tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163203858364395412024-03-14T04:27:02.782+00:00I Am Therefore I FishTalking A Load Of Fish Since 2011Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-57003821380887167702014-03-13T23:46:00.003+00:002015-01-30T19:28:42.884+00:00Loch Long/Eilean Donan Castle - Aug-Sept 2013<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk4vfIsIl90/UyJCReAUSxI/AAAAAAAAByk/Y-QmRLwEjt4/s1600/Duich2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk4vfIsIl90/UyJCReAUSxI/AAAAAAAAByk/Y-QmRLwEjt4/s1600/Duich2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the mark to Eilean Donan Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My job affords me little windows of opportunity to fish up and down the country and one of the best is opposite the village of Dornie on the shore/bank of Loch Long.<br />
<br />
Fishing from the jetty where the old ferry used to dock gives a splendid view back east towards Eilean Donan castle, reputedly the most photographed castle in the world and Loch Duich beyond.<br />
<br />
Eilean Donan castle sits at the junction of three sea loch's. Arriving from the north is Loch Long which meets Loch Duich coming from the east. The inner sea to the west of this 'junction' is Loch Alsh.<br />
<br />
Being sea loch's, as the tide recedes, Loch Long flows like a river under the Dornie Bridge and on into Loch Alsh. At other times of the tide it can be fairly stable.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUGICmg-xH4/UyJCWUYaCHI/AAAAAAAABys/UAddSFHYQMg/s1600/Duich1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUGICmg-xH4/UyJCWUYaCHI/AAAAAAAABys/UAddSFHYQMg/s1600/Duich1.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endearingly up for it - Long Spined Sea Scorpion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've heard that the locals are well versed in when to catch migratory Salmon or Sea Trout, but my ambitions don't reach that far just yet.<br />
<br />
With my sessions limited to short 20-30 minute bursts, I've been travelling light with jigheads and Isome.<br />
<br />
My first success was with some small Coalfish and a Pollock. These fish seem to be prevalent wherever you fish on the coast.<br />
<br />
The water has been very clear so watching the lure on the retrieve always pays off. But there are large clumps of weed that require a bit of navigating at times, especially if the current is dragging.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6o1F8dBQRZ8/UyJCI0C0PeI/AAAAAAAAByc/9D80ItWWJeM/s1600/Duich3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6o1F8dBQRZ8/UyJCI0C0PeI/AAAAAAAAByc/9D80ItWWJeM/s1600/Duich3.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dornie Bridge - Eilean Donan just out of shot to the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I often explore close in, in the slack water, sight fishing between the weed and bouncing the small piece of Isome over any clear patches of sea bed. Often there is enough interest from various small fish, but too often intent on bashing the lure rather than biting it.<br />
<br />
On one of these occasions I was dangling the Isome down the wall of the jetty seeing if anything was patrolling when a typically aggressive Long Spined Sea Scorpion attacked with gusto. So using basic tactics in a fairly short time this mark provides a variety of species, albeit on the small side, but with loads of potential for the odd bigger surprise.<br />
<br />
Fishing aside, an absolutely fantastic spot to pass some time!!!<br />
Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-46796919284911748792014-03-13T18:45:00.003+00:002015-01-30T19:24:26.616+00:0021/11/2013 - Pumpherston Pond<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsVnn99ZpDM/UyH8IwEWxwI/AAAAAAAAByE/5V12U0zVgFk/s1600/Pumphy+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsVnn99ZpDM/UyH8IwEWxwI/AAAAAAAAByE/5V12U0zVgFk/s1600/Pumphy+001.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splendid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the end of a fine day I was tempted to try a quick evening session at Pumpherston Pond.<br />
<br />
While the good weather is nice, it increases the chances of golfers on the adjacent course and I've no intention of getting in their way. However I was pleased to find I had the place to myself.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3HTkTGSaZY/UyH8LpILp0I/AAAAAAAAByM/S_OMbYzRIvg/s1600/Pumphy+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3HTkTGSaZY/UyH8LpILp0I/AAAAAAAAByM/S_OMbYzRIvg/s1600/Pumphy+002.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The wee pond was still fairly choked with weed and finding a large enough channel to drop my bait was a bit of a challenge. I settled on the likeliest looking gap. Fishing my usual straightforward Pumphy set-up, maggots on a small hook under a float at varying depths, I adjusted my depth to try to avoid the weed problem and probed around the channel a bit more.<br />
<br />
My patience was ultimately rewarded, taking four nice Perch up to 8 inches.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-76814071321862036082014-03-13T18:05:00.001+00:002014-03-14T00:08:38.301+00:0011/03/2014 - Loch Lomond<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEERo8ADK00/UyHu_6_6B5I/AAAAAAAABxU/5kvaugXZCgk/s1600/MagiLomond+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEERo8ADK00/UyHu_6_6B5I/AAAAAAAABxU/5kvaugXZCgk/s1600/MagiLomond+006.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">0855 outside the tackle shop - H on a mission</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A braw change in the weather saw me and H head through to Balmaha on Loch Lomond to see what we could tempt to the bank. H has been unsuccessfully pursuing a Ruffe for a while now. While unable to get one himself, he's been in attendance as nearby anglers have had some success and was becoming increasingly frustrated. I was just happy to be out on such a lovely day and hoped to break my Lomond duck after a few short and fishless attempts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eA0AhqJq8Hw/UyHvRwA576I/AAAAAAAABxk/gNhGFb4h79Q/s1600/MagiLomond+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eA0AhqJq8Hw/UyHvRwA576I/AAAAAAAABxk/gNhGFb4h79Q/s1600/MagiLomond+009.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West to Inchcailloch Island - note submerged pier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Loch Lomond is unusual for Scottish loch's in that it straddles both the highlands and lowlands. The Highland Boundary Fault line runs right through the loch right at Balmaha. To the north is your typical highland ribbon loch, long, narrow and deep, to the south it widens and shallows quite substantially. The loch which has the greatest surface area of any body of freshwater in the UK provides a diverse range of habitats and conditions for it's piscine residents. Balmaha is on the south eastern side of Lomond just at the fault line, the best places to fish there are either in the boatyard (relatively shallow) or at the pier (up to around 12 metres deep).<br />
<br />
The problem with Loch Lomond however is that it is stunningly beautiful, and not too far from 'civilisation'. This means it is usually busy with walkers, hikers, fishermen, sailors etc and peace and quiet is unlikely to be something you'll find if the weather is at all fair.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AWqHJK7-ts/UyHvbVik5TI/AAAAAAAABxs/pC30-Gx31aM/s1600/MagiLomond+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AWqHJK7-ts/UyHvbVik5TI/AAAAAAAABxs/pC30-Gx31aM/s1600/MagiLomond+008.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First fish of the day, lovely little Roach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fish on offer in Loch Lomond are many and varied. We could fairly expect to catch Roach and Perch, with Ruffe or the odd Powan caught there recently. Probably still a bit early to stumble across a trout or any of his seagoing cousins, Lomond does have the potential to produce a record British Pike.<br />
<br />
While the morning in the east was crisp and clear as we met before 8am, by the west of Stirling we were driving into and through a heavy morning mist and this is how we found the loch. We both set-up variations of swim-feeder set-ups baited with maggots and began in good spirits. I managed to get off the mark first, landing what I'll generously call a baby Roach. H soon had a nicer Roach and kept me entertained by losing two more within millimetres of the net. H rigged a second rod and after a few taps on a drop shot rig added a Perch to his tally. Not to be outdone, I added another Roach from the swim feeder and a couple of smallish Perch on jigged isome.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jS0H4D3Dagw/UyHvHFkXrEI/AAAAAAAABxc/Kgp549DHbVY/s1600/MagiLomond+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jS0H4D3Dagw/UyHvHFkXrEI/AAAAAAAABxc/Kgp549DHbVY/s1600/MagiLomond+007.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inchcailloch Island through the mist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With a variety of hikers, dog walkers, foreign exchange trip pupils, meditators and even a musician recording a music video right behind us, we were seldom alone and continually being asked what we were fishing for. I would hate to think how incessant the public must be when it's properly busy.<br />
<br />
Into the afternoon and H, reacting to a bite and striking, began getting excited on the retrieve that he may finally have a Ruffe. Once in sight he confirmed his suspicion and rejoiced as it hit the net. While species hunting is not my thing, it's good to see his dogged pursuit of whatever it is he's after that day. And when he land's a long sought after species, you'll struggle to find a happier angler. It was also a relief of sorts. I didn't want to turn up and start bagging Ruffe on my first attempt, using half his kit before he'd gotten off the mark.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7_qgb2MbKs/UyHvjRl3zCI/AAAAAAAABx0/z08HQ_nbKWo/s1600/MagiLomond+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7_qgb2MbKs/UyHvjRl3zCI/AAAAAAAABx0/z08HQ_nbKWo/s1600/MagiLomond+010.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south, the mist slowly lifting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too long after this, I landed my first Ruffe, a lovely we fish tipping the tape at 5 3/4 inches in plump condition and fine colours. Very similar to a Perch in build and to the touch, it is browny bronze with vivid blue flashes. I soon made it two to briefly become King of the Ruffe before H bagged his second as well.<br />
<br />
As the day wore on, the already sedentary action slowed even more and by 5pm we'd called it a day. I finished with two each of Roach, Ruffe and Perch. My Lomond blank busted and a new species to boot. A good days work.<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-41358966739256216312014-03-13T17:40:00.002+00:002014-03-13T17:40:46.850+00:0005/03/2014 - Magiscroft<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwg5A1JG9Ik/UyHrsTQ8tvI/AAAAAAAABwo/TS-43nHI4dA/s1600/MagiLomond+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwg5A1JG9Ik/UyHrsTQ8tvI/AAAAAAAABwo/TS-43nHI4dA/s1600/MagiLomond+001.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Carp, excellent surprise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Magiscroft near Cumbernauld is one of the most prominent commercial coarse fisheries in Scotland and it's been long overdue a visit from my good self. With the year so far being generally a bit too cold, windy and sometimes wet too, I've not been bothering the fishes too much. H had filled his boots with Roach and Gudgeon here already just a couple of weeks before, so I took the opportunity to join him and see what it was all about.<br />
<br />
Permits are £7 which isn't too bad and there are a few ponds to choose from. First impressions were OK, although I was a bit underwhelmed at the lack of imagination in the larger ponds, essentially big rectangular troughs and with the quite small size of the smaller ponds. Maybe my expectations were a little too high?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aojOcm1NYa0/UyHryDmx-QI/AAAAAAAABww/jQQWX5dyFpY/s1600/MagiLomond+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aojOcm1NYa0/UyHryDmx-QI/AAAAAAAABww/jQQWX5dyFpY/s1600/MagiLomond+002.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first F1, no barbules compared to the Common Carp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
H took us to one of the smaller ponds at the back of the venue where once again I was unimpressed finding the odd empty can, tackle packaging or discarded equipment. It wasn't as if there were no bins around. It annoys me no end when people drop litter, it is also annoying when you are then charged to pay to fish amongst it. Most of it would easily be cleaned up by a round-up each night by someone with a litter picker. Maybe not very important in the grand scheme of things, but it's these small things that can make a big difference.<br />
<br />
Both H and myself began with maggots dangled under a float. He was soon in amongst the Gudgeon with the odd Roach, but I was having no joy at the adjacent peg. I swapped sides and began to explore a bit more and soon began connecting with Roach, Guj and some small Perch. The numbers were racking up, but H's head start meant any concerted attempt at racking up numbers was simply me keeping the deficit the same at best as H was embroiled amidst a Gudgeon frenzy.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6PtD_AzCIw/UyHr_E80NmI/AAAAAAAABw4/urgCqMMs7mg/s1600/MagiLomond+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6PtD_AzCIw/UyHr_E80NmI/AAAAAAAABw4/urgCqMMs7mg/s1600/MagiLomond+003.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent surprise number 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I continued my exploration around this small pond reaching the opposite side from H without anything much different appearing. Almost at the point of returning to where I could make hay with Perch and Gudgeon for the rest of the day and see what total I could rack up, I felt a much more serious fish connect with my bait as it dropped through the water. I was delighted to find a Common Carp nicely hooked in the top lip and was able to bring it into the net (hurriedly delivered by H). After a couple of photos it was sent back. Almost immediately I was into another one. My career Carp tally to this point stood at two, and here was my second inside five minutes. It turned out to be a F1 (barbule-less compared to the Common). I then lost another, landed another and lost another making it all very exciting. Once the carp seemed to quieten down a bit I was then taken by surprise once more. Leaning into another decent fish, I fully expected my fourth carp of the day only to find a PB Perch (13.5 inches) in outstanding condition taking me on. After a few photos it was returned by a very satisfied angler.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAXYRhUhRCQ/UyHsNunYvYI/AAAAAAAABxA/TjFEExAkdCI/s1600/MagiLomond+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAXYRhUhRCQ/UyHsNunYvYI/AAAAAAAABxA/TjFEExAkdCI/s1600/MagiLomond+004.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13.5 inches, a new PB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With 'my' side of the pond quietening down appreciably, I began to try my luck in the next pond along. H was shouting out his Guj as he caught them - 46...47...48 - as I entered my Roach 40's. In the new pond I quickly began landing more small Roach and got to 49 before a small impasse in bites allowed him to take his 50th Gudgeon of the session beating me to the half century.<br />
<br />
With the gates to the fishery closing at 5pm sharp, we called it a day and headed back to the car. H totted up his fish making a total of 90. My totals were 17 Perch, 17 Gudgeon, 3 Carp and 54 Roach making a grand total of...91.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jg05ggnvuUg/UyHsiOiNNHI/AAAAAAAABxI/moswRcrhqaU/s1600/MagiLomond+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jg05ggnvuUg/UyHsiOiNNHI/AAAAAAAABxI/moswRcrhqaU/s1600/MagiLomond+005.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smile for the camera</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A good days fishing, a bit of a numbers game, but it's difficult to complain when catching so many fish including new species and a PB. The fishery might scrub up a bit more nicely on a less gloomy day and the constant renovations and subsequent hammering at the pavilion should be absent the next time.Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-75993677824889461852014-03-13T17:24:00.001+00:002014-03-13T17:25:23.627+00:00St Marys Loch & Loch of the Lowes - August 2014<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGdwko7q1NU/UyHomdbqynI/AAAAAAAABwE/HqXHDNDiV44/s1600/StMLoch+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGdwko7q1NU/UyHomdbqynI/AAAAAAAABwE/HqXHDNDiV44/s1600/StMLoch+002.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where Loch of the Lowes narrows onto St Marys Loch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An overnight stay at the Tibbie Shiels camp site allowed me to purchase a 24 hour permit for St Marys Loch and the adjacent Loch of the Lowes.<br />
<br />
Beginning on the latter at the south west shore with a jighead and Lake Fork Baby Shad lures I began exploring my way up the loch side. The resident species are Perch, Pike and Brown Trout, so I felt quite confident that something was possible. Although the Loch of the Lowes isn't as renowned as its larger neighbour, they are connected by a small stream and it certainly has the potential to hold decent fish.<br />
<br />
However, despite my enthusiasm, there were no takers. I was kept interested though by the follows into the shallows of the occasional small Perch in the 6" range. With only an unidentified bird of prey to report, I headed camp wards with the increasingly bored offspring in tow to where the wife would hopefully have constructed our home for the evening.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Azefdvzh_I/UyHopvGN5_I/AAAAAAAABwU/j27Pw0ecy5o/s1600/StMLoch+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Azefdvzh_I/UyHopvGN5_I/AAAAAAAABwU/j27Pw0ecy5o/s1600/StMLoch+003.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blank well and truly busted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jettisoning the sprogs with their mother, I made my way keenly the 10 metres or so to the loch side. There was a small jetty which I walked to the end of before lobbing the lure as far as I could into the clear water of St Marys Loch.<br />
