
First things first, chuck out a couple of deadbaits and get the sausage sandwiches started! A very much anticipated, first trip of the season to Penton Hook. Dan and I were targeting the barbel and pike, Dan used luncheon meat and ledgered sprats, I used maggots and float fished livebait.

I lost a pike early on, then had a perch on float fished bleak, but the fishing was very slow. A few dace, small roach and gudgeon fell for the maggots, but the barbel didn't want to play.
Just after lunch (sausage sandwiches again) Dan hit a better fish but it escaped unseen - perhaps it was a barbel? I'd like to think so, but we'll never know.

I left Dan at base camp, traveled light and went in search of a pike but only managed to find a couple more perch. Might be a bit early for the pike.
We fished into dark but couldn't find a barbel and when we spoke to some locals we learned it has been tough all season, one guy was just finishing his fifth weekend in a row without a bite. And two others couldn't work out how many hours they'd spent for one barbel.
But we'll be back!

;-) Fly fishing menu in Idaho: elk kebabs and chilled wine (Daily Torygraph):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/9557806/Idaho-USA-a-fly-fishing-adventure.html
Beer and sausage sandwiches are the way forward :)
DeletePretty Perch. On a centerpin, no less. Do you use that type of reel for all your fishing now?
ReplyDeletePaulos
No, I'm after a centerpin doubles hattrick, barbel (got), pike and river carp... But it is fun!
DeleteYes, that centre pin reel looks beautiful - considering the modern alternatives available, it's like... Steampunk fishing.
DeleteSteampunk fishing - I like that!
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