Feb 15th - Canalised section of the Kennet.

Another trip to the same stretch today, although I'd got an exchange ticket and fished it from the opposite bank.

Followed the same routine of walking to the boundary and baiting swims with mash, but this time I fancied giving it a go on the float. I decided against using my pin as the lack of flow would make things difficult, so I set up with a small fixed spool and a loafer to fish a large chunk of flake, just tripping bottom.

As I expected the lack of flow made presentation fairly difficult, and coupled with the wind I was struggling. I'd had 7 or 8 trots in the first swim before I got it right and the float buried in a spot I never could have reached with a lead. The rod was doubled over and I couldn't really do much with the fish for the first minute or so.. I'd got the rod as a Christmas present, but other than a surprise 13-14lb pike I was yet to hook anything particularly big on it. I must admit the next few minutes were great fun and I wondered why I hadn't been fishing the float before. The fish went in the net first time and went 4.7 on the scales.

By the time I'd got him back the wind had picked up considerably and I soon realised why I'd not used a float up until now. I persevered in a handful more swims before giving up and fishing the remainder of the afternoon on the feeder. 8 swims and two chub to around 3.8lb later I knocked the chubbing on the head and spent the last hour or so after a perch. I thought I'd have been in with a good chance after the period of warm weather but alas I packed up biteless.

I'm really struggling with the Kennet perch this year, just can't seem to find them. I've fished a fair few evenings for them since November but have only managed the one at 2.8lb. The target of a mid 3+ is seeming pretty far away at the moment....