UKCF Anglers.

[AlexD4]

I always loved a session for jacks on light tackle, super fun when you hook into a 15lbs+ on a lighter spinning rod.

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[Simon Bolivar]

That'll do for openers

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Aye, they can only get bigger from here! (hopefully!)

[gav_sw20]

Up at 5:30am to head to the river trying for a Barbel. Beautiful morning and as misty as anything up till about 8am.

The rod wrapped around at 7:45 and I thought I had a Barbel, but alas it was a Chub. Not bad at 3lb but the thing headed straight to the trees and I got snagged - at one point I was tugging on the line and I was pulling the fish head-first out the water as my line was trapped in a low branch. Luckily I got it out and all was OK with the fish.

The day was then far too bright and clear and I didn’t have another bite, a beautiful day though none the less. Celebrated with a Hoyo San Juan later in the day.

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[Vitola]

I love those misty mornings - great shots

[Simon Bolivar]

Glad to report I have just caught my pike in England in 13yrs, & a dble at that! Spending a fortnight with our daughter in Bournemouth & fishing during the day, when she works.
Monday I had my first session on the Avon since 2004, & started trying to fish a far side slack, on the main river. Needed 140gms to hold but still got towed out into the main flow.
So I up'dsticks & tried a nearside Mr Crabtree style slack. 12-15' deep & screamed pike. I had heard of this swim before, it's know as the Piles.

It was a late move, nearly 12:00 before I had both Smelt out & having roast beef sarnies (left over from the joint I cooked on Sunday), when I had a run. Wound down felt it on for a few seconds & then it let go.

Two more runs followed, when I didn't feel a thing & then at 13:30, a move determined run, a slower strike, connected. A very spirited fight ensued, the fish was over my net once & tail walked out of it! Second attempt it was safely landed.

At 10lb on the nose, it was only the 2nd this season so very welcome indeed.

Out the following day & I fished the same bay, as it could hold a dozen fish at this time of year but not a single run, disturbed my celebratory 2001 Monte Espec No2. A cracking smoke, with a strong coffee to start & a beer to follow it up.

With no action & tLk of a better swim 'a long walk' down river, I decided to return excess kit to the car & hoof it down there. If impressed , I'd fish there for the rest of the week. Talk of 18/19&21lb'ers being recently caught there.

Well it was a hike, across boggy fields & passing through a barbed wire fence but only 10-12mins. The inlet is about 500yds long, with a wide opening, narrowing down after a couple of turns to a circular pool.

I fished in the middle, where a side stream joined but no takers, this late in the afternoon.

I am back there this morning, first piker to get a ticket today so no competition for my chosen swim. Now I have a dble under my belt I will stick it out along this stretch for the rest of the week & hoping for an upp dble or better to finish off my season in stlye.

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[JoeyGunz]

Congratulation's Simon, me and the Mrs have been re-watching Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing we love it, some beautiful place's on our to visit list and maybe we might take the plunge and learn to wet a line. Congratulation's again and enjoy your time there.

[Vitola]

Nice one Simon - the beard suits you mate - which part of the Avon are you on?

[Give the man a cigar]

Congratulations Simon Bolivar , lovely specimen. They are incredible fish and I love your cigar selection. Looks like a nice long smoke.

[Max A]

Lovely catch Simon! Plenty more great catches to come this year I'm sure

[Simon Bolivar]

Cheers Guys, it's been a busy week of hard fishing & no further 🐠, I am fishi g the River Avon at Christchurch Royalty Fishery. It's about a tenner a day but I am a member of Christchurch A. C. so don't have to pay extra but do have to queue for a ticket @07:30, as they only let 10members on a day, after that everyobe pays.
There's around a dozen people fishing most days & yesterday 4 were fly fishing for salmon! I have never shared a river with a salmon fisher before.
I am fishing the furthest swims so far I have been on my own but expect company on Sat. Only a week to go until the coursr season ends - on the rivers.
Met a chao yesterday how said he'd show me a side stream today, hoping he shows up.

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[Simon Bolivar]

He just did, wish me luck!

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[Max A]

He just did, wish me luck!

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Best of luck Simon. Let us know how you get on 😁👍🏻

[Simon Bolivar]

Well since last Mon, I have blanked every day. Had yesterday off to rest & spend day with our daughter. Today, fishing a different strech of the River Avon, one we walked along yesterday. Nice slacks to fish, main flow still brisk & powerful. Had trouble getting my rig to hold in the flow but managed fishing 70g lead straight.

Amused myself with this perfectly constructed & very earthy tasting Boli CG Tubos 2002, what a glorious day, enjoy yours too!

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[gav_sw20]

Last weekend on the river for me today now the season has ended.

There wasn’t a single person out but guessing Mother’s Day put a stop to most people heading out.

Weather looked fanciable for a bite but not even a liner. Highlight of the day was a Epicure No2 around 1ish. As soon as that was finished I packed up and headed home as it was far too windy.

Next season target is 25+ barbel with a double amongst those. Whilst I love fishing the Avon (10-minute drive for me) I’m going to head to different waters to achieve my target as it’s been ‘Ottered’ and the Barbel numbers just aren’t there anymore.

Heard stories of decent Carp in the local canals so will try them until it warms up, I’ll then hit the commercials for some pole fishing. Roll on June 16th.

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[Dorsetman]

I've only just joined the forum and delighted to see that there is an angling thread with regular contributors - “honest, civil, quiet men” so Isaak Walton described anglers. I both fish for Trout and Grayling in the rivers of Dorset and Wiltshire and occasionally venture out onto the briny for Bass. I look forward to reading about your adventures and successes!