Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Chatting on the Plot => Topic started by: Aled on March 20, 2017, 14:50

Title: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on March 20, 2017, 14:50
Well with 6 Nations over for another year my mind now turns to another obsession of mine. Fishing.
I'm a keen fly fisherman and fish the Rivers Tywi, Teifi & Loughour mostly for sea trout, and salmon. I also fish some still waters for brown and rainbow trout. I always mean to have a go at coarse or sea fishing but I never seem to get round to it. maybe this year. So share your angling stories on this page.
Tight Lines All
Aled 
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Barry C on March 20, 2017, 19:30
Taking my ancient buddy out for a walk along the local canal in the morning, all being well ;)

Ultra light spinning rods and see if the perch will play .... Haven't done that since we were kids, a loooong time ago  :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: wapello on March 21, 2017, 07:21
We will be out soon the big plaice are showing in the Solent now ,,,
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: stompy on March 21, 2017, 08:02
Smooth hound will be running in a month or two here, plenty of whiting coming out with doggies and odd good thornys too.

I do all types of fishing apart from sea boat fishing.
Saying that i don't go fly fishing but bought all the gear a few years back (Orvice Clearwater #5 rod and an Orvice Battenkill BB3 reel) and it's sat in my wardroab, i will use it at some point but the sea fishing and coarse fishing carp fishing all take my time up.
Then there's the allotment!!! :lol:

Andy
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Barry C on March 21, 2017, 08:30
Hard work fitting everything in during retirement ...  :wacko:

Fishing, gardening, bowling, (volunteer greenkeeper) struggle to get holidays in  ;)

Decorhateing has to be winter work, but that's holiday season, sunseeking  8)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: stompy on March 21, 2017, 08:35
Hard work fitting everything in during retirement ...  :wacko:)

It's even harder when you work all week and have to fit it all in including ferrying abot to dance class, gymnastics,
athletics, etc and on top of that a very needy and a little spoiled (in a nice way not bratty) 4 year old.  :wacko:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Barry C on March 21, 2017, 13:16
Hard work fitting everything in during retirement ...  :wacko:)

It's even harder when you work all week and have to fit it all in including ferrying abot to dance class, gymnastics,
athletics, etc and on top of that a very needy and a little spoiled (in a nice way not bratty) 4 year old.  :wacko:

Yes been there done that ... on call for work 24/7 working away for weeks at a time .... Demanding elderly parents and family.

Now retired and is my time, we can be as busy as we want doing what WE want  ;)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on March 21, 2017, 13:45
Nice replies all. Back in the bachelor days I used to fish obsessively up to 5 times a week. ....the I got married and had children, however my wife is surprisingly understanding and I do get out at least 1 a week, probably 2 when the night sea trout fishing is at its peak.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on May 10, 2017, 11:17
Rivers are very low at the moment. We could do with a nice flood to bring the sea trout up.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on May 15, 2017, 14:36
Rain is falling quite heavily here in West Wales at the moment. Hopefully we'll have a nice summer flood which will bring in the sea trout.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Barry C on May 15, 2017, 17:52
You're doing better than me Aled ..... due to various circumstances, yet to wet a line this year so far  :(
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on May 16, 2017, 10:15
I'll start making some serious efforts to get out as often as I can during the next few weeks. Come one, Barry you need to make time for the things you love my friend.  ;) its good for the soul.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on May 16, 2017, 15:50
Got my annual trip to the Isle of Wight booked slightly earlier this year, for mid September. Looking forward to it already!!!!
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Barry C on May 17, 2017, 07:45
Come one, Barry you need to make time for the things you love my friend.  ;) its good for the soul.
Tight Lines
Aled

Problem is one of the things I love has had a knee replacement and as soon as she was anything like right we had to go on holiday  ;) However the next week or two things start to change so will be out and about with my old fishing buddy again  :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on May 18, 2017, 09:49
Ah now Barry C that's a fair reason, I can't head out this evening as I have children to ferry around!
Nice one sunshineband hope you get some good fishing in.
Tight Lines
Aled 
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on June 06, 2017, 09:55
We've had a lot of heavy rain this week, and my local river is running in flood. We are in with a chance of some salmon and sea trout during the coming weeks.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Barry C on June 11, 2017, 08:36
Well after what seems a very long time, had two trips out recently  :D

The first one ended up a real struggle .... the hottest day of the year  :wacko:

The second one .... the fish were out in force, excellent day at one of our favourite fisheries ...

then a week off on holiday again  ::) we love retirement  ;)

