Chilly Chubbing in January

Over the last month I have been predominantly focusing on the Warwickshire Avon around my local area. To say that the weather has effected this has been an understatement, with floods, freezing and run off. I have though managed to snag a few. My tactics have been very simple, with processed bread in a small cage feeder on a short pat link to a size 8 super specialist hook. I did from time to time change the feeder for a couple of swan shot to improve my presentation , allow the bread to find its natural resting place in the flow etc.

This was the largest of the fish, caught from a swim in which my rod tip almost touched the opposite bank!!

And then the snow came!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsure why the is one came out blue?

 

The fish have ranged between 3lb 7oz and 4lb 8oz. The best tactic that I have found is to keep moving , as bites usual come within the first 15 mins. Would really like to bag a 5 from here. Though I am more than aware a 5 is not a massive fish, it is not all about that for me. I could fish many areas that have a reputation for large chub but fishing a section of the river which is no more than 5 metres wide has a more rewarding feeling.

All in all I am really enjoying it, having caught in many different swims and thus far not blanked, landing 17 fish in 8 outings.

As the water clears and settles I aim to fine down and fish the stick in suitable swims.

Few wets lines and new targets for 2012

It seems like an age since I really concentrated on blogging, for which to those who follow it I

apologise.

I have been out and about but without a massive amount of quality fish being caught. Visiting gravel it's for zander with no results, the canal for stripe's when it's frozen etc. The most productive sessions that I have had, have been to small sections of the Avon at which I have caught some nice quality roach, dace and chub.

On the 27th I landed the fish pictured below as the winter sun warmed me on the river, whilst all the other members of the club fished the pools with little results.

I feel the swim that I am concentrating on might well throw up a few surprises. Already when float fishing I have lost two large chub, mistakenly put a very large dace back thinking it was a chub and had roach up to about 11oz.

My next task was a planned visit to the river test, in Southampton to put a few last percentage points on the board, but my fathers health has been very poor recently so this will have to be postponed.

I am now having thoughts of the next angling year, in which I am aiming to achieve the list below, with my focus now being on more specimen style fishing instead of pleasure/ match style.

Roach over 2lb

Perch over 3lb

Bream over 10lb

Tench over 10lb

Pike over 20lb

Zander over 10lb

Carp over 25lb

Grayling over 2lb

Crucian carp over 3lb

Barbel over 12lb

Whilst fully realising that these targets are high, I honestly feel that with the correct techniques and the correct water I can achieve these goals. I have spent time and money on changing my tackle to suit a more specialist approach, and along with getting told I can no longer play contact sports, have more time to dedicate to my passion.

Below is a picture that makes me smile. Whilst visiting on New Years day, I had a chance to take my nephew fishing. Whilst my brother visited our dad in hospital.We visited the same swim as I had caught from earlier in the week. Within about ten minutes he had landed his first ever chub,of 3lb 4oz. The photo was sent straight to his grandad who though in intensive care managed a smile at the photo also. Perhaps a future blogger?

I wish you all the very best for the new year .....tight lines.