Evening all
I've been offered a chance to fish a lake that hasn't seen a line in many years - and never heavily fished even then. No idea what's in there but the owner says she's seen some 'big fish' swimming around. ...
I've not had a chance to look at it yet but am hoping to utilise the school holidays to give it a go.
What would be your approach?
My initial thoughts are a feeder and float recce with a pint of maggot and a bit of groundbait as pretty much anything will take that. As said, it's a total unknown quantity.
Any suggestions?
I've been offered a chance to fish a lake that hasn't seen a line in many years - and never heavily fished even then. No idea what's in there but the owner says she's seen some 'big fish' swimming around. ...
I've not had a chance to look at it yet but am hoping to utilise the school holidays to give it a go.
What would be your approach?
My initial thoughts are a feeder and float recce with a pint of maggot and a bit of groundbait as pretty much anything will take that. As said, it's a total unknown quantity.
Any suggestions?
In reply to Post #1
Depends what you are after catching Mal?
All round fishing I would use a quality groundbait laced with chopped up corn, choppped worms, micro pellet etc. Your choice really. Over this I would fish maggot and corn on a waggler, used to love a bit of float fishing myself
Put around 6 - 8 large orange sized balls in to start with whilst it's still warm and catty maggots over the top, alternate hookbaits on the hook and put the odd ball in if bites dry up completely, albeit, it could be something bigger in the swim, it's reading what's happening
If there are carp in there I would fish for them as you would for carp, they will soon know what bait is if you put plenty in for them.
Used to fish similar in the early 80s, 1 or 2 rods out for carp and 1 for owt that swims
Sounds like paradise, keep it to yourself
Depends what you are after catching Mal?
All round fishing I would use a quality groundbait laced with chopped up corn, choppped worms, micro pellet etc. Your choice really. Over this I would fish maggot and corn on a waggler, used to love a bit of float fishing myself
Put around 6 - 8 large orange sized balls in to start with whilst it's still warm and catty maggots over the top, alternate hookbaits on the hook and put the odd ball in if bites dry up completely, albeit, it could be something bigger in the swim, it's reading what's happening
If there are carp in there I would fish for them as you would for carp, they will soon know what bait is if you put plenty in for them.
Used to fish similar in the early 80s, 1 or 2 rods out for carp and 1 for owt that swims
Sounds like paradise, keep it to yourself
In reply to Post #1
With all this hot and sunny weather we are having the carp shouldn't be too hard to find. Bit of floating crust or something lobbed at them maybe? Also keeps you on the move so you can explore every inch of the lake.
With all this hot and sunny weather we are having the carp shouldn't be too hard to find. Bit of floating crust or something lobbed at them maybe? Also keeps you on the move so you can explore every inch of the lake.
In reply to Post #1
I'd spend a lot of time observing the water first if I was you Mal, as there's plenty of waters around here now that basically have nothing in them anymore thanks to the dammed Otters.
I'd spend a lot of time observing the water first if I was you Mal, as there's plenty of waters around here now that basically have nothing in them anymore thanks to the dammed Otters.
Mal, I would do exactly what Keith says........spend a week or so simply walking and watching before then deciding on bait approach and location.......
I'd not realised the extent of the otters round our way Kieth. Was on a day ticket nearby that I like to keep quiet about (it expect you'd know it) and it was all newly fenced during lockdown with signs up etc.
Scozza - I was on similar lines.
Definitely a lot of watching the water and wandering with some bread or floaters.
Might be brilliant or might be empty but it's very exciting knowing that it's unfished
3 turbo jürgen rigs on a clear spot at 175 yards and an 1/8 of nosebag.. get in
In reply to Post #1
yes observation,
yes observation,
In reply to Post #7
Dunno mate, it sounds very exclusive, I reckon you'd need at least a 1/4.
Joking aside, I'd approach it the same as any other water Mal
Dunno mate, it sounds very exclusive, I reckon you'd need at least a 1/4.