<br />
Boom, a fish was on first cast and then the reel began to squeal as whatever it was made off on a hefty run. Having been told a 5 pounder was a wee one in here, I was immediately worried as I was netless with relatively light tackle and was going to have to struggle alone with this beast. My six year old daughter had tagged along, but no matter how much I told her to go and get her Ma, she extremely annoyingly refused, seemingly preferring to watch her old man lose a potential PB.<br />
<br />
After a few minutes I was able to bring the fish into sight identifying a quite decent but not earth shattering jack Pike. He was also being tailed by another slightly smaller pike attracted somehow by the exertions of his larger buddy. But he was sturdy and angry and put up a decent scrap making quite a few runs before I was finally able to beach him/her.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7V-S15vIYek/UyHozyDrX5I/AAAAAAAABwc/wAtNQmZn_lk/s1600/StMLoch+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7V-S15vIYek/UyHozyDrX5I/AAAAAAAABwc/wAtNQmZn_lk/s1600/StMLoch+004.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excitement ahoy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By this time it seemed half the camp site had been alerted to the commotion, the first quote on the scene saying something like "they fished it all last night and didn't catch a thing, how long have you been fishing", to which the truthful reply was simply "eh, first cast mate"!!!<br />
<br />
By the time I had the fish measured, photographed and returned, five fellow anglers had appeared and were now getting their lines wet (wee boys and 'holiday' anglers really - I set up a young German boy with the same set up I was using to help him along - to no avail).<br />
<br />
And I really should have stopped there as it was the only bite I had for the rest of my stay!!! Not to say I didn't give the venue a good thrashing. I worked round the entire north shore and up round the western (road) shore and off the larger jetty and berthed boats in the south eastern corner too. Some really nice looking spots, but absolutely nothing. The only other sign of encouragement (aside from the multitude of young fish along the margins) was the next morning when a trout of a good pound and a half leapt three feet clear of the serenely still loch. Later that morning after the wind had gotten up a fair bit I explored around the north eastern shore, distracted a little by a lady training sheep dogs in a nearby field whilst I ploughed on in ultimately futile pursuit of fish number two.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDCV9JbQvGg/UyHompjRLqI/AAAAAAAABwI/5b256y1mp78/s1600/StMLoch+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDCV9JbQvGg/UyHompjRLqI/AAAAAAAABwI/5b256y1mp78/s1600/StMLoch+001.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The lack of surface activity by the trout was interesting enough that I mentioned it when emailing my catch return. In reply I was told that this was of some concern to those who look after the loch and preliminary investigations have suggested that the brown trout are evolving from surface feeders into bottom feeders as a result of the pike in the loch. This made me think of the very similar conditions at Loch Chon, somewhere I'd expect to see brownies rising, but the abundance of Pike and Perch, may have forced the trout down to the bottom for food there too.<br />
<br />
The final mention goes to the the 8 or 9 fighter planes that roared (not very far) overhead during the course of the stay. If you decide to have a dabble at St Marys Loch be sure to bring some spare pants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-84312713085647515532014-03-13T17:13:00.001+00:002014-03-13T17:13:32.171+00:00Loch Portree - Aug/Sept 2014<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YH8CPZT1SHg/UjzQSuILu-I/AAAAAAAABpE/QCABS3WFsFI/s1600/Aug13+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YH8CPZT1SHg/UjzQSuILu-I/AAAAAAAABpE/QCABS3WFsFI/s320/Aug13+037.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Cuillins , Loch Portree and Portree Harbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spending a lot of time on Skye since July, my base has been it's capital, Portree. This has allowed me to begin exploring around the shore and harbour and I'm seldom disappointed.<br />
<br />
Like so many places on Skye, Loch Portree, basically the sea in the bay area where Portree is located, can be almost amusingly picturesque. The harbour front itself is classic picture postcard material whilst the views south to the Cuillin mountains, east towards Ben Tianavaig and beyond to the adjacent island of Raasay, or north past the black Rock where Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have fled from government troops, up towards the imposing cliffs of Scorrybreac, make it an absolutely outstanding place to lose some time before nightfall.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Df4UpgCwX4w/UjzQWI6ecaI/AAAAAAAABpQ/nl0iNs_LfT8/s1600/Aug13+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Df4UpgCwX4w/UjzQWI6ecaI/AAAAAAAABpQ/nl0iNs_LfT8/s320/Aug13+038.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Portree Pollock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These have been the most numerous of my sessions on Skye. I've been treated to the sight of a White Tailed Eagle soaring high above me and often spotted the odd seal hanging around the fish cages towards the sound of Raasay. Out in Loch Portree the youths from the sailing club are often out practicing in the conducive conditions. I think it gives a real insight into how past generations on Skye utilised this, like so many other sheltered sea lochs around the 'Winged Isle', to hone their sea faring skills in much the same way in the old Birlinns that frequented these waters in times gone by.<br />
<br />
A quick mention here for the other wildlife you find in abundance, namely, the Midgie. In the absence of any wind, for any session to last more than a couple of casts you will absolutely need a midgie net.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kx_JU0b8Tac/UjzQVexs4MI/AAAAAAAABpM/PARXDPu0boo/s1600/Aug13+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kx_JU0b8Tac/UjzQVexs4MI/AAAAAAAABpM/PARXDPu0boo/s320/Aug13+039.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come back in a couple of years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My first few sessions involved hurling a jighead as far as possible (3.5g, so quite small) and jigging some Isome back at varying depths and speeds. Interest was frequent and I'd take some small Pollock and Coalfish in between the wee blighters nicking my lure.<br />
<br />
The first few sessions were at the higher end of the tide. The Black Rock on the cornere of the sea loch is said to be a good mark, but is only accessible at low tide. For my first visit out there, I'd have to wait.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5AyhV8op34/UjzQZqZWC7I/AAAAAAAABpc/Dz_R7mSNrg8/s1600/Aug13+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5AyhV8op34/UjzQZqZWC7I/AAAAAAAABpc/Dz_R7mSNrg8/s320/Aug13+040.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I doubt this wee one was even 3 inches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One evening was spent fishing my Isome into the clear waters of the harbour front itself. Actually being able to see the fish reacting to your offerings is extremely informative. Whilst hoping for a flattie of some sort, instead I was again amongst small coalies and Pollock. Or so I thought. One evening whilst out with Hutch at Cove harbour, he brought ashore a bay cod no more than six inches, making me realise that one of the comedically small Pollock I thought I'd caught at Portree harbour, was actually my first ever cod!!!!<br />
<br />
Echoing the sentiments of the great species hunter himself, the sheer frequency of small Coalfiish and Pollock that seem to be almost everywhere you try in the sea around the coast can only be a good sign for the future.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7WxJpH6xfQ/UjzRiz-cmUI/AAAAAAAABqM/hfYx9LfIoMo/s1600/Aug13+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7WxJpH6xfQ/UjzRiz-cmUI/AAAAAAAABqM/hfYx9LfIoMo/s320/Aug13+071.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gully to the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back round between the Black Rock and Scorrybreac I variously observed the clarity of the sea under normal conditions right through to the dark colouration after heavy rain when the peat stained spate rivers that are abundant on Skye empty into the sea. On the much more frequent clear water days, the sea bed can be seen to alternate between weed covered rocks and sandy bottoms. Some tantalising gullies dissect the three or four outcrops where fishing is most possible. Pollock and Coalfish up to 8 or 9 inches have been the staple round here.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVO15bARNF8/UjzRgcXVkGI/AAAAAAAABqE/E0NXTjcNGiA/s1600/Aug13+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVO15bARNF8/UjzRgcXVkGI/AAAAAAAABqE/E0NXTjcNGiA/s320/Aug13+072.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gully to the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU3OmEB3y2Q/UyHl-XsYVXI/AAAAAAAABv4/zUnMc6qWTVI/s1600/L+Portree+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU3OmEB3y2Q/UyHl-XsYVXI/AAAAAAAABv4/zUnMc6qWTVI/s1600/L+Portree+002.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Gurnard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, on my second last visit, finally the tide was low in the evening and I was able to scurry over the sea weed covered rocks and onto the Black Rock itself. I quickly discovered that the optimum place for bites was on the sand just outside the fringe of weed that skirts the rocks. Here I hooked my second baby cod, then a wee coalie, before something altogether different chomped my Isome and was brought to the surface. Confused I took a quick pic in the fading light and fired it off to Hutch asking "Whats this?". "A Grey Gurnard" came the reply from the walking fish encyclopedia, "they're usually red" he followed up. I was stoked, a brand new species. Grey, red or fluorescent purple, didn't matter to me.<br />
<br />
In discussion with Hutch, he advised that the amount of missed bites I was reporting might be negated with a drop shot tactic instead of the jighead. The next night I was back with a drop shot set up and a better camera. First fish was a wee Pollock making that four fish, four different species in a row from the Black Rock. Then I tempted another Grey Gurnard, getting a much better snap for posterity. More Coalies and Pollock followed. Whilst the drop shot was hooking more fish, my rod and especially reel were making actual bite detection less successful than it should be. The LRF would make its way to Skye with me the next time.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yua_Wr7_Wn0/UyHl2XoeeHI/AAAAAAAABvw/gekKSc22I18/s1600/L+Portree+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yua_Wr7_Wn0/UyHl2XoeeHI/AAAAAAAABvw/gekKSc22I18/s1600/L+Portree+001.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Cod (or Whiting?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And so it did. I arrived to find relatively high high tides over 5 metres and began covering the sandy bottoms north of the Black Rock (inaccessible). Every tap and take was felt, but with every assault on my hook, I was losing Isome and was quickly going to run out. More Coalies and Pollock to about 8 inches continued to oblige, but I endeavoured to source some prawns instead for the following night.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JaqyeVxgkpg/UjzR14LkH-I/AAAAAAAABqs/_wma4eB8pZk/s1600/Aug13+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JaqyeVxgkpg/UjzR14LkH-I/AAAAAAAABqs/_wma4eB8pZk/s320/Aug13+075.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting (a bit) bigger - Pollock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Encouragingly, but frustratingly, I also witnessed a Salmon leaping clear a bit further out. I know they do show in the sea around Skye awaiting the rivers filling up and it is extremely tantalising to know they are there. But I wouldnt like to hook something that big with that much space to swim around in on the LRF. So the next night I was back with prawns for the LRF and my spinning rod for distance casting with a lure. While a Salmon is still an outside chance, the lure I'd use was the sand eel I'd been advised were good by the gent in Dunvegan's tackle shop, and that the other guy had been catching decent Pollock on at Neist Point.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUWcTlucjRo/UjzR-_FTEqI/AAAAAAAABq8/o9oG4v9U6ls/s1600/Aug13+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUWcTlucjRo/UjzR-_FTEqI/AAAAAAAABq8/o9oG4v9U6ls/s320/Aug13+078.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coalfish/Coalie/Saithe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I began with the prawns and was inundated with interest feeling every tap and take. Every fish landed was a Coalfish and they all measured as good as 12 inches. A distinctly different demographic with these fish giving a great fight on the light tackle. I also chucked the lure out on the other rod, but despite a few follows and half hearted takes by smaller Coalies or Pollock, that elusive larger specimen failed to materialise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-51087447476525569322014-03-13T17:02:00.002+00:002014-03-13T17:02:45.649+00:00Neist Point - August/September 2014<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3HyCwzVrII/UjzQ1VwJxQI/AAAAAAAABp4/ACcHZiCM1xk/s1600/Aug13+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3HyCwzVrII/UjzQ1VwJxQI/AAAAAAAABp4/ACcHZiCM1xk/s320/Aug13+052.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neist Point Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The most westerly point on the Isle of Skye is known to any serious sea angler in Scotland and further afield as a primo location to encounter big fish from the shore. And I've been able to fish there four times since July.<br />
<br />
On the edge of the Duirinish peninsula, Neist Point is separated from the Outer Hebrides by The Minch, a channel of the sea where there is a real chance of spotting amongst other things, Minke Whales, Basking Sharks or the largest UK bird of prey, the White Tailed Eagle. This isn't to mention the seals or seabirds such as Cormorants and Gannets that feed in the abundant waters overlooked by the Stevenson lighthouse.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BlH5l_OMnk/UjzQz0_edYI/AAAAAAAABpw/eAyxeJ_0fAU/s1600/Aug13+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BlH5l_OMnk/UjzQz0_edYI/AAAAAAAABpw/eAyxeJ_0fAU/s320/Aug13+050.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south over Moonen Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Immediately to the south of Neist Point is Moonen Bay which is overlooked by cliffs towering over 1000 feet in height, some of the highest in Europe. It is a stunning location and on a fine day, it's hard to beat. But it's not for the faint hearted. Setting out from Dunvegan around Loch Dunvegan and past Loch Pooltiel and Loch Mor, the drive to reach the parking spot alone is challenging enough. From the 'car park' its then a good 20 minute traipse down a steep cliff path, then up and over another mound of rock (the large wedge in the top picture) along unguarded cliffs before the lighthouse even comes into view. Another steep decline takes you down to the lighthouse and the very western tip of the island where your next choice is then a clamber over basalt rock formations (akin to the Giants Causeway) in any direction. This gets the heart going, then there is the exact opposite on the way back where frequent rests are required on the steep climb back up to the car park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIBiCJ27OvI/UyHgQHekhnI/AAAAAAAABu4/cOn9tzcjXOU/s1600/Neist+Pt+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIBiCJ27OvI/UyHgQHekhnI/AAAAAAAABu4/cOn9tzcjXOU/s1600/Neist+Pt+001.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east to the cliffs at Moonen Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But it's worth it, even for the 20-30 minute sessions I've been able to fit in.<br />
<br />
My first couple of attempts were as much exploratory as anything. My tackle was really too light and my offerings of Isome on a jighead weren't taken seriously by anything swimming in front of me. I did however spook a rockpool full of, I assume, blennies of a decent enough size. These will be targeted again at some point for sure, but on that day my mind was on exploring the sea itself and time was of the essence.<br />
<br />
My next trip out, tooled up with more lures and heavier jigheads was hindered by the clunkiness of my new rod/reel. I'd bought an emergency set-up out of the tackle shop in Dunvegan after snapping my spinning rod, but the reel and pre-loaded line were a bit mis-matched, meaning my casting distance was poor.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lsxi-FtBFY4/UyHha10BEmI/AAAAAAAABvY/Q8vJDEqLTjI/s1600/Neist+Pt+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lsxi-FtBFY4/UyHha10BEmI/AAAAAAAABvY/Q8vJDEqLTjI/s1600/Neist+Pt+005.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollock, returned for being too big!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, another fisherdude appeared with his ladyfriend in tow and promptly began extracting impressive Pollock on a sand eel lure. He landed three that we guessed were from 2-7lb or thereabouts. I wasn't able to reach the extra 10-15 yards he was getting that was getting him interest on every cast. While frustrating, it only whetted my appetite for the next time, when I would be sure to have more adequate kit with me.<br />
<br />
