Over the last few weeks, much of my time has been spent fishing the River Ivel. The areas which I have visited have been around Sandy and Broom in Bedfordshire, both stretches of river are run by the Ivel Protection Association. I am able to fish this particular association as I am a member of a club called Abbey Cross Angling Society, which is affiliated to the I.P.A.
So, as I am always looking for new inspiration to write about, I decided to try and catch a few winter Chub (Leuciscus cephalus). So far my first few visits to the River Ivel have turned out to be no more than uneventful, but reading up and putting a few rigs and baits into practice, I am sure it will not take me much longer before I bank a good sized Chub.
Some of the other lads in the meantime have managed to wet a line during these colder days. However, when lure fishing on these cold mornings with bright blue skies, you really are up against it. But at least they met up and made an effort.
A long awaited return to Ardleigh Reservoir was also made early on in February. This was really down to Nigel, he thought it was a good opportunity to throw some lures around before our trip to Scotland. After taking much persuasion to go, we headed off up the A11 towards Essex. On a damp and overcast morning we were quite optimistic at what the day ahead might bring. After a slow start to the day, a good double figure sized pike finally took an interest in my Fox pro shad lure. Would you believe, that the very same pike came back another 4 times, and still I could not get it to take my lure. It then got bored and gave up. A short time later, Nigel popped on a large Fox Destroyer spinnerbait, and within a couple of casts Nigel was soon into his first and only fish of the day. A nice pristine fish of around 7-8lb was safely boated and returned, and just as we thought we had found some fish, all things went very quiet indeed. A couple of hours later, a small jack pike then snatched my lure. This time, I had been jigging my softbait lure only inches from the bottom. The reason being, we thought the pike were still down deep. We did continue to try jigging for some time that afternoon, but we could not tempt any other fish. We shall be heading off to Ardleigh sometime in March, so if anyone wishes to join us please drop us a line. Boats will cost £30 per boat, so grab yourself a partner, it will cost you £15 each.
On our way to Ardleigh, we decided to take a slightly different route. This time we passed a T.V celebrity’s famous farm.
And, soon after packing up, we had a little time spare, so we popped into Jimmy’s Farm to say “Hello”, and buy a few of their famous sausages. After a cuppa, and a natter, we were soon saying our goodbyes and headed off for home.
Last week, we attended the presentation by Mick Brown. We were delighted that the great man actually recognized us from other recent events, and came over to talk to us. He updated us on his present fishing activities, mainly fishing in Scandinavian waters, and was interested in what we’ve been up to, and the tactics we’ve been employing. He then presented a very lively and interesting show, and took a number of questions from the floor. I was very happy to win the evening’s main raffle prize when I chose a selection of bite indicator/drop off arms.
Turning to our long-awaited trip to the Lake of Menteith…we are hugely disappointed to have been advised that freezing and inclement weather has had the better of us. The loch has frozen and has failed to thaw significantly. The event has been postponed until 13 March when I shall be unable to attend. I am extremely sad to miss this, but hopefully will get there at some time in the future. Oh well, I shall dream on of that elusive 30 pounder…
So, until next time, good fishing and take care, Stu
