This is my first spot on the river today. A nice early start with a nice bit of mist/fog on the Hampshire Avon.
This area is quite fast flowing, with a nice weed bed you can drop your baits over onto a gravelly channel. However, with the reduced weed growth this year, the silk weed is a big problem. It rolls down the river on the bottom, like tumble weed. This then clogs up around the lead and hook baits, whch is not very helpful. I hate to cast out a lot when Barbel fishing.
It’s been over 2 hours without out a nock, so it was time for a wonder around as the light was much better and I could see the bottom and any clear patches. I had a good look around the area I was currently in. I needed to move and after a long walk with plenty of looking and not seeing any fish including Chub. I finally spotted a barbel WOW.
Just behind the rushes on a big clear sandy patch. (Sorry about the photo, I did not fancy disturbing the swim to much. ) I put a brand new hook link and hook on (not wishing to take any chances) and with a ball of scholed pellet round the hook. I creeped up, lowered the bait down as best as I could and then sat back for a long wait.
Rod on the rest and coffee in hand, let’s hope it happens soon. 😉
After another 3 hours, no joy, dispite seeing a barbel. I was getting itching feet, but I forced myself to stay put for a bit longer. It got the better of me and I was off for a walk. Before I wondered off, I put a couple of handfuls of bait out. Anyway, after some time and only a couple of chub spotted there was no real other choice but to stay put. I do love doing days on the river, as it’s the only real chance I get to have a good look round. Normally I am a bit rushed in the evening and with the nights closing in fast and the clock’s changing soon, I really did need a good look about before I lost the chance.
I can’t believe my luck. I crawled up to the rivers edge to check my bait and there was a barbel feeding. I creeped back and after 45 mins I knew that there must have been some thing wrong. No signs of barbel. I opted for a rebait, the hook had been masked by the weed, (which is nice). I redid the rod and all the freebies had all gone. Well at least I know they like the bait and for good measure I did the other rod. I also spotted another barbel and a nice carp just below my other rod. They were on another clear gravelly spot behind the rushes.
Well at least I am in the right area and I believe my tactics are spot on.
A nice bucket of scoled pellet which I am moulding round the hook baits
Bait-Tech pollony boilies
I can’t be too far of the mark and it’s not for the want of trying over the years (well 4 at least). I would like to point out in my defence, that this section is very hard and there are so few members. This is the trade off for peace and quiet fishing. I did try some years back, on a club stretch and I was amazed that there were 3/4 people set up on a bend. All with two rod’s each, I only did 3 trips, can’t cope with that many people, today I have seen NO ONE in the whole mile stretch I have walked.
I have been getting great rafts of weed coming down the river today, lucky the flow takes them just away from my spots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJPvTCb-Ipo&list=UU-KRiiCtOmgKS70tkKPwmUA
Well is 1845, the light is fading fast and I have been fishing for over 12 hour’s with no joy. Dispite seeing 2 barbel & a carp, Mr Chub has even not put in a appearance. Bob the Bailiff (I believe his cousen could be in construction!) did drop by for a chat and feels the fish are fishing harder this year. This is due to the lack of weed growth. saying this a few barbel and carp have been had this year, including the one I had back in August.
Nice dark fish, spot the double rainbow, perhaps that’s what was missing today.
Must keep my hope’s up as I still have a couple of hours to go.
The last fading light of the only bit of sunshine I have seen today. It has been great weather for fishing.
And I didn’t blank, I ended up with Mr Chub!
5lb 4oz
Till next time
Be lucky
Richard
UK Carp & Coarse Fishing 