So on the 19th September I returned and conditions were good enough for me to set off on the hike down to where I was sure I'd smash my Pollock record (or anything else I caught for that matter). Whilst I'm relating those times I've managed to fish in relative safety, half the time I visit, the weather conditions would only suit someone with a death wish (literally).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYwjktkN79o/UyHjhNtH5zI/AAAAAAAABvk/CmyCUjrInME/s1600/Neist+Pt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYwjktkN79o/UyHjhNtH5zI/AAAAAAAABvk/CmyCUjrInME/s1600/Neist+Pt+2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19th September, tougher conditions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But on arrival this time it was immediately obvious the previous mark wouldn't be fishable for two reasons. Firstly the tide was a lot lower making the previous hot spot uncoverable, and even if it had been, the wind was blowing straight towards the mark, the entirely opposite direction from my previous visit. So I'd have to explore elsewhere. This might sound straightforward, but in the limited time available, it meant a mixture of jumping over crevices, rock climbing up and over basalt columns and trying not to slip or fall onto the barnacle covered rocks while I tried to find somewhere on the other side of the rock. Neist Point is not a place you want to get injured.<br />
<br />
I found a new spot, but despite fanning around with my casts, I couldn't find any fish and had to just make do with watching the Gannets divebomb for their lunch, admire the views across to Lewis, Harris and the other smaller outer Hebridean islands to the south while a seal bobbed its head up to check me out .<br />
<br />
So as yet, I've drawn a blank in this breath taking location. But it won't be long until I'm in the right place at the right time. Watch this space.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The three pictures below are from my 14th September visit. As I emerged over the brow of some rocks at the southern tip of Neist Point, I noticed a flock of Cormorants sitting on the rock. But they saw me at the same time and bolted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WKBupUHWFU/UyHgjjZ7uII/AAAAAAAABvI/OJ-mAwwlpvo/s1600/Neist+Pt+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WKBupUHWFU/UyHgjjZ7uII/AAAAAAAABvI/OJ-mAwwlpvo/s1600/Neist+Pt+002.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aec2VPI4xWw/UyHgZeoTMDI/AAAAAAAABvA/MxdpC0LyuRA/s1600/Neist+Pt+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aec2VPI4xWw/UyHgZeoTMDI/AAAAAAAABvA/MxdpC0LyuRA/s1600/Neist+Pt+003.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUyYEWNA1eQ/UyHhDH0vSdI/AAAAAAAABvQ/DK7W6z0Xr1g/s1600/Neist+Pt+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUyYEWNA1eQ/UyHhDH0vSdI/AAAAAAAABvQ/DK7W6z0Xr1g/s1600/Neist+Pt+004.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-22713768872414556092014-03-13T16:33:00.001+00:002014-03-13T16:33:21.996+00:00Loch Ness & Caledonian Canal<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bF_aSdcNp7k/UjzPud748cI/AAAAAAAABpA/tmEc3Pe0t6s/s1600/Aug13+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bF_aSdcNp7k/UjzPud748cI/AAAAAAAABpA/tmEc3Pe0t6s/s320/Aug13+024.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caledonian Canal looking north to Loch Ness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having many opportunities to sneak in 20-30 minute sessions around Fort Augustus this year has had me in hot pursuit of my very own Loch Ness monster.<br />
<br />
Alas I have absolutely no fish to report despite it looking likely at all times. I've viewed a couple of eels and plenty of minnows in the canal as well as one very small jack pike, but nothing in the canal or loch has bothered to give me a look in.<br />
<br />
Fishing where the River Oich flows into Loch Ness one day during a strong flow something did flash at my lure quite far out and I also had a follow close in. The first was maybe a trout or maybe a Salmon, the fish being about 3-4lb, but hard to be sure and the second was probably a trout of about a pound.<br />
<br />
The tactic has been a large rapala with wire trace hurled as far as possible and retrieved at top speed. This approach worked really well on Loch Chon and is my go to tactic where there are Pike about. Earlier attempts in the canal with a jigged Lake Fork Shad also failed to yield.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-35183715924479178812013-06-27T02:43:00.002+01:002013-09-21T12:38:52.122+01:0025/06/2013 - Dunbar Harbour & Loch Chon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8_BMH6fNK8/UcuKqZuNIAI/AAAAAAAABio/14KXTS0rbWw/s1600/Rabbies+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8_BMH6fNK8/UcuKqZuNIAI/AAAAAAAABio/14KXTS0rbWw/s320/Rabbies+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ideal conditions on Loch Chon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My new job basically involves travelling all over the best parts of Scotland and the north of England. This has had me rubbernecking some incredibly mouth watering venues across the whole range of coast, lochs and rivers.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fm2AcncLmII/UcuKslJr6VI/AAAAAAAABiw/Kd1qse3nJ7c/s1600/Rabbies+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fm2AcncLmII/UcuKslJr6VI/AAAAAAAABiw/Kd1qse3nJ7c/s320/Rabbies+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First of many</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With a couple of days off work, my fishing acquaintance Hutch was keen to get something arranged with him and another of his fishing buddies. He asked me to pick somewhere from the various spots I've been reporting back on. His preference was for Perch & Pike. My shortlist included 7 lochs, 1 lochan, 2 sea lochs and 2 rivers. These were all places I hadn't fished before and the list could easily have been doubled.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYnKCP3Dzy8/UcuKygre-AI/AAAAAAAABi4/YWQFpCAOQ_8/s1600/Rabbies+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYnKCP3Dzy8/UcuKygre-AI/AAAAAAAABi4/YWQFpCAOQ_8/s320/Rabbies+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highland Perch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The day before our trip my job took me through the heart of the Trossachs to Inversnaid and I settled on Loch Chon. As there were 3 of us, we'd need enough room to be able to keep out of each others way. It looked as good as perfect for all our criteria and on the day, even the weather forecast turned out to be ideal.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzJuLxBoK9o/UcuK4HvN0aI/AAAAAAAABjA/aO9pHc9E5WA/s1600/Rabbies+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzJuLxBoK9o/UcuK4HvN0aI/AAAAAAAABjA/aO9pHc9E5WA/s320/Rabbies+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauled on the way in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As Mark wasn't available until about lunchtime, like any good fishing addicts, myself and The Hutch decided to have a dabble around Dunbar Harbour in the morning. Low tide was 10.41 and it was very low at just 40cm. This meant there was hardly any water in the harbour, but it didn't stop Hutch locating some wee flatties, although he couldnt ultimately connect. We both also invoked interest from some sand gobies, but our tackle was probably a bit oversized for their wee mouths.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2D7mF_AG9E/UcuK9sO-6oI/AAAAAAAABjI/r-1Z7l5mPDQ/s1600/Rabbies+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2D7mF_AG9E/UcuK9sO-6oI/AAAAAAAABjI/r-1Z7l5mPDQ/s320/Rabbies+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New PB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We moved out onto the rocks and soon H was into some Long Spined Sea Scorpions picking up about half a dozen. After a while, I managed to get one too (but no photo). We passed a class of primary school children with their teachers on the way back in and learned one or two things about crabs as we returned (crabs, just like humans, are either left or right handed too!!!). Never too old to learn.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRtvOjEN8Aw/UcuK-VxBhTI/AAAAAAAABjQ/n6Jq8juKI9k/s1600/Rabbies+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRtvOjEN8Aw/UcuK-VxBhTI/AAAAAAAABjQ/n6Jq8juKI9k/s320/Rabbies+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greedy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then it was into the car, picking up Mark and off to the Trossachs. A quick stop at the David Stirling memorial near Stirling before a food and permit stop in Callander (Mhor Bread, a baker in Callander is as good a bakers as I've found in Scotland by the way) and we were on our way past Lochs Venachar and Achray before crossing the Dukes Pass with a view of the brilliantly named Loch Drunkie. Soon we were down to Aberfoyle before turning right towards the heart of the Trossachs up the road to Inversnaid.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dq8aly5FpQ/UcuLJZUbbeI/AAAAAAAABjY/U-HSkK4xYeQ/s1600/Rabbies+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dq8aly5FpQ/UcuLJZUbbeI/AAAAAAAABjY/U-HSkK4xYeQ/s320/Rabbies+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic scar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My general expectation at highland lochs is for long periods of inactivity interspersed with shorter periods of inactivity. When you don't know these often vast waters, locating the fish is the main problem. We arrived, set up and hit the water around 1515. Hutch was annoyed as he realised he'd forgotten his landing net, but I was even more annoyed as I'd forgotten my midgie net.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vD-mrCM0BPU/UcuLK1u2nmI/AAAAAAAABjo/OuczXvXDW2o/s1600/Rabbies+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vD-mrCM0BPU/UcuLK1u2nmI/AAAAAAAABjo/OuczXvXDW2o/s320/Rabbies+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The engine room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The other two began to head off along the loch whilst I decided to fish into the nearest corner before catching up with them. Initial expectations were being adequately fulfilled after 20 mins or so when I felt my first small bite of the day. Next cast however I caught some weed and suspected I'd probably misidentified the initial bite. Next cast however I was into a fish and it turned out to be a wee Perch. Blank busted already. Too good.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SXNeozHrgI/UcuLKLyjaEI/AAAAAAAABjg/HjOQ9B_hVzs/s1600/Rabbies+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SXNeozHrgI/UcuLKLyjaEI/AAAAAAAABjg/HjOQ9B_hVzs/s320/Rabbies+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulking after release</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I cast again and bang, another Perch. Outstanding, now things were looking up. Next cast another Perch, then half way in it got taken by a biggish Pike. I had the pleasure of scrapping with the Pike a bit before it released the poor wee Perch. Whilst Percy had been injured in the assault, it seemed OK when returned. Another cast, another Perch. Followed by another on the next cast, but a big swirl and fin show before boom, another big pike tried to nick the Perch again. Once more he didn't release for a few moments before I was able to land and release another injured Perch. Incredible scenes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es8FBRhWnZ0/UcuLQaR43vI/AAAAAAAABjw/3gY51kSM4-I/s1600/Rabbies+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es8FBRhWnZ0/UcuLQaR43vI/AAAAAAAABjw/3gY51kSM4-I/s320/Rabbies+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the black dot at the end of the dorsal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I covered the same spot again and this time a Pike was on. Now the reel began to scream a bit and I had visions of this fish being snaffled by something outrageous as well. With no net, nobody to help, and no idea how to lift a big Pike out the water I knew I was in for a contest. But it was played out and brought ashore without tooo much trouble and I knew I'd just beaten my PB (formerly 21.5 inches). The measuring tape said 28.5 inches, I didn't have scales. He/She was returned and for a good while it just sat sulking in front of me before making its way back to the depths. I'm pretty sure this fish was one of the two that had attacked my Perch, I'm also quite sure the two attacks were two separate Pike.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_tE4JZNaUU/UcuLVMnXB4I/AAAAAAAABkA/t7NO9nkwED4/s1600/Rabbies+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_tE4JZNaUU/UcuLVMnXB4I/AAAAAAAABkA/t7NO9nkwED4/s320/Rabbies+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken close in, smallest pike of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At this point I texted the other two who were long since out of sight to say 'get up here, its a fish a cast, (sometimes two fish a cast)', but noticed we were out of signal range. They didn't get this text until we'd packed up and were in the car on the way home again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uo9vW73-8R8/UcuLgZHcttI/AAAAAAAABkQ/kg0GMT4ZqUc/s1600/Rabbies+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uo9vW73-8R8/UcuLgZHcttI/AAAAAAAABkQ/kg0GMT4ZqUc/s320/Rabbies+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Pike frenzy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I continued to raid this hot spot taking around 15 Perch in all although the Pike seemed to have learned not to be so greedy. I also quickly scaled up my lure to a larger lure and hook due to the bigger Pike showing an interest. But there was no further Pike interest and no Perch either, so I resumed the initial tactics and success, although not as rapid as before, did continue for a while. After interest eventually cooled off I decided to continue exploring along the shore looking for more fish.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lRxr4_nR3g/UcuLdvI0GWI/AAAAAAAABkI/t1kGh0bHPdI/s1600/Rabbies+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lRxr4_nR3g/UcuLdvI0GWI/AAAAAAAABkI/t1kGh0bHPdI/s320/Rabbies+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue sky is not photoshopped</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Where a small burn runs in, I found some more small Perch, but no sign of any Pike. I moved to the opposite bank. My tactics was cast out 3-4 times and if no bites arrived, I'd move on a bit. I soon found another hotspot and was again getting two or three taps per cast and a fish every other cast. And I found some more Pike too. Whislt all the Perch still refused to hit even the 8 inch barrier, I connected with a decent Pike of around 20 inches ( I must have measured it, but just can't remember what it was due to all the action).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIcbFOkSA40/UcuLRDBEELI/AAAAAAAABj4/754F3mxk4xc/s1600/Rabbies+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIcbFOkSA40/UcuLRDBEELI/AAAAAAAABj4/754F3mxk4xc/s320/Rabbies+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat calm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also coaxed a wee jack of about 11-12 inches to attack very close in before a long range cast produced an instant take and I was into another decent Pike. All it revealed for a good 5 mins was one golden flash just after it took, then it stayed down for a long time before I got a look at it. It had picked up some weed on the way in and stripped line off my screaming reel a few times, putting up the fight of the day. Without heavy tackle I had my drag set perfectly so the fish was able to take line and scream my reel (great sound) whenever it wanted. I combined this with a simple tactic of trying to guide the fish rather than fight or boss it before it eventually tired and I hauled it ashore (still netless and knowledgeless). This one measured 24 inches, but was tubbier than the 28.5incher and probably about the same weight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfrAEeAITGc/UcuLvkH4b3I/AAAAAAAABkw/AKAlxIzlkyc/s1600/Rabbies+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfrAEeAITGc/UcuLvkH4b3I/AAAAAAAABkw/AKAlxIzlkyc/s320/Rabbies+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fight of the day off this plumper model</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eventually Hutch & Mark re-appeared on the far bank and we hollered garbled questions and answers at each other. When I shouted 'How many have you caught' Hutch replied 'Lost count', or so I thought. This was quality as it meant the whole venue was on fire. I saw them work their way back up to where we were parked and despite still getting Perch galore, decided to go back round and exchange marvellous tales. But not before another decent Pike took my lure. This time I wasn;t to be so lucky and after a couple of minutes of screaming reels again, it dislodged the hook and made good its escape. I didn't see it at all, but it was in the same range, no bigger, than those I'd already caught.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CA7et7U1vH0/UcuLxnMpcVI/AAAAAAAABk4/3BIgpmFW7cQ/s1600/Rabbies+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CA7et7U1vH0/UcuLxnMpcVI/AAAAAAAABk4/3BIgpmFW7cQ/s320/Rabbies+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get in there!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When I reached the other two, Mark was just about at my initial hotspot and Hutch was just arriving. 'Any joy' he enquired. 'About 35' I replied, to which his reaction revealed they'd had a much tougher time of it. Apparently what I'd heard from the other side of the loch as 'lost count' was actually only 'one pike'. In no time I'd updated them with my exploits, given them the same size hooks I had been using and told them the magic lures. Mark, was soon into a Perch and would you believe, it was bigger than any of my 30 or so so far. He managed to get a second a little bit later that was also bigger than any of my perch. I took them back round the loch to my other two hotspots and once Hutch located the Perch, he began to pull them out good style.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3VIej6v41E/UcuL_t_oNzI/AAAAAAAABlQ/MZKhXD6YE7Y/s1600/Rabbies+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3VIej6v41E/UcuL_t_oNzI/AAAAAAAABlQ/MZKhXD6YE7Y/s320/Rabbies+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shows what wee Perch can recover from</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By this time the midgies were reaching critical levels and we began to return to the car again casting here and there as we went and picking up the odd Perch. Then, near the original hot spot I connected with another decent Pike and the reel was wailing again. At least this time I had some help and after a short but respectable scrap, my fish tired and Hutch lifted it from the loch for me. We'd been aware for a while the whole lure was outside it's mouth and it was only lightly hooked right inside the lip.