14th March last day on the river for a while

The weather was consistent, warm 14c but with bright conditions. I had arranged to meet Bob Gill and Paddy for a last bash on the river. I was only fishing the last few hrs of the day.

Now it’s unusual for these two Guy’s to be fishing for chub as they are barbel fanatics, but with the bright weather and low river level the conditions were not conducive for them. Unfortunately Paddy had the head of a pike of about 9lbs or so in the waters edge. Not sure what got at it but we can only guess.

I made my way way downstream to a swim I spotted the previous evening which looked like it would produce a chub or two. It was a short straight with a depth of about 6ft and a fast flow. Below this the river shallowed up where 2 trees were in mid river. Guess what I disturbed an otter under my own bank. Not the best of starts.

As per normal I fed maggots for about 30 minutes before I cast in. What a result in 30 minutes I had 4 chub two which were just over 4lbs and 2 just under. Great sport on the float rod and was in control all of the time. Now these are small swims so I thought that I had better move to another place.

Some of the area’s are impossible to fish due to the shrubbery in and around the water.

Mission impossible

Now with the tackle I had with me only allowed me to fish area’s where Icould control the fish. I thought about the fish I lost yesterday and thought about using a 12 ft 0.5lb tc Fox Duo rod as a float rod. It’s got a fair amount of backbone and with the 5lb line straight through it would stop any chub from getting into the snags. I set the clutch reasonably tight as to just give line. Ok I ran the risk of the hook pulling out but I needed to get that bite.

Following the normal routine of feeding the swim with maggots for 30 mins I cast out. In true fashion I caught two 4lb plus chub followed by dace and roach. Then just as the sun was setting a hooked a monster that I controlled for about 2o seconds, before the line only just touched a small branch. That was it!

Although the 4lbers are easy to control these much larger fish need something heavier.

I tied another hook on and fed again for a few minutes, and the very next cast had another chub which resulted in a repeat performance. The rod is just not strong enough and the line too. I know I can get them feeding on the maggots easily but float fishing well? I think next year it will need to be barbel rods and 10lb line and cheese paste.

I have learnt alot about these chub and have to thank Paddy for putting me onto the swim. Between us we now know where the fish are holed up in the different river conditions so it’s only a matter of time next winter when we might just get that big one out. That’s if the otters don’t get there first.

I was so disappointed about the outcome I packed up early. I couldn’t face losing another big fish. I thanked Paddy and Bob for their company over the last few weeks and wished them the very best. Perhaps we can meet up for a tench session, so early May was agreed.

Bristol Amalgamated Fisheries have a fantastic venue here, it’s just a pity that few fish it as there are some huge fish of most species present.

Some of the swims are intimidating but the rewards an be very good.

Big mid stream raft