This month saw proper winter weather finally arrive upon us with plenty of snow, low temperatures and ice on the canal. The bad conditions along with increased work obligations contributed to the fact that I've done very little fishing comparing to last year.. Albeit I have managed to get fish from the salt later than ever before in the UK so I cant complain too much..
I did a few sessions on the F&C canal with the best results coming before ice up a couple weeks ago.. I've yet to encounter any perch but got a few jacks. A day just before the really cold weather came through was particularly good with the jacks getting really aggressive but I only had limited time and managed one jack while losing two that attacked a spinnerbait. I was fishing a light rod and couldn't set the large hook properly..
After that day the canal has been pretty quiet and thus today despite the low temperature warning and brisk wind, I decided to head up to loch Fyne as I knew I would catch something there.
It was sunny for the most part with a cold NW wind and the occasional snow falling, making for an unusual fishing day but in the end I did manage some fish although as expected it was hard work.
I started with long dropshot rigs and heavy leads of over 10gr and various scented lures. As the tide receded I switched to cheburashka and paddletails as I could now work them better and with fewer losses since the current was weaker and didn't drift and snag my lures. I lost a better fish on the cheburashka and other than a few missed bites all fish were caught on the dropshot rig. This was to be expected as the fish have slowed down their metabolism and prefer more static presentations. Moreover scented lures where clearly more effective today again due to the low temperatures and sluggish fish. All fish were caught around midday.
Some notes from the day:
In the following weeks I think a visit to some more protected marks is in order and time for the lightest/finer approach with small lures to take place. This includes the canal were I've yet to fish with UL cheburashka..
Tight lines!
Gear used.
Rod: MC KG Evolution, KGS-832ST 2.53m, 3-15g.
Reel: Shimano Stradic ci4 2500f
Mainline: Sunline Tenya PE 0.7
leader: P-line Halo fluorocarbon, 10lbs
lures: Scented worms, prawns on dropshot.
I did a few sessions on the F&C canal with the best results coming before ice up a couple weeks ago.. I've yet to encounter any perch but got a few jacks. A day just before the really cold weather came through was particularly good with the jacks getting really aggressive but I only had limited time and managed one jack while losing two that attacked a spinnerbait. I was fishing a light rod and couldn't set the large hook properly..
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| Pretty jack. |
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| Icy... |
It was sunny for the most part with a cold NW wind and the occasional snow falling, making for an unusual fishing day but in the end I did manage some fish although as expected it was hard work.
I started with long dropshot rigs and heavy leads of over 10gr and various scented lures. As the tide receded I switched to cheburashka and paddletails as I could now work them better and with fewer losses since the current was weaker and didn't drift and snag my lures. I lost a better fish on the cheburashka and other than a few missed bites all fish were caught on the dropshot rig. This was to be expected as the fish have slowed down their metabolism and prefer more static presentations. Moreover scented lures where clearly more effective today again due to the low temperatures and sluggish fish. All fish were caught around midday.
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| Nice camo on this one.. |
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| They dont shy away from larger lures.. |
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| Clear cold and windy... Not ideal! |
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| I should've scaled down and played with these guys.. |
Some notes from the day:
- Smaller lures would probably have been more effective as I would target the tiddlers specifically but instead I gambled for something better that didn't materialise..
- Fine wire, extra sharp hooks are a must.. Losses in winter due to weak hook-holds are more strongly felt!
- The larger fish were absent this time. Smaller fish always more active..
In the following weeks I think a visit to some more protected marks is in order and time for the lightest/finer approach with small lures to take place. This includes the canal were I've yet to fish with UL cheburashka..
Tight lines!
Gear used.
Rod: MC KG Evolution, KGS-832ST 2.53m, 3-15g.
Reel: Shimano Stradic ci4 2500f
Mainline: Sunline Tenya PE 0.7
leader: P-line Halo fluorocarbon, 10lbs
lures: Scented worms, prawns on dropshot.
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