After a suggestion from a fellow angler, I tried a new (for me) commercial pool where I was assured there were some nice perch and roach to be had. No surprise there then when we are told that the carp pools are the new Holy Grail for those species ignored and despised by the camouflaged tent-dwellers! (Have to admit I do like catching carp but definitely don't tent dwell!)
Having had a couple of days when I was thwarted by frozen locks etc last week, I was determined to give it a go. So I set off to this Oxfordshire hamlet to check things out.
Arriving at the opening time of 8 am - luckily not 7 as I was told by my confidant, I wouldn't have fancied sitting outside for an hour! - I saw a peaceful, misty scene.
For the first couple of hours I concentrated on the perch, using a nice old-school perch bobber (except it was plastic). I fed chopped worm and maggots with prawn on the hook but failed to even get any interest. It was bloody cold.
Just before midday, having had the whole place to myself, 2 well-known piscators arrived. I can only give their christian names, Phil and Merv, under pain of death.
The feeding of maggots gave away some swirls so I knew there were some fish in the swim so I changed over to a goose quill waggler and double maggot. Immediately I started to get roach. Everything from 6 oz to 1 1/2 lbs. Almost all were fin perfect.
There was only one exception which had a less than perfect mouth as well as a couple of blemishes on one flank.
Having set my stall initially for one of the 3lb plus perch and failed miserably, (I was not alone) I was pleased to finish with a nice bag of lovely redfins caught on traditional gear, a "Wotten" quill and a pin. The day had wavered between cold with a north westerly wind to fairly calm and blue skies.
The gear I used, Wotten quill waggler, 15' rod and a Sheffield pin. 3.2lbs line.
A modern take on a perch bobber, a 12' float rod and a Fox 4000. 6lbs line.
Like I said, this might be a habit I could get into!
Excellent blog. Just come across it via Jeff's Idlers Quest.
ReplyDeleteI will pop in often
Dave you should have held out for a perch or 2 mate. Anyone can catch a bag of roach but it takes time & effort to get a big perch. We will have to go fishing together again soon, if only to show you how to do it ;)
ReplyDeleteCheers for that anin.
ReplyDeleteMartin, if you want a wuppin' bring it on! I'm hoping to go to a VERY local pond next week which has/had a history of big perch.
Thats fighting talk mate. As you know I have to work for a living, not like you OAP's. So I can't fish weekdays as much I would wish & I know you don't like weekends. We will have to go again over Xmas as I have a few days to spare then.
ReplyDeleteAre those two old guys still alive!!!!!! Did they both have zimmer frames?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks.
Yes Richard, they didn't exactly sprint to their swims but Merve managed a couple of 1 lb plus stripeys and some roach.
DeleteNice write up and of course you will be back and keep trying for the perch - they are there but sometimes prove difficult.
ReplyDelete