Joking aside, I'd approach it the same as any other water Mal
In reply to Post #6
Mal, just go and enjoy yourself pal, there ain't no rules
As usual, its so special and you need to be doing this that and the other, sounds like you have nailed it, fish for yourself and nobody else pal
Seriously, I am interested to know how you go on, it's a great pastime
Fishing is the greatest pastime in the world for me, this country, nice and green, where else would you rather be. It's immense
Mal, just go and enjoy yourself pal, there ain't no rules
As usual, its so special and you need to be doing this that and the other, sounds like you have nailed it, fish for yourself and nobody else pal
Seriously, I am interested to know how you go on, it's a great pastime
Fishing is the greatest pastime in the world for me, this country, nice and green, where else would you rather be. It's immense
In reply to Post #10
Very much looking forward to it.
I'll let you know if it's empty....
Very much looking forward to it.
I'll let you know if it's empty....
In reply to Post #10
I'm with you Scozza,fishing is brilliant,as each trip passes I savour and look forward to the next..
Today I was quiver tipping with an old Mitchell 300,I watched the moorhens and its chick's,the lone mallard and little ducklings,seen the kingfisher multiple times,..in my view I was angling,not catching and all that nature has to offer..
I found an old quarry a few weeks ago,it holds carp and perch,so although I initially thought,nah,it's barren eventually I seen a few small carp,so I'll be trying this place,turns out my wife went to school with the farmers wife,. Sorted..
Iits all about the journey,not the finish..!
I'm with you Scozza,fishing is brilliant,as each trip passes I savour and look forward to the next..
Today I was quiver tipping with an old Mitchell 300,I watched the moorhens and its chick's,the lone mallard and little ducklings,seen the kingfisher multiple times,..in my view I was angling,not catching and all that nature has to offer..
I found an old quarry a few weeks ago,it holds carp and perch,so although I initially thought,nah,it's barren eventually I seen a few small carp,so I'll be trying this place,turns out my wife went to school with the farmers wife,. Sorted..
Iits all about the journey,not the finish..!
In reply to Post #6
I'm sick of seeing all the carnage they are causing Mal,
I go for a trip on the canal in my Kayak, what do I see on the opposite bank to the tow path side - Pike, Bream, Duck and Swan carcases rotting away throats ripped out and left.
I go a local village Chippy for dinner; do the short walk to the picturesque lake behind the Chippy, sit on a bench the Seagulls, Ducks, Coots and Moorhens flock over as they do, instantly notice six of the ducks have legs missing, bite off just below the joint, it's sickening!
In a nice kind of way I hope there's nothing in it, as I would hate you to find it's a little gem with forgotten specimens in and you really appreciate what you have, just to come around late November time to go and find the carcases in the margins, under the bushes killed for no reason.
It happened to a mate of mine; the Club would not pull their fingers out and install a fence, as a consequence everything got massacred, 12 x 20lb+ original Leneys had been butchered for fun just in one night! It got drained down and netted a few weeks later by the EA, a few small Roach and Perch were left, the Club folded a few months later
I'm sick of seeing all the carnage they are causing Mal,
I go for a trip on the canal in my Kayak, what do I see on the opposite bank to the tow path side - Pike, Bream, Duck and Swan carcases rotting away throats ripped out and left.
I go a local village Chippy for dinner; do the short walk to the picturesque lake behind the Chippy, sit on a bench the Seagulls, Ducks, Coots and Moorhens flock over as they do, instantly notice six of the ducks have legs missing, bite off just below the joint, it's sickening!
In a nice kind of way I hope there's nothing in it, as I would hate you to find it's a little gem with forgotten specimens in and you really appreciate what you have, just to come around late November time to go and find the carcases in the margins, under the bushes killed for no reason.
It happened to a mate of mine; the Club would not pull their fingers out and install a fence, as a consequence everything got massacred, 12 x 20lb+ original Leneys had been butchered for fun just in one night! It got drained down and netted a few weeks later by the EA, a few small Roach and Perch were left, the Club folded a few months later
In reply to Post #13
That's shocking Kieth..
