On The Bikes

The fishing bikes were loaded, two "nod rods" in the holders, landing net strapped on, bait bucket and bits in the basket. That'll do.

The aim was to fish four djkes/canals and get fish from them all. We were a bit light on the bait front, sweetcorn, a few manky worms and a bit of mash, but hopefully enough for a bit of action. 

First stop was a decent sized "wetering" ( land drain ). A pinch of mash was flicked out and a tiny worm swung out under two inches of peacock quill. A few minutes later S struck and a small rudd was catapulted unceremoniously out of the water 

A couple of surprisingly decent roach of 8-10oz were caught on the next few cast before we moved on to the next venue.

This one was a bit larger, a proper canal. A plump roach first cast, then they started pumping and it looked like we were on the Wye.

No matter, crusty cheese and ham baguettes were greedily consumed on the bank, before we were on the bikes again.

I really liked the next djke. Maybe six metres wide, three foot deep with several lily beds.

We immediately had small perch, followed again by some very nice roach. I even caught a monkey goby ( I'd never heard of them either), another invasive species.

Last venue, a little tree lined, narrow, fairly shallow djke. 

More roach, a rudd and then some horrible signal crayfish. It was to head back to the van for a very welcome, very cold beer.

What a lovely  day.