tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60575407647841930102024-03-14T02:11:27.556+00:00Fishing FunThis is the record of a keen angler. In this blog I will share my experiences and pass on tips and information about what works for me as I continue to develop my fishing skills.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-71535334209238608842010-03-21T20:50:00.007+00:002010-03-27T19:04:00.764+00:00On The Top Again!!<div align="justify">I wasn't going to go fishing today; I had been on-call for the last couple of nights and I just felt exhausted! Well, I found myself in the somewhat enviable position of being kicked out by my dear wife to go off fishing for a few hours and unwind. I grabbed some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">boilies</span> from the freezer and some dog biscuits from the local shop and with a couple of outfits including my sons' 9 foot budget <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">spinning</span> rod. I seem to be getting a little predictable again with my choice of venues, and headed off to fish "Little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Allers</span>" again, especially as I had seen the first signs of a few dark shapes swimming around the island the last time I went.</div><div align="justify">The weather was first class today, warm, a light breeze and the sun was out, this was in complete contrast to yesterday when it was grey, wet and miserable. I had the lake to myself on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">arrival</span> at about 10am which really surprised me considering what a fantastic day it was. as usual I set up a sleeper rod using a Dynamite baits peach and mango <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">boilie</span>. These smelt so nice I could have eaten one myself. I put out a few dog biscuits at the spot I was fishing but at that stage nothing was showing itself. I reeled in after about an hour and wandered around the lake with a bag of dog biscuits catapulting a few into likely looking spots. Well, to cut a long story short, the sleeper rod remained firmly in snooze mode <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">despite</span> my wonderful smelling <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">boilies</span>. I am beginning to think that maybe they are designed to catch anglers rather than Carp! At about 1pm I thought I caught a glimpse of a Carp roll on the surface right at the edge of the island. I put out a few dog biscuits and sure enough I heard the all to familiar slurp and I could see <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">a couple</span> of pairs of thick Carp lips taking a few off the top. I was cursing myself now, as although I had unpacked the little spinning rod I hadn't rigged it up. So with some haste on went a bubble float and a fluorocarbon trace that I had tied up the night before of about 6 feet long. I had tied this rig slightly differently with the hair coming off the strait shank part of a size 10 hook at right angles. I had seen this tied on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Korda</span> volume 3 DVD and it leaves the hook hanging directly under the dog biscuit and out of site. Clever!. I tried to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">photograph</span> it for this posting but alas it didn't come out to well. I will tie it on a larger hook from my sea fishing tackle and see if I can grab a picture that way.</div><div align="justify">Anyway, back to the fishing, in a window of about 90 minutes I landed six carp, five around the 5 to 6lb mark (didn't bother weighing these) and one that when weighed and adjustments made for the net came out bang on 12lbs. My sons little spinning rod and reel certainly worked overtime and the rod took on an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interesting</span> shape. I only had 6lb main line and the trace was around 5lbs so I had to be a bit careful and let the clutch do its job.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S6aHQpFbc8I/AAAAAAAAASk/RByiEMUJfFA/s1600-h/5_mirror%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451193118954845122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S6aHQpFbc8I/AAAAAAAAASk/RByiEMUJfFA/s400/5_mirror%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <strong>5lb Mirror Carp (approximately)</strong></div><div align="center"><br /><strong></strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S6aHAaTgKNI/AAAAAAAAASc/6D7N8be22bs/s1600-h/6_common%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451192840109435090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S6aHAaTgKNI/AAAAAAAAASc/6D7N8be22bs/s400/6_common%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <strong>6lb Common Carp (approximately)</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S6aG07XLVEI/AAAAAAAAASU/xrWexliJ10s/s1600-h/12_Mirror%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451192642824787010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S6aG07XLVEI/AAAAAAAAASU/xrWexliJ10s/s400/12_Mirror%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <strong>12lb Mirror Carp</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div align="justify">The carp were staying within a few feet of the edge of the island so this called for some pretty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accurate</span> casting on my part, and I felt a bit rusty hitting only about 50% of casts in the zone where the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">fish</span> were. The Carp turned off the feed as if someone had flicked a switch, the window of opportunity was that small. I persevered for about another hour before deciding to pack up. A very satisfying and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">productive</span> session, and did I feel more relaxed.............<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span>!!