We're double meshing in readiness for the colder months,I've spent over 30 yrs developing this particular place,been through all the emotions..,
No fence,no fish....no future..,its only going to cost around 400 to totally do the whole perimeter, as the original posts are sound,plus the new solar upgrades,all we can do after that is pray...!!..
All these figures banded about ,50k etc to fence a small pool,people,club members can do it themselves,if I can do it anyone could...wether some have the will,or passion is another matter..
That's shocking Kieth..
We're double meshing in readiness for the colder months,I've spent over 30 yrs developing this particular place,been through all the emotions..,
No fence,no fish....no future..,its only going to cost around 400 to totally do the whole perimeter, as the original posts are sound,plus the new solar upgrades,all we can do after that is pray...!!..
All these figures banded about ,50k etc to fence a small pool,people,club members can do it themselves,if I can do it anyone could...wether some have the will,or passion is another matter..
In reply to Post #14
Did just the same last week Adam – fitted a new skirt to the two long banking fence sections, used 3ft Rabbit Mesh, £60 for a 50m Roll, took 8 Rolls.
It's always were it touches the ground that Rots after around 7 years, the 4ft above ground and the 1ft horizontal outrigger section are fine.
Like you say it's easy – prep it via strimming and then weed killing it, fit the mesh 1ft up with Cable Ties, gently shape it the lay of the land, and peg it down with the 150mm U shaped Rabbit Mesh Pegs, job done in just a few early morning sessions.
Did just the same last week Adam – fitted a new skirt to the two long banking fence sections, used 3ft Rabbit Mesh, £60 for a 50m Roll, took 8 Rolls.
It's always were it touches the ground that Rots after around 7 years, the 4ft above ground and the 1ft horizontal outrigger section are fine.
Like you say it's easy – prep it via strimming and then weed killing it, fit the mesh 1ft up with Cable Ties, gently shape it the lay of the land, and peg it down with the 150mm U shaped Rabbit Mesh Pegs, job done in just a few early morning sessions.
In reply to Post #15
That's exactly what we are doing Keith ,got my mesh from an Essex based company called suregreen,half of it has come the other is coming ..
I have also installed a mega solar panel as well,to compliment the existing one,it also has a USB slot,..its going to be double meshed,double electrified, and checked daily..
I even camp down there,after work, just to check it,and mess about with a tenkara kebari or two..I ain't EVER,giving up..
I glyphosated the whole perimeter last week,and run the mower around the interior to look for any potential problems.. and I found a couple,so it's ongoing..
Those wildlife words I used in my other post,would not be alive if not for that fence,it's with mentioning I'm borders by two rivers,so it's possible to protect the fish.
Like yourself Keith, it's all about more than one way to skin a rabbit..there is no logistical excuse for anyone not to fence their lake,as its cheaper than restocking,and crying,a lot..!!..non withstanding the actual allowance of the fence being there,landowners...etc..etc
That's exactly what we are doing Keith ,got my mesh from an Essex based company called suregreen,half of it has come the other is coming ..
I have also installed a mega solar panel as well,to compliment the existing one,it also has a USB slot,..its going to be double meshed,double electrified, and checked daily..
I even camp down there,after work, just to check it,and mess about with a tenkara kebari or two..I ain't EVER,giving up..
I glyphosated the whole perimeter last week,and run the mower around the interior to look for any potential problems.. and I found a couple,so it's ongoing..
Those wildlife words I used in my other post,would not be alive if not for that fence,it's with mentioning I'm borders by two rivers,so it's possible to protect the fish.
Like yourself Keith, it's all about more than one way to skin a rabbit..there is no logistical excuse for anyone not to fence their lake,as its cheaper than restocking,and crying,a lot..!!..non withstanding the actual allowance of the fence being there,landowners...etc..etc
In reply to Post #16
I've found landowners have no issue with a 4ft fence with the 1ft outrigger, as it does not look any different than a normal 4ft Stock fence a farmer would fit. With the advantage of being cheap, very easy to install, no fancy machinery needed, easy to maintain, and it's now a well proven design that works.
