Michael Hardy
Active Member
Hiya All,
Just thought I would let you know how my first day out on the River Dove went.
The day started at about 6-00am on Sunday 20th June.
What a marvellous day greeted me – the sun was gleaming brightly and the river was low and clear – heaven – perfect conditions for locating those elusive barbel.
As I walked across the first meadow, a bunch of young rabbits darted out of the tall grass, frightened by my intrusion into their morning, and as I approached the river, an elegant looking swan seemed to be teaching its’ two signets how to get some shuteye.
Then she was not amused as I got a shade too close for her liking. A thought rushed through my head as I hoped the barbel would not spot me so easily.
In the first swim, I made contact with a 4lb chub that decided it wanted my pellets come what may – stunning fish. Although my intended quarry is barbel, I never tire of catching such beautiful conditioned fish.
Swallows dipped towards the river picking up flies and the Kingfisher darted up and down the river, in too much of an hurry for my liking, searching for food for his / her young – you don’t get this wildlife on carp puddles – and I make no excuse for making that comment – why people prefer ponds to rivers is totally beyond me? Ah well each to their own I suppose.
Later in the morning, my rod tip hooped over with an unmistakable 4 foot twitch. My mind is racing now – double for sure – maybe bigger? Well there is nothing wrong in dreaming is there? Wrong again as a 3.5 lbs rainbow trout graced my net. What a gorgeous fish and before you ask – yes I did nurse it in the shallows and let it slide back – free to fight another day. I wasn’t fishing for it and she played the game, so her freedom made it so much sweeter.
Throughout the day, I fished several more of my banker swims but drew a total blank. Maybe those barbel can see me after all. I thought I was being really quiet, but maybe I am not as stealthy as I needed to be?
My confidence never wanes too much though on this amazing river though and at about 3.00pm, my rod tip, and almost the rod itself, decided it wanted to exit scene left with unbelievable speed – pick your rod up Mick my mind is telling me – game on.
After one amazing fight, a marvellous barbel graced the landing net and tipped the scales to exactly 10 lbs 0 ozs – 10 lbs or 3 lbs – they are all a prize and the day I grow tired of catching them, I want somebody to shoot me
.
Happy days.
Michael Hardy – formerly known as Wolvesmick....
All the best Michael....
Just thought I would let you know how my first day out on the River Dove went.
The day started at about 6-00am on Sunday 20th June.
What a marvellous day greeted me – the sun was gleaming brightly and the river was low and clear – heaven – perfect conditions for locating those elusive barbel.
As I walked across the first meadow, a bunch of young rabbits darted out of the tall grass, frightened by my intrusion into their morning, and as I approached the river, an elegant looking swan seemed to be teaching its’ two signets how to get some shuteye.
Then she was not amused as I got a shade too close for her liking. A thought rushed through my head as I hoped the barbel would not spot me so easily.
In the first swim, I made contact with a 4lb chub that decided it wanted my pellets come what may – stunning fish. Although my intended quarry is barbel, I never tire of catching such beautiful conditioned fish.
Swallows dipped towards the river picking up flies and the Kingfisher darted up and down the river, in too much of an hurry for my liking, searching for food for his / her young – you don’t get this wildlife on carp puddles – and I make no excuse for making that comment – why people prefer ponds to rivers is totally beyond me? Ah well each to their own I suppose.
Later in the morning, my rod tip hooped over with an unmistakable 4 foot twitch. My mind is racing now – double for sure – maybe bigger? Well there is nothing wrong in dreaming is there? Wrong again as a 3.5 lbs rainbow trout graced my net. What a gorgeous fish and before you ask – yes I did nurse it in the shallows and let it slide back – free to fight another day. I wasn’t fishing for it and she played the game, so her freedom made it so much sweeter.
Throughout the day, I fished several more of my banker swims but drew a total blank. Maybe those barbel can see me after all. I thought I was being really quiet, but maybe I am not as stealthy as I needed to be?
My confidence never wanes too much though on this amazing river though and at about 3.00pm, my rod tip, and almost the rod itself, decided it wanted to exit scene left with unbelievable speed – pick your rod up Mick my mind is telling me – game on.
After one amazing fight, a marvellous barbel graced the landing net and tipped the scales to exactly 10 lbs 0 ozs – 10 lbs or 3 lbs – they are all a prize and the day I grow tired of catching them, I want somebody to shoot me
.
Happy days.
Michael Hardy – formerly known as Wolvesmick....
All the best Michael....
