“A NEW VENUE - LOOK AND LEARN , IT PAYS OFF”
I called in to see my best mate, Steve Clark Tuesday 5th December 06, He joined the PAC 08/06, {Llangdedfedd…Failed again} Pike Angling came up “ Fancy looking at a few lakes tomorrow? Chuck some gear in just in case?”I was “Iffy”, as I tend to plan ahead, he phoned me a few hours later, well, he talked me into it !{Was not that hard….Really}
For some reason, I could not sleep too well that night, just as well Steve offered to drive.Well , he picked me up at 9 am, loaded some gear, and took off. We arrived at the “Cotswold water park” at about 10 am. So many lakes, I used to fly Gliders, and remember seeing them from 1,000 feet, take my word, There are more than a few! Well, we had a walk/ drive round 3 lakes, and decided to give one a go.
We started fishing …Well late in my book, @ 11.30 am, I do not know about you/ readers, I seem to catch my Pike Between 10 am +12 noon.I fished a wind swept corner, almost like a bay, in 7/8 feet of water.2 rods, both on alarms, 1 float/ 2nd Free line.{Before anyone comes back on the free line issue, I use large sea type swivels/ and links. They act as weights, but allow bait to sit on/above weed, not pull bait out of sight}.
Well, Steve had 2 pike within the First 2 Hours, And I am not being belittling small about 1.5 +2 Lbs each, both caught close in, one of which had a 6.5 inch bite radius marks along its sides !I returned to my swim,, changed a , now tatty Red Mullet , for a mackerel head on the right float rod. I threw the old bait in, it hit a tree, and fell 2 feet from the banks edge . Now I thought, “This day is not going well” ! I paid a quick visit to see how Steve was getting on, and noticed a small pike not more than 2 feet from the banks edge.{By the way, Steve was close, and I was within 15 seconds from my rods, with alarms turned up to full}.
A minute later I sat down, okay, lets try the “Have a Sandwich Ploy”, at this Brand new venue, Strange… Before opening my Lunch box, the old Red Mullet I chucked in was moving !I stood up, and would you credit it, I saw a ~~ 5 Lb pike had it in its Jaws, on standing it shot off towards my float rod.{On the right, near a sunken tree}.Okay, I thought, lets chuck the left rod out again, from long to close range.{ Both rods “Dragon” pike power bait casters 3 LBTest, 20 lb Braid, size 10 tandem trebles}I cast to my left, wound in and put the Mackerel Tail bait near a sunken tree branch.Imagine my surprise, 6 minutes later !The left hand rod went off like hell, I wound down, and pulled in………, the rod was in at least half of full Compression, and lucky for me what ever it was, went out, not in, in a large Deliberate curve, now back winding, I “Politely” asked Steve to wander along.
Which he did, {Well he was trying to tuck some other tackle away, as I caught him at a …. Bad time , I will not dwell on that, as kids may be reading} !My swim was a tad “Slippery”, so I had to stay away/ stand back. Steve had the net, and advised me to wind in, lift rod, walk back, which I did.
6 Minutes later……..So I could not see the fish, Steve could, ….. He uttered the words “Dave this is your “PB Mate”, is a big pike”.Being a cool team, as a whole, He landed it for me, I thought the same as him, “Yes over 25 LB, “.She was unhooked no problem, As I was shaking a bit, like no one does when catching a pike, he got the camera, while I rested her in L/Net in water.
On weighing, “She “ was 20 Lb 8oz, it did look bigger, but I am Pleased of a result on a first time Venue, I saw what Steve Caught and used it to my advantage, and he landed and Photographed it for me too.I hope to have a photograph soon, but I am sure you will agree,Not bad for an unplanned trip/ new venue. What you think?The “True Story”, I am not a writer, But I enjoyed the moment, all I wish to do , is Share it. ………………………………………………………………………………
Also, As I {+ many anglers} do, wish to save money, What you think of this:If one “Roams” a lot , 2 rods / Stalking…How much do you all pay for “Proper Rod Bands”, from your local Tackle Shop?I suggest £ 5.00{Set of 4 = 2 rods}.
Forget it, 6 feet 6 inches{2 metres} of “Velcro” Does 12 rods , top and bottom. £2.80p ! For extra Protection I use Central heating pipe lagging 60 odd pence per metre{ Etc ..in English Imperial values}
As a matter of fact is safer for your gear, and “WE” AS Anglers are not left out of pocket !I use it, try it, save cash for more Bait, Etc….. ! Dave Skingsley{ An Angler of 45 Years , I am Sad to Say !}Or Just an old Fart.Dave.
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