It makes me cringe when I hear of a water pointlessly having all its stock annihilated, when it really is so easy to prevent it.
I've found landowners have no issue with a 4ft fence with the 1ft outrigger, as it does not look any different than a normal 4ft Stock fence a farmer would fit. With the advantage of being cheap, very easy to install, no fancy machinery needed, easy to maintain, and it's now a well proven design that works.
It makes me cringe when I hear of a water pointlessly having all its stock annihilated, when it really is so easy to prevent it.
In reply to Post #17
It's very very sad,all these places being destroyed, not only the fish but the whole ecosystem in many cases..
This little river,I fish is a shadow of its self due to predation,I gave the info to Tim Paisley's big picture, if I remember,all the little perfect brownies and super rare Cornish grayling,all much depleted,compared to when I was younger ..
It's so easy,as we both now know to protect a lovely little lake ,why oh why ,aren't more people doing it...
Is it laziness, or it can't happen to us,or is it It's mink syndrome,who knows Keith, but as always I shall carry on trying to educate as long as I can..same as you mate,I bet..
It's very very sad,all these places being destroyed, not only the fish but the whole ecosystem in many cases..
This little river,I fish is a shadow of its self due to predation,I gave the info to Tim Paisley's big picture, if I remember,all the little perfect brownies and super rare Cornish grayling,all much depleted,compared to when I was younger ..
It's so easy,as we both now know to protect a lovely little lake ,why oh why ,aren't more people doing it...
Is it laziness, or it can't happen to us,or is it It's mink syndrome,who knows Keith, but as always I shall carry on trying to educate as long as I can..same as you mate,I bet..
In reply to Post #18
I'd advise Mal to try and get a “Life Lease” on the water if it can be fenced (Most can, it's only in-line waters that are the problem) Clear a line around it, fit a full Fence and a Gate himself – it's no big deal , even using basic tools.
Then sit back and enjoy it and watch it thrive, knowing his fishing is guaranteed into the future and not in the hands of others who don't seem to give a toss.
I do feel sorry for the rivers, my local Ribble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCOkuI0jXnA&t=65s
Becoming a very common sight.
I'd advise Mal to try and get a “Life Lease” on the water if it can be fenced (Most can, it's only in-line waters that are the problem) Clear a line around it, fit a full Fence and a Gate himself – it's no big deal , even using basic tools.
Then sit back and enjoy it and watch it thrive, knowing his fishing is guaranteed into the future and not in the hands of others who don't seem to give a toss.
I do feel sorry for the rivers, my local Ribble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCOkuI0jXnA&t=65s
Becoming a very common sight.
In reply to Post #19
It's not my water Kieth so any decision making would be entirely someone else's call. It's an old mine pit (so im told) on some farmland near my house. The owner has agreed to let a mate of mine and I have a fish to see what's there but I don't think there's any intention to make it a venue water.
That's not to say I've not already been thinking about asking to have a bit of input if it does have anything. ..
I've seen a few pics of the ribble recently. Even for someone who doesn't have the same anti-otter sentiment as many careers, I have to admit to being shocked.
It's not my water Kieth so any decision making would be entirely someone else's call. It's an old mine pit (so im told) on some farmland near my house. The owner has agreed to let a mate of mine and I have a fish to see what's there but I don't think there's any intention to make it a venue water.
That's not to say I've not already been thinking about asking to have a bit of input if it does have anything. ..
I've seen a few pics of the ribble recently. Even for someone who doesn't have the same anti-otter sentiment as many careers, I have to admit to being shocked.
I'd be putting a fish finder in to see if there is indeed anything in there.