</div><strong></strong><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-5553302760640609652010-03-14T14:53:00.006+00:002010-03-20T12:54:07.508+00:00Things Move Fast..........Sometimes!!<div align="justify">Well it has been a very fast moving few weeks for me and I am now faced with some new challenges in the form of new job!. Shortly after my last posting I received not one but two calls in the space of as many days offering me the opportunity to get back into to the managing aspect of care. I have been working at an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">EMI</span> unit this last few months after having to job hunt twice in the space of last year, and this was a hands on job, returning to my roots in the business. I thoroughly enjoyed this, even though working nights is a bit of a killer, and I met some really nice career carers who despite their time in the job remained caring and conscientious. The biggest problem with the job I guess was the pay, not a problem while I can claim child tax credit (I have my own views about this keeping pay low) but this will change in a few years, and by then I will have been out of the loop for too long. Anyhow, I found an informal chat turn into a written offer of employment and started in my new job on the 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> March. Flattering.....yes, scary....<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> as I find myself struggling with new data bases. I hope I have made the best decision for me, I know it's the best decision for my family, but I can already feel the old anxieties and pressure returning. Only time will tell, and I guess that I should be grateful for such an opportunity in these difficult times.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I got out fishing yesterday, and what a beautiful day it was down here in Devon, warm and sunny in the calm wind. I didn't want to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">adventurous</span> so I went to my old favourite "Little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Allers</span>". I fished one sleeper rod for Carp, using a Dynamite fish and Robin Red <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">boilie</span>, and used soft-hook pellets and a feeder to have a go at the Bream and Roach in the lake. This worked well for the Roach, though I was plagued with more that my fair share of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nuisance</span> fish, I did manage a couple reaching the pound mark. The Bream were a no show, however, I did manage a couple of Roach/Bream hybrids which surprised another angler at the lake that had never seen them there. The Carp sleeper rod remained just that except for one Mirror Carp of about 5lbs which was very welcome. The good news is that I did see a few Carp, cruising in the upper water layers out by the island. My attempts to see if they would feed by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">catapulting</span> out a few floating baits proved fruitless, but their presence was a good sign, and another few weeks should see me returning to stalking a few out off the top as the water temperature rises.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Forgot to say in the first paragraph that my new office is within strolling distance of two well stocked fishing tackle shops. Oh dear!!....................................</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-4590420287489409282010-02-23T18:02:00.011+00:002010-02-23T20:04:26.474+00:00The Best Laid Plans and Pride Before a Fall!<div align="justify">I finished another long run at work on Friday and was sorely looking forwards to my six days off before going back on shift again. The last month at work had been particularly difficult due to many of the patients on the unit along with some staff had contracted the dreaded Norovirus, commonly known as the "winter sickness bug". Believe me it's been messy at times. I was priding myself on managing to miss the "sickness" myself, putting this down to good infection control practices!. I had great plans to go fishing at my local lake (Little Allers) on Sunday, and was all set to go up and fish the Exeter Ship Canal on the following Tuesday to attempt to catch my first Pike. I had been put in contact with a retired gentleman from the Exeter area who knew the canal well, and was a keen Pike angler who supplemented his pension through what I can only describe as very reasonable charges for four hours guiding. This was going to be a short cut to success for me hopefully, and I felt confident I had made the right choice. I spent Saturday visiting my local tackle shop where I bought some terminal tackle suitable for the job and some frozen baits, these being Mackerel, and Lamprey, I was going to get anything else I needed on the day.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I got up to "Little Allers" on Sunday, which was a beautiful sunny day though a bit cool in the brisk wind. I set up a strawberry boilie on a hair leger rig as a sleeper rod, and set about catching the resident Roach population using red and white maggots, and very obliging they were too, keeping me busy at a fish a cast when I got them on the feed. The only problem was they were averaging around eight to the pound with the occasional 5oz - 8oz specimen (and I use that word very lightly) thrown in. I couldn't help thinking that even a "Jack" would probably turn their nose up at such small fry. It was good fun, and brought out the little boy in me as I tried to build a weight. The lake had some new residents in the form of Canada Geese, and what noisy devils they were too, and inquisitive with it, coming over to see what I was loose feeding. I took the opportunity to photograph the goose below.