Zander on Gloucester/sharpness canal

[Fentiger001]

Evening Chaps,

Had a couple of hours this evening on the Canal with the boat and the lure rod, shads etc. Didn't have a take which surprised me as I managed to find a couple of areas which did have a few fish present. I'm not ever 100% convinced the fishfinder can tell you exactly if you're on fish or not but tonight I did get a few bleeps on the 'fish alarm' showing fish and right in the spot that a lovely big shoal of small fry were topping. They were over 15ft of water and I did a bit of jigging the shads and to be honest, I really was surprised I didn't get a take. I'll be back on Sunday evening, this time I may pop a couple of legered deads in the area, it certainly looked the business!

Its only a matter of time methinks - certainly of interest, is the many 100's of yards covered not registering a single fish on a very sensitive fishfinder! It would appear (as with other venues) bridges seem to hold the prey!

[Fentiger001]

Evening Fella's,

I've just had another couple of hours fishing from the boat on the canal, used the usual car park. Not a single touch but that said, I have now found a couple of area's which can be relied on to hold a few prey-fish. Next week I'll bring my baitcatching kit and a livebait rod! In addition, I met a couple of anglers on the bank who catch Zeds from time to time from this area so all is not lost. I've never fished for Zeds in April before and I suspect that due to the unsettled weather they may well be interested in other things!

Anyways, time for my scratcher!
L8rs all.
Dave

[Fentiger001]

Blinking heck, just been out on the Canal in the boat again and not had a touch! In fairness I was only fishing for a couple of hours max but given that I was fishing during the last hour of light and into darkness, trolling a bait up and down and also jigging in what I reckon should be the right areas, ie those with baitfish present, I have to say - there mustn't be too many predators in this particular area! That said I tried out a new method - I have some 'firefly' jig heads which you attach a small trace and treble and use it to attach a deadbait, much the same as the 'Drachovitch' system so successful in Eastern Europe and they look good!

Thats for me then, I will have to try a new area for the old Zeds - Shame really because the area I've been visiting thus far is awesome for launching the boat and more crucially, for getting it back out lol!!!

Anyways, in case any of you are interested I'll keep you posted! I should be out again during the evenings in the next week or so!

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Hard luck mate did you try and of the places I said about ?

[Fentiger001]

Hi Rich,

Not as yet mate - I've only really got my boat kit and although I've had a look, I haven't as yet managed to find anywhere suitable to launch my boat. Although its easy to do the old '1 man fling' and get it in the water, getting it back up a mega steep bank is another thing altogether. I am out on my mountain bike tonight and I will aim to cycle the towpath from Saul Junction up to the next bridge and back this evening. Using the mark one eyeball may be a little easier than trying to recce using google earth as I have been.

Cheers for the info Rich, its not forgotten mate - I just need to familiarise myself with the area and find a good spot I can launch at and return to, with a reasonable chance of my car and trailor still being there!!! lol

That said, this is proving an interesting challenge, once I get going, there'll be no holding me back lol.

Kind regards,
Dave