5 Weeks Left

If you want to discuss Catfish, Perch, Zander, Ferox Trout or Eels, this is the place for you
Post Reply
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

What's your plans?

I'm on the hunt now and have booked the first week of March on leave. As I get older, the river season seem to get shorter.......
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
User avatar
dropped_run
Perch
Perch
Posts: 764
Joined: Sun Aug 28 2011 05:00

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by dropped_run »

Catch something decent local!

I've had the best season for numbers for zeds out of flowing water. Trip average has been good but size has been terrible. All on lures.

Stillwater has been an absolute waste of time. Breaking my balls and my back on it. I almost got the bait gear out for the first time in years.
Five venues, a big one out of one, very very big for the venue actually although not massive by national standards. Ones been a complete blank, ones been micro ones while perching and the other two have been very low numbers.

Only have time for three trips left on the rivers, if the conditions play ball, which really hasn't been the case this season. I can honestly say I haven't been out in perfect conditions once. Seems to have been the driest year I can ever remember.

Few trips on the still waters until they start to nest then leave them alone and switch to bass and chub.

It's been a bizarre year personally and I haven't done myself any kind of justice for the hours that I've put in. That's all going to change from October. Got to do better.

I bet you're super chilled about it now Dave, after earlier results?
James Dobie.
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

Hi James,

Totally agree with what you say ref the weather, it's all been a bit bizarre this year.

I've tried to put in a load of effort this year but in reality, it seems like I've hardly been in ages and here we have the end of the season looming already. I am fairly chilled but I would like another crack at the river when its in fine trim.

Rather than compete with everyone during the last week, I've taken the first week in March off to try and get an edge. I'll hopefully get a few good sessions from the boat and bank.
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
User avatar
Monts
Ferox Trout
Ferox Trout
Posts: 11186
Joined: Tue Nov 17 2015 18:52
Location: Yat Rock

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Monts »

It would be nice to have some good conditions wise in the final weeks, the summer was dire owing to the heat and low levels. I left the main rivers alone and fished small pacy streams for Chub and Trout, From mid-October until very early January the decent Perch over three pounds put in an appearance and Pike to low doubles all on lures. At this time of year, I'm looking to have caught ten plus Perch over three pounds in weight, but not this season. I've not had one Chub over five pounds this season also.

January was dire, low and gin clear. At present, the rivers I fish are bank high and dirty. The long range forecast is looking good weather-wise for the next couple of weeks so fingers crossed. But the highlight thus far was in the early Autumn, had a couple of nice fish. But spotted my first Hobby in around ten years, and had a Barn Owl sitting in a tree above me for twenty minutes. But every time I pulled the camera out he or she? Jumped up a branch and out of view, before flying off home to bed, that made my day. It's not often to see them that close.
If you wanna go fishing go fishing.- John Gierach
User avatar
dropped_run
Perch
Perch
Posts: 764
Joined: Sun Aug 28 2011 05:00

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by dropped_run »

Fentiger01 wrote: Sat Feb 09 2019 08:04 -
Hi James,

Totally agree with what you say ref the weather, it's all been a bit bizarre this year.

I've tried to put in a load of effort this year but in reality, it seems like I've hardly been in ages and here we have the end of the season looming already. I am fairly chilled but I would like another crack at the river when its in fine trim.

Rather than compete with everyone during the last week, I've taken the first week in March off to try and get an edge. I'll hopefully get a few good sessions from the boat and bank.

12 hours chucking lures and rowing about today. One mangy Jack. Tearing my hair out now :hammer:
Still my flask was nice.

Starting to wish I'd never sold my ET sneakers now. And thats saying something as I haven't used bait for six years!

Someone stick a pic of a zander up so I can remember what they look like
James Dobie.
User avatar
Jason Skilton
Zander
Zander
Posts: 7015
Joined: Wed Sep 07 2011 05:00
Location: East Anglia

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Jason Skilton »

Blanked for the first time on the river this season......at last light the river then was alive for a short period with roach topping...

Plan is to continue the search for the river twenty.
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

Monts wrote: Sat Feb 09 2019 17:56 -
It would be nice to have some good conditions wise in the final weeks, the summer was dire owing to the heat and low levels.
It has been a funny year in terms of conditions I think Monts but you're right, it'd be lovely to have a good last couple of weeks worth of conditions.
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
User avatar
pete webster
Barbel
Barbel
Posts: 3721
Joined: Sat Aug 27 2011 05:00
Location: Donny Lad

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by pete webster »

dropped_run wrote: Sun Feb 10 2019 23:02 -
Fentiger01 wrote: Sat Feb 09 2019 08:04 -
Hi James,

Totally agree with what you say ref the weather, it's all been a bit bizarre this year.

