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Diary of an average angler

Who favours traditional methods & baits

fisherman

This diary dates back to a holiday in 2003 when I think the urge to get back into fishing took off. From around 2007 the trips became more frequent with 2010/11 probably being the peak of activity.
Things again pick up in 2020 - a sort of rebirth!

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River Great Ouse - Offord (17)

Top Stream

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Arrival time: circa 11.30 at swim
Weather: Mainly sunny with a strong westerly wind. But not too cold.
Tackle: Shimano 9ft Aero X1 with 1.0oz quiver, simple SSG link and later a small cube leger weight, 5lb line, 2½lb hook link, 16 hook.
Baits: Maggot with hemp as attractor
Fish: A number of small perch, 1 roach and 1 bream

After struggling for chub recently I decided today to try for roach in the Top Stream at Offord. I hadn't fished this stream before but had been advised that it held some good roach. I think they're best fished for with the pole but as I don't have one it was to be match rod and centrepin. However, on arrival not only did my planned swim look uninviting because of the strong wind but the idea of float fishing in such conditions wasn't appealing.

River Great Ouse - Offord (13)

Mill Stream

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Arrival time: 11.00 in car park
Weather: Bright with a blustery wind.
Tackle: 12' Korum Multi-feeder, simple SSG link, 6lb line, 6 hook.
Baits: Cheese paste / bread flake.
Fish: 2 chub, 1 roach

I did well on my last trip to the Mill Stream, my first fishing outing after my hip operation. So today I was reasonably confident of getting a fish or two. But although conditions were good I struggled. There were plenty of indications on the rod top but most were no more than taps, and when there was a more positive pull it was short and extremely difficult to hit.

Fields End (110)

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Arrival time: 10.30
Weather: Sunny but chilly with a strong NW wind
Tackle: 14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed & sweet corn feed, corn, prawn, cheese paste & artificial casters on the hook.
All fish taken on corn
Fish: Four roach

Back to Fields End after my hip operation having missed the summer. After a few mild days the temperature had dropped and a fierce NW wind made things difficult.

Fields End (109)

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Arrival time: 09.00
Weather: Warm and sunny with a light breeze
Tackle:
11' 6" Hardy Marksman Specimen Avon with Shimano Exage 4000 reel. 8lb line direct to a 12 hook with an Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed & sweet corn feed, corn & luncheon meat on the hook.
All fish taken on luncheon meat
Fish: Two carp and one small rudd

After a chilly week with cold winds last week, today we were treated to a glimpse of spring with sunshine and a hint of a breeze. But the fish seemed still to be a bit reluctant after the cold spell.

Fields End (108)

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Arrival time: 09.00
Weather: Warm and sunny, rising to 22℃, with a light SSW breeze
Tackle: 14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed, sweet corn, luncheon meat.
All fish taken on corn
Fish: Three barbel (two foul-hooked), two carp and many roach

The weather forecast was for a warm spring-like day and it didn't disappoint. A great improvement on my last visit and this time the NE corner was free and I dropped into my favourite spot.

Fields End (107)

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

Arrival time: 09.00
Weather: Dry and overcast with a very fresh SW breeze.
Tackle: 14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed, sweet corn, cheese paste, luncheon meat.
Fish: One roach

Following two very successful trips I was hopeful when I arrived at the lake. But I couldn't get the spot I wanted and in the end only just avoided a blank.

There were only two cars in the car park when I arrived so I was hopeful of getting my corner swim. However, one car had brought four young guys and they decided to take all the swims around the NE corner where I normally fish. A total waste of good margin swims as they were casting out into the lake.

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