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441508614137748402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S4QfQRPom7I/AAAAAAAAASM/F-JiHweL8bc/s320/Canada+Goose.jpg" /> <p align="center"><strong>"Canada Goose"</strong></p><p align="justify">I only had two runs on the "sleeper" rod, one of which was a really blistering run which I managed to miss somehow, and at the very end of my session, a couple of clicks of my reel resulted in the fin perfect Carp below, that put up a very determined effort which belied the fact he or she was only about nine pounds. I particularly like the redness of the fins, and the perfect scale pattern, a fine example of a common.</p><p align="center"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441506609323906082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S4QdbkuxFCI/AAAAAAAAASE/yxPSXjvvif0/s320/Common.jpg" /></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>"Fin Perfect Common Carp"</strong></p><p align="justify">I thoroughly enjoyed my session at the lake, and was now well and truly excited about the prospect of Pike fishing on Tuesday. I always wash my rods, reels and sort all my tackle out on return from fishing, and this trip was no exception, in fact if anything I was even more thorough than usual. My wife says I spend more time washing my fishing tackle than I do the car, and I am slightly ashamed to admit this is the case. It's just another symptom of my fishing addiction. Yesterday was spent browsing blogs (fishing of course or fishing porn as my wife calls it!), washing the cars (I had been shamed into it) and I spooled my Shimano Twin Power XT-RB reel with fresh line. This reel has a fantastic line-lay and drag system, it's the best reel I have and would be more than suitable for Pike. Everything was set for my adventure!. I called Bob to see if everything was still alright his end, and double checked the directions to where we would meet up. The fall was only five hours away at this point, with the first signs of nausea coming before I even ate my evening meal. I tried to dismiss the nausea at first but it continued to build over the next few hours, and I am sure you can guess the rest. Suffice to say I didn't stray far from the bathroom. At 4am this morning I was still kidding myself that I would still make it to Exeter for 10am. At eight this morning I surrendered to the fact I had contracted Norovirus and contacted Bob to make my apologies. He was really understanding, saying he would no doubt go fishing anyway with nothing else planned. All I could think was aargh!!. I guess I tempted fate and suffered a bad case of a fall following pride, and what do they say about the best laid plans again. There is always another day I guess, but it will be some time before Bob is available again as he going to visit his daughter in sunny California next week for two months. Oh well, I will just have to give it a go myself when I am next off. Could be exciting!</p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-50772253591686703862010-02-10T13:06:00.034+00:002010-02-10T16:04:17.828+00:00Fresh Venue - New Experience<div align="justify">I am settling in to my new job now, and although working six consecutive 12 hour nights takes it toll, the benefit is that I have 6 days off before returning to work. I decided to make the most of my down time to try a few new coarse fishing venues.<br /><br />The first venue I tried was called Town Parks Fishing which is situated about 20 miles from me between <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Totnes</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paignton</span>. It consists of two lakes, with a third under construction. There is a 16 peg specimen lake which has the usual Roach, Bream, Tench and Perch all to larger sizes and Carp to 30lbs plus. The exciting aspect of this lake is the addition of Catfish which I believe are reaching the high twenties. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436608768074264050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S3K23sPXLfI/AAAAAAAAARc/FJ9mElMyWvo/s320/TP+Specimen+lake.jpg" /> <div align="center"><strong>Specimen Lake</strong> </div><p align="justify">The specimen lake is very popular with experienced anglers, and as a result to guarantee a peg you normally need to book in advance, even at this time of year. On phoning the fishery I was informed that there was some maintenance being completed to some of the specimen lake pegs and staging, and after discussion with the very friendly owner reserved a ticket for the 20 peg match lake which is well stocked with Rudd, Roach, Bream, Perch, Chub and Carp but the sizes of these tend to be around a maximum of 5lbs with plenty of "pasties". On arrival at the lake and with the formalities of paying out the way I was given some sound advice and purchased some red maggot which I have to say were excellent quality and at the same price as local tackle shops.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436615546629231314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S3K9CQUzktI/AAAAAAAAARs/tsWIxYAM2gY/s320/TP+Match+lake+2.jpg" /> <p align="center"><strong>Match Lake</strong></p><p align="justify">I initially found the fishing a bit on the tough side, and I am sure that this was partly due to me not knowing the venue, but also down to the strong easterly wind that blew up causing a significant and rapid drop in temperature. All this aside, I followed the advice given to me and fished one rod on a feeder set up and float fished with the other. After a slow start where for the first 2 hours I blanked rather spectacularly, I managed to get the small Roach on the feed, and following this the Perch kicked in along with a steady flow of very small Carp of less than a pound. Not spectacular fishing but it kept the chill at bay. I recast the feeder rod to the same spot around every 10 - 15 minutes and eventually after a few more small pastie carp, and one of about 6lbs that spit the hook at the net, I managed to add two new species to my coarse fishing list, these being Bream and Chub, again small, around the 1lb mark. I will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> be going back to this fishery; really wanting to try the specimen lake, and would dearly