Blog

The Red Rubber Duck

Posted: 20th Apr 2014

We have experienced very changeable weather this week which had a remarkable effect on the fishes behaviour but the outcome was a very impressive catch report. One of our regular groups had been split on the way down because of a vehicle breakdown, but luckly for Dave he had insurance cover which saved some of his bacon, covering hotels and a replacement vehicle, but they had to stay put in a hotel until Monday, resulting in arriving late on Monday night. Lee & Rob settled for Pegs 1 & 5 when they arrived, and with the weather being warm and the fish moving up into Peg 5, Lee was out of the blocks very quickly. He had 7 pick-ups over the first 48 hrs and Rob took his first fish of 40lb+ on the Monday evening. The bulk of the fish had not been down Peg 1 end but Rob was planning for the week ahead, staying calm and sitting on his hands!!

The other two arrived late Monday, so all hands on deck and we had them set up and settled down for night fall. It was a great start for the new arrivals taking 3 fish over 40lb+ the first night up to 48lb, but then the weather turned on its head. With a full moon, crystal clear skies and a very cold eastly wind the temp plummeted. On the Tuesday evening I literally watched the bulk of the fish, porpoising down the lake, one after the other and I could not tell you how many fish rolled that evening because I lost count. All I know is they went from 5,4,3,2 and just as the last shards of light fell they could be seen in Peg 1, then the change came about. The lads in Pegs 3,4,5 were struggling to pick fish up because they had moved and the temp had shocked the fish some what. The deeper water in Peg 1 was the attraction for the fish, and with Rob building his spots and holding the fish he took 6 fish back to back on his RHR all over 40lb+ including a 49lb, 48lb, 46lb which was quality by most anglers standards.

Lee in Peg 1 could not believe the turn around, along with his Red rubber duck which is his mastcot/Good luck charm being stolen in the night, only to be found down in Peg 3 (rodent Romp) he thought he had been cursed!! Not to be deterred he could be seen photographing anything that moved throughtout the day and I will post some of his Lizards pics on our FB page because they are stunning. There are so many facets to an enjoyable week other than just fish, so it's great to see anglers enjoying the location down in the valley along with Wildlife to keep Bill Oddie Happy, and the sun to warm you cockles!!

 Well the lads ended the week on 22 fish with no less than 14 over 40lb+ (including 2x 49lb+, 2x 48lb+,47lb,46lb) 3 fish of 35lb+ and 4 over 20lb. The lads also had 8 young stock fish which have not been included in the total but stunning all the same.

All in all the lads left with an upper 40lb+ fish under there belt, with Lee taking a 47lb+ just before packing up on the Saturday morning.

With the smaller fish being removed on the drain down, a little thought with your baiting goes a long way now. Crushed baits, and a few little extras added to your daily bait bucket will give you the edge and hopefully turn an average week into something a little special!!

Essential B5, Sticky Baits Krill, pellet, doing the business for the lads.

The wind is still cold keeping the water temp a little cooler and no more signs of spawning just yet.

Back soon

Team Sanctuary