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8uV9rA8utU/UcuL76k0MXI/AAAAAAAABlI/wWhKazxfNv4/s1600/Rabbies+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8uV9rA8utU/UcuL76k0MXI/AAAAAAAABlI/wWhKazxfNv4/s320/Rabbies+032.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perch number 30ish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This one measured 26". Before I measured it, I suspected it was the same fish as my first as it had a similar scar on its back, but it was indeed my 5th Pike of the day. A few more casts on the way to the car failed to increase my tally of 40 Perch and 5 Pike.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTp4NIMyplY/UcuMPxb4YZI/AAAAAAAABl4/p_wDoITRA7w/s1600/Rabbies+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTp4NIMyplY/UcuMPxb4YZI/AAAAAAAABl4/p_wDoITRA7w/s320/Rabbies+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cherry on top of an outstanding day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A stunning day for me where I was fortunate enough to head off in one direction with no real thought or planning and find 3 hotspots that kept chucking fish at me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qp20bu8C4II/UcuMOO9Qy6I/AAAAAAAABlw/EJ7EkhGlVQk/s1600/Rabbies+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qp20bu8C4II/UcuMOO9Qy6I/AAAAAAAABlw/EJ7EkhGlVQk/s320/Rabbies+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooked right on the lip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I can safely say I'll be back soon, with midgie net, and we now know exactly where to head!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEAl1ehBlOQ/Uct-NpwDTrI/AAAAAAAABck/dNOeu6ELwd8/s1600/PikeChon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEAl1ehBlOQ/Uct-NpwDTrI/AAAAAAAABck/dNOeu6ELwd8/s320/PikeChon.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the chinning practice begin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9NJuoM8vwU/UcuMMhuHMTI/AAAAAAAABlo/5PHJphhDhOo/s1600/Rabbies+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9NJuoM8vwU/UcuMMhuHMTI/AAAAAAAABlo/5PHJphhDhOo/s320/Rabbies+036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-40240569078463878852013-06-27T01:41:00.000+01:002013-06-27T01:41:21.345+01:00May-June 2013 Update - Various Locations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lNqn22BaWk/Uct_qOBBVFI/AAAAAAAABfQ/r2pPk6ZQKE0/s1600/Rabbies+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lNqn22BaWk/Uct_qOBBVFI/AAAAAAAABfQ/r2pPk6ZQKE0/s320/Rabbies+082.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reef at Torness at low tide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lack of blogs has coincided with a new job but that doesn't mean I've not been wetting a line whenever I've had the chance. Rather than update loads of trips individually through a hazy memory into individual blogs, I'm going to roll them all into this one blog and provide details where I can recall them. Here goes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>St Abbs Harbour - 18/05</b></u><br />
<br />
After some success with Pollock I was keen to return to the Harbour, but the weather wasn't playing ball.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYNPscun2Bg/Uct-ZoFmMVI/AAAAAAAABcw/YOFy2KV6_O8/s1600/Rabbies+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYNPscun2Bg/Uct-ZoFmMVI/AAAAAAAABcw/YOFy2KV6_O8/s320/Rabbies+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driech personified</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was raining when I arrived, requiring me to take shelter in some old outbuilding whose door opened when I was trying to keep dry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPEmlXxtOoA/Uct-1rx2uUI/AAAAAAAABdo/jEFrcXN6-aA/s1600/Rabbies+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPEmlXxtOoA/Uct-1rx2uUI/AAAAAAAABdo/jEFrcXN6-aA/s320/Rabbies+020.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Once the rain stopped, the wind made things difficult. An explore all round the harbour bore nothing and I cut the session short.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZFdM6vTs9g/Uct-mIC8lnI/AAAAAAAABdA/LrGdshFEgIY/s1600/Rabbies+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZFdM6vTs9g/Uct-mIC8lnI/AAAAAAAABdA/LrGdshFEgIY/s320/Rabbies+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But not before discovering a seemingly abandoned gulls nest.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Loch Lubnaig/Falkirk Wheel - 23/05</u></b><br />
<br />
Keen to give Lubnaig a shot I headed up for an evening session.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97Z2yh0ArhI/Uct-6FDTQkI/AAAAAAAABdw/f98Ld8OQyDI/s1600/Rabbies+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97Z2yh0ArhI/Uct-6FDTQkI/AAAAAAAABdw/f98Ld8OQyDI/s320/Rabbies+045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There are two permits for opposing banks and I opted for the western side which is looked after by the Forestry Commission. Knowing there are Perch as well as brownies and Char I decided on the spinning rod which was just as well as the wind was a little too stiff for casting flies.<br />
<br />
I covered a fair amount from the southern tip upwards but didn't find a thing. In the face of the incessant wind I decided to cut my losses and head off home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfjMUQUTLVk/Uct-7gnggyI/AAAAAAAABd4/FgWF8E2lmbs/s1600/Rabbies+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfjMUQUTLVk/Uct-7gnggyI/AAAAAAAABd4/FgWF8E2lmbs/s320/Rabbies+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Falkirk Wheel - we're not all trams and parliament shambles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not content with one blank in the evening, on the way back I decided to have a quick thrash in the basin at the Falkirk wheel. Nowt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Union Canal - 24/05</u></b><br />
<br />
Heading out with all my kit but not quite knowing where I'd end up, I finally alighted at the Union Canal just to the west of Edinburgh at a spot known as Wilkies Basin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o98ZYqNdXWM/Uct_KlRa82I/AAAAAAAABeI/6ByzXu8gaec/s1600/Rabbies+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o98ZYqNdXWM/Uct_KlRa82I/AAAAAAAABeI/6ByzXu8gaec/s320/Rabbies+052.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice day for it, but no fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've heard of Pike being taken in here and had an offer once from a wee jack, but otherwise it's really living up to the tag 'looks better than it fishes'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pUFPE4aRpY/Uct_O3OVn1I/AAAAAAAABeY/8YwiRzM2MjE/s1600/Rabbies+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pUFPE4aRpY/Uct_O3OVn1I/AAAAAAAABeY/8YwiRzM2MjE/s320/Rabbies+053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As usual I fished the entire stretch but couldn't find a fish. But I'm sure it'll get another visit at some point.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>St Abbs Harbour - 30/05</u></b><br />
<br />
In much better conditions I gave St Abbs harbour another go.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVit0r4u2wk/Uct_msLxRtI/AAAAAAAABfI/Pe15qe4dnWU/s1600/Rabbies+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVit0r4u2wk/Uct_msLxRtI/AAAAAAAABfI/Pe15qe4dnWU/s320/Rabbies+081.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit more like it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Coalies are as good as bankers here with a chance of all sorts of other fish like Pollock, flatties, Wrasse and many more no doubt.<br />
<br />
I was in straight away at the harbour entrance and quickly hauled three small Coalfish up next to me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I47keEogQoU/Uct_iGfUa4I/AAAAAAAABfA/sZp9iMmKJcU/s1600/Rabbies+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I47keEogQoU/Uct_iGfUa4I/AAAAAAAABfA/sZp9iMmKJcU/s320/Rabbies+079.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample Pollock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The action tailed off though as the returned fish passed on the message there was a predator about so I began to explore around the outside walls of the harbour. This involves standing even higher and more precariously around the outer wall. I soon found another couple of willing coalies as I progressed around before trying the harbour mouth again from the opposite wall but still no more luck there. On the way back I hooked another wee coalie at the same spot as before making it 6 small Coalfis for the evening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Dunbar Harbour - 11/06</u></b><br />
<br />
There is a corner in Dunbar that I've been reliably informed held flatfish from 2 or 4 different species.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTDDyEkCtWY/Uct_4P3yxBI/AAAAAAAABfo/h1n4xYwPfvs/s1600/Rabbies+110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTDDyEkCtWY/Uct_4P3yxBI/AAAAAAAABfo/h1n4xYwPfvs/s320/Rabbies+110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ever flattie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I arrived at Dunbar intent on breaking my duck with these weirdly formed fish and found conditions to be excellent. I could see all the way to the bottom on a rising tide and began twitching some Isome along the bottom.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNNqK2Sv2eY/Uct_7YFL75I/AAAAAAAABfw/C3LdXcK1foc/s1600/Rabbies+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNNqK2Sv2eY/Uct_7YFL75I/AAAAAAAABfw/C3LdXcK1foc/s320/Rabbies+111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second ever flattie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon I felt a little tremble and was into a fish which turned out to be a Flounder. I followed this up 10 minutes later with another and growing in confidence I almost immediately felt another bite. Expecting another flattie I was amused to find I'd connected with an aggressive wee Long Spined Sea Scorpion with two tone markings. He went back to patrol the deep and quite soon I lifted out my third Flounder.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnM2dR_mDqM/Uct_2HbI6SI/AAAAAAAABfg/wUY4SZPJLqk/s1600/Rabbies+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnM2dR_mDqM/Uct_2HbI6SI/AAAAAAAABfg/wUY4SZPJLqk/s320/Rabbies+112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peculiar fellies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were to be no more though so I decided to explore around the other side of Dunbar Castle to see what if anything it offered. I drove round to West Barns and started following the Biel burn for the mile or so until it joins the sea.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cimfZo6qRSc/UcuAEeBldII/AAAAAAAABgA/pZly76Gt3HI/s1600/Rabbies+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cimfZo6qRSc/UcuAEeBldII/AAAAAAAABgA/pZly76Gt3HI/s320/Rabbies+113.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Likes his Ska</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were scores of small trout about, but nothing to get overly excited about.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKmezWCGouo/UcuAOLIhstI/AAAAAAAABgg/ghKlmRoQFXw/s1600/Rabbies+116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKmezWCGouo/UcuAOLIhstI/AAAAAAAABgg/ghKlmRoQFXw/s320/Rabbies+116.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flounder number 3, come in, your time is up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unless you're a Heron. I followed the stream all the way down to the sea and suspect it will be good for flatties or finnock in the right conditions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvl32TSsW18/UcuATJ1IxTI/AAAAAAAABg0/-u4tp4kT_VI/s1600/Rabbies+119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvl32TSsW18/UcuATJ1IxTI/AAAAAAAABg0/-u4tp4kT_VI/s320/Rabbies+119.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish munching machine at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Torness/Dunbar Harbour - 17/06</u></b><br />
<br />
Spoiling for some Blenny action I went down to the outlfow at Torness and found I had the place to myself at low tide. I explored the whole reef but only located the odd fish in a couple of pools and couldn't get any to take my Isome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GG95pDlxd5M/UcuAmSNxYyI/AAAAAAAABhQ/6XFylfSypoE/s1600/Rabbies+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GG95pDlxd5M/UcuAmSNxYyI/AAAAAAAABhQ/6XFylfSypoE/s320/Rabbies+126.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quickest Blenny in the pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the time I reached the breakwater another guy with standard Bass gear had appeared. As I lobbed my Isome down the hole next to the rock he was on, some Blenny action finally began. About 3 or 4 very decent Blennies came charging out with about double that number of small ones all looking to take my bait. Thinking a biggie had it, I struck and pulled out a little booger. Releasing him into another pool, I was back in the same spot.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_iRVis_zZ4/UcuAfJAgq_I/AAAAAAAABhA/uFoIo8VxP-4/s1600/Rabbies+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_iRVis_zZ4/UcuAfJAgq_I/AAAAAAAABhA/uFoIo8VxP-4/s320/Rabbies+127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PB, 6 inch Blenny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again there was plenty of action. This time I managed to hook one of the bigger ones, probably not the biggest, but a full 6 inches long. Definitely a new PB. After a few near misses, the bigger specimens seemed to have grown a bit more suspicious and showed themselves a lot less.<br />
<br />
The wee ones were beasting my Isome, although in time they too became more suspicious and I had to be more patient. I rebaited with a new piece of Isome and chucked the old shredded piece into the same hole, watching as it slowly sank. An inch or two off the bottom it provoked a renewed frenzy and a little bulb went on in my head.<br />
<br />
With the weight of the jighead, my bait was plummeting to the bottom and taking them a wee while to work themselves up to the take. So I lowered my hook into the water as if it was slowly sinking and it was met just off the bottom by a frenzied Blenny mob. I ended with 6 Blennies before it was time to head up the road to Dunbar where I was meeting a few mates later after their work for a session in the harbour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdxUbI7Mg3Y/UcuAlTF_EfI/AAAAAAAABhI/lxRwo_lS_I0/s1600/Rabbies+128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdxUbI7Mg3Y/UcuAlTF_EfI/AAAAAAAABhI/lxRwo_lS_I0/s320/Rabbies+128.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus Flounder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Arriving first I was able to pull another flounder out of 'flattie corner' and also lose a flatfish that was about the size of a limpet. Then a choir turned up and began singing Moon River. Can't say that happens too often whilst fishing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOUJxEt9n-U/UcuAsbSq8MI/AAAAAAAABhg/5vo9KuIhIlQ/s1600/Rabbies+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOUJxEt9n-U/UcuAsbSq8MI/AAAAAAAABhg/5vo9KuIhIlQ/s320/Rabbies+130.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jolly entertaining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then went to the rocks outside the harbour mouth to see what was about. Immediately I hooked into something half decent and was delighted to find a Coalfish measuring 14 inches. Another of the same size quickly followed, then another smaller one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21xjorw0ZAE/UcuA3ivgf7I/AAAAAAAABh0/7oXwT8wMqEQ/s1600/Rabbies+133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21xjorw0ZAE/UcuA3ivgf7I/AAAAAAAABh0/7oXwT8wMqEQ/s320/Rabbies+133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example Pollock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the initial success, the big ones seemed to move away, but I still managed to catch and release 7 in total. One last hopeful attempt was made on flattie corner without success as I happily toddled back to the car and headed home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGeOCG_DRVk/UcuA8yuTB3I/AAAAAAAABiE/oTvvQHSzKSE/s1600/Rabbies+135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGeOCG_DRVk/UcuA8yuTB3I/AAAAAAAABiE/oTvvQHSzKSE/s320/Rabbies+135.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock in the sea with birds on it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6 Blennies, 1 Flounder and 7 Coalies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Eliburn 26/06</u></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3r3YfCE--I8/Uct-WBPf-GI/AAAAAAAABcs/h7HKmUOYzIk/s1600/EliJun13+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3r3YfCE--I8/Uct-WBPf-GI/AAAAAAAABcs/h7HKmUOYzIk/s320/EliJun13+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Rudd for a while</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My first visit to Eliburn for about 3 months came about after H requested an evening session to use up some leftover maggots. Notoriously difficult to raise in the AM, this suited me fine. We arrived to find nobody else fishing and quickly set up at my favourite peg.<br />
<br />