like to add Catfish to my species list if at all possible. Full details of this fishery can be found at <a href="http://www.townparks.net/">http://www.townparks.net/</a><br /><br />The following day was much sunnier, though the temperature seemed a lot lower in the wind chill of a fresh north-easterly wind. Anyway, with my wife planning to go out to lunch with her sister and the kids at school, I grabbed the opportunity to fish another new venue, this being <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Filham</span> Park Lake. This lake along with others is owned and managed by the Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Club, though on this particular water the non-club angler is able to purchase a day ticket for the very reasonable sum of £6.50. This lake was opened in 2005 having around 20 pegs and is stocked with Bream, Tench, Roach, Rudd, Carp, both mirror and common, a few <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koi</span>-Carp, and I am told, one Grass Carp. There was no other anglers on the lake when I arrived at about 9.30am, so I was unable to get any information on how best to fish it. I fished at peg 17 around the middle of the lake and set up the same outfits as at Town Parks. I quickly discovered that the bottom seemed to be a bit weedy, but with a bit of searching around I found a bit clearer area and managed a few very small Bream about the size of my hand. On the float rod I was kept busy with almost suicidal small Roach about the size of my palm, and the odd "pastie" Carp of around 12oz to 1lb. I briefly hooked into something considerably more powerful, which eventually snapped the very light 2lb <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hook-link</span> I was using. Following this the sport returned to building a bag of Roach, Bream and small Carp, and the bonus of two small Tench of about 1/2lb which were taken on the float rod. At about 1pm a club member turned up and I got some very useful information about how well the lake fishes through the spring and summer. The gentleman, George said the lake had been stocked with varying sizes of Bream, and Tench with the biggest around the 3 - 4 lb mark, but these seemed to be off the feed in this cold snap. I was surprised to see George fishing with bread-flake especially as the small Roach seemed to descend on it almost as soon as it hit the water. I was packing up when I saw George strike into a fish and after a short fight he landed a Carp which when weighed came in at 13lb 4oz, a PB for George.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436629473905600786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S3LJs7eP6RI/AAAAAAAAAR8/gZllGxvVvQo/s320/Filham+1.jpg" /> <p align="center"><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Filham</span> Park Lake</strong><br /></p><p align="justify">Full details of the Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Club and information about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Filham</span> Park and the clubs other waters can be found at <a href="http://www.padcac.co.uk/">http://www.padcac.co.uk/</a>. </p><p align="justify">I felt challenged by going to two different venues on consecutive days, but reassured that I still managed to catch in difficult conditions. As a result of the change I caught different species to add to my list, and this was a welcome change, and in a strange way I enjoyed scratching out small fish, and I have always said "you can only catch what is in front of you". <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Filham</span> is another water I will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> go back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">along</span> with Town Parks and I would like to catch bigger Bream, and Tench which are very beautiful fish. I intend to visit the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Exeter Shipping</span> Canal area during my next off-rota period to have a crack at another form of fishing. This will be even more daunting due to the depth of the canal, something I am not used to in coarse fishing. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Exeter</span> Canal has a good head of Pike and these will be my target species when I visit the area. I spoke to a very helpful gentleman at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Exeter</span> Angling Centre today who suggested a few popular and productive marks. I will visit the shop prior to fishing as they also sell the day permits, giving me the opportunity to get more information and ensure I have the right terminal tackle to do the job. I will keep you posted about that next adventure. </p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-84377330199575406802010-01-24T17:15:00.018+00:002010-01-27T18:45:17.794+00:00Friendly Competition and Tackle Envy!<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S1yFURrH78I/AAAAAAAAAQU/8nnackGbrfY/s1600-h/Winter+Competition.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430361834090131394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S1yFURrH78I/AAAAAAAAAQU/8nnackGbrfY/s320/Winter+Competition.jpg" /></a>I arrived at my local lake today to find that members of an angling club were already in the car park prior to their first competition of 2010. I have to say that being fairly new to coarse fishing I initially found this a bit daunting as I gazed around at the fishing trolleys/seats, poles and endless different types of baits and ground baits brought.</div><div align="justify">So it was with more than a little apprehension that I unloaded my gear, said my hello's and made my way down to the lake to get set up ahead of the other anglers. I use my Shimano 15-45gm spinning rod currently for my carp fishing and when needing to go lighter again I use my purpose made Imax Mullet rod which has a second top section for quiver tips, and these two rods have served me well so far as I build my skills levels. When I feel the time is right I will get some proper advice and buy some reasonable quality coarse/carp fishing gear.