I've tried to put in a load of effort this year but in reality, it seems like I've hardly been in ages and here we have the end of the season looming already. I am fairly chilled but I would like another crack at the river when its in fine trim.

Rather than compete with everyone during the last week, I've taken the first week in March off to try and get an edge. I'll hopefully get a few good sessions from the boat and bank.

12 hours chucking lures and rowing about today. One mangy Jack. Tearing my hair out now :hammer:
Still my flask was nice.

Starting to wish I'd never sold my ET sneakers now. And thats saying something as I haven't used bait for six years!

Someone stick a pic of a zander up so I can remember what they look like
Here you go mate
PB Zander 11lb2.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
suffolk si
Zander
Zander
Posts: 7961
Joined: Thu Jul 03 2014 23:41
Location: broadland

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by suffolk si »

One more twenty would be nice to make it my seasons best tally but I’m relatively happy with how the seasons gone👍
User avatar
dropped_run
Perch
Perch
Posts: 764
Joined: Sun Aug 28 2011 05:00

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by dropped_run »

pete webster wrote: Mon Feb 11 2019 20:58 -
dropped_run wrote: Sun Feb 10 2019 23:02 -
Fentiger01 wrote: Sat Feb 09 2019 08:04 -
Hi James,

Totally agree with what you say ref the weather, it's all been a bit bizarre this year.

I've tried to put in a load of effort this year but in reality, it seems like I've hardly been in ages and here we have the end of the season looming already. I am fairly chilled but I would like another crack at the river when its in fine trim.

Rather than compete with everyone during the last week, I've taken the first week in March off to try and get an edge. I'll hopefully get a few good sessions from the boat and bank.

12 hours chucking lures and rowing about today. One mangy Jack. Tearing my hair out now :hammer:
Still my flask was nice.

Starting to wish I'd never sold my ET sneakers now. And thats saying something as I haven't used bait for six years!

Someone stick a pic of a zander up so I can remember what they look like
Here you go mate
PB Zander 11lb2.jpg

Cheers Pete. That'd do! Love when they are dark like that.
James Dobie.
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

:thumbs: Nice photo Webbo.
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
User avatar
pete webster
Barbel
Barbel
Posts: 3721
Joined: Sat Aug 27 2011 05:00
Location: Donny Lad

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by pete webster »

dropped_run wrote: Tue Feb 12 2019 14:20 -
pete webster wrote: Mon Feb 11 2019 20:58 -
dropped_run wrote: Sun Feb 10 2019 23:02 -
Fentiger01 wrote: Sat Feb 09 2019 08:04 -
Hi James,

Totally agree with what you say ref the weather, it's all been a bit bizarre this year.

I've tried to put in a load of effort this year but in reality, it seems like I've hardly been in ages and here we have the end of the season looming already. I am fairly chilled but I would like another crack at the river when its in fine trim.

Rather than compete with everyone during the last week, I've taken the first week in March off to try and get an edge. I'll hopefully get a few good sessions from the boat and bank.

12 hours chucking lures and rowing about today. One mangy Jack. Tearing my hair out now :hammer:
Still my flask was nice.

Starting to wish I'd never sold my ET sneakers now. And thats saying something as I haven't used bait for six years!

Someone stick a pic of a zander up so I can remember what they look like
Here you go mate
PB Zander 11lb2.jpg

Cheers Pete. That'd do! Love when they are dark like that.
:thumbs: :thumbs:
User avatar
Monts
Ferox Trout
Ferox Trout
Posts: 11186
Joined: Tue Nov 17 2015 18:52
Location: Yat Rock

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Monts »

Fentiger01 wrote: Mon Feb 11 2019 20:46 -
Monts wrote: Sat Feb 09 2019 17:56 -
It would be nice to have some good conditions wise in the final weeks, the summer was dire owing to the heat and low levels.
It has been a funny year in terms of conditions I think Monts but you're right, it'd be lovely to have a good last couple of weeks worth of conditions.