In no time we were under assault from the Perca Perca. On occasion the Perch Army would let a maggot slip through their cordon and we'd snaffle another species. I caught a couple of Roach, an Ide and a bonus Rudd, first one for a couple of years, with the rest of my 15 or so fish being Perch. Hutch motored off into the distance with over 50 fish, around 40 of whom were the stripy anger merchants.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spf8m3MJTT4/Uct-cP4-ZoI/AAAAAAAABc4/xIurFt1YZWo/s1600/EliJun13+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spf8m3MJTT4/Uct-cP4-ZoI/AAAAAAAABc4/xIurFt1YZWo/s320/EliJun13+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducklings providing some fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An excellent wee session, but once again, as Hutch mentions in his blog of the day, we were left scratching our heads at the blank experienced by 3 boys on the opposite bank. To reiterate, we were under assault by the Perch. I fail to see how it would be possible to blank in there in those conditions short of using a ships anchor as a hook. And even then...Genuinely perplexing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-70362590113992022842013-05-10T12:56:00.000+01:002013-05-10T13:19:02.742+01:0004/05/2013 & 07/05/2013 - Loch Freuchie & River Braan<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGkde-l2O2w/UYzPS23AGqI/AAAAAAAABZw/XtDz0oWF8Ew/s1600/Freuchie+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGkde-l2O2w/UYzPS23AGqI/AAAAAAAABZw/XtDz0oWF8Ew/s320/Freuchie+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridges at inflow to Loch Freuchie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few of my favourite fishing spots (and views) are dotted around Perthshire. Last week I was based just outside Perth for 6 days which, in the evenings, allowed me to cover many of these places, plus a little bit of exploring new locations.<br />
<br />
At the head of the River Braan lies Loch Freuchie. I've managed to entice the odd small pike, perch and brownie from this river, but decided to head up the valley to check out Loch Freuchie itself, reputed to be a relatively shallow loch with some small jack pike.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvWKbMBvBcY/UYzPXRcQgzI/AAAAAAAABZ8/8KzyBWxVA2k/s1600/Freuchie+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvWKbMBvBcY/UYzPXRcQgzI/AAAAAAAABZ8/8KzyBWxVA2k/s320/Freuchie+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north on approach to Loch Freuchie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The road and passing places have been upgraded to facilitate their use by the construction traffic which is going about the business of building the somewhat controversial new Beauly mega-power line. As I was there outside of working hours and there was almost no construction related traffic about, it opened up the possibility of more places to park the motor and access water.<br />
<br />
I began at the head of the loch, exploring especially around where the river enters. Despite the drizzle, the water looked very fishy, certainly if I was a half decent pike I'd probably choose this area to sit. However, despite spinning and jigging around all likely looking lies, I couldn't connect with anything in the at-capacity water.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CH78djNjSRc/UYzPfrf9IuI/AAAAAAAABaU/Ix-7UvPvQBQ/s1600/Freuchie+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CH78djNjSRc/UYzPfrf9IuI/AAAAAAAABaU/Ix-7UvPvQBQ/s320/Freuchie+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the loch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was still the odd spot of snow clinging to the shadowed gullies high up the surrounding hills, a sign that as this spring and summer stubbornly refuse to kick off, this season hasn't quite spluttered into life yet.<br />
<br />
I moved around the loch to a big bay where a small stream enters. The sort of spot that fishing guides tell you to target. There was a slight ripple on the water which would allow me to see any rises. I chucked my mepp about in the hope of finding some pike action. Almost immediately my eye was drawn to a large trout porpoising in the water. It was an unusual rise, trout usually sipping, rolling or clearing the water altogether, it is unusual in my experience to see wild fish show their dorsal in such a way. I threw the mepp out into its projected path and waited on the thunk of the take as I retrieved, but no thunk came. There was no other visual action, but my curiosity had been well and truly captured.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ew4_ZUc1i6A/UYzPtPKAipI/AAAAAAAABa8/je9BJFR5dss/s1600/Freuchie+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ew4_ZUc1i6A/UYzPtPKAipI/AAAAAAAABa8/je9BJFR5dss/s320/Freuchie+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Braan, some snow still visible on the hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With a stiff crosswind, I was only able to cast a fly in one direction covering the little bay to my left. But this change of method was as successful - not at all - as my lure attempts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nV9KolDMZrs/UYzPqho46JI/AAAAAAAABa0/JcZUHiPmNm0/s1600/Freuchie+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nV9KolDMZrs/UYzPqho46JI/AAAAAAAABa0/JcZUHiPmNm0/s320/Freuchie+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Braan, not quite the only person for miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite the lack of fish connection, there was plenty going on around me keeping me occupied. There was a gaggle of Canada Geese sharing the field with sheep and lamb's. As well as gulls crows and pigeons, I also spotted pheasants aplenty, chaffinches, black grouse, red grouse, pied wagtails, lapwings and meadow pipits. The latter were a completely new notch on my twitching bedpost so to speak. Whilst the lapwings reminded me of when I was younger and these birds were very prevalent flocking around farmland along the Pentlands and surrounding areas. They're a bird with many unique characteristics from their unusual wing shape (almost bird of prey like) to their flappy and erratic flying style to their call which can sound like someone tuning in their radio at high volume, or maybe an 80's computer game sound effects.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSY2fm25pLA/UYzP0zKFG9I/AAAAAAAABbE/pICua1N3hAg/s1600/Freuchie+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSY2fm25pLA/UYzP0zKFG9I/AAAAAAAABbE/pICua1N3hAg/s320/Freuchie+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whopper, beauty, peach,, beast, stotter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bearing all this in mind, I was saddened, in such a wild and wonderful location to stumble across some discarded tackle left behind by some neanderthals (as well as the obligatory used tin foil bbq). There was a completely unravelled spool of bait elastic and a pile of line nesting around sea fishing rig with rubber squids and oversized sea hooks and a large jighead hook as well. The biggest surprise was that no bird had yet entangled itself and come to grief. It really boggles my mind how or why some people can be so irresponsible, especially in such a location. Do us a favour and just stay at home you fandangles.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLe1kDeYGss/UYzP0i_n5II/AAAAAAAABbI/ykqu_7rzqyg/s1600/Freuchie+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLe1kDeYGss/UYzP0i_n5II/AAAAAAAABbI/ykqu_7rzqyg/s320/Freuchie+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'only' 16 inch and a pound and a half</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With all available water covered in the windy conditions, I called it a night knowing I'd be able to pop back very soon.<br />
<br />
Three evenings later I was back. In effect, this was the first day of summer, the first day that temperatures across the country had broken through 15 degrees. Although conditions looked much better from the shelter of the car, once out I realised it was a lot windier than the previous visit which effectively put paid to my hopes of casting a fly on the water. So with a wire trace and big rubber lure around a jighead hook I set about trying to locate some of the resident pike. The results were as before and it was soon time to explore elsewhere. Being very tempted to stop at a couple of locations further down the loch, I continued on hoping for some convenient access to the Braan to appear. On a bend in the road, the flash of the suns reflection on water, close enough to the road, alerted me that the river was quite close by. I parked up and set off through the fields. However, the 'river' I had seen turned out to be a duck pond, the actual river being the same distance away again through more fields, over bluffs, around and through bogs and amongst some not too pleased to see me sheep.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs9hzWMghuU/UYzPjsfdLHI/AAAAAAAABak/aaFliGSjW_E/s1600/Freuchie+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs9hzWMghuU/UYzPjsfdLHI/AAAAAAAABak/aaFliGSjW_E/s320/Freuchie+009.jpg" width="320" /></a>Eventually I reached the river only to find access difficult. As the landscape here is so flat, any spates spill onto the surrounding land quite easily, making the riverbank very marshy and treacherous to access. Being alone in such a location with no phone signal for a few miles means a fair bit of caution is required. Using the large tufts to avoid the bog, I managed to reach the river and have a cast about in what looked almost like a pond. But I was surprised at the pull of the current as I drew my spinner across. With no luck I retreated and moved downstream in pursuit of another accessible spot.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zsp4ir4q5jU/UYzPlDJBBbI/AAAAAAAABas/BJwIIGEb5ZI/s1600/Freuchie+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zsp4ir4q5jU/UYzPlDJBBbI/AAAAAAAABas/BJwIIGEb5ZI/s320/Freuchie+010.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I know that there are some smaller pike much further downstream and this was all I was really thinking about being not too far from Loch Freuchie itself. A few casts into my new location I felt a couple of bumps on my mepp, then the take of something fairly hefty. I was quite sure it was a pb pike (current pb is pretty small) and bossed it a bit to get it up in the water for a look (losing a decent fish before you've even seen it is one of the most frustrating things that can happen) and was surprised and delighted to find I was actually hooked up to a big troot. I played it for a bit before managing to get it across and hauling it onto the bank. At 16 inches in length and a pound and a half exactly, I was absolutely delighted. The Brown Trout hardly gets any better than this (ask me if I stick to this appraisal after I land a Ferox).<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWJZjUoXjUY/UYzP6Fu2s7I/AAAAAAAABbY/8fknOdP-Yfg/s1600/Freuchie+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWJZjUoXjUY/UYzP6Fu2s7I/AAAAAAAABbY/8fknOdP-Yfg/s320/Freuchie+016.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Also, the trout that I'd seen do the 'Loch Ness monster impression' in Loch Freuchie the previous visit, was appreciably bigger than this one!!!! Not double figures, but certainly noticeably bigger.<br />
<br />
Either side of the fish, the sun was setting at the head of the valley providing an ever changing and completely stunning range of colours from the nuclear furnace at the middle of our solar system. As usual the camera struggled to adequately capture this, but I've included them anyway. And with the setting of the sun, and me standing in a bog in the middle of nowhere in a location I'd never been before, I decided it best to head back to the car whilst I still knew where it was. So I bid farewell to yet another part of Perthshire that ranks right at the top of my favourite fishing locations.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3FHwpgEuWY/UYzP7VtarvI/AAAAAAAABbk/0dDREUwSrtM/s1600/Freuchie+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3FHwpgEuWY/UYzP7VtarvI/AAAAAAAABbk/0dDREUwSrtM/s320/Freuchie+017.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
My first three trout of the season were a rainbow, a sea and a brown, which is pretty unusual. Also, this fish brought my tally of trout to just 5 for the season (into May!!!), but with lengths of 11", 13", 16" 18" and 7", an unusually high average of 13".Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-29139881699939778592013-04-29T12:43:00.000+01:002013-04-29T13:19:03.488+01:0028/04/2013 - St Abb's Head<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWbywBQDOyI/UX5axP8Q__I/AAAAAAAABYc/8fcKni0V728/s1600/StAbbs2013+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWbywBQDOyI/UX5axP8Q__I/AAAAAAAABYc/8fcKni0V728/s320/StAbbs2013+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The name 'Pouting' was already taken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Choosing where to fish this year has been as much about scanning the weather forecasts to pick the least wet/windy/cold venue as anything else. On Sunday the opportunity arose for me to head out for the day. The forecast predicted wind towards 20mph in most places and a fair smattering of rain. Dunbar/Torness appeared to be about the best bet. Low tide was just before 11am and high around 5pm. Although probably a bit early in the season still, the only way to find out is to get a line wet.<br />
<br />
En route, as the car was buffeted by side winds and various showers, I had the idea to go a little bit further and checked out weather, tides etc at St Abb's Head. All looked as conducive to a good day as anywhere and my decision was made.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EvRX10bc7W0/UX5autbq-zI/AAAAAAAABYM/YzDoROveQWg/s1600/StAbbs2013+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EvRX10bc7W0/UX5autbq-zI/AAAAAAAABYM/YzDoROveQWg/s320/StAbbs2013+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stayed still just about long enough to be pictured</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived bang on low tide. No water had yet made its way into the small south middle part of the harbour where I hoped to see some flatties later. Elsewhere, where I could make out the bottom I was unable to see anything fishy. The water was a bit cloudier than my previous visit making fish spotting tougher.<br />
<br />
I decided to explore the rock pools. There were plenty but mostly quite shallow or containing too much weed. Nothing showed an interest, indeed, I only saw fish in one rock pool, possibly small gobies or blennies which scattered as I approached.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjFjgTIpjS0/UX5a0q9-NqI/AAAAAAAABYk/YvCA4S5Xkr0/s1600/StAbbs2013+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjFjgTIpjS0/UX5a0q9-NqI/AAAAAAAABYk/YvCA4S5Xkr0/s320/StAbbs2013+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nicer part of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the tide starting to come in again I made my way round the harbour. The wind was making it difficult, catching my line from the height in the harbour wall I was fishing from, creating drag. I moved again next to the Lifeboat station. Still nothing to get me excited.<br />
<br />
Back round at the main harbour entrance I bashed on with some light pink Isome on a jighead. I'd noted the layout of the bottom when the tide was low and was now able to bounce the Isome around on the bottom avoiding snags. Before too long, and reasonably unexpectedly I felt a fish take and tightened into something with a bit of potential. While there was some distance and a flowing tide between me and the fish, it gave an excellent account of itself, staying low until I was able to raise it enough to ID it as a Coalfish. The 20ft or so lift from the water to the harbour wall went without a hitch and my day was under way. Measuring 14 inches, and weighing about a pound and a half this was also a new PB.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fbhIBUBRhI/UX5avT9cyeI/AAAAAAAABYU/qN6kaTyaq9A/s1600/StAbbs2013+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fbhIBUBRhI/UX5avT9cyeI/AAAAAAAABYU/qN6kaTyaq9A/s320/StAbbs2013+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slayer of the last four fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before too long I had another couple on the bank, the second fish measuring the same, the third a little bit smaller. While I still couldn't see any fish, it appeared there was a shoal rolling about in front of me somewhere.<br />
<br />
As things were going well, I decided to alter my tactics a little. I've had a wee shrimpy thing in my bag for ages which I think I found somewhere and decided to give it a go. Almost immediately I was into fish 4, a little under 14 inches and then fish 5, the baby so far at just 13.5 inches. Although I didn't know at the time, the minimum taking size for Coalies is 14 inches. I reckoned they were just too small to take (guessing 16+) and they all went back to get bigger.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2xN8P6YggE/UX5a2NUherI/AAAAAAAABYs/E37VptAkq2U/s1600/StAbbs2013+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2xN8P6YggE/UX5a2NUherI/AAAAAAAABYs/E37VptAkq2U/s320/StAbbs2013+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During one of the rain showers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then things died down a little, although not the wind. Weighing things up I decided to head the couple of miles or so down the coast to Eyemouth as the tide was well on the way in.<br />
<br />
Very little to report though, on arrival it was very windy. Fishing alone on the end of a windy pier had me thinking of Darwin awards and so I returned to the car and back up the coast to St Abb's and the same spot at the harbour mouth.<br />
<br />
Very quickly I connected with another couple of Coalfish, much the same as before, the final one reaching 14.5 inches and raising my recent PB half an inch. Fish 8 was on after that, but for the first time of the day, it came off. Very likely to be another Coalie as the fight was similar, tugging, running and staying low, certainly pretending in the water to be a bigger fish than I suspected. After this, things went quiet and a while later pretty much on high tide, I decided to pack it in.<br />
<br />
On the road home I passed Torness. Knowing the tide timing wasn't perfect, I thought it was still worth a try. But a quick half hour or so didn't produce anything and it was time to finish up for good.<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-61697321552862542882013-04-22T15:59:00.002+01:002013-04-29T12:29:42.472+01:0019/04/2013 - North Esk<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrhJRhsgyjQ/UXVOmz09XjI/AAAAAAAABX8/zoiMlkVWh0Q/s1600/Rainbow+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrhJRhsgyjQ/UXVOmz09XjI/AAAAAAAABX8/zoiMlkVWh0Q/s320/Rainbow+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy meeting you here!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having branched out for miles in either direction, there were still a few of my local pools requiring a first visit of the season. I began at Telford's Bridge in enticing conditions, but very quickly I got the feeling that the story of the early season so far was about to repeat. Specifically - nothing doing. The top and bottom of Telford's brought nothing so I decided to head up to the pool just above the outflow to the old fish farm. It's usually good for a bite, and it wasn't unknown when the fish farm was there to find an escapee Rainbow Trout, usually at least 2 1/2 lbs although the condition usually left a bit to be desired. but any port in a storm.<br />