</div><br /><div align="justify">On getting down to the lake, quite rightly some of the bank had been pegged out for the competition but I was able to fit in on the end to the left corner of the island. I was already set up and fishing by the time the club anglers came down after making their draw for pegs. I was fishing a simple running ledger rig using a fluorocarbon hook link on a hair-rigged size 10 Kamasan hook and using my home-made boilies. Making my own boilies is new to me as well, and I found the methods for doing this simply from base ingredients on the internet. This aspect of my new style of fishing has real appeal, as I can be preparing for fishing when I can't get out and also the thrill of catching on a non shop bought bait. I will write a short blog on methods of boilie making, the equipment I use and flavours in the near future. Today I was armed with pale red strawberry, red tutti-frutti and natural coloured liquid brasem flavour which actually smells like caramel.</div><br /><div align="justify">All but one of the club anglers were using poles, and the angler to the right of me had what looked like some very expensive kit. As he was fishing on the float, out of consideration I asked if my legering would interfere with his fishing, and got the chance to have a close up look at the pole and rigs. Although just a different form of fishing, the pole has little appeal to me as I just prefer using a rod and reel. I have to say that my initial apprehension quickly disappeared, as the anglers were a friendly bunch, inviting me to join in their competition (which I declined) and the banter up and down line could only be described as hilarious. The guy to my right called Ian got in amongst the Roach and Rudd from the off, and although they were very small fish around a few ounces he was hoping to build a bag and looked like he would as he was catching fairly steadily. No one in his club were trying for carp as it was felt that they wouldn't be feeding well if at all.</div><br /><div align="justify">I persevered with legering and after about an hour or so I had a run and hooked a small carp of around 5 pounds, which had the line around its fin, and as I tried to net it, the line "pinged" off and promptly unhooked itself, so carp 1 and me 0. This happened at around 10.30am, and after re-baiting and casting to the same spot I settled down to wait again. It was around 12.30 that I had another run, and hooked and landed a lovely common carp that was a bit on the lean side; about the length of 7 pounder but no more than about 5 1/2lb. I guess the cold winter had taken it's toll on this particular common. The next hour and a half saw five more runs and another five carp, all mirrors successfully come to the bank ranging from 5lb to the best at around the 7 1/2 lb plus mark in the picture below.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430383346857921698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S1yY4e-pzKI/AAAAAAAAAQc/o5ECSVwK9AQ/s400/Winters+Carp+2.jpg" /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">My last fish of the day coincided with the end of the competition and I was intrigued to find out the result. I have to say I was pretty impressed with the weights that had been made from catching small roach and rudd. Top weight was 16lb 5oz and my neighbour who had kept at it managed a respectable second place weight of 14lb 12oz. It suddenly dawned on me that had I accepted the invitation to join in, I would have had the top weight. Will this experience turn me into a match angler?...........I doubt it, I wouldn't like the pressure to catch, but today taught me a few things, that match anglers are a friendly bunch willing to share information, and maybe my years as a sea-angler served me well and enabled me to transfer those skills and adapt to a new form of fishing; and after all fishing is fishing and should be enjoyed!</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-85985313460450380862010-01-16T14:57:00.030+00:002010-01-21T15:08:47.550+00:002009........Phew!! "Happy New Year"<div align="justify">It's been a very long time since I updated my blog, but I am determined that I will regularly post in 2010. What can I say about 2009, other than that on a personal level, it has been very challenging, and I found myself job hunting twice in the space of the last year. I consider myself one of the lucky ones, and recently started working again. This time I am working nights, which is something I am still getting used to, and I have stepped away from supervisory positions which will better meet my family needs. </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427362380655294690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S1HdVG5G-OI/AAAAAAAAANo/UXXbrsEIqII/s400/Little+Allers.jpg" /><strong>"Little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Allers</span></span></span></span></span> Lake"</strong></div><div align="justify">So what has been happening on the fishing front in 2009. Well with a few months being idle, apart from the almost full-time job of filling in application forms, I have taken up coarse fishing for the first time in 40 years of fishing. I mainly fished a local lake known as "Little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Allers</span></span></span></span></span>", and I have to say that my focus has been on Carp, where I enjoyed taking them off the top using the usual methods of dog biscuits and floater cake, taking my biggest of 15lb 2oz using my lure fishing gear and 6lb line. That was my PB so far, not big by Carp standards but good sport on such light gear. Unfortunately it was one of those situations where I didn't have my camera with me, but did have my newly purchased <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Berkley</span></span> digital scales. I also had a dabble with my 8 weight fly rod that I use for my sea fly-fishing, taking them up to about 8 1/2 lbs, which is the picture below. I used a dog-biscuit deer hair imitation; this coming year I will have a go with traditional dry flies and attempt to stalk a fish out with this method, as I saw fish feeding in this manner on occasions.