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Dreading the 16th.....

Chris Jones

Chris Jones

Senior Member
....and can't wait in almost equal measure. I'll hate seeing this place burst into life, seeing the catch reports and pictures while not having a cat in hells chance of being able to contribute to them until sometime in July:(. However, I wish those of you lucky enough to get out in the first few days of the season all the best:). You've no idea how jealous I am:eek:. The only upside is that by then I'll be two weeks closer to getting out there.
 
Totally understand what you mean Chris... not getting out for a little while due to a house move. Haven't fished for anything since the end of March either so really starting to go a bit stir crazy.

Might log out for a while to soothe the longing!
 
Julian,

Agree with your thoughts entirely mucker....only thing is, I can't not be there on the opening day :)

Might have a go for something different this year and have a dabble for a Barbel later in the day maybe?

Paul
 
Julian,

I also have the same thoughts, I differ in that I will be fishing - but I will be very selective in where and when I fish.

Dave
 
Never seem to get going until early autumn. Think it might be a small river thing, easily spooked, easier to catch with colour and flow? Anyone else experiance the same on very small rivers?
 
Gents,
I generally find that not much happens for me on the barbel front until mid-July. However, that doesn't stop me trying and it doesn't stop me wishing that I could try this year.
 
Adrian Williams said:
Stop wishing your lives away, I love summer fishing for Barbel and will be plundering the river every chance I get.
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Not exactly wishing my life away but apart from a few short evening sessions on the Windrush when fishing on adjacent pits (for this years target species; bream, but don't tell my ol' mucker Neil I've switched allegiance away from the mud-pigs:D), maybe a few carpy sessions on the Thames if the pits are too busy (feel free to inform Neil of this;)).

TBH last winter really highlighted what a common misconception; barbel don't feed in cold water is..... Yes they slow up but if you select your time, bait and swim, they feed on rivers partially iced over.:eek:

Add to that, the fact I really can't be doing with faffing around trying to reoxygenating a fish in water that's warm and low in oxygen...... Would use a keepnet but that's a hanging offence these days:confused: (judge and jury often have no experience of them though). :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:


So all in all, I really can't see the need to rush out fishing for barbel in summer.
 
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I,ll be out on the 16th, but salmon will be the target, barbel will get a look later, probably into july, the Thames is always a tad slow to start!
peter
 
I dint think I be on the rivers for first few weeks of the season. Let the crowds die down then I start off on the teme this year on our new club stretch
 
Colin Gordon said:
Not exactly wishing my life away but apart from a few short evening sessions on the Windrush when fishing on adjacent pits (for this years target species; bream, but don't tell my ol' mucker Neil I've switched allegiance away from the mud-pigs:D), maybe a few carpy sessions on the Thames if the pits are too busy (feel free to inform Neil of this;)).

TBH last winter really highlighted what a common misconception; barbel don't feed in cold water is..... Yes they slow up but if you select your time, bait and swim, they feed on rivers partially iced over.:eek:

Add to that, the fact I really can't be doing with faffing around trying to reoxygenating a fish in water that's warm and low in oxygen...... Would use a keepnet but that's a hanging offence these days:confused: (judge and jury often have no experience of them though). :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:


So all in all, I really can't see the need to rush out fishing for barbel in summer.
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Keith's fantastic catch in mid winter was an inspiration, and proves that anything is possible I suppose, but the lure of the river for me is not just about catching from the off, and for me rarely happens anyway. I am happy just trotting a stick float down my 'local' after work and catching silvers with the hope of a bigger roach and chub perhaps. This year the bankside vegetation seems more lush than ever, and the river seems in tremendous condition.
Thank you for considering me a friend Colin, I am really flattered, I am sure we have a lot in common, and I wish you well with your bream campaign around the Eynsham area is it? When the village used to be HQ for the company I worked for those pits provided a distraction for me to gaze into as a relief from another boring meeting. The drive there was highlighted by the stunning Windrush Valley, surely not a better sight in Autumn anywhere.
Your point on low level of oxygen would seem to be more apparent this summer if the forecasts are correct, and with this in mind I will choose my venues with care, and will abstain from barbel (no change there:)) as distress to both fish and angler is just not worth it.
Oh! and I lost my mother of 88 years yesterday she was a fanatical lover of wildlife and especially the birds in her garden that was her Cotswold Bungalow for 25 years up until her more recent move to a Bristol Flat. She taught me how to respect those creatures that live in harmony with us, and it was no coincidence that yesterday I had a succession of Robin and Blackbirds proudly displaying their new off spring.
I wish you well Colin and can we please play nice now?
 
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You can always fish evenings into night, when its a lot cooler, better time anyway:)
I've had plenty in the blazing hot sun of midday, including my first Dove, Teme and upper Severn fish(only upper Severn fish for that matter!), all small rivers. As long as they're handled well and returned quickly, don't see the problem.
 
Neil Smart said:
I wish you well Colin and can we please play nice now?
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Neil, I am sorry to hear/read of your loss yesterday, I genuinely offer you my condolences.

I think you're right, we probably do share a lot in common but when you vent your disdain of carp angling/anglers, it does get right up my nose...
Not as a carp angler, just an angler who sometimes angles for carp. My favourite fish, has been for 25yrs+ now, is the humble chub.

To my mind, a chub is just another fish, no more or less special except in its pursuit, I gain more pleasure than from others.:)
Some bolt-rig for them, others float fish, some freeline but me I love watching a soft quivertip whilst trying to catch them.
Whatever method, so long as no one is harming the fish, affecting my sport but most importantly they're enjoying themselves, all is good!:)
 
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