<br />
However, there wasn't a single drop of water from the outflow where usually there is a cascade. I was aware the fish farm had been put up for sale a couple of years ago, but didn't think it was still open. While the lack of outflow could be due to the silting up of the lade above the Serpy Weir (see previous report), I was ultimately saddened that this looked like the end of surprise rainbows on the Penicuik Esk. I don't recall getting any in 2012 and think my last one may have been early 2011 so that would appear to be that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiV4xuVqPZU/UXVOkzQdGiI/AAAAAAAABX0/r4078sfsWXM/s1600/Rainbow+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiV4xuVqPZU/UXVOkzQdGiI/AAAAAAAABX0/r4078sfsWXM/s320/Rainbow+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made my way downstream through the (overfished and already tree-decorated with bubble floats) Corner Pool and on and on, but with absolutely nothing to show for my efforts.<br />
<br />
My final pool was the Ele's Hole, a large pool with a big waterfall crashing into it where I suspect the largest of this area's brownie's will eventually be found. Having fished about half of it for nothing at all, I finally felt a thud and this time it wasn't a snag. I could immediately tell it was big, but very quickly it exposed itself by shooting out and clear of the water. Lo and behold, after writing off my chances of ever encountering another Rainbow Trout on the Esk, here was one going crazy on the end of my line. Spending almost as much time in the air as it did in the water, I eventually coaxed it onto the bank and set about measuring and photographing.<br />
<br />
After some fumbling about I got it back into the water and it shot off as if nothing had happened. Obviously in excellent condition, measuring 18 inches and probably 2 1/2 to 3lb in weight (fresh out the fish farm it would probably be more like 4lb.<br />
<br />
So, whilst the brownies resolutely decline to play ball (where do they hide in this weather?), it's good to find a bonus Rainbow lolloping about as if it owns the place. I'll maybe give the fish farm a wee visit to find out if they have indeed stopped farming. if that's the case, I'm pretty stumped as to where this fish originated. Whilst not impossible that it made its way here from upstream, I suspect it has arrived there from downstream (on the basis of no evidence whatsoever).<br />
<br />
If you look at its fins, the pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are all in excellent condition. The dorsal fin has been cropped to about half size at some point in it's distant past and there was also a small chunk out of the bottom of its tail. I suspect this latter damage may have been more recent, either simply from rubbing against something, or maybe an encounter with a furry brown thing. But it appears to have been in the river/wild for a good few months.<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-56964867196270807502013-04-22T14:43:00.002+01:002013-04-22T15:30:44.334+01:0015/04/2013 - North Esk<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xgWMlom0I0s/UXU988YGenI/AAAAAAAABXg/1lJ4GG4feDU/s1600/Misc+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xgWMlom0I0s/UXU988YGenI/AAAAAAAABXg/1lJ4GG4feDU/s320/Misc+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Low Pond weir & pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the (one fish) success of my previous 'downstream' session I headed upstream into what I like to characterise as the North Esk nursery. Although it didn't completely avoid the industrial intervention that most rivers faced in the last couple of hundred years, especially as you head downstream, it has been largely untouched for at least a quarter of a century and provides plenty of room to grow and thrive for some of the loveliest little brownies you'll see.<br />
<br />
With some rain pumping the river up to about double its summer levels (20+ cm) in the day or two before, I was keen to get out and try to add to my catch totals as the water fell back to 'normal' height. The river looked pretty good, just a bit lower than I like (and expected), but nicely tinged with peat which is usually a good sign. The main problem, as always this year so far, was the ongoing low temperatures. Ultimately I blanked without so much as seeing a fish. but it was a nice evening and good to reaquaint with the river after the winter.<br />
<br />
The pool at the foot of the Serpy weir is slowly but surely being hollowed out and may eventually get back to the big deep fishy looking spot it once was. Above the weir though there has been a lot of silting up which has resulted in the run-off lade being almost completely blocked. Further upstream, as mentioned, the levels were quite low, so a lot of the runs that hold fish in higher water were barely fishable.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LksFVsi8dEo/UXU95DSKPVI/AAAAAAAABXY/zVO-t592O2c/s1600/Misc+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LksFVsi8dEo/UXU95DSKPVI/AAAAAAAABXY/zVO-t592O2c/s320/Misc+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was good news at the weir adjacent to the Low Pond. I remember seeing loads of small trout trying to leap the weir here about 25 years ago. But since I've 'rediscovered' it in the last few years, I've not even had a bite from it. However this year it has eroded and rearranged itself into a very nice pool and I hold out hopes for it when conditions improve.<br />
<br />
I finished a couple of runs above the stone bridge and decided to have a wee look in the Low Pond. I'd already spotted some frogspawn in a large puddle and a couple of toads in a ditch. At the pond it was positively hoaching with toads and I also spotted a stickleback which I suspect might prick up the ears of H, my species hunting friend. Time to get the goby hooks out?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-49967905149280102552013-04-22T14:24:00.000+01:002013-04-22T19:49:19.673+01:0012/04/2013 - North Esk<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7hLM3Rv7k0/UXU-upXX1DI/AAAAAAAABXk/LlK9myUcsUY/s1600/Misc+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7hLM3Rv7k0/UXU-upXX1DI/AAAAAAAABXk/LlK9myUcsUY/s320/Misc+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown or Sea?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With winter hanging around to the point we're more or less missing out on spring this year, the fishing has been deadly slow and unproductive. Both Straiton Pond and North & South Esk's hadn't yielded any returns for my efforts, but what are we if not optimists? Even as I write there is still some snow clinging to the Moorfoot's, indeed it's only in the last week that the temperature has finally edged into double figures, although when it did, 20+mph winds accompanied.<br />
<br />
My first trout of the season arrived off the Almond on 28th March and is one of those ambiguous sea trout or brown trout specimens. In the water I was convinced it was from the sea, very silvery with a purple/pinkish sheen. However on land I decided it was probably a brownie that was a bit off colour due to the earliness of the season. Now, looking at photos I'm not so sure and am tempted back towards a Sea Trout again. It was certainly in excellent condition attacking me near the side then leaping clear of the drink a few times, which I wouldn't necessarily expect for this time of the year. It measured a nice 13 inches. Naturally it was sent back to get bigger.<br />
<br />
I also had a first session with the fly one evening downstream on the Water of Leith. It has been taking a lot of nonsense for the last year or so as they build flood defences upstream. I found no signs of life at all and won't be going back til the weather really improves. That said, it has appeared devoid of life plenty of times in the past, so hopefully the flood work hasn't upset or curtailed the fish in the lower part of the river by too much.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caUHPeE6OqU/UXUxngAqd4I/AAAAAAAABWw/Xmhmubp1DwI/s1600/Misc+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caUHPeE6OqU/UXUxngAqd4I/AAAAAAAABWw/Xmhmubp1DwI/s320/Misc+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some retro litter - McEwans lager can circa 1995?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With no signs of any brownies at all in the North Esk I've been covering a lot of river and exploring a bit more. I'm hoping that the scarcity of sport is down to the extended winter. The less attractive explanation is that there has been another landslip just above Penicuik from some sort of historic industrial dump. This area already garrotted the Esk about 10 years ago when a massive amount of sludge and other nasties was washed into the system. This winter's episode was much less severe so fingers crossed it hasn't had a negative impact on the fish. And fingers on the other hand crossed that the weather heats up a bit sooner rather than later.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eflRTxORKu8/UXUxgOcFnWI/AAAAAAAABWo/JRsXLfnhkX8/s1600/Misc+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eflRTxORKu8/UXUxgOcFnWI/AAAAAAAABWo/JRsXLfnhkX8/s320/Misc+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Esk Brownie of 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Fishing the Auchendinny stretch of the river, it was apparent that we could also do with a good rain to flush the river out. The water itself had plenty of organic 'bits' in it and the riverbed had a cloying sediment in all the slower flowing or still places (there would be rain the following week that helped clear out some of this muck).<br />
<br />
With no bites, no rises, no nothing to provide encouragement, I was trying to keep disciplined to maximise my chances in a minimal opportunity situation. In my favourite pool I'd covered the whole lot when finally my trusty little mepp was attacked and a fish was on. An 11 inch brownie was soon on the bank and my 2013 Esk campaign was off the mark. There were no more fish or fish action to report at all.<br />
<br />
I had decided to explore as far downstream as daylight would allow and continued on through some of the pools I know until I reached unexplored territory. It's a bit easier to get off the beaten track at this time of year as the undergrowth is pretty minimal.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZrkqgUUpXY/UXUxn2CrWNI/AAAAAAAABW0/gT1aRaYYmSE/s1600/Misc+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZrkqgUUpXY/UXUxn2CrWNI/AAAAAAAABW0/gT1aRaYYmSE/s320/Misc+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glencorse Burn where it enters N Esk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the old Dalmore Mill site, they are busy building mock mill-building style flats with some houses sprinkled in (some sort of irony that there was a mill there, it was knocked down, then they build a mock mill in its place...). The construction is most annoying from a completely selfish point of view as before too long this stretch of river will be open to all sorts of people, probably with dogs who enjoy swimming. At the moment I more or less seem to have it to myself.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5FZrrPX4kc/UXUxqHaYYaI/AAAAAAAABXA/hoUqALQkbog/s1600/Misc+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5FZrrPX4kc/UXUxqHaYYaI/AAAAAAAABXA/hoUqALQkbog/s320/Misc+008.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking upstream to the viaduct</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's always interesting to view the total disregard or lack of understanding of streams and rivers when building is taking place. It appears to simply be a total inconvenience to us humans, rather than being viewed as an outstanding 'free' resource, not to mention a home for all sorts of other creatures. Usually it is only paid any attention either to build banks high enough to prevent flooding (simply deferring the flood problem elsewhere) which usually obscures any views of the water from the nearest paths or roads or worse still, to simply pipe it up like so many of the streams that flow into the Water of Leith.<br />
<br />
In immediate danger of some sort of monstering is the Glencorse burn. This starts in the Pentland's above Loganlea reservoir, flows into and out of Glencorse reservoir, before working its way past Flotterstone. It eventually reappears to the east of Penicuik and snakes its way through Glencorse Golf Club finally joining the North Esk through the aforementioned old Dalmore Mill site. At the end of last season, the confluence was blocked with all sorts of debris and was quite difficult to cross. However it seems to have been purposefully cleared by the workies and at the moment is, in my opinion, an improvement on what it was. I'm disappointed I didn't take a photo in its old form, but you can see what it looks like now in the photo above. Last year it was blocked to a height of 4 or 5 feet roughly from where you can see the river banks in the above photo.<br />
<br />
The river meanders in wide arcs below the Dalmore Mill area before flowing under a viaduct and round into more woodland with steep banks. There were three or four pools I'll definitely have a look at later in the year. Hopefully my early season exploration will save time once the bushes and thorns grow into the summer.<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-46284747108598415372013-03-16T10:16:00.002+00:002013-03-16T11:00:46.113+00:0015/03/2013 - North Esk<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxGGFUoCCqg/UURNy3Foo-I/AAAAAAAABVA/x1gwlNJC-7Y/s1600/EskOpeningDay2013+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxGGFUoCCqg/UURNy3Foo-I/AAAAAAAABVA/x1gwlNJC-7Y/s320/EskOpeningDay2013+002.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top end of Telfords</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time - 1400-1800<br />
Weather - Sun, wind, rain, hail, sun, wind, rain, sun<br />
Water - 5-6 cm up<br />
<br />
Total - 0<br />
<br />
To the blaring fanfare of trumpets (in my head at least) I embraced the beginning of the new trout season with a session on the Esk. With some snow still lying here and there after recent cold conditions, and with forecasts from earlier in the week predicting a lot of rain, prospects hadn't been too promising. However as the date closed in the forecast contained less rain, the river stayed quite low despite the snow melt and I was happy that conditions were eminently fishable. I also had a brand new pair of waders to test.<br />
<br />
Opening day is never prolific (for me) on the Esk. Tis my opinion that the season starts a bit too soon as most March fish still have some recovering to do after the winter.<br />
<br />
When the fish farm was operating in Penicuik, you'd have a reasonable chance of the odd surprise Rainbow escapee lolloping about if mink or out of season anglers hadn't found them first. But, for better or worse, these days seem to be behind us.<br />
<br />
My new campaign kicked off on my home stretch around Valleyfield from the Corner Pool up to the Serpy Weir. While I was happy enough with the condition of the river, there were no real signs of encouragement in the catching stakes. Nonetheless it was great to get back to my old haunts and see if and how the river had been reshaped over the winter.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jj38HdY7EwY/UURNtJNnXaI/AAAAAAAABU4/m9IJt8g3vj8/s1600/EskOpeningDay2013+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jj38HdY7EwY/UURNtJNnXaI/AAAAAAAABU4/m9IJt8g3vj8/s320/EskOpeningDay2013+001.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh landslip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few years ago now there was a land slip from a ravine formerly used as an industrial dump of sorts that wreaked havoc for as far downstream as I then observed. At the back end of last year I noticed extra polythene littering the riverside trees and bushes, a signature of the previous landslip, and suspected there had been another slippage at the site. Sure enough, this seems to be the case. That said, the problem is nowhere near as severe as the first incident.<br />
<br />
Next stop was in the Auchendinny area where there are a few pools I like. One is adjacent to the old mill site where, last season they'd begun building houses and flats so I was interested to see how they're coming along. From being a secluded stretch of river, the character of this area will be completely altered henceforth. Probably not for the better so I'm trying to enjoy the place before it's likely change of behaviour. Sure enough access on the left bank was blocked, from being previously OK and some inventive wading was required to get to where I was going. The main pool itself was in good shape - it's prone to shape changing during spates - but it's fish, if indeed it held any, were not showing any interest.<br />
<br />
For a final thrash I decided to head further downstream to Polton Mill. Again the river was in fine fettle, but again there wasn't a confirmed flicker of interest from my piscine friends.<br />
<br />
Not many blanks can be described as successful, however as we famously call it fishing and not catching, landing fish is not the be all and end all. For a blank, it was quite an enjoyable one. As I write this the next day watching golf ball sized snow flakes falling, it may be a wee while before I'm back out there again (although I'm keen to get a fish and be able to photograph it on snow, so you never know).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-87306231316806441262013-03-09T14:29:00.000+00:002013-03-09T14:43:30.351+00:0007/03/2013 - Eliburn<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ze6Cgo96WQ/UTtEkUTqaKI/AAAAAAAABUg/fXvKaaLlxv0/s1600/Bream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ze6Cgo96WQ/UTtEkUTqaKI/AAAAAAAABUg/fXvKaaLlxv0/s320/Bream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One bite, one fish - Bream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time - 1430<br />
