Bitterling - reaching 100 UK species

[Vagabond]

After No 99 ten-spined stickleback, I chose bitterling as target for UK species No 100.

This was my second expedition after bitterling, and just like the first (in 2006), it rained continuously, and the local rivers were coloured.

That was bad news, because received wisdom is that bitterling bite best in clear water, and are also much easier to locate.

However, Anglers' Mail had wanted to do a feature on my 100th UK fish, and had provided an ace bitterling locator, Tom Legge, to help me find some. Actually Tom is much, much more than that - he is extremely well informed on fish in general, and those of the Fens in particular.

Anyone fishing the Fens for the first time would be well advised to enlist Tom's guiding services, whether they are targetting zander, pike, perch or silver fish (or even bitterling!). His local knowledge could save you months of exploration.

Anyway, this was the date AM had booked with the local angling club, so we had to make the best of it. We visited three rivers - Firstly the Lark, where I fished for about twenty minutes, and found plenty roach and bleak. It looked a really nice swim betwixt weedbed and bank. Here Tom's local experience was most valuable. Whereas my inclination was to persist in what seemed a good spot, Tom was firm. "No, if they were here and feeding you would have had one by now", he said.

Never argue with local knowledge. So leaving the turbid Lark, over to Soham Lode. Nice and clear, but not a bitterling in sight. Wandered up and down a bit, but only roach visible.

So on to location No. 3, - Burwell Lode. I was pleased to note that both Soham and Burwell were where we had fished in 2006, in torrential rain - so at least I had got two locations right, even if fishless. Burwell was like the Lark - too cloudy and no bites, although bitterling fry could be scooped out from bankside weed with a landing net .

Then Tom played his trump card. " I knew you would rather have caught them from a river" he said, "but there is a small club lake where they are virtually guaranteed"

Tom was right - set to at the lake, and it was roach-roach-rudd-roach-perch-roach---BINGO!




Look at that lovely blue sheen along the tail root.

Tackle - 1930s bamboo roach pole, 3 lb Maxima, tiny porcupine quill fished stick style, cocked with a No 4 shot, and #26 hook to 8 oz bottom. Bait - 1/8" length of red worm. Landing net - not needed

[fishypaul]

congratulations on No 100 vagabond,
#26 hook ? , i would need a magnifying glass to see that !

[Banana Steve]

Nice one

[BaggieRich]

Well done Vagabond an big congrats on the reaching the ton! Quite some achivement and a just return for the hours and effort you've (both) put in.

One question though, (And I might be showing my saltwater bias here) but what does the "8 oz bottom" of the "#26 hook to 8 oz bottom" mean? Is it some sort of hook to nylon reference????

[Vagabond]

Originally Posted by BaggieRich

what does the "8 oz bottom" of the "#26 hook to 8 oz bottom" mean?

#26 hook to a 12" hook link of 8oz BS mono, joined loop to loop to a 3lb BS "main line"

[Banana Steve]

can you still get breaking strain line that low!!!!!!!

[Greenheart]

Congratulations on your 100th UK species. I'd imagine that must be a record?

[fullcreel]

Well done, that is an achievement, very, very few will ever make. in the 'Mail, I'll look out for it.

[paddy2k7_red4life]

nice one mate

[fullcreel]

Dare I suggest it may make a good book, maybe Medlar Press would publish?