Jump to content

Chris Plumb

Anglers' Net Contributor
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    8518

  • Joined

  • Days Won

    168

 Content Type 

Blog Comments posted by Chris Plumb

    Chris Plumb

    Posted · Edited by Chris Plumb

    1. Management and habitat! Or should that be management OF habitat! This is a 'managed' trout fishery - probably the premier one on the whole of the Kennet - you'll need to take out a second mortgage to fly fish it during 'Duffers Fortnight'! The trout are fed regularly during the winter months and the coarse fish clearly benefit from this - in fact the keeper will often point me to swims where he's seen a good head of chub feeding on the trout pellets. Predators are also 'managed' (I'm talking cormorants and pike here!) and in recent years - to maintain a balanced fishery they have even stocked some coarse fish (chub, dace, roach - even a few barbel). I've found that dace in particular love small carriers - they have to be gravel bottomed and reed lined - I'm sure they seek such places out to breed every Feb/March (every 1lb+ dace I've ever caught has come from such a swim). This estate is riddled with such carriers - NAA has nothing comparable!

    2. As for access for coarse fishing in the winter - this is VERY much at the descretion of the Head Keeper !! Paul and I got to know him quite well over the years (we first fished here in the late 90s) and have built up his trust - to allow us(me) access. They don't expect anything in return - though a bottle of red is always welcome and a few extra trusted eyes on such a large estate can be useful (I saw off a poacher when I went in Jan). Access comes with certain caveats (some spoken others inferred!). Number one is look after the trout (!) - if you start catching too many - move (as I had to on Tuesday!). Number two is look after the banks (so no well worn swims please!). I used to fish it a little more than twice a year - especially the downstream beats (below my syndicate stretch) - but that was before I got in my little syndicate - so that itch got well and truely scratched! If I was ringing up every week during the winter asking for access - I think it would be considered as taking the **** a bit - I consider fishing there a privilege not a right and don't want to lose such a privilege! Incidently Paul's ashes are buried here - so I always pay 'him' a visit when I go.

    • Like 1
    Chris Plumb

    Posted

    Aye it's bin a bit cold recently and chub are about the only 'reliable' feeders when the mercury is down (and grayling!). Fail to find them and it's going to be a struggle. Yesterday saw my new base layer make its debut - leggings and long sleeve vest - a Christmas pressie from my youngest. Toasty all day, so they passed with flying colours!!

    Chris Plumb

    Posted

    They do see a lot of anglers (mainly thanks to the Anglers Mail that did a write up on the place some years back!)  - but can honestly say only one of todays ladies showed signs of being caught before (damaged maxillary). I do think it's no surprise though that I always get my bigger ones from the less accessible swims i.e. one where you need to get in a wade! Mind you 2 of today's anglers weren't troubling the grayling - as they were chucking lures around!

    • Like 1
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We and our partners use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences, repeat visits and to show you personalised advertisements. By clicking “I Agree”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent.

  I accept