Weather - 1800<br />
Water - Clear, weedy<br />
Method - Method & float<br />
Total - 1<br />
Species - Bream<br />
<br />
Some last minute serendipity designed my first trip of the season to Eliburn with H. With the temperature hardly getting above 6 or 7 degrees for weeks, the forecast was for 4-5 degrees, a fair breeze and overcast conditions. It hadn't rained for a while at least so the water should be clear enough, but whilst it would be tough going, I was still quite confident in the Perch, Gudgeon or Roach to do their thing and accept some of my juicy maggots.<br />
<br />
On arrival I was disappointed to see the water was really clogged up with weed, the arm of the lake being particularly choked. I was later informed there will be a clean up on the 16th March. If I can get the day off I hope to make my way through and help out. Whilst this appears to be necessary, as often is the case, I was a bit disappointed to see the amount of litter as well. While not horrendous, certainly not as bad as Pumphy Pond, this is a permitted water with Bailiff's/members patrolling it every day and yet the beer cans, crisp packets and obligatory floating Buckfast bottle make me question why I should have to pay for the privilege of cleaning up other peoples junk. A small section I was asked not to fish from last year, as it is supposedly a nature reserve, was as dirty and litter strewn as any other part of the lake. It is such a lovely little venue that, while not taking much to spoil, shouldn't take too much effort to maintain either.<br />
<br />
There was only one other angler present, after the Carp, and doing it from my favourite peg. But not a problem. The trouble with fishing is if you find a good spot and reliable method, it makes you less inclined to try elsewhere and experiment a bit. So being forced to do so is a good thing if you embrace it.<br />
<br />
We made for the double peg in the corner at the outflow. It seems as good as any. I went for the usual float, suspending maggots and varying the depth, an absolute banker of a method here and on my other rod, for the first time, tried a method feeder with pellets, then later on maggots. H opted for a float with some maggots on the bottom and a swim feeder incorporated into a helicopter rig. Generally I'm suspicious of getting too complicated. Half of this may be justified whilst the other half is probably just laziness. But fishing with H, who as I've said before, is a hardcore fishing addict, is usually an education of sorts and it's good to view different approaches up close.<br />
<br />
Quite soon, despite his super fine bite detection system not showing anything, he reeled in and found, of all species, a small Perch had taken his swim fed maggots. It's always great to get the first fish on the bank and it showed that if nothing else, we would be snaffling a few of the many small Perch Eliburn holds. Ha, or so we thought. After a good hour of nothing at all whatsoever, not even a phantom bite, we were starting to scratch our heads a bit. Finally, my method rod began to go for a bit of a walk (my bite detection system is about 100% cruder than H's) and despite my clumsiness, when I picked it up, found the fish was still on.<br />
<br />
It felt half decent, but nothing special and didn't seem too keen to shoot off. Then I seen a pretty big flash and hoped I'd connected with a Carp that was about to blast off up the lake, but realised almost immediately it was a Bream. Somewhat unexpected, but very welcome. It measured 16.5 inches and would be somewhere around 2 - 2 1/2 lbs.<br />
<br />
But that was it, no more bites (I did get twanged once more, but suspect it was a line bite), no more small Perch and so we headed around the bank in pursuit of more action. At the inflow end, where I can absolutely guarantee fish, I was extremely surprised when we didn't get a single tap between us. Most unusual. We did however see a little bit of surface activity with a fishes dorsal and tail breaking the surface at one point, but nothing on or near our hooks.<br />
<br />
After giving up, I decided to move round to the arm for a last blast and H decided to follow. After another 15 mins or so of absolutely nothing, I decided I'd had enough, withdrew my rods and enjoyed watching a wee Robin nick H's maggots when his back was turned.<br />
<br />
H packed up his first rod and just as he went for his other rod, the float bobbled a bit, then disappeared and he was into his second small Perch of the day.<br />
<br />
Pipped on the last cast by 2 fish to 1, I could at least be happy with my fish of the day. Despite the slim pickings, three fish between us, one a bit more of a rarity wasn't too bad for the conditions. It just shows how much of a difference the temperature and suchlike can make. At times here I almost suspect there is more fish than water in the lake, then on days like this it's as if they've all emigrated somewhere for the winter. Lets hope the clean up is a success.<br />
<br />
Lastly, only once home and comparing photos, it may well just be a seasonal thing, however this Bream looks a lot more silvery than my last noticeably olive green coloured Bream leaving me wondering if the most recent catch is a Silver Bream? The pectoral fins look to be a different shape too.<br />
<br />
Here is a photo of a previous Eliburn Bream for comparison. If you click on a photo, you can view all the photos per blog full screen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSidLElXK4o/UTtG62arF_I/AAAAAAAABUo/92KMW4CB_to/s1600/Bream+010711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSidLElXK4o/UTtG62arF_I/AAAAAAAABUo/92KMW4CB_to/s320/Bream+010711.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught July 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-71452852483827549312013-03-09T13:36:00.002+00:002013-03-09T13:36:26.712+00:0003/03/2013 - Newhaven<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqYJz0Bqqvg/UTs4uND2RGI/AAAAAAAABUI/y4hAJiA-zEc/s1600/Update+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqYJz0Bqqvg/UTs4uND2RGI/AAAAAAAABUI/y4hAJiA-zEc/s320/Update+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old Ports Authority building atop the sea wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A while ago it had occurred to me that the left 'bank' of the Water of Leith as it left the docks and entered the Firth of Forth might be accessible around this area so I'd gone down to investigate. However it was at high tide and it was difficult to properly assess it's potential.<br />
<br />
So, after a night on the sauce and a kip in Edinburgh at a mate's flat, I headed down to explore the shore at Newhaven at low tide.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn-KdIOnul8/UTs4qDJOVZI/AAAAAAAABUA/p_e2ZuL8kW8/s1600/Update+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn-KdIOnul8/UTs4qDJOVZI/AAAAAAAABUA/p_e2ZuL8kW8/s320/Update+046.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the bridges along the Firth of Forth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On arrival, in the first hour after the low tide, I was met with a flat calm and no swell at the tidal limit. The boulders used to construct the breakwater had enough gaps to whet my appetite for some blenny and sea scorpion action. But by the time I returned to the car and tackled up, there was a bit more of a gentle swell and it made 'settling' my Isome in any one spot quite difficult. Whilst I was unable to find any fish at all, I'm sure they are there somewhere.<br />
<br />
However, it is an easily accessible stretch of the shoreline and I'd suspect it will be better for actual shore fishing at the right time of year, whether lures for Coalies and Mackerel etc, or maybe even some bait flung out to find a dogfish or codling or similar.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZsLy3eaeLM/UTs4ub-Z3sI/AAAAAAAABUQ/UrHkVF7BXpk/s1600/Update+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZsLy3eaeLM/UTs4ub-Z3sI/AAAAAAAABUQ/UrHkVF7BXpk/s320/Update+047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards Newhaven Harbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I made my way as close to the Water of Leith as possible, although there are plenty of Ports Authority restrictions and restricted areas, you can still access a fair amount of water.<br />
<br />
I made my way back along to Newhaven Harbour itself. In the low water I could see a shopping trolley which will no doubt snag up most of the people who fish it this year. I dabbed my Isome around hoping to find a bottom dweller, but despite my best efforts, couldn't stir so much as a barnacle.<br />
<br />
While this was a resounding blank, it was as much an investigation of this part of the shore as a fishing trip and I'll definitely give it another try from midsummer onwards.<br />
<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-52291998343270577282013-03-09T13:13:00.000+00:002013-03-09T14:52:31.403+00:0026/02/2013 - Pumpherston Pond<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-on89v42A1PU/UTsm8RymX-I/AAAAAAAABTY/uBM6qcb5-x0/s1600/Update+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-on89v42A1PU/UTsm8RymX-I/AAAAAAAABTY/uBM6qcb5-x0/s320/Update+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In all it's glory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time - 1615-1745<br />
Weather - A balmy 5 or 6 degrees, no wind<br />
Water - Clear, still<br />
Method - Worm & maggot<br />
Total - 1<br />
Species - Perch, 8.75 inch<br />
<br />
Having swithered between Pumphy and Torness for my previous soiree, I took advantage of the improvement in the weather to check out the 2013 version of Pumpherston Pond.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vzpjiq0FgQ/UTsm7RV-YCI/AAAAAAAABTQ/o9D4fWAeBCg/s1600/Update+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vzpjiq0FgQ/UTsm7RV-YCI/AAAAAAAABTQ/o9D4fWAeBCg/s320/Update+040.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting on a bite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Half of it's bank is effectively the adjacent golf course and there is no doubt what takes priority. Needless to say its not the anglers. But I hoped the time of year might mean the course was quiet enough for me to be able to fish as much as possible and that's how it turned out.<br />
<br />
I chucked out two floats, one suspending some maggots which have taken some half decent (for me) Perch in the past and a worm on the other rod.<br />
<br />
I'm led to believe that if Perch are present, a worm is almost cheating, but I've yet to catch anything at all ever on a worm. Can only persevere.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CViFwtJWEew/UTsnEcaC7hI/AAAAAAAABTg/CGtZdOH4x_w/s1600/Update+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CViFwtJWEew/UTsnEcaC7hI/AAAAAAAABTg/CGtZdOH4x_w/s320/Update+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shows how pleasant Pumphy Pond can and should be</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
About this time last year I tried Pumphy, but the water was clogged with weed and difficult to fish. On arrival I was delighted to see that this wasn't the case this year, further, the water was as clear as I've seen it. The only problem with this, is the amount of litter and detritus that the good people of Pumpherston feel they must scatter here, is on full display. For an amenity with such potential, and doing not bad despite its current level of disrepair, it is obviously very undervalued and left to fend for itself. I can't help think the golf club miss a trick here (I understand it's on their land).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjcnUw04888/UTsnHuzYpaI/AAAAAAAABTo/7dKljEU-55U/s1600/Update+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjcnUw04888/UTsnHuzYpaI/AAAAAAAABTo/7dKljEU-55U/s320/Update+043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A right fatty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although smaller than the nearby Eliburn, this venue would benefit from a good clear out and the construction of a few pegs/marks to fish from. They could easily be shielded from incoming golf balls and the greenkeeping staff could surely act as bailiffs and go round a couple of times a day taking a fiver from the fishers just like the members do at Eliburn in a system that seems to work fine. With a little bit of stocking, say some Roach, Gudgeon, Bream or Rudd to compliment the Perch, Pike and Tench already there I think it would be a nice little top up of funds for the golf club in a time when every penny is a prisoner. But what do I know, all I'm suggesting is the owners maintain it to somewhere near it's full potential, maximise it's profit, and provide an excellent little venue for locals to walk, fish, spot some wildlife or just feed the ducks. That said, I am not blind to the litter that some less enlightened anglers discard doing themselves and those of us who obey the country code a great disservice.<br />
<br />
Straying back to fishing it turned out to be one of those unusual days that seem to happen more than they should, namely one bite - one fish. After a good half hour of nothing at all, a couple of yoof arrived and began fishing on the brick pier. Claiming past Pike and Tench to 4lb kept my optimism afloat. Whilst semi-expecting a Perch, there is also the hope of a rogue Tench picking up my bait. As always, can only but try.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avJryEDFDRI/UTsnIlUSYhI/AAAAAAAABTw/-l71Jx4Yi24/s1600/Update+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avJryEDFDRI/UTsnIlUSYhI/AAAAAAAABTw/-l71Jx4Yi24/s320/Update+042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bait and prey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After about an hour, having cast around a lot more than usual, my maggot float finally began to show signs of interest before disappearing altogether. A nice tubby Perch was soon hauled onto the bank. Although I couldn't quite make it stretch to 9 inches, it was still most welcome.<br />
<br />
I kept on until dusk before packing up and heading back to the car. By the time I did it must have been getting back down to zero and I was delighted to get a heat back in me.<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-82559421983237313422013-03-09T12:03:00.004+00:002013-03-09T14:56:48.440+00:0021/02/2013 - Torness<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qLdQ9iOP7Q/UTsiusL8jdI/AAAAAAAABSA/wneAmIlhfqU/s1600/Update+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qLdQ9iOP7Q/UTsiusL8jdI/AAAAAAAABSA/wneAmIlhfqU/s320/Update+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunar landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time - 1515-1715<br />
Weather - Windy, grey, increasingly chilly<br />
Water - Choppy, cloudy<br />
Method - LRF and lure<br />
Total - 1<br />
Species - Blenny<br />
<br />
While we've not had as severe a winter as the last couple of years, nevertheless it's been pretty dreich. Due to a mixture of uninviting weather and other commitments I'd taken a relatively lengthy sabbatical from my piscine pursuits but as we entered February the compunction to get out and amongst the fish was growing to really itchy proportions.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_KcLm-HSR8/UTsiw2ugnnI/AAAAAAAABSI/NFw2aBbCtrQ/s1600/Update+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_KcLm-HSR8/UTsiw2ugnnI/AAAAAAAABSI/NFw2aBbCtrQ/s320/Update+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing on the moon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the weather wasn't very welcoming, conditions and therefore prospects at this time of the year are not so good. If I was to venture out I'd want to also do my best to guarantee a fish. This left me with three options as far as I could see. The first one was ruled out on a time basis. I'd back myself to succeed at Eliburn but prefer to spend at least a half day there. Today I only had a couple of hours at best in the run up to darkness. That left either Torness/Dunbar to pursue any little blighters like Blennies, Gobies or Sea Scorpions (or indeed anything else willing to chomp my hook), or Pumpherston Pond where I have a decent record with the Perch.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8zkBaAlBPI/UTsi2U0rjoI/AAAAAAAABSQ/Ry1A8JBPkOk/s1600/Update+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8zkBaAlBPI/UTsi2U0rjoI/AAAAAAAABSQ/Ry1A8JBPkOk/s320/Update+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I opted for Torness as the tide would be out allowing me access to the usual tried and tested pools, gaps and holes where the alluringly aggressive little fish frequent.<br />
<br />
On arrival I couldn't believe my situation. Thinking I had both my main fishing bag, which generally holds all my kit and my carry bag which I fill with trip specific stuff, I found I'd left the latter at home. All my rockpool kit (hooks, Isome, weights etc) were miles away. I had all my lures and offshore kit and scrabbled through it all working out what to do.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9fsVisucQA/UTsi5qH_ZQI/AAAAAAAABSY/D6YYlNsQc3A/s1600/Update+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9fsVisucQA/UTsi5qH_ZQI/AAAAAAAABSY/D6YYlNsQc3A/s320/Update+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Patterned' barnacles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I managed to find a solitary hook small enough, three split shot weights (2 required) and then had to fashion a piece of Isome/Gulp type wormy lure from the tail of one of lures I did have. Well I was good until the first line break then I'd have to be content with an almost inevitable blank chucking lures out into the sea itself.<br />
<br />
There is always the anticipation when approaching rock pools that there might be a one-off inhabitant, whether it be a flatfish or something a bit more 'exotic'. Alas I tried all the pools at the inflow and couldn't even tempt a show of interest, never mind spot something more exciting.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cHLOEfDJyQ/UTsi6etLhKI/AAAAAAAABSg/GHNBsn3hXmo/s1600/Update+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cHLOEfDJyQ/UTsi6etLhKI/AAAAAAAABSg/GHNBsn3hXmo/s320/Update+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random barnacles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a while of zero action I became distracted with the rocks themselves and some of the life and characteristics I'd noticed on previous visits. A better camera than my phone would have done things more justice, not to mention a more skilled photographer. Some of the rock, which I expect has been eaten away by the limpets and barnacles and suchlike looks almost lunar in it's appearance.<br />