So back to more routine life and Thursdays are fishing days  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on June 12, 2017, 10:55
Brilliant stuff Barry. I've been tied up this weekend, the river has been a bit too high anyway. This week however I'm going to make some time.
Tight Lines.
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on June 22, 2017, 10:20
Well I walked the river yesterday doing some Himalayan Balsam research. Saw a few sea trout so I plan to get out tomorrow evening. Tomorrow is a personal anniversary, 30 year tomorrow I caught my first ever sea trout at night on fly. (I'd caught them on bait and on fly in the day previously)
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on June 22, 2017, 11:21
For the first time in 17 years I have a license  :ohmy:
the plan is to fly fish my local trout fisheries, just about finished renovating our old recently purchased caravan so my time is mine (appart from baby sitting the plot).
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on June 22, 2017, 11:44
Good man Aidy and tight lines.
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on June 22, 2017, 15:03
Sounds perfick, Aidy 😀
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on July 03, 2017, 13:37
First sea trout of the season caught on Friday evening. Fish was returned.
Its a start.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on July 11, 2017, 10:54
Fished hard last night, sadly I neither saw or caught a sea trout.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on August 17, 2017, 13:58
Sea Trout are conspicuous by their absence this season although there are a few salmon in the system but I'm yet to catch one!
Did enjoy a bit of fun fishing with my son last week, where we caught 18 carp from around 6inches up to 3lb. My son he took Dad to the cleaners, he caught 12 of them!
Anybody else getting out?
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on August 17, 2017, 14:28
Lots of shoal bass around Stokes Bay, plus some small (I'd say tiny!) thornbacks last Monday
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on August 17, 2017, 14:58
Good man Sunshineband.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on August 17, 2017, 19:57
Good man Sunshineband.
Tight Lines
Aled

Why thank you kind sir  :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: wapello on August 18, 2017, 19:54
I was out last sunday in the boat, 42 plaice caught kept 6 around 3-3.5lb nice day on the water,,,
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on August 19, 2017, 08:22
I was out last sunday in the boat, 42 plaice caught kept 6 around 3-3.5lb nice day on the water,,,

Excellent size... nice for dinner!


Black bream,red gurnard and red mullet off Stokes Bay Thursday. All large enough to keep, but only just, so they went free. (Caught by my brother  ;))

Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on August 21, 2017, 09:59
Nice one all. The tastiest fish of all is one you catch yourself. Combine with home grown veg its lovely!
Fished hard on Sunday morning, caught no fish (again) although my mate managed a rather red sewin of around 2lb which he returned.
I'll take my children out this weekend for some fresh air, don't know how much more fishing i'll do this year. Maybe some Stillwater for rainbow trout.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on August 21, 2017, 10:03
Rainbow trout with butter is a joy and delight, Aled, so give them a go when you can ;)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on August 21, 2017, 11:50
Rainbow trout with butter is a joy and delight, Aled, so give them a go when you can ;)

Yes I'm fishing on a Stillwater on the 2nd of Sept from a boat. We usually eat rainbows cooked with butter, plus of course a nice glass of white wine.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on August 21, 2017, 16:03
I prefer my rainbows cold with a salad or smoked . :)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Pescador on August 25, 2017, 18:13
Had a lovely few hours on the middle Trent today, with a centre-pin and stick float. Ended up with a dozen lovely perch to 2lbs, my god do they put up a scrap!!
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on August 25, 2017, 22:16
That sounds like a great way to spend time, pescador  :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on August 30, 2017, 09:27
Nice one pescador.
Took my children out on Saturday evening, caught 2 brown trout, and we had a bot of fresh air!
I went out on Sunday evening, fished hard, we saw 6 sea trout move, and my mate and I lost 1 each.
Bad run of sea trout this year.
Looking forward to fishing a Stillwater this weekend.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on September 01, 2017, 13:53
Some big mackerel showing !

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-41125399
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Pescador on September 01, 2017, 18:33
That certainly was one hell of a mackerel!!!
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on September 03, 2017, 09:36
Some big mackerel showing !

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-41125399

Wow! Now that really would be the fish of a lifetime, wouldn't it?  :ohmy: :ohmy:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on September 03, 2017, 11:32
There have been good amounts of large blue shark being caught as well including Welsh record fish .

Also of note two anglers had 20 blue shark in one day including fish in the 100+lb bracket while fishing from kayaks !