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427384122364906642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S1HxGpEnzJI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/GLKBCcoGl4o/s400/Fly+4.jpg" /><strong>PB Carp on the fly</strong></div><div align="justify">So what does 2010 have in store? Well having started coarse fishing, I will continue in this vain alongside my sea angling, and intend to turn my attention to attempting to catch a Pike. Down here in the South West I gather I have limited places to try, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Exeter</span></span></span></span></span> canal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apparently</span> being my nearest venue as far as I can tell. I look on the blogs and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">webites</span></span></span></span></span> of others, (have a look at my favourite blogs list) to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">further</span> my knowledge in this area, looking at the techniques that they find successful. I will continue to pursue my lure fishing for bass, something I became addicted to, and have read of some good catches being made in the middle of winter on the north <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Cornwall</span> coast, on Henry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gilbey's</span></span></span> website, with this area of coastline being within striking distance for me. I would also like to get more involved in enabling less able individuals to go fishing. I have worked in the care sector since 2003 and have taken many people fishing, who face various challenges and seen the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">therapeutic</span> benefits of this to everyone who gave it it a try. Below is a picture of an individual that I supported to go fishing a few times in 2009. He was a keen all-round angler before an accident some 10 years ago which affected his mobility. I think the broad smile on his face after catching a nice "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">school</span></span></span> bass" from a local estuary mark says it all. </div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427376121208361458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/S1Hp06cP0fI/AAAAAAAAAOI/pIWhpJDgI9Y/s400/PC+BASS.jpg" /> </p><p align="center"><strong>"Got one"</strong></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-46521641381706496452009-05-24T07:14:00.023+01:002009-05-24T15:27:19.622+01:00The Fishing was Rubbish and a Warning!<div align="justify">I decided to grab a few hours fishing yesterday and wanted to see if the Mackerel had arrived in the Plymouth area yet. I took my spinning rod a bum bag and a handful of spinners and initially headed for the Hoe foreshore, visiting West-Hoe pier, Elphinstone and the rocky area's in between before getting the water-taxi to Mountbatten Pier. Apart from one small Pollock I blanked rather spectacularly. I guess it's the case of being in the right place at the wrong time, and this was certainly supported by a few people saying that they had seen Mackerel being caught in the last few days.</div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339373975270536402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/ShlEV173NNI/AAAAAAAAALs/gUnXYFwtYw4/s320/West+Hoe+Pier.jpg" /></p><p align="justify">Unfortunately this blog entry isn't just about the fishing being rubbish, it's also about the subject of anglers leaving so much rubbish laying around when they finish fishing. At West-Hoe, there was line, feathers, packaging from frozen baits, and bags tied to the chains, all this despite litter bins being available a short distance from the entrance to the pier. This was repeated at various marks all along the route I took. I finally arrived at Mountbatten, which when I was a teenager growing up in Plymouth was off-limits to everyone unless you served at the base. All that has changed and the pier has been refurbished, providing everyone with a fantastic recreational asset. From the anglers point of view, the local authority have provided stainless steel bait cutting trays, and litter-bins dotted along the entire length of the pier. On arrival the pier was busy with families enjoying the fine weather, individuals walking their dogs, and numerous fishermen dotted along both sides of the pier. I found a gap and before I could start fishing had to clean up my spot of packaging, line, a baited hook and two beer bottles. It didn't take long as the litter bin was only thirty feet away, but I guess that's my point. My actions caught the attention of an angler and a passer by who both expressed their concerns about the mindless actions of what I hope is a small percentage of anglers. I fear that if this continues then venues just like this will be closed to all anglers as it's just matter of time before a child or an animal is injured.