<br />
But you don't catch many fish when your line isn't in the water. Very aware I was yet to get off the mark for 2013 I made for the outflow area a bit further along the coast.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_I5iysCcQw/UTsjGs_wIcI/AAAAAAAABSo/uHg-CAIKhhA/s1600/Update+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_I5iysCcQw/UTsjGs_wIcI/AAAAAAAABSo/uHg-CAIKhhA/s320/Update+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow lichen on black rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This time I had more success. There were some shows of interest which assured me that, as I suspected, my makeshift approach was still more than sufficient. I have to say the attitude of these wee fish when something is dropped into their vicinity is most endearing. It's as if anything entering their domain is showing the most disrespectful gall just dropping into their patch. If they are there, they're out like a shot. Sometimes stopping short of the lure/bait for a quick inspection before engulfing it, sometimes not even pausing before they gulp it down.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb8AFmjLEak/UTsjHWnOZ4I/AAAAAAAABSw/DC34Xbv_yqE/s1600/Update+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb8AFmjLEak/UTsjHWnOZ4I/AAAAAAAABSw/DC34Xbv_yqE/s320/Update+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limpet & Barnacles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zuMv_RteTQ/UTsjHmtw8iI/AAAAAAAABS0/2yEvAcMYLAo/s1600/Update+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zuMv_RteTQ/UTsjHmtw8iI/AAAAAAAABS0/2yEvAcMYLAo/s320/Update+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winkles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first fish of the year soon arrived in the shape of a half decent Blenny. It's colouration shows up quite nicely in the photo (considering the general grimness of the day).<br />
<br />
A keen eye will see my improvised 'worm'. I'm still without my polarised specs, so am not able to see under the water as easily as in the past, plus the late-ish hour meant it was getting increasingly difficult to watch the lure under the water and/or see any approaches from the defenders of the rocky crevices. Also, as it was an improvised lure, I could hardly see it once it submerged.<br />
<br />
I explored around most of the exposed reef before setting up a lure and chucking a few casts into the outflow in the hope of something bigger. But the swell was quite large, dusk was drawing in as was the cold and as I was on my own, the safety situation wasn't exactly improving and so I called it a day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzms3SbH0g8/UTsjLlufa6I/AAAAAAAABTA/37cL-lz4s_c/s1600/Update+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzms3SbH0g8/UTsjLlufa6I/AAAAAAAABTA/37cL-lz4s_c/s320/Update+038.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First fish of the year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-85528554154467800362013-03-09T11:06:00.003+00:002013-03-10T14:23:23.500+00:0006/12/2012 - Torness<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3j9TDDrqG8/UTsVbRxisaI/AAAAAAAABRg/HprKoV8XVj4/s1600/Update+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3j9TDDrqG8/UTsVbRxisaI/AAAAAAAABRg/HprKoV8XVj4/s320/Update+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blenny #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With the weather holding up for the time of year I was able to get down to Torness again for a pop at it's various possibilities.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3xbOO8w39U/UTsVYVj-4HI/AAAAAAAABRY/RPt2e-wk1tc/s1600/Update+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3xbOO8w39U/UTsVYVj-4HI/AAAAAAAABRY/RPt2e-wk1tc/s320/Update+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor of the reef next to the outflow, covered at high tide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The tide was out allowing me to explore all the usual holes and pools for any Blennies, Scorpions or Gobies.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIUzcvXWUjc/UTsVc8fwMrI/AAAAAAAABRo/ZIvNeg8DZes/s1600/Update+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIUzcvXWUjc/UTsVc8fwMrI/AAAAAAAABRo/ZIvNeg8DZes/s320/Update+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blenny #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It also allowed me a bit of a recce of terrain at the whole outflow mark.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LASlO1lQLdQ/UTsVf0bEHzI/AAAAAAAABRw/IMEmOK3S82M/s1600/Update+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LASlO1lQLdQ/UTsVf0bEHzI/AAAAAAAABRw/IMEmOK3S82M/s320/Update+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blenny #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I couldn't connect with anything in the sea itself but managed to extract a couple of blennies on the Isome dropshot set-up.Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-66640952314755977372012-12-01T11:13:00.004+00:002013-03-09T10:49:52.444+00:0015/11/2012 - Eliburn ReservoirHaving seen the potential, H was keen to get back to Eliburn to get some more species ticked off. He arrived before me and set up opposite where we'd been situated on our previous visit. Being a complete addict, in the time since the last session he'd been reading up on method feeding tactics and couldn't resist getting a new waggler rod. His report is <a href="http://schogskyandhutch.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Tench">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Still recovering from the previous nights excesses I received a text saying he'd caught a Tench with his first cast on the method. Another new species for him. Then on the road another text said he thought he had an Ide as well which he'd keep in the net til I arrived. Top stuff.<br />
<br />
On arrival one of the permit guys had been unable to identify the 'Ide'. At first I suspected it was a small Bream, but on reflection it is most likely one of the Hybrid's (Roach/Bream) I've seen caught there. Not content with one, he managed to snaffle another one not too long after. Still no Ide somehow.<br />
<br />
So I set myself up as usual with maggots under a float at varying depths til I found some fish and another rod on the bottom. I'll usually use cubes of luncheon meat but today used sweetcorn squeezed into a ball of H's groundbait. As the latter rod is then put in a rest whilst the float rod demands more attention, I contrived to miss a few rattles on the sweetcorn rod (new bell indicator in action). However the maggot rod was proving slow and I was having to alter my depth a lot in a bid to find fish. Surprisingly, as it was a bit chilly, I had most success up in the water although these were proving to be what I call 'phantoms'. The float disappears, you strike and there's nothing, no resistance whatsoever. The fish has taken and spat the bait before you can strike. It never ceases to amaze me how quick they are able to do this. Sometimes after a missed strike, if you don't reel in, another 'phantom' bites, you strike and miss and this can repeat 3 or 4 times in the same cast. It gets to the point I occasionally do pre-emptive strikes hoping a fish has taken the bait but not yet pulled the float under. A tactic which hasn't yet worked.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately the rest of this report is missing. After starting it, too much time elapsed before I recorded anything else and my memories have faded. Plenty more good info on Eliburn in my other reports if required.Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-27550275034711712042012-12-01T11:13:00.001+00:002013-03-09T10:50:38.831+00:0025/10/2012 - Eliburn Reservoir<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXwV37QLojo/ULno3z_Sy6I/AAAAAAAABGg/Hr6FPTAnFRk/s1600/Oct12+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXwV37QLojo/ULno3z_Sy6I/AAAAAAAABGg/Hr6FPTAnFRk/s320/Oct12+066.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Eliburn Roach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Total - 12<br />
Species - Roach & Perch<br />
<br />
Once the trout season had finished I'd promised to get H through to Eliburn in Livingston. I assured him I'd had t-shirt weather days there in November before (in fact, almost hot enough to go topless!!!) so there was no real rush, especially as we'd been targeting the sea a fair bit recently too.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EtvK0hLj4k/ULnouRitfII/AAAAAAAABGQ/WafwW_INlR4/s1600/Oct12+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EtvK0hLj4k/ULnouRitfII/AAAAAAAABGQ/WafwW_INlR4/s320/Oct12+064.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Eliburn Perch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On arrival I was a bit concerned as all my favourite pegs were already occupied. I also noticed much more pond weed than I'd seen for a while making some pegs and especially the 'arm' a bit more clogged up than would be ideal. Landing fish through the small channels between the weed might be an issue.<br />
<br />
We set up on the east bank. H plumbed to find the depth and began with his maggots on the bottom under a float. It didn't take long before he was acquainting himself with the inhabitants. Whilst I connected with a couple of medium sized Roach a few feet off the bottom, H's first was a lovely wee Gudgeon, a new species for him. Seldom will one Gudgeon have had so many photos of itself taken.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZhNkBh_0qw/ULnozjQ2bkI/AAAAAAAABGY/2rf-4VryqsE/s1600/Oct12+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZhNkBh_0qw/ULnozjQ2bkI/AAAAAAAABGY/2rf-4VryqsE/s320/Oct12+065.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Majesty hard at work (the extra weed clearly visible)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was occasional interest, but nothing hectic and I commented after an hour or so I was amazed we hadn't been ambushed by the usually prevalent Perch yet. Within seconds I had one on the bank, the aggressive wee nutjobs always amuse me with their compunction for a scrap.<br />
<br />
The weather had been OK, but was improving nicely. Unfortunately in this country I always have the Billy Connolly weather forecast in my head. In Scotland, if it's sunny, that means it's going to rain and if it's raining, that means it's going to be sunny.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xX8wgfg51E/ULno8zat7TI/AAAAAAAABGo/7_lozKdYlKs/s1600/Oct12+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xX8wgfg51E/ULno8zat7TI/AAAAAAAABGo/7_lozKdYlKs/s320/Oct12+067.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slightly more decent Perch from the top end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I liken the Ide in Eliburn to Rainbow Trout. When you get them in your swim they are voracious, not shy at all and swirl for any thrown in maggots much like rainbows in a fish farm do for pellets. H was hoping for one of them and eventually I thought I'd spotted some moving around just in front of us (still without my polarised shades). There was the usual flurry of phantom bites (float goes, you strike, nothing there as they spit the bait before you can react). When we did manage to connect we could only land some more Roach.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd-GRAR2-xQ/ULno_8NqGlI/AAAAAAAABGw/L46D0uuLeaQ/s1600/Oct12+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd-GRAR2-xQ/ULno_8NqGlI/AAAAAAAABGw/L46D0uuLeaQ/s320/Oct12+068.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely Roach for H</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In time things slowed down a bit. I often have success at the top end of the venue so on the way back to the car we had a dip in there. I think between us we had 5 fish in our first 5 casts (I've said it before, but I don't understand how (non-carpers at least) blank here. There were Gudgeon, some Roach and the always game Perch getting stuck right into our maggots and in no time we'd topped our catch totals right up. However the earlier sunshine had given way to blustery showers and I was happy to call it a day. H had 'won' with Roach, Gudgeon and Perch totalling 14 whilst my Roach & Perch tally was 12. With plenty more species to be caught, I knew it wouldn't be long before H dragged me back.Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-40724836480842637832012-12-01T11:12:00.001+00:002012-12-01T12:42:15.200+00:0023/10/2012 - Torness<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XtIqB6FIw0/ULnoP9tNJlI/AAAAAAAABGI/Jv8dgkQmsgA/s1600/Oct12+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XtIqB6FIw0/ULnoP9tNJlI/AAAAAAAABGI/Jv8dgkQmsgA/s320/Oct12+063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A numbers game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time -<br />
Weather -<br />
Water -<br />
Method -<br />
Total -<br />
Species -<br />
<br />
For the second night in a row we headed to Torness. H was still in hot pursuit of a Conger whilst I'm still at the stage I'd be quite happy to get bothered by a crab.<br />
<br />
On the way to the mark we were treated to the sight of a Barn Owl hunting on the open ground between the sea and the power station. The last time I was in the Holyrood Park Rangers office getting a permit for Duddingston Loch I'd noticed a pile of postcards which were for people to record owl sightings on and send them off so that relevant ornithologists could do whatever they do with the information. On return I looked up the website and duly reported our sighting. Well worth checking out at http://www.barnowl.co.uk/page24.asp .<br />
<br />
With a similar rod approach to the previous evening, I'd topped up my Mackerel bait with some squid this time (Both <a href="http://schogskyandhutch.blogspot.co.uk/">H & J</a> are like a combination of walking tackle & bait shops) whilst H scaled down from full-on Mackerel flappers to slightly less ambitious sized Mackerel baits.<br />
<br />
I'd also purchased some small bell bite indicators which meant the requirement to keep a close eye on the bait rods for movement was much less of an issue. As we began lobbing our lures about hoping for another 6lb Pollock, one of H's rods immediately began tinkling.<br />
<br />
More prepared than the previous evening, H had brought a drop net and before long I helped him land another surprise (not a Conger or Cod anyway) in the form of a Lesser Spotted Dogfish (photos through link at end of report).<br />
<br />
Whilst that was the sum of all catches on the bait rods, I was in hot pursuit of the shoal of Coalfish that could often be seen passing in pursuit of a shoal of sand eels. Using a dropshot/Isome combo I was having some success whilst for once H couldn't quite get the hang of it. With my Coalfish record haul standing at 6 I powered on until I reached double figures taking my total for both evenings to 11. A quick totting up of H's total's made the final score 12-11 to him although two of them were a muckle Pollock and a doggie. Still, better to catch something rather than nothing. I suspect we'll be back in pursuit of Cod 7 Conger soon enough.<br />
<br />
H's account of the session and some better photos accessible <a href="http://schogskyandhutch.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/doing-conger-my-first-run-and-couple-of.html">here</a>.Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320385836439541.post-80461816892366047892012-12-01T11:11:00.001+00:002012-12-01T12:02:03.074+00:0022/10/2012 - TornessTime -<br />
Weather -<br />
Water -<br />
Method -<br />
Total -<br />
Species -<br />
<br />
H informed me he had three evening sessions in a row planned over at Torness in a bid to break his Conger duck and I was welcome to tag along. We would be fishing at the same spot I'd seen a Cod landed a day or two before so I was more than happy to exponentially increase my very limited sea/bait knowledge.<br />
<br />
En route we stopped into Dunbar Harbour to wet our lines and hopefully see the as yet unidentified fish I'd watched on previous outings allowing Hutch to get a proper ID on them.<br />
<br />
The shrimp boats were not long in and unloading, creating a bit of a hubbub. As well as plenty of scavenging gulls there were 5 seals in the harbour helping themselves to any unwanted catch.<br />
<br />
Before long H was howking out Coalfish, banking 4 in no time whilst I could only explore the infinite variety of ways of missing fish. A bit frustrated it wasn't long before I had him back in the motor and heading to the intended destination.<br />
<br />
I was set up with a pennel rig and a Mackerel bait on one rod whilst I'd use a variety of lures on my second rod. H set himself up with two bait rods using Mackerel flappers in a bid to entice a Conger. He also had a lure rod to keep active in between bait takes.<br />
<br />
Very soon H was into a fish which turned into a Pollock I estimated at about 6-6.5lb (later weighed in at 5lb 12oz). We were quite high above the water level, but fortunately the fish tired quite soon and muggins was able to scramble down the rocks and lift it out as the waves threatened to sook it down the side of the breakwater blocks. An incredible and very unexpected start to the evening. He followed this up with another slightly above average (for here) Pollock and another couple a bit smaller to finish with 8 fish in total. Despite doing little wrong and even taking his rod and fishing from the same spot as him, I couldn't connect with even a piece of seaweed before eventually coaxing a small Coalfish ashore to avoid the granny.<br />
<br />
The bait rods failed to do their job but we did have a couple of taps, H (typically) getting the biggest tickle but finding nothing on the end when he struck.<br />
<br />
Whilst I didn't exactly have a great session myself, I was still pleased for H and delighted to see such a braw Pollock making the journey more than worthwhile.<br />
<br />
H's account of this session and the one that followed can be viewed <a href="http://schogskyandhutch.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/doing-conger-my-first-run-and-couple-of.html">here</a>.Frazeriohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209649937454909494noreply@blogger.com0