They did have a larger mother vessel close by to keep an eye on them !  :)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on September 03, 2017, 15:09
Must have been  areal excitement hooking a shark from a kayak  :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on September 05, 2017, 11:38
Ah now I know where all the sea trout have gone...they have been eaten by large Tuna and Blue Sharks!! ::)

Anyway we fished our yearly Stillwater competition on Saturday, I caught 3 good rainbow trout, lost 2, had 2 takes, and four follows. I would of caught a lot more had my boat handling skills been better! The bank anglers did really well taking bags of 8 fish or more. Still four ( I was given a fish by another angler) good rainbow trout in the deep freeze oven ready.
Tight Lines
Aled

Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on September 05, 2017, 13:15
That was a good day, Aled  :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on September 07, 2017, 11:12
Trip has been planned for Monday morning, first one for 17-18 years  :D been updating me tackle and of course upgrading to polyleaders  :unsure: and other bits that have come in since I last fished, at least the flies are the same.

Downside... Wind 39mph and 10mm of rain forcast.  :(

Upside... Better than the wifes naging to get jobs done  :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on September 07, 2017, 14:48
Relax and enjoy Aidy, it will soon come back to you.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on September 12, 2017, 10:28
Monsooned off yesterday  ??? Spent the day tying flies instead.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on September 12, 2017, 11:54
Yes quite a breeze recently! My best pal managed 2 good sea trout very early on Sunday morning, another pal got another one, and his brother caught a salmon over 15lb in weight, his 7th of the season...I was still in bed when all this was happening!
Going to fish hard this weekend.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on September 12, 2017, 11:55
Monsooned off yesterday  ??? Spent the day tying flies instead.


Dry fly only eh ? :)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on September 12, 2017, 19:14
Monsooned off yesterday  ??? Spent the day tying flies instead.


Dry fly only eh ? :)

 :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on September 14, 2017, 11:16
Next trip is now planmed but not saying when so Mother Nature cant inerfere this time  ;)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on September 15, 2017, 20:16
Off to IOW in the morning... let's hope the wind stays N or W as those are best  :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on September 18, 2017, 10:04
Went looking for a salmon yesterday, river too high therefore I did not find one!
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on September 18, 2017, 20:20
Ermmm so our trip was planned for today, the forcast was looking good, in fact perfect what could go wrong?
So yesterday (Sunday) I was playing in the Lancashire League Finals of walking footy and being a keeper there is always a risk of hand injuries! As it happend my daughter was also playing in the morning and managed to hyper extend her fingers, very sore, so as I was playing in the afternoon we kept it in the family and hyper extend my thumb!! It was like a chicken drummer last night and very painfull.
So this morning arrived and I thought I would have a practice cast to see how it felt, after a lot of swearing I decided to pack the car and off I went.
It was to say the least very hard/ painful work, it one thing casting an empty rod, its another trying to load it.
Fishing was slow all day, drys, buzzers, lures nothing! Moved to another point and had a couple nibble then bang we are in and a 1.9lbs rainbow in the net, 5 mins later and bang, big one took off at speed then snap, took the dropper right off. Moved around a bit more then last cast of the day and a nice 2.6lbs rainbow, both caught on an intermediate with a cats whisker, the one that.got away was on a yellow dancer.
Thumb was really hurting after six hours but it was great to get away and fishing again.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on September 19, 2017, 08:53
Well done on the face of adversity Aidy. Good fishing. So time to eat self caught trout with home grown veg? Nothing better.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on September 24, 2017, 14:21
Hope your thumb is feeling a bit better now Aidy. I bet the fish helped a bit!

Back from a week's shore fishing on IOW: lots of undersized fish but a bass and a black bream over their legal limits made a decent dinner on Friday evening, so well pleased. Both are real fighters so was pleased to land them with no net (Both off Sandown Bay near the slipway, fishing into the gully about an hour after flat water)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on September 25, 2017, 09:23
Nice one sunshineband. River is up and down like a yo-yo at the moment, and the urge to fish in such unsettled conditions is weak!
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on September 26, 2017, 12:50
Hope your thumb is feeling a bit better now Aidy. I bet the fish helped a bit!

Back from a week's shore fishing on IOW: lots of undersized fish but a bass and a black bream over their legal limits made a decent dinner on Friday evening, so well pleased. Both are real fighters so was pleased to land them with no net (Both off Sandown Bay near the slipway, fishing into the gully about an hour after flat water)

Slowly, just getting movement now.
Bass is defo at the top of my fave eating fish, well done.

Planning another outing on Monday, weather forcast is drizzle at the mo but the wind increasing so will see a bit nearer the time, might have to change venues.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on September 26, 2017, 19:57
Hoping to get out tomorrow.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on October 02, 2017, 21:09
Another day tying some flies as the wind that was forcast came in, gusts hitting 52mph so didnt bother, Saturday next possible day out. Cant do much on the plot either with me thumb.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 03, 2017, 10:42
Fished hard last Weds, no salmon or sea trout. Plan to have a go Saturday evening. Season is coming to a close rather too quickly this year!
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on October 03, 2017, 22:01
Hope the season ends in a blaze of glory Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 04, 2017, 09:56
Hope the season ends in a blaze of glory Aled

Thanks and we live in hope!. However my self confidence is quite low at the moment and I know from experience that is a huge hindrance to success!
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 17, 2017, 14:29
Well I went out yesterday and caught 1 nice rainbow trout, the wind arrived at 11am (it was not supposed to get to us until 4pm!) and lake closed around 2pm due to H&S issues!!!
That's it the end of this years fishing season. Time to tie flies, and hopefully do a bit of shooting for the pot.
It will be 2018 season before we turn around!
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on October 19, 2017, 10:20
At least you ended with a nice fish Aled!!

What do you shoot?
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on October 21, 2017, 12:54
Broke up on wed for half term so planned on a session yesterday, there was a little window in the weather, got up early doors (about 7.30 (it is holidays remember)) buttys n flask made and off I went.
Only three at the reservoir, hardly any fish topping that I could see whilst tackling up.

Set off to my fave spot, chatting on the way to a chap who had been there an hour with no bites what so ever.

Decided on an intermediate line with a cats whisker and yellow dancer.... 2 hours later nothing! Time for a brew.
Walking back to the car I stopped and chatted to another chap, he said no fish but a couple of pulls on nymphs.

Decided to fit the floating line with a PTN on the top dropper and a black n green montana on the tip, while setting up a couple of fish jumped close by so thought lets try there. 2 rainbows in 5 mins  :) one on the PTN and the other on the montana, within 20 mins had 4 rainbows, things were looking up, bit of a quiet spell so wonder round a little, 1 rainbow on the montana, the montana was doing the biz.
Time for another brew n food. Decided to go back to spot I starting catching, last couple of hours and 8 rainbows in total, 1 on the PTN and all the others on the montana.
Hard going at times but a cracking day out over all.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on October 21, 2017, 18:40
What a great start to the break Aidy  :D :D :D

Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on October 22, 2017, 17:31
Was invited to a new fisherie this morning, storm Brian was still blowing strong and a quick look around there was only one place we could fish so we thought "well were here now lets give it a go"
My mate hooked a small rainbow on the first cast, ok could be better than we thought, that was the last time we saw a fish lol,2.5 hours of trying to cast a wf8 line and we thought, lets have a brew and call it a day.
Despite the conditions we did actually enjoy it.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 23, 2017, 09:41
Some good fishing there Aidy.
Sunshineband, I am a member of a wildfowling club, and I try to bag mallard duck for the table, I'm also surrounded by farmland at home so every winter we have a couple of walks with dogs and guns, we hope to bag woodpigeon, rabbit, woodcock, snipe and the odd pheasant. All of which we take home and eat. Roast woodcock slightly underdone, wrapped in bacon eaten with hands "Henry the VIII" style is very tasty.
I have not got a dog at the moment, but I live in hope of getting a dog one day, a black Labrador or possibly a cocker spaniel. (Wife keeps saying we have got too much on to get care for a dog as well)
Tight Lines
Aled
 
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on October 23, 2017, 11:08
I have a 100% success rate for snipeshooting, very, very  few shooters can honestly say that ! :)

OK i have only fired one shot at one that jinked away while i was rabbiting , got it, had it grilled on a slice of toast and decided they are a bit small to bother with !
And why spoil a 100% score ! ;)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 23, 2017, 12:57
Nice one 8doubles.  :D
Must say with snipe, (and woodcock these days) if I shoot 2 a season, that's enough, I have no wish o shoot any more.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on October 23, 2017, 19:19
Oooh I really enjoy pheasant and pigeon, Gun is currently with my brother who has replaced the trigger spring and is now sorting the sights...rabbits are a-calling at the allotment site ☹☹

Pheasant shooting is big round here. Never eaten snipe or woodcock but they are quite small birds so probably wouldn't shoot them. Geese are good though.....
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on October 23, 2017, 21:33
love goose, it is our propper non of this yankee imported traditional Christmas day roast
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 24, 2017, 09:45
Well a lot of my shooting is on small rough unkeepered pockets of land, (often called "set aside") and woodcock and snipe offer a bit of free food and sport. Rabbit numbers keep fluctuating and I very rarely see more than the odd one. Pigeons, Pheasants, mallard and geese do turn up, however most of the river areas is syndicated out. Hoping for a dog soon so I can get to the foreshore on my own more often. At the moment I have to rely on my dog loving friends.
Cheers
Aled
 
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on October 24, 2017, 12:59
Good supply of Pheasant tail feathers then Aled  :lol:
Just sat here thinking I need to tie some PTN's and no feather  :(
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on October 24, 2017, 13:28
Certainly give you plenty of tying material  :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 25, 2017, 09:49
Yes plenty of fly tying materials. I've got 6 grey squirrel tails drying in the garage at the moment. They provide materials for some great flies. Pheasant tails I have a fair few Aidy, if you are short i'll quite happily send you a couple in the post?
Teal as a wing material is not as fashionable as once was, I now tend to use it as a hackle on a Dyfi Bumble or on a hairwing red mackerel rather than as a wing for a teal blue and silver or Peter Ross, both of which I now tie with grey squirrel in the wing instead.
I was supposed to go wildfowling tonight, but sadly my pal had to pull out due to a family commitment which is fair enough, we've all been there!!
Tight Lines
Aled 

Ps Maybe I should rename this thread "Fly Tying & Shooting" for the next few weeks. LOL  ;)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on October 25, 2017, 19:51
Cheers for that Aled, just may take you up on that  ;)

Anyways, up at 6.45am (on holiday too) brecky n brew and set off oop North to Caton near Lancaster for a day on Bank House (see photo). Plenty of movement on top so decided on the faithful mantana nymph to start, been good on others waters of late, wasn't long before the line went tight and the first 2lb rainbow in the net.
Thinking I was in for a belting day it went dead  :( decided on a move, then another move to a quiet flat calm area.
First cast in and a 1.5 lb rainbow, decided to stay a while as there was fish swirling in the margins, after a while off went the line again and a 2.5lb rainbow, took the hook that far down thought it was gonna poop it out!  :lol:
Decided on a spot of food and n brew to get some energy back. Whilst eating, in front of the lodge fish started to move again so off I went, lost JAWS  :ohmy: well judging by the fact the rod was nearly taken out me hand and the swirl  when it realised it was hooked, off it went then gone  >:(, spent a while and then moved on, it went dead, nothing was taking so last half hour swapped to a sedge dry fly and a red buzzer on the tip, three casts in and another 2lb rainbow.
Loving this holiday  8)
(getting ear ache off mrs as freezer full of chillies and trout)  :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on October 26, 2017, 09:27
Nice one Aidy that's some goof autumn fishing. I usually drop off a few rainbow trout to the farmers who let me shoot on their land in the winter.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on October 30, 2017, 19:31
So today is the last day of my hols so what better way to spend it then pop down to the local rezzy for a spot of fishing? (see photo below)

Planned to get there for 8am alas due to cloudless skies last night and enjoying the sights of the universe mI was a little late getting to bed and seem to sleep trough my alarm >:(

Arrived at 9.25am instead so got sorted and headed off to a spot where I had noticed a few fish jumping, to say this was the best day I have ever on there is an understatement, they were queing up to attach themselves on the hook  :ohmy: 6 decent rainbows in 45 mins, the montana nymph was again doing the biz.

Sun broke through and down they went and nothing for the next few hours, swapped tactic's a little and changed to a PTN with a bright green thorax and then the tugs started but they weren't taking them, managed a couple more late on tho.
Took home 3 fish @ 2 1/4 lbs a piece.

Well back to work tomorrow so will be a few weeks before I get chance to get out again but I have managed to fill the freezer with trout so should be good for a spell.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on October 30, 2017, 19:45
I remember a trip to a Scottish stillwater this time of year when the salmon river we should have been on was in full flood.
Fishing a leaded PTN i got several tugs which when i reacted a bit faster turned into a limit of decent rainbows .
Respond fast, nine times out of ten it would be a fragment of weed on the hook but the rest were fish that due to the cold water did not whack the rod around summer rainbow fashion.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on October 31, 2017, 08:55
Aidy that sounds a close-to-perfect holiday. It'll be a while before you stop grinning, I'm sure  :D :D

Anad what's wrong with a freezerful of trout, I ask?????  :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 01, 2017, 09:33
That's cracking fishing again Aidy. Do you fish later through the winter? I tend to finish now until spring.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 07, 2017, 15:32
That's cracking fishing again Aidy. Do you fish later through the winter? I tend to finish now until spring.
Tight Lines
Aled

To be honest I try and fish now whenever possible! With having a long break from fishing trying to make up for it  :D

The local waters do fish well in winter so long as it ant frozen of course. As it gets a colder the lures tend to come in play more but there still good sport with nymphs.
Talking of nymphs, I bought two pheasent tails from the local shop £2.20 :ohmy: :wacko: :wacko: decent size so I will get a good few PTN's from them which what is tonights menu, tying montanas and PTN's, weather looking ok so far for next week when I am off so might be able to get out again.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 07, 2017, 16:43
Nice one Aidy, may well have a trip out Rainbow bashing this winter, haven't been for years though.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on November 07, 2017, 19:51
 A PTN with a small brass bead head has done well for me , browns , rainbows and grayling . :)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 07, 2017, 21:36
PTNs are my fave nymph, the local rezzy they love the PTN/ montana hybrid, PTN with a flo green thorax, just tied 6 size 14, 6 size 12 and 3 size 10 so have a good stock of them.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 08, 2017, 09:39
Some good flies there Aidy & 8doubles. I need to go through my fly boxes this week, also need to go through my fly tying desk (an old writers bureau in the corner of the dinning room). As well as tidying up my corner of the utility room where I store my outdoor kit, the garage needs a tidy up as well...oh its looking busy!
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on November 08, 2017, 13:11
I have a portable fly tying station , an old fibreglass kitchen drawer with pieces of  3" x1" wood screwed inside for vice and drilled for tools , bobbins and varnish bottles .
Can rest on my knees for tv viewing/tying , be taken out for al fresco tying or have a plywood lid screwed on for transporting on fishing holidays ! :)

Got a silly amount of hooks and materials  for trout , sea trout,  salmon and sea !
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 08, 2017, 13:44
Sounds good 8 doubles. I lived as a bachelor for 8 years, in my first house I had a back room filled with fly tying desk etc, and in my second bachelor pad, I had the desk nicely located under the stairs.
Initially (after marriage) my kit was located in the garage...it was cold in winter, anyway I told my wife (in itself a brave move!) I was getting a writers bureau, with the aim of storing my fly tying kit indoors. Initial opposition turned to a "fair play Al, that does actually work well in this room"
Tight Lines
Aled 
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on November 08, 2017, 16:50
Lidl have a useful little precision tool holder with an LED light and magnifier at the moment... excellent!! If of course you have space for anything else , guys  :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 09, 2017, 09:46
Hey we shouldn't knock Aldi or Lidl, a lot of my angling association has had some informal bank tidying done with an Aldi fold up saw. I also love the lined trousers I got from Lidl for 9.99 perfect for outdoor activity.

As its winter how about having a look at my local angling associations web site link below:
http://www.llandeiloangling.co.uk/

Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on November 09, 2017, 15:05
We buy quite a lot of useful things from those stores... usually items we didn't know we needed until we saw them  :lol: :lol: :lol:

Your Club website looks good! We have a new member here who thinks he fishes the same area as you, Mark C

[I see you spotted him already  :nowink: :nowink:]
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: MarkC on November 10, 2017, 21:59
No, I don't fish the same area, just the same fishing website, though I have had a login problem there so haven't posted!

My neck of the woods is South West Scotland, in particular I fish the River Doon, Water of Minnoch (part of the Cree system), River Stinchar, and the River Irvine at the bottom of the road....

Been a somewhat odd year here, lots of water, but very average or poor grilse and autumn run here except the Stinchar, where we've had quite a few big fish. Doon has been disappointing, except early summer run, while Minnoch bucked the trend with decent grilse run. We are getting more early bigger fish and a lot less grilse and autumn fish. I ended the season (unless I get another on the Irvine next week!) with 10. Not too bad. Best fish about 14lb. However, there have been quite a few 20lb plus fish on the Stinchar.

Unlike Aled's part of the world, we don't get many sea trout now, except the Stinchar which gets quite a few decent fish in the early part of the season.

I have been using fishing as a good excuse for not doing the autumn dig on the plot recently! That excuse expires next week......:)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 13, 2017, 10:20
Just made an appointment at the Barnsfold clinic, 8am tomorrow morning  ;) wish me luck
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 13, 2017, 12:23
Good luck Aidy. Sounds like some good fishing there MarkC. Interesting returns very similar to us, on the Tywi, there have been more salmon in the 12-25lb range caught on our waters this season than for many years, but no sign of the 4-7lb fish.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on November 13, 2017, 12:37
Good luck Aidy. Sounds like some good fishing there MarkC. Interesting returns very similar to us, on the Tywi, there have been more salmon in the 12-25lb range caught on our waters this season than for many years, but no sign of the 4-7lb fish.
Tight Lines
Aled

I would not miss the one sea year fish if they come back as 2-3 sea year fish in the 12-25 lb range !

Fingers crossed that is what the grilse are doing ! :)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 13, 2017, 15:54
As winter is on its way and I tend to fish Barnsfold Rezzy which is in the Forest of Bowland at the foot of Beacon Fell it can be a little breezy so I have just ordered two new lines...

