Carp on fly and a new venue

Despite the trout streams looking good after a bit of rain I was fixated on tackling carp on the fly having not had a good session for some years. I convinced Red it was good idea and set off with a small bag of dog biscuits and half a dozen deer hair flies. We were on Avon Tribs exchange with Warminster Angling at a small lake near Frome. On arrival the carp were drifting, breaking water in the shallows and looking decidedly catchable. However once aware of our presence they soon became skittish and retreated to the snaggy fringes. Patience persisted though as we fed the biscuits little and often and soon the fish were with in easy casting distance and confidently feeding. It turned into a busy session with our fly reels screaming as the small but feisty carp sped off across the lake. Between us we landed a handful of fish in the 4-6lb range with Red losing a good double figure fish. The poor water clarity allowed a good strong leader of 12lb fluro which was a bonus when stopping the fish heading for the numerous snags in the lake.

Its raining and more Perch on the Frome

It had rained persistently for some 24 hours and unbelievably the water was up and coloured on the usual trout beats so we headed way down on the Frome and its confluence with the Avon. The Avon was absolutely clogged with weed after the low water spell and almost unfishable by any method other than float. A few Chub were showing in the Frome amongst the rannuculus but none taking the fly. Switch of tactic to the lure and finding some structure managed to tempt a few Perch again on strip of fluro fur with weighted fish head. First a nice fish of about 1lb followed by few smaller brothers. No pike though.

Cornish excursion

Wonderful few weeks in Cornwall. Surf small and clean most of time with some flat days or northerly winds dictating a bit of South coast kayaking. My lads totally into the surfing for the sheer fun whether its on shortboards, softboards or bodyboards which suits me fine.

All the beautiful Bass caught close to the shore not necessarily at high or low, but in the movement of tide. As ever the Bass went back to grow on. Great sport looking for chasing fish and then casting in front with lures waiting for the hit. Weather sublime, water crystal clear. Mackerel too were great sport together with lots, and I mean lots, of small Pollack.

Bass, Wrasse and wrecks exploring the Jurassic Coast

Another day out on the South coast as the baking weather with lights winds continued. Launched yak from Ringstead and set off along the coast in search of Bass. Caught a nice sized schoolie and then lost a really good fish just yards from the boat. The tide was pretty low all day so although plenty of fish about they were hard to tempt. The water was like glass at times with the odd patch of mist rolling in. Snorkeling gave me insight to the busy world under the surface with plenty of Bass patrolling just yards from the beach and small pockets of territorial Wrasse.in amongst the kelp. Weedless lures all the way today made life easy although the Wrasse would make short work of the rubber lure.

No particular plan turns in to Perch fest

Met up with Red to fish Frome on Avon Tribs ticket. Another baking morning as this summer of all summers continues. Plan was coarse on the fly in some form, whether that was Chub on the dry or Pike on lure, not absolutely sure but something away from our usual trout. Red was first to connect and landed a nice Pike almost on his first cast using a leech fly without a trace. I had a Chub take the dry but failed to get it to the net.  I swapped to lures, added the trace and started to explore the gaps between the weeds. Almost at the point of giving up I hooked a good fish which until I got in the net thought was a Pike. It turned to be a stonking Perch, not my PB, but not far off and not shy of 2lb I would guess. It took the fly deep beneath the sub surface leaves of the lillies. Red caught a couple of smaller Perch on his Leech fly which really seemed effective in UV black dubbing. The Frome incidentally looked wonderful with Gudgeon, fry and Minnow teeming beneath our feet. Those wily old Chub, until next time!

Fish in hiding but certainly not the badger..

Met up with Red to fish Wellow. Sweltering heat, we headed for a lightly fished section shaded in trees. On the way movement in the field turned out to be a badger in the morning sunshine. I managed to get right up and close as it foraged in the long grass. It turned, saw me and then proceeded to feign death. It was clear it had made a judgement it was not quicker than a human. I held back as its eye flicked open. I stopped moved back and let it go on its way. Clearly young and inexperienced. Same story with the fish being young and inexperienced as no large fish turned up today. The water was clear and low and I picked up a few small trout on the nymph fishing deep in the turbulent runs. Absolutely beautiful day to be in the river full of fry and damsels.

Now for something different .. a bit of Bass fishing

Long baking hot day at Studland with family during which time I spent 3 hours out on the kayak. Some really big bass about as I drifted across the weed. Managed three schoolies on turn of tide that all went safely back on the Black Minnow. It was a case of paddling in and drifting out with the offshore. Casting in the channels amongst the weed. I had a big Pollack follow but did not convert.