![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizioOtdj7JJAZNqysneVPwhvzX3wp9qIFBY7t3nrRaicESiGIPECgLah2eHkQ2PDjPgIvKTR220TLVPIaSgAsXsv7IVcqmbEUjxiAs5Ajhtq0SxUw6Ai65WuSuhj0eTT6JrfjappuDRS4/s400/zander_5-6a.jpg)
Back on the tidal thames in search of predators, and after a lot of hard work bait fishing, we were loaded up with minnows and mini-dace hoping to winkle out some perch and zander (and pike, I know they'll take a small bait).
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James had brought along one larger dace and started off trying to find a pike - and it wasn't long before he had a run. Looked about 17lb as it surfaced by the boat before spitting the hook - had we made a mistake with the small bait?
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We both lost zander but I finally got one to stay on the hook - my first river zed - 5lb 6oz - and what a beauty. Green stripped back and blue in the pelvic fins - in this gin-clear water they are much prettier than their muddy puddle cousins.
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It was to be my only predator of the day - but I'm still delighted, a tidal zed brilliant! I did land this clonking gudgeon while bait fishing, me and James agreed it looked over 2oz but we didn't have mini scales - ah well. I put it back, this one wasn't going to be bait!
Good day for you, not so this end, every dog has his day :)
ReplyDeleteLovely Zed though, never seen one look so pretty!
I have to out-fish you once in a while... And yeah, stunning zed!
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