Based on reports from a couple of mates I have ordered WF8's in floating and intermediate from John Norris in Penrith, these are their own John Norris P3's Extreme Distance lines. Hopefully they should allow me the options should that wind increase somewhat.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on November 13, 2017, 18:33
Best of luck Aidy  :D :D :D Hope the lines are helpful
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 14, 2017, 15:56
Just got home from the clinic at Barnsfold, and its great news lol.
8 Rainbows in total, all on cats whisker looking like the lures are now the fly to use!
Took 3 home, best 3.10lbs then 3.8lbs and 2.10lbs.
All the fish were fighting well today with lots of energy and fight.

Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on November 14, 2017, 19:17
What a wonderful day!! Do you have space in the freezer for more trout though?

I believe you can send them through the post these days.... so let me know if you need my address please  :lol: :lol: :lol:

Jealous? Who me?   Naw  ;) ;) ;) :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on November 14, 2017, 20:43
The biggest is about big enough to fillet for Gravadlax (sp?) if you like that sort of thing . :)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 15, 2017, 16:11
Nice fishing Aidy.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 16, 2017, 13:59
Bit of a daft queston but does/ has anybody practiced their casting on fields?

New line arrived to day and it will be a week or two before I visited the clinic again but want to see how it performs and feels so thought I little pratice session might be in order  ;)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 16, 2017, 14:18
Yes on more than one occasion, but water is best. I've used places where there are no fish before now, and my brother took his double hander for a bit of practice on his Spey Casting on the Thames!!!
Pleased to hear you've had some good news Aidy
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on November 16, 2017, 14:25
I might take a learner to have a practice on short grass to install the basics .
It can sometimes upset other anglers if the newbie thrashes the water to a foam !

I find little real value in practice over grass as the lift off feels different , also you might do more harm than good to your new line !

Got any free coarse fisheries near you with casting space where you can try for perch or pike ?

I was teaching a cousin to flyfish on a local watercress bed when i was asked by a group of french studente what i was fishing for in the 4 inches of water......

I told them salmon !  8)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on November 16, 2017, 14:32
As I only usually get to fish for one week in the year, I practice casting at a local playing field with short grass: essential if I am going to cast straight and not annoy anyone else on the beach in the dark, and avoid any known hang-ups our there :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 16, 2017, 14:56
I might take a learner to have a practice on short grass to install the basics .
It can sometimes upset other anglers if the newbie thrashes the water to a foam !

I find little real value in practice over grass as the lift off feels different , also you might do more harm than good to your new line !

Got any free coarse fisheries near you with casting space where you can try for perch or pike ?

I was teaching a cousin to flyfish on a local watercress bed when i was asked by a group of french studente what i was fishing for in the 4 inches of water......

I told them salmon !  8)

Not a bad idea, might have to look around and see whats what.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 21, 2017, 14:31
Its arrived  :lol: :lol: :lol:
Treated meself to a new vest and the best bit, wife is promising people trout so I have to go and catch  them  :D :D so booked me self into the clinic on Friday for the day.
Just love when she speaks before thinking  :lol: :lol: ::)
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 21, 2017, 16:29
Nice one Aidy. Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 24, 2017, 21:20
Arrived at the clinic (Barnsfold Rezzy) @ 8am just as the sun was rising above the Pennines, glorious sight. Weather was not the best today, bright sunshine for most of the day, took a 1.10lb rainbow early on fishing on a sink tip floating line with a cut throat cats whisker. I knew it was going to be hard graft with the sun and so it proved, several hours without a tug and then the wind got up and started to make casting a problem so decided to move, best thing I did all day, within half an hour had two rainbows 3.7lbs and a 4.1lbs on the bank on a intermediate line and the faithfull cut throat cats.
Had to leave a little earlier than normal. A good end to a hard day.
New fishing vest worked a treat as did the new lines once the wind got up, need to order some more hooks now.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on November 25, 2017, 09:40
They sound nice size fish Aidy. Certainly need the right clothing in this weather!
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 26, 2017, 14:55
Do you any of you fly fisherman keep a record of your catches?

I must admit I don't, well until now that is! I have come across an app that is really simple to use, very basic so no messing but has a good features.

Its called Fly and Catch (android) not sure if there is a Ibrick version.
You can add  fly's so say a PTN, Montana, Cats Whisker etc, a photo of that fly and if you wish a build. If then your on the bank and catch a fish, you can take a photo of the fish, and record weight, length, it will use gps to locate you, you can add the fly from your list that you have created and also info like weather, it records time/ date from the phone.
Its free of course, nifty little app.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: 8doubles on November 26, 2017, 18:08
Never kept a record of fish from stocked waters , if it is a notable wild fish i write the details on the back of the photo.

Not a diary person but do have a photo album of angling memories !
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 27, 2017, 09:48
I have kept a fishing diary of sorts since 1984, I have a large countrysports diary in which I also record shooting trips, and I make country related write ups i.e. if there's been some good snow, if I've seen something unusual. I don't write in it every day, but all my fishing trips are recorded.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 29, 2017, 12:49
Looking like a trip to the clinic on Friday, forcast is good apart from the sunshine again but this will probably be the last one before Chrizzy.