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339330685375050786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/Shkc-CgfdCI/AAAAAAAAALc/bfxwWZF_738/s320/mountbatten_pier.jpg" /> <p align="justify">The warning comes from a conversation I had with Ian, the fisherman I met at Mountbatten, and refers to lone fishing, but this not about the usual safety advice about tides and weather. He told me of an experience a friend of his had when he decided to snatch a few hours fishing late one evening at another popular venue. On arrival there was no one else fishing, but a short while later two young men arrived and initially seemed to just want to chat, but the conversation changed and they started asking how much the gear was worth and attempted to walk off with his second rod becoming threatening. Fortunately this was interrupted by the arrival of another angler. This incident has left the angler shaken as he felt it could have turned nasty, and as a result he now plans his fishing sessions with others and will not fish alone, and this is after 50 years of fishing. I have to say that a few times, I have felt very vulnerable myself when fishing alone from a venue that is safe from the usual point of view, and this isn't the first time I have heard of an angler facing aggression while pursuing their hobby. It is sad that we now have to add this to our list of concerns to keep ourselves safe when fishing, but it wont stop me pursuing the sport I love so much. </p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-56172022525835779192009-05-09T15:35:00.037+01:002010-01-17T17:05:40.414+00:00Misty Mornings and a Mystery Catch<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/Sgse6Hp2i1I/AAAAAAAAAK0/5uNBsQgUQrk/s1600-h/DSCF0001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335392167386319698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/Sgse6Hp2i1I/AAAAAAAAAK0/5uNBsQgUQrk/s200/DSCF0001.JPG" /></a> A very early start saw my son, his friend and I head for a mark on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Salcombe</span>/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">kingsbridge</span> estuary; the target species being bass. After unloading the car we were faced with a 20 minute walk which took us to our mark. Reports from one of my local tackle shops, indicated that good numbers of bass ranging from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">schoolies</span> up to a reported 6 1/2 lb had been caught at various marks along the estuary. Our chosen tackle was 11' light estuary style rods casting up to 3oz, and the chosen bait being <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">lugworm</span>. As usual my trusty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shimano</span> spinning rod and a small box of plugs, spinners and soft plastics travelled with us too. As you can see from the photograph, which was taken at about 5.30 am it was one of those very misty and atmospheric mornings. I had decided it was best to use simple running <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">leger</span> rigs, with Gemini links to facilitate a quick change of leads if necessary. </div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/SgsfpIpPDtI/AAAAAAAAALE/lC_xXyIwYNk/s1600-h/Bass+1A.jpg"></a>Our baits weren't in the water too long, before a sharp nod on the rod tip indicated the first interest of the day and a school bass of around 1 1/2lb was quickly landed, photographed and returned to fight another day. We continued to fish up to, and over high water, with another four bass, all around the same size as the first one, and an eel being caught between us. It was great that we all caught, as that held the boys interest. At times during the session, I saw fish jumping and splashing further down the estuary and got out the spinning outfit, trying a "Sidewinder" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">sandeel</span> lure in all the colours I had to no avail, and a swap to a "Storm jerking minnow" produced nothing also, not even a follow. I guess it was a rather optimistic attempt as the water was a bit coloured.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 149px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335389135899987522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H5EgLRx8r8U/SgscJqfMDkI/AAAAAAAAAKc/762Se_l9eg8/s200/Mystery+Fish.jpg" />On the walk back to the car, the boys wanted to try some lure fishing, so I left them to continue at a safe spot while I carried the rest of the gear back to the car. On my return, I found the boys struggling to unhook this very handsome fish. As I approached, I initially thought they had managed to hook a bass but it became quickly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apparent</span> that this was not the case. The fish had large round scales which came off very easily. I still had my camera with me so took this photograph before returning it. It swam away eventually, and we really hope it survived the ordeal. I have been trying to identify the catch, and at first assumed it may have been a sea-trout, but have since discounted this, my efforts on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">internet</span> lead me to believe that it may in fact be a Shad, either a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Twaite</span> or Allis Shad. If anyone can identify or confirm my thoughts I would be very grateful. </div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057540764784193010.post-77385295274210264442009-04-29T08:33:00.016+01:002011-01-03T21:13:15.126+00:00The Beginning<div align="justify"><strong>The idea of this blog is to share my fishing experiences since returning to the sport after a substantial break. I was amazed at the advances in tackle and techniques that had taken place and the pitfalls for born again novices like myself. Following this first blog introduction I will concentrate on my fishing sessions, sharing techniques, tackle and rig tips, and what and where works for me in my own fishing locality of South Devon and Cornwall.</strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>A brief history...... </strong>I grew up in Plymouth and as a result it seemed natural that I would eventually turn to sea angling as a leisure pursuit. In the beginning I fished the Hoe sea front, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Plym</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> estuary and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Penlea</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Point which I used to access using the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cremyl</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> ferry, taking my bicycle with a rod strapped to the cross bar. I thoroughly enjoyed those days fishing with friends and more importantly having fun catching the usual Pollock, Garfish, Wrasse, Mackerel, and very occasional Bass which frequented these shore marks. The reasons that I stopped fishing now completely escape me, but perhaps it was because of work <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">commitments</span> and other things became more important, or perhaps because I forgot it was supposed to be fun.