Festive wishes

Hey all, just a few words to let you know what I've been up to.
Changed workplace this year, enjoyed where I was but hated the travelling. So back working in Edinburgh, but not had a lot of time for fishing.
Anyhoo! I'd like to wish all a very happy, merry festive season and hope to be more regular on the blog next year.

All the best!

Maggot drowning

Hey all, popped out for a bit yesterday with my new improved toy. Went along to my favourite stretch near Calder Crescent here and fished from around 11am. First hour passed without any movement but just after midday I got a gentle tug and found my first drