A bit of bitting and bobbing

Since my last post I've been struggling to catch anything significant, I've been out trying a few new areas on the canal and a few new ideas but with meagre results so far.

The weather through late March and early April was ridiculously cold and the fishing suffered for it all over the country. There were a few lucky sods who got amongst the fish but I struggled along with the majority of other anglers.

I've tried to wean myself off the lure fishing a bit so I can get back in tune with a float or feeder rod in time for all the other species that have starting to show signs of waking up for this year.  Managing an evening in pursuit of some elusive canal carp I have spotted a few times whilst out hunting zander with the lure rod, the session although a blank, was quite successful when my baiting up attracted a group of fish that gave away their presence by bow waving on the surface as they investigated my smorgasbord of goodies. I didn't catch during this evening session but I did get a strong run on a lump of spam that managed to somehow avoid being hooked. The excitement from that single run was immense but I failed to get any more takes. I want to have another go soon before I get my tench head on and immerse myself fully into the world of spomming beds of hemp, maggots and ground bait out before laying feeders over the top in anticipation of the rods flying off one after the other in one of those hectic tench sessions I look forward to every spring.

I promised Danny that I would show him some photo's of my worm bin, so I thought I'd post them up for anyone else to benefit if they were thinking about setting one up. If you are you will enjoy a constant source of bait year round. Useful for hook bait or as feed instead of using expensive or manually sourced lobworms.  I have kept a bin for about 7 or 8 years now, there is nothing too it really. You just need a bin with a lid such as a compost bin or even an old wheelie bin with a few holes put in the bottom for drainage. Now for some material to start it off like a layer of soil, damp newspaper or even some old rotting leaves. Don't whatever you do put any grass cuttings in, nor any citrus fruit or onions as they are far too acidic and you worms will snuff it quickly and turn to smelly mush. However, do put in plenty of potato and veg peelings and tea bags (yes tea bags and plenty of them the worms will love em !), soft fruit and veg like cucumber or banana is good too as are greens like cabbage, lettuce etc. Over a few weeks you will have a nice layer going and the worms will start to break it all down and begin the multiplication process ! ( Obviously a tub of worms from the tackle shop to start it off will be needed) I use reds in my bin, I don't know if brandlings or dendrobenas will work as I have not tried them, but it might be worth a go?  I don't think you can keep lobs in this way as they feed and live in different conditions to red worms. I'm not an expert on the subject but I do remember reading about the acidity levels and media type being crucial, like soil for lobs as opposed to rotting down veg being a factor or indeed a necessity. Reds, however are easy to keep in this environment and as long as you don't introduce the wrong types of food for them they will look after themselves. All I have to do is keep adding my peelings and veg waste and occasionally turn the mass over with a fork to mix it up a bit.



A Compost bin  - or a wheelie bin will do

The heap

 

 If you do try it for yourself, in a few short months you will be rewarded with thousands of these at your disposal.

I have caught a few jacks recently on the lure rods both on the canal and the small lakes and pools in the local area, but a nice perch or zander has eluded me. I have had a few follows from both of these though which has encouraged me to keep at it, especially during those sneaky little quick fire sessions that supplement my limited fishing time and have become part of my weekly routine nowadays.
 here's a few pics to round things up and bring me up to date.

Optimistic ...

Back you go ..

The Jet propelled jack above - broke my hook on a wooden post !

Last cast of a quick 20 min session on way home from work

 

Toads like to get jiggy with it - when it's warm enough !