Newbury, Sunday 12th September 2010
Another trip to the venue that was the reason for my joining NAA and the reason for being so disappointed last Autumn. Sorry if this is getting a bit boring but I’m fishing it a lot during the warmer months so that I can explore as much as possible in friendly weather conditions. They’re not always ideal fishing conditions, the fish don’t seem to be taking any notice of that though. My success has been modest in terms of fish caught , however, I have been finding them and once the colder months arrive I’ll have a good idea of where to start, last Autumn I didn’t.
Today was a case in point with a bright, mild, sunny day forecast, it was hardly ideal for perch or chub (the target species). With Steve due to arrive about an hour later I thought it best to stay near to the car park…I had all the bait and didn’t fancy hiking back too far. The chosen swim was one that I’d considered previously but only when walking back to the car at the end of the session. I’d never tried it on arrival, always being too keen to get to other parts of the venue. This time it was a very convenient place to be.
It was on the outside of a 90º bend, most of the river followed the bend and went under a bridge, some of it though carried on into the far bank and then turned back on itself.
The plan was hatched, cast to the overhanging bushes and let the current drift the float into them, then by gently retrieving and letting out line I could trot the back flow in a sort of circuit to my feet. First trotted lob produced this 3lb 4oz chub. A rather war torn specimen which didn’t struggle much, I reasoned it wasn’t in the best of health so a quick pic & weigh and back in the river he went.
After the chub the perch responded to the same tactics in significant numbers. The largest maybe 1lb and it kept me entertained until Steve arrived (sans Robbie in case we had cattle encounter) and the sun started to shine directly on the swim. Bites stopped at that point but the swim is firmly logged in my memory banks for a Winter cheese paste session, not least because it’ll be close to the car, warmth and hot food. We’ll see if it changes character over the coming months.
After a cup of tea and a chat Steve and I then disappeared off to different parts of the venue reporting back later with similar accounts. Loads of small perch, silvers and gudgeon with a couple of chublets thrown in. The day ended at about three o’clock and as I left this fantastic venue I reflected on the season so far. I don’t think I’ve fished a session yet when I haven’t really enjoyed the day out, not always for big fish (though I’ve had my moments) but for just being able to go out and explore the river. I’ll let you know if I feel the same way on a mid January day when I’m freezing cold, blank and spend most of my time untangling line.
I promise the next blog entry will not be from Speen Moors.
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