Conditions are looking very good, lures and tackle all ready for a full day on the river tomorrow. Really looking forward to as it happens. :thumbs:
If you wanna go fishing go fishing.- John Gierach
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

Monts wrote: Fri Feb 15 2019 14:25 -
Fentiger01 wrote: Mon Feb 11 2019 20:46 -
Monts wrote: Sat Feb 09 2019 17:56 -
It would be nice to have some good conditions wise in the final weeks, the summer was dire owing to the heat and low levels.
It has been a funny year in terms of conditions I think Monts but you're right, it'd be lovely to have a good last couple of weeks worth of conditions.
Conditions are looking very good, lures and tackle all ready for a full day on the river tomorrow. Really looking forward to as it happens. :thumbs:
17 degrees on car temperature gauge on way home this afternoon - weekend is supposed to be mild with good cloud cover - forecasts don't get better than that for me. :laughs:
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
User avatar
dropped_run
Perch
Perch
Posts: 764
Joined: Sun Aug 28 2011 05:00

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by dropped_run »

Poxy windy and my boat partner has food poisoning. Necessitates a venue change therefore going to be another struggle for me this weekend. I've abandoned all previous tactics and thought up a load of new ones. If I get a bite I'll be happy!
James Dobie.
User avatar
Monts
Ferox Trout
Ferox Trout
Posts: 11186
Joined: Tue Nov 17 2015 18:52
Location: Yat Rock

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Monts »

dropped_run wrote: Sat Feb 16 2019 00:32 -
Poxy windy and my boat partner has food poisoning. Necessitates a venue change therefore going to be another struggle for me this weekend. I've abandoned all previous tactics and thought up a load of new ones. If I get a bite I'll be happy!
That's the spirit positive James. :laughs: Right I'm set for the off. :thumbs:
If you wanna go fishing go fishing.- John Gierach
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

Usual Saturday jobs for me today I'm afraid, hopefully this awesome morning's weather will continue into tomorrow when I'll be on it! :cool: :cool: :cool:
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
User avatar
dropped_run
Perch
Perch
Posts: 764
Joined: Sun Aug 28 2011 05:00

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by dropped_run »

Monts wrote: Sat Feb 16 2019 06:45 -
dropped_run wrote: Sat Feb 16 2019 00:32 -
Poxy windy and my boat partner has food poisoning. Necessitates a venue change therefore going to be another struggle for me this weekend. I've abandoned all previous tactics and thought up a load of new ones. If I get a bite I'll be happy!
That's the spirit positive James. :laughs: Right I'm set for the off. :thumbs:
I didn't even get out of bed in the end. Utter loss of motivation last night. Bought a new (for me) alphas off Karl /Jeanette so I'm going for a walk and to flick a few shads about.
Haven't bank fished in freshwater for a year so if you don't hear from me, I've fallen in!

How did you get on?
James Dobie.
User avatar
Monts
Ferox Trout
Ferox Trout
Posts: 11186
Joined: Tue Nov 17 2015 18:52
Location: Yat Rock

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Monts »

dropped_run wrote: Sat Feb 16 2019 15:21 -
Monts wrote: Sat Feb 16 2019 06:45 -
dropped_run wrote: Sat Feb 16 2019 00:32 -
Poxy windy and my boat partner has food poisoning. Necessitates a venue change therefore going to be another struggle for me this weekend. I've abandoned all previous tactics and thought up a load of new ones. If I get a bite I'll be happy!
That's the spirit positive James. :laughs: Right I'm set for the off. :thumbs:
I didn't even get out of bed in the end. Utter loss of motivation last night. Bought a new (for me) alphas off Karl /Jeanette so I'm going for a walk and to flick a few shads about.
Haven't bank fished in freshwater for a year so if you don't hear from me, I've fallen in!

How did you get on?

Caked in mud, from top to toe, fished a club ticket that has a better Pike pedigree than my two other club tickets. But it's much, much busier than what I'm used too. But I'm not going to get a river twenty unless I chance my arm along here. Barbel anglers out in force as to be expected given the conditions, in eight hours of throwing lures I managed one micro Jack and maybe a scrapper double. I've learnt today that "Pike anglers are a pain in the a**e as we make to much noise". This from a man who was casting a bag of pellets in every ten minutes that sounded like a depth charge. The said man then and came and stood on my Fooler as I unhooked the better of the two fish and somehow bent the third eye from the rod tip. And then goes onto to say " That must weigh around 18-pound mate". I bloody wish!

