The A44 was closed for roadworks so I found myself on a misty Cotswold country lane trying to find an alternative route to Lemington lakes. Thankfully my sense of direction did not let me down and I turned into the fishery only ten minutes late. Martin was busy chatting up the dragon lady owner so I got my ticket as quickly as I could and dragged him down to the lake. Target today was Roach, big Roach, hopefully two pounders plus, the ones this fishery is known for.
The only other time I have fished here it was absolutely freezing. The elevated position means that when there is a gentle breeze it feels like a gale and when there is a gale well, you lose your hat and anything else that is not tied down. Today however was a complete contrast, the sun eventually burnt off the mist and there was barely a ripple on the water. Perfect conditions for the angler if not for angling.
Martins approach was to pole fish worm whilst feeding chopped worm and have a 'sleeper' rod set up with a maggot feeder and a helicopter rig. Problem was it didn't 'sleep' for long as a succession of pasty Carp ran away with the maggots. After the umpteenth Carp messed him about he put it bed and just fished the pole. It was working a treat anyhow as he landed Bream to 4lb 6oz...
and Roach to 1lb 6oz, the biggest of the day....
not quite the size we were after but a nice fish all the same. Considering we were at a commercial fishery they were all in immaculate condition, a testament to the strict rules they impose. Not a mangled mouth, split fin or missing scale in sight.
The rest of his maggots were fed to the friendliest Chaffinch we have ever seen, coming right up to us to scrounge its dinner.
My tactics differed slightly to the big man in that I set up a pair of feeder rods, fishing chopped worm helicopter style. My thinking was that I wasn't fishing for lots of bites but bigger fish. I caught plenty including Perch, Rudd, Bream and Carp but not a single Roach until the very last minute when I finally landed one of about a pound.
To be honest I think I got it wrong on the day. There were plenty of missed bites which I am sure were from Roach and would have connected if I refine the approach with smaller hooks and bait, thinner line and a shorter hooklink. Next time I will certainly give that a try and see how it goes.
Another Red Kite spotted, they are definitely spreading further North.
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