So Close! What Could Have Been?

[Catfish Virgin (Still!)]

I should have known today was going to be a bit "different"! I rarely get to go fishing on both days of a weekend but my wife was away down in Eastbourne and after yesterday's events on The Itchen, I decided I should get out again. The original plan was to fish the Avon (somewhere!) for Chub but I'd had a superb day with their Itchen cousins so was not sure what to do.

In the end, I decided that as it was so mild and with the season rapidly ticking by, I would again head for the Dorset Stour and maybe try for a Winter Barbel.

I arrived in the car park bright and early (and, yes Mike, Ringwood Tackle does open at 7:00am on Sunday mornings!) and started to get the gear out. Something whizzed pass my ear . It was a little Robin which obviously associated open cars at that time of the morning with food! I assumed it had panicked and flew into the car by mistake, it soon fled when I moved my boots! But then it came back through the passenger door . I tried to reach for my camera but the Robin flew away...........only to return several times...and always to the inside of the car. I finally snapped it:



A very pleasant start to the day and I hoped it was a good omen .

Everything about the river and conditions looked good so I was full of anticipation and determined to fish hard.................

........................... five hours later, not a touch!

3:00pm came and went, so did 4:00pm! But at about 4:15pm I picked up the feeder rod to rebait and felt a solid but moving resistance! I hadn't seen a bite, or anything remotely like one, but this was a sizable fish. After much fretting I finally coaxed "it" to the surface and "it" turned out to be a good Barbel of around 9lb+. I played it for several minutes more and always felt in control but then it just wasn't there anymore . The rig and hook came back intact, it had just slipped the hook. Maybe it was foulhooked but it appeared to be hooked fair and square as I played it. Not a happy bunny

Still, there were fish about, so I recast. About 45mins later, the rod arched round and I was into a second fish. This one didn't feel so big and I reckoned it was a Chub. I was right, it weighed in 5lb 10oz



Yeah I know, I don't look too happy, even if it is an excellent Chub, but.......

With the Chub safely returned, I cast again and poured the last of my coffee straight down my trouser leg!....the rod had whooped over straight away and I was into another decent fish. I was convinced this was another Chub and I was giving it "a bit of stick" and trying to bully it in, when, this big "golden flank" rolled across the surface! It was another Barbel, and I reckon, well into double figures!

Again I was in full control and playing the fish comfortably. The light was fading fast but there was no hurry. I was even thinking about my camera..."how can I get the flash and timer to work together?"...

That's probably what did it! Yes, you've guessed it, this one went the way of the first!

I fished for another hour or so, well into dark but that was the end of the day's proceedings........

Oh well, pass the Bacardi.

[Twiddler]

Shame about the bertie bumping off like that Neil but I'm sure you will get them next time.

Another cracking chub, you might have to change your username to 'chub king' soon.

What bait did you get the barbel on?



Lovely pic of Mr Robin...cheeky little devil.

[ctwhitelaw]

unlucky mate
but at least u did catch
better luck next time

Tight Lines

Craig

[Noel]

Cracking report again.

That Robin! Cheeky bugger!

Well done on the fish. Gutting when you lose fish though, isn't it?

I caught a nice pike today. It was on the hook for a few minutes and I was just starting to think about bringing it in etc when it shook it's head and spat the hooks out...........

[Catfish Virgin (Still!)]

Originally Posted by Twiddler

What bait did you get the barbel on?

Single 8ml plain pellet on the maggot feeder.

[Twiddler]

Originally Posted by Catfish Virgin (Still!)

Single 8ml plain pellet on the maggot feeder.

Sounds good to me....so I hope we will meet there again in 2 weeks time if you can make it.
Go on, I know you want to have another go at those berties

[fishypaul]

shame about the barbel neil,nice chub mate

[Portland Pirate]

Nice one. At least you didn't blank.

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Cracking read and shame about the Barbel. I really must this year get into river fishing !!

[pingu]

cracking chub again neil, sure the barbel will come next time


dave