Lotty still to wet to do owt on it so might as well go fishing, go home have some scran then off to watch the mighty Latics beat AFC Fylde in't cup.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 29, 2017, 13:46
Sounds a good day Aidy.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on November 30, 2017, 09:02
I normally like to support local business and just enjoy browsing around the local (ish) tackle shop that is about 30 mile round trip due their pretty comprehensive range of tying materials however my wife suggested I look on the BAY thing  ;) so I found a seller where I got 50 B800 Kamasans hooks for £4.00 (3.85 for 25 in shop+fuel) so couldn't resist and bought 50 size 10 and 50 size 12.
The best bit.... on the leaflet that they came with said " A bad days fishing is better than a good days work"  :lol: :lol: :lol: Love it
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on November 30, 2017, 12:13
 :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on November 30, 2017, 14:16
I said that on the salmon fishing forum this week.  :D
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on December 01, 2017, 18:53
Tough day today, another superb sunrise over Lancashire but temps were around -2 to start. Caught two around 1.8lbs around 9am on Cats Whisker.
Moved around a lot today and swapping from intermediate to floating back again then around 3pm on a Orange Cats Whisker with a sinktip on the floater and a slow retrieve hooked three good fish but lost the first one, the other two were 2.9lbs and 3.2lbs. So not too bad in the end.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on December 14, 2017, 21:55
Reeeeesult  :D
Chatting with a patient today that turns out does a spot of shooting, he is going to supply me with fur n feather from his shoots.
Happy bunny today.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: sunshineband on December 15, 2017, 09:05
Reeeeesult  :D
Chatting with a patient today that turns out does a spot of shooting, he is going to supply me with fur n feather from his shoots.
Happy bunny today.

Well that'll keep your fingers busy won't it?  :D :D
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on December 15, 2017, 09:57
Nice one Aidy. Get some fly tying done over Christmas hols. Just reminded me I need to sort out my fly boxes.
Tight Lines
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: bayleaf on December 18, 2017, 13:35
Hi Aled. I renewed my rod licence and club angling membership with a view to many days by the water. Then I got an allotment (after waiting a long time) and guess what? Didn't get to the water once! A friend of mine has a boat and we talked of days out in the Lakes and off the coast. We didn't do that either. I seem to be busier now in retirement than ever. Maybe next year as the plot is now getting into shape.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on December 18, 2017, 13:57
I've heard many a person say they were busier after retirement than before!
Long time before I retire!!
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on December 22, 2017, 13:29
By chance an old friend was popping a crimbo card through our letterbox, shot out after him, not seen him for years so he came in for a brew and a catch up, turns out he has just returned to fly fishing  :lol: :lol:

Looks like our old days of fishing are to return, have a trip planned for next week at the clinic.
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aidy on December 28, 2017, 19:28
By the eck its was brass monkeys today on the rezzy.
Even had a blizzard for about 30mins

Fishing was hard graft, first cast (9.15am)  and a 3lber and then nowt till 2.15, tried all sorts but a new fly pattern to me which is a punk cats whisker caught two on half an hour.
Punk Cats Whisker??I hear you say! Well it has a chenille body and marabou tail like a cats but has a mohican running on its back so bit like a punk rocker  :lol: :lol: anyway although bitterly cold as always enjoyable. So 3.2lb,1.11lbs and a 1.8lbs
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Offwego on December 30, 2017, 23:37
I too love my fishing although I didn't wet a line in 2017 due to work and other commitments. I fish near  the same areas as Aled on the Towy.
In 2015 I called in abergwili one morning around 630am on my way to work and caught two salmon one. 12lbs and one 10lbs and was still in work for 8am the best mornings fishing ever I didn't walk further than 40 yards from the car !
I also fish a small river called Gwendraeth fach and in 2014 I caught a 14.5 lbs salmon in there, it gave a really poor fight and it was like pulling in a branch, I love the Gwendraeth havng lived by it since birth , learned to fish and swim in it some good spots for a small river
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Aled on December 31, 2017, 21:47
Nice one Offwego, some good fish there.
We had our yearly rough shooting trip yesterday. Not a big a bag 2 woodcock and 2 snipe plus a fox (farmers was pleased he keeps chickens and lambs). However was out with two good mates (Arwel and Steffan) plus three cocker spaniels. Enjoyable day out.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Fishing Season 2017
Post by: Offwego on December 31, 2017, 22:03
Cheers Aled
Glad you had a good day with the shoot