A change of scenery. And target species! I fancied trying to track down a big summer Itchen roach. The swim was a shallow gravel run with plenty of weed for cover and I could see fish ghosting in and out. Staying put, plenty of bait and a slow-rolled piece of bread flake on the quiver tip. Would these spooky fish want to play?
Two roach, the best going 1lb 13oz...
The other going 1lb 5oz...
Five bream, two chub...
And my first Itchen gudgeon... Bonus!
Those roach are magnificent, as they always are, never seen an ugly one yet! My favourite image is that of the Gudgeon, it brings back memories of the early days, 1960's, fishing on the Grand Union Canal in Hemel Hempstead. Cheers for sharing the pictures - tight lines - Dylan
ReplyDeleteThere are no ugly roach, just ones with character! One lucky gudgeon - followed across the river by a hungry pike and just snatched from her jaws.
DeleteA great catch, you do have some fabulous waters to fish. I'm not jealous you understand..... much ;o)
ReplyDeleteBut if I had to pick just one river it would be The Wye. Fortunately I don’t have to pick and I’ll be back on The Itchen soon - spotted some lovely perch...
DeleteGreat to see them mate, given Dad and my blank it was worth it just to see such fish! A 2-pounder beckons, just a case of when you can get back down!
ReplyDeleteReally thought I’d bagged a 2+ when she slipped over the net, just didn’t have the belly - next time..!
DeleteNext time indeed, however, next time you'll have competition :)
DeleteThough those roach would be too much for you to resist for long :-)
DeleteI know, plans are already hatched and I will be looking to piss off a few come October onwards!
DeleteCount me in :-)
DeleteAwesome stuff Brian
ReplyDeleteCheers Mick
DeleteI know where that is and I watched a small shoal by my feet the opposite side a few years ago that looked similar size, nice bit of water down there
DeleteSpotted them a month or so ago without the gear to catch them - been on my mind since! Lovely bit of water, shame the busy road is only feet away!!
DeleteLooks a great session! well done.
ReplyDeleteGreat session, cheers. Wish it was closer - can’t wait to go back - there’s perch to catch!
DeleteLovely ole job
ReplyDeleteLovely old roach!
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