Zander on Gloucester/sharpness canal

[Fentiger001]

Zandering is certainly hard-core after Xmas time. I've never fished for them during the close season before but will be having a try on the Gloucs Canal next month. On the Fen drains, I used to find that when deadbaiting during the cold weather, a really mobile approach worked best for me. I reckon that the Zeds probably don't move around too much in the cold and that I'd have to drop a bait right on top of them. It was funny in that you could walk half a mile along a drain without a run and then drop in on a spot and get 2 or 3 runs in a few minutes. Also, a good Pike spot usually means a half decent Zed spot too. I once landed a 20lb 10oz Pike and a 10lb 4oz Zed from the same swim within 5 minutes of each other.

Kind rgds,
Dave

[Hopalong]

The canal is definately hard to fish in the winter. I'm never sure how far to cast out, i usually leger a roach 3/4s way out. i have started popping them up 2 feet now, after a gigantic eel swallowed nealy the whole of my mates wire trace. Is it best to float fish and how far out is best.

[Fentiger001]

I'd imagine that a good feature would be the shelves on the near and far side, I'd usually fish a venue with three rods, one on the inside, one on the far side and one down the middle!

It depends upon your set-up mate as to regards to float fishing or not, I must admit its nice to see a float sliding away but there is always a case to employ a bite alarm and run indicator if using more than one rod. Myself, if legering I tend to use a heavier weight of perhaps 3oz or so in conjunction with a low resistance run ring. The bigger weight is less likely to be moved during the initial take by the Zander. That said, I tend to fish my livelies on a sunken paternostered helicopter rig, it hardly ever tangles and normally runs are full blooded affairs which scream off. Again, I use quite a heavy weight of 3oz this ensures the livebait stays put without the old 'bleep, bleep, bleep' all night long. Bite detection is crucial and is I'd say, definitely enhanced by the careful use of heavier weights, I fish my rigs tight to a drop-off run indicator.

I'll hopefully be fishing the Canal as of next month, perhaps I'll get the chance to say hello!

[terrysmart]

thx - for the replys will be there tomorrow ( tues 25/03) will let you know how i get on .....cheers

[Fentiger001]

Evening fella's, just back from a couple of hours on the Canal. Basically, I went out to have a look around to find a useful area where I could throw my little boat in and leave the car secure etc. I took my lure rod and a few shads etc and went for a walk. I must admit, the colour of the water put me off a little, it seemed to be a bluey / green with a fair bit of flow and there was quite a bit of suspended weed running through, I was in the area of Frampton. Still, it was nice to walk a mile or two and I did spot a decent area from which to chuck in my boat! I didn't manage any fish with only one 'possible' snatch at my lure. I enjoy lurefishing for the Zeds but I have to say, I find it soooooo much easier from the boat!

One thing I did find a bit spooky, I turned up about 2hrs before dusk and fished for an hour into dark and I didn't see a single fish top the surface, I must of walked a good stretch of the canal too! Anglers pegs were clearly in evidence due to strategically moved weeds and the good old 'square burn' of seat-boxes yet I must've picked the only stretch with 'apparently' no fish present. I can't wait to get back on it with the fishfinder!!!

Kind regards,
Dave

[Fishing Forum Admin]

I went down that way a about a month ago and only got one small roach in 5 hrs fishing. THink its just a bit pants on that stretch in the winter

[Fentiger001]

Ha, I did wonder Richard, I don't suppose there are any other area's nearby which you would consider worth a try mate? Not after swims, just a rough area where there should be some fish present at the mo - whilst I start to get to grips with the place! Preferably a spot where I can park the car and trailer too.

Rgds,
Dave

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Remind me and I will pm u tommorrow

[terrysmart]

lure fished the area last tuesday 10 till 4 with a mate and both of us blanked...then rec a call from another mate on friday of last week who fished the same area and he had two zeds to 6lb and two jacks -

[Fentiger001]

Cheers Rich & Terry,

Many thanks indeed, if I'm honest - I didn't think the conditions were too good. Too much suspended weed going through, it made things very difficult indeed - I'll probably be back down on Thursday evening on the boat.

Kind regards,
Dave