Perching

I'd unfinished business with the estate lake, early spring had produced some nice roach and perch to probably a pound and a half, but I decided a "proper" go with livebaits was in order.

Catching livebaits, it's almost always a pain in the arse. Not enough, too small, too big, you know the drill. 

There's not that many prey fish in the lake from what I've seen, but the perch look in good nick.

One thing that is a mistake in my experience, is to use lives too small. All you do is end up catching smaller and smaller perch.

Of course, there's always exceptions, but a roach or a perch of 2 to 3oz is about spot on. Anything bigger and you tend to miss runs.

Whist catching the livebaits I'd had a big bleak, probably six or seven inches long. A monster and how it got in the lake is anyone's guess. 

Two CD/ Bellers rigs were assembled and an unfortunate fish attached and swung out close to cover. The ancient home made drop offs were attached and I was fishing.

After about an hour the line pulled out from the clip with a satisfying click and a second later I saw a big swirl on the surface as a perch hit the roach.

Hustled in to the net quickly it proved to be a cracking fish of 2lb 4oz in absolutely pristine condition. A good start.

A couple of perch around the 1.5lb mark followed and then a very greedy small fish with eyes far bigger than its mouth.....actually that's not true....

The following day I was back. Slightly less activity but another beauty of 2lb 6oz made it worthwhile. 

It's always a pleasure to fish here, tucked away in the valley surrounded by a big wood and away from the madding crowds.

This coming week I may off in search of barbel and zander. On the other hand it may be more perching.

We'll see.