</div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>My return......</strong> I returned to sea fishing about two years ago now, this came about because of the purchase of Sky TV where I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inevitably</span> found re-runs of "Fishing On The Edge" and "Wild Fishing", both being presented by Henry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gilbey</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>. These programs both inspired me, and reminded me how much I used to enjoy the sport. </div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Mistakes......</strong> I guess the first big mistake I made was to purchase a budget sea-spinning combo deal from a famous high street catalogue store. As a value-for-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">money</span></span> item it was great but it was a bit of a scaffold pole due to being <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">constructed</span></span> out of hollow glass. The 150gm casting rating should have been a give away but at this time this rather escaped me. I caught some fish after many blank sessions on this outfit , returning to the piers I used to fish as a teenager and unfortunately still using the same techniques I used as a teenager. This wasn't much fun at all, especially as when I did hook up I barely knew the fish were. I knew then I was fishing with far to heavy tackle.</div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Getting it right...... </strong>My advice to anyone starting or returning to the sport is to visit their local fishing tackle shop for advice. I was lucky living near Plymouth to have some of the best tackle shops around including Clive's Tackle and Bait, Sea View Tackle and the Tackle and Bait Shop. It was a visit to Clive's and a chat with the owner that I was fitted out with more suitable tackle for my immediate needs in the form of a really balanced outfit consisting of a 10' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shimano</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nexave</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> 15-45gm spinning rod matched to a really nice small <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grauvell</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> bait runner spinning reel loaded with 8lb line. Not only did I get advice about outfits, I also got help with terminal tackle, bait presentation and tips on where to go.</div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Fun, fun and more fun!....</strong> By now it was about the beginning of June 2007, the Mackerel and Garfish had arrived and it was these species I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">targeted</span> that gave me so much fun, and increased my passion for the sport. On this light and balanced outfit with the clutch set correctly I actually experienced a decent sized mackerel of around 1 1/2lb actually taking some line as it sped off in the deep water of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rame</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Head, and the acrobatics of those <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodating</span> garfish certainly kept the sessions busy. My best fish of this period was a shore caught P<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">ollock</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> of 3lb 8oz, not a large fish by any standards, but this put a serious bend into that light rod and a broad smile on my face. I also had the very rare catch of John Dory while float fishing at Mount Batten Pier, at around 6 inches long it was the most beautiful fish I had ever seen with the long <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tendril's</span> off its dorsal fin. Initially I thought it was a Trigger fish, however, another angler identified it for me. I had failed to understand how rare this fish was until discussing it in my local tackle shop, I had been very lucky indeed. I have to say catching it was a complete fluke as I was float fishing ragworm for Pollock, but that's the joy of sea fishing you just don't know what will turn up. I was now also seriously into conservation angling and all but a few fish that summer were returned to swim safely off.</div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Two years on...... </strong>So that is the introduction to my blog. I would now consider myself a fishing fanatic these days and have since included fly, lure and surf fishing to my repertoire and my home bears a passing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">resemblance</span> to a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tackle</span> shop. Like a lot of anglers, who experience some success, I stayed doing the same thing and visiting the same marks until relatively recently. I have purchased numerous <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">DVDs</span> made by presenters such as Henry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gilbey</span></span></span></span></span></span>, Mike Ladle and Ed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schliffke</span></span></span></span></span>.</span> These have been invaluable in refining techniques, giving me ideas and inspiration to try new things and I would recommend them and the following of other anglers blogs to anyone wanting to improve their fishing, but more about that in future posts.</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17934765220059758635noreply@blogger.com0