I knew something wasn't right...

when I caught a glimpse of the Perch coming up from the depths of College Pool in Wasperton, a Perch this size should be fighting harder. I've caught a blind Chub here before but this was probably worse, a fish, especially a Perch without it's tell-tale spiny dorsal fin. Keepnet damage maybe ?

 

It must have adapted quite well to it's adversity as it was a plump 1lb 11oz and the biggest Perch I've caught at the lake. There are bigger ones in here but for some reason I've never connected to any more than 2lb. Tactics couldn't be simpler for this morning a float fished lobworm with dead maggots and chopped worm as feed. I only fished a few foot from the bank but you wouldn't believe just how deep this lake is, in the middle when casting a lead out it takes an age to drop to the bottom and dink the lake bed.

As the rivers are in flood I felt I needed a change of scenery and apart from the scarecrow there was only me at the lake, just how I like it. It's got potential College Pool, apart from the Carp which fight way beyond their size there is a monster that lurks within it's depths. A big eel maybe ?

On another bit of bad news when walking the bank I noticed a dead signal crayfish, I really do hope it's a one off but I must admit, recently I've come across quite a few in the areas I fish in Warwickshire, not a good sign at all.

The calm before the storm...

What a strange day, the river looked perfect when I got there at 7.30am. It was up a good couple of feet and looked ideal for Chub. Simple tactics a link ledgered lobworm lowered in to some likely looking swims at the Warwickshire Avon Brook.

I knew the weir would be like a torrent so the Pike gear was left at home but when the river calms a tad I'll try again for another Pike. Talking of Pike I've had a couple of interesting emails and texts about some potential big Pike that have been caught and spotted around the area so as it's the Christmas holiday period soon I might go and put the information to good use.

Anyway back on topic I couldn't get a proper bite for love nor money, and even in my banker swims. Maybe cheese paste would have been the better option. I had the odd rattle of the tip and that was it. I had intended to stay till 11.30am but an hour before the wind got stronger, the sky got darker and a storm was heading my way. It started to chuck it down and unless I'm under an umbrella I don't do rain.

Not a good day and with the river out of sorts and a fridge stocked with lobworms I'm even thinking of trying for a Perch at College Pool especially as looks like there is a storm and a load of rain is heading our way.

Brook Pike

We really do need some rain, the Brook doesn't fish well at all if the levels are low and it's clear. The Chub and Perch tend to shy away so this morning Pike was the target.

I spotted a decent Pike in the weir pool a couple of weeks ago but only his smaller brother decided to play today. Stunning markings though even though it was a small'un. I cannot wait for the cold snap, far too mild today for my liking. 

Thinking outside the box

My youngest Sam, dragged this box downstairs from the playroom and sat in it for an hour and a half whilst he watched Disney's Cars. He even managed to eat his beans on toast with spilling any, which for Sam is an achievement in itself.

Anyway, whilst down the farm shop the other day I was talking to the butcher and I might have a source of free meat. Only bloody manky offcuts but should be enough to mince for a feeder and some bigger bits to use on the hook. I've not tried steak before for Chub, maybe it will catch me the elusive Avon 6 lber.

Caught in the Act DVD - Parts 3 and 4 - Bob Roberts and Stuart Walker

An early Christmas present to myself but a cracking DVD. The best yet I'd say, and I particularly enjoyed the underwater Perch footage. A good insight to why we go fishing in conditions many would hate. I for one cannot wait for the colder weather.

Purchase from HERE