I covered around eight miles of the river up and down and I'm knackered. Perhaps I should stick to my Perch and peace and quiet, I'm not really suited to fishing alongside other anglers. But watching out and out Barbel anglers makes me smile, it reminds me of me ten years ago. So blinkered it is untrue and all dressed up in reel tree and grim looking faces, rods in the air like a twelve gun salute, but fishing under there feet to a near bank feature.

Still enjoyed myself mind you, but I was hoping for a far better return. :grin:
If you wanna go fishing go fishing.- John Gierach
piker60
Barbel
Barbel
Posts: 3403
Joined: Sun Nov 18 2012 06:00

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by piker60 »

Out hunting a big back end Barbel. Turned up on Sunday for the day in storm whatever it was called and no one else was on the stretch :thumbs:. Wangled a nice one out in the dark. Not long to go now :thumbs: and long may the close season continue.
"The best argument against democracy, is a 5 minute conversation with the average voter"
W.Churchill
It doesn't matter who you vote for the government still gets in.
User avatar
Mark Phillips
Barbel
Barbel
Posts: 4964
Joined: Tue Aug 30 2011 05:00
Location: East Anglia

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Mark Phillips »

Weather dependant, I usually switch over to carp around this time of year. As things warmed up so much, it was end of February this year, so my pike fishing is now over until next winter :smile:
Piking Plonker
norwich lad
Chub
Chub
Posts: 1357
Joined: Sat Aug 27 2011 05:00
Location: Norwich Norfolk

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by norwich lad »

Been doing chub fishing mainly last couple weeks and doing well. went today had 4,lost 1 and pricked 2. p****d down all afternoon but very enjoyable. will get the pike rods out next weds again before its over for another season. like the close season,but plan to do some tench/bream fishing on a stillwater. the season seems to go so quick as you get older.
Lee Davison,Period Furniture Restoration,Carpentry.in Norfolk.

What You Caught mate, Nothing,Won't fish Here Again!
User avatar
Monts
Ferox Trout
Ferox Trout
Posts: 11186
Joined: Tue Nov 17 2015 18:52
Location: Yat Rock

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Monts »

norwich lad wrote: Thu Mar 07 2019 21:50 -
Been doing chub fishing mainly last couple weeks and doing well. went today had 4,lost 1 and pricked 2. p****d down all afternoon but very enjoyable. will get the pike rods out next weds again before its over for another season. like the close season,but plan to do some tench/bream fishing on a stillwater. the season seems to go so quick as you get older.
Yep, they do seem to fly by as you get older, one minute it's June the 16th and a dawn start, then you blink and it's March the 14th. Today was as expected hard work, but you have to try your luck. :thumbs:
If you wanna go fishing go fishing.- John Gierach
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

norwich lad wrote: Thu Mar 07 2019 21:50 -
the season seems to go so quick as you get older.
That is so true mate! :thumbs:

I've had this week off work, Monday the river was as low as it could be and gin clear - dramatic amount of wind around, 1 Pike about 6lbs.

Wednesday, the river was 6ft up and rising, wind horrendous - absolutely gale force. Blank session.
Thursday, as above. Blank session.
Friday, as above. Blank session.
Saturday - didn't fish - family time.

Sunday - river coming down a little although wind still horrendous. Had a great little early morning Zed session for a really nice result. :laughs: :laughs: :laughs:

Season done now, its been a bit of a new one in terms of approach from me but it has definitely paid off. :thumbs:
Last edited by Fentiger01 on Sun Mar 10 2019 20:10, edited 2 times in total.
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
User avatar
dropped_run
Perch
Perch
Posts: 764
Joined: Sun Aug 28 2011 05:00

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by dropped_run »

I gave up on zeds and switched to just fishing for fun.

All within 25 minutes walk from my house, had five 3lb plus perch (although there may have been one recapture in there) and a 5-5 chub which was also a lure caught PB. Change is as good as a rest, as they say.

The ned rig really is as good as they say- I was an absolute sceptic and proved hopelessly wrong.
James Dobie.
User avatar
Fentiger01
Disco Dave
Disco Dave
Posts: 9967
Joined: Tue Sep 06 2011 05:00
Location: Far side of the moon.

Re: 5 Weeks Left

Post by Fentiger01 »

I may sneak out after work on Tuesday to a local swim for a last gasp bash. :laughs: :laughs: :laughs:
Eagles may soar, but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Post Reply