In reply to Post #21
Maybe I'm an old fuddy duddy (I am) but I'd be going the opposite way, old school, stalking and float fishing whilst keeping an eye on the water to see what I can see. Why spoil all the anticipation by using a fish finder? Only one step from electrofishing it!
Maybe I'm an old fuddy duddy (I am) but I'd be going the opposite way, old school, stalking and float fishing whilst keeping an eye on the water to see what I can see. Why spoil all the anticipation by using a fish finder? Only one step from electrofishing it!
In reply to Post #22
My thinking too.
An old school fish finder... 2 maggots on a hook...
My thinking too.
An old school fish finder... 2 maggots on a hook...
In reply to Post #12
Agree
Fishing can be many things to many different people, whether that be fluff chucking or float fishing etc. It's also about been there and what you take from it, pleasure and enjoyment. Like you say, from a kid, if it's in your blood it's in your blood and you never loose that burning desire to go fishing, brilliant
Agree
Fishing can be many things to many different people, whether that be fluff chucking or float fishing etc. It's also about been there and what you take from it, pleasure and enjoyment. Like you say, from a kid, if it's in your blood it's in your blood and you never loose that burning desire to go fishing, brilliant
In reply to Post #20
There's no reason why it can't be Mal if it's has potential, the worst thing the owner can say is “No”
But with all the waters I'm involved with the owners are very happy to have someone pay them to look after their property, fence and protect it, with the sole purpose of just a handful of selected Anglers fishing it.
Releasing thousands of hand reared Otters into the wild in the UK was an act of utter stupidity on the part of the morons who did it Mal, nobody can deny that fact – the RSPB have just spent millions Otter fencing their Bird sanctuaries (It's not just fishing that's reaping the rewards of others stupidity) When you have witnessed the sheer butchery these “Feral” vermin cause first hand 100's of times, you will soon change your mind.
There's no reason why it can't be Mal if it's has potential, the worst thing the owner can say is “No”
But with all the waters I'm involved with the owners are very happy to have someone pay them to look after their property, fence and protect it, with the sole purpose of just a handful of selected Anglers fishing it.
Releasing thousands of hand reared Otters into the wild in the UK was an act of utter stupidity on the part of the morons who did it Mal, nobody can deny that fact – the RSPB have just spent millions Otter fencing their Bird sanctuaries (It's not just fishing that's reaping the rewards of others stupidity) When you have witnessed the sheer butchery these “Feral” vermin cause first hand 100's of times, you will soon change your mind.
In reply to Post #26
Definitely some food for thought there... saves me buying pilsworth eh?
As for the otters, I think more fishery owners might benefit from your approach. It's an investment worth making. Not rocket science.
Definitely some food for thought there... saves me buying pilsworth eh?
As for the otters, I think more fishery owners might benefit from your approach. It's an investment worth making. Not rocket science.
In reply to Post #26
I do agree, how many waters have been ruined because of this, and how many fish, let alone carp have been killed for no reason? Plus, another worrying thought for me is small rivers and indeed the bigger ones such as the Wye and Seven, and how they might be affected? As the otters spread around the country they will eventually get into so many different waters from any small stream to syndicates. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that do you think waters like the river Wye may be affected badly by otters in the not too distant future? I would hate to see the barbel in there succumb to otters as I do love doing a bit in the autumn and summer months, they really are beautiful fish. Plus, if they do, how would anyone go about fencing such a huge water system?? Thats a sickening thought...
I do agree, how many waters have been ruined because of this, and how many fish, let alone carp have been killed for no reason? Plus, another worrying thought for me is small rivers and indeed the bigger ones such as the Wye and Seven, and how they might be affected? As the otters spread around the country they will eventually get into so many different waters from any small stream to syndicates. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that do you think waters like the river Wye may be affected badly by otters in the not too distant future? I would hate to see the barbel in there succumb to otters as I do love doing a bit in the autumn and summer months, they really are beautiful fish. Plus, if they do, how would anyone go about fencing such a huge water system?? Thats a sickening thought...
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