My Arm Aches

[Chris Plumb]

Just back from a stonking little trotting session on the Kennet below Thatcham station. (Rusty will know where I'm talking about!) On of my favourite summer venues for running a float through fast water over clean gravel in the hope of a barbel or two. With enough maggot (I got through nearly 3 pints today) and enough perserverance you can get the fish feeding in less than ideal conditions when those ledgering a blanking.

 

Due to having to drop Matthew off for his trip to Devon I wasn't on the bank till after 0900 and with the water low and hot sultry conditions it was a question of baiting a few swims and fishing them in rotation. The trout were first on the scene splashy nuisances which put your target quarry down with their jumping - I always tend to move after catching one.

 

1130 I'd caught ½doz trout and a few chub/chublets when this took my bait and tore off for the tree roots on the opposite bank. Eventually I got it to the surface - and then my problems really began - trying to get it upstream against a stiff current with its mouth wide open. Thankfully the hook hold held and it was thankfully netted. It looked all of 5lb in the folds of the net but my scales refused to register the mark and settled an ounce shy.

 

 

This was the start of the 1st flurry of fish. No sooner had I slipped the chub back when next trot through I was into something which shot upstream and buried into a bed of ranunculus in a bid to shed the hook - coaxed out it was my first barbel of the season - at 4lb 4oz. Small by barbel standards - but great fun on float tackle. Next cast another barbel this one nearly a pound heavier - followed in quick succession by a few more chub.

 

 

I had planned to pack up at 1300 but I had one more swim to fish - the lowest one where the water deepens and where all my stray maggots will have ended up. Sport was brisk and at times brutal - I lost a couple of fish due to the sheer savagery at which they took the bait.

 

1st fish that I brought to the net is a chub that I want to meet again in the winter - at 5lb 8oz - it is my second biggest ever summer chub and was quickly followed by its only just smaller cousin of 5lb 3oz. Both fish could be upto a pound heavier come Feb/March.

 

 

The swim saved the best for last - I'd already had another barbel of just under 5lb when I connected with another larger fish. By now I was begining to recognise the different 'fights'. The big chub seemingly content to sit in the current with their mouths open as if to say 'If you want me you're going to have to haul me in against this water'. The barbel however a much more active - choosing to bore upstream and try a barrel under the weed. This tactic played into my hands as it allowed me to get below the fish and guide it into the net. A net which suddenly looked a little small for the job!! At 7lb 2oz my last and best barbel of the session.

 

 

There was still time for some more chub - including another big 4lber. By now my arm was really aching - and I was almost thankful when the bites dried up!!!

 

Final tally - a bakers dozen of chub, 4 barbel and ½doz trout (Though I think one of those was caught twice!) All caught on double red maggot on a size 16.

 

 

C.

Edited June 27, 2009 by Chris Plumb

[Alan Roe]

Good Man It's always nice to hear of decent catches and good days out!

[Worms]

My idea of a perfect day, nice one

[Rusty]

Rusty will know where I'm talking about!

 

Yes I do, and one of the swims. I was doing a very similar thing last Sunday but my results were somewhat less impressive shall we say. I'm going back tomorrow but with hemp, halibut pellets and a lot of hope (did you say the ledgerers blanked )

 

Well done Chris, a brilliant session but I hate you .

 

PS did you get in the water?

[Chris Plumb]

PS did you get in the water?

 

Yes - but not very far - just enough to comfortably fish the right 'line' with my 15' Harrison.....

 

 

C.

[Anderoo]

Good grief Chris, that's a season's worth of big chub! Add in those lovely barbel, and that is a very impressive Summer catch, congratulations!

[banu]

This place sounds like heaven. Can anyone go or is it a private stretch?

[Guest tigger]

I'm very envious I must say, well done Chris on a great catch. I can't really complain though as I've just come in from a productive afternoons "Laying on" while the tide came in and got a decent mixed bag including some quite chunky Perch, nothing massive but several of 2lb plus. Trotted the tide out and had plenty of small chub and small dace.

 

Chris, I'm curious what your line was as it looks pretty thick'ish unless it's due to the camera flash ?

Edited June 27, 2009 by tigger

[Chris Plumb]

Chris, I'm curious what your line was as it looks pretty thick'ish unless it's due to the camera flash ?

 

4lb B/S Fireline Crystal - which is pretty thin - think the flash must be picking it out....

 

 

C.

[Guest tigger]

4lb B/S Fireline Crystal - which is pretty thin - think the flash must be picking it out....

 

 

C.

 

 

I thought it may have been down to the flash. Were you using a bottom to the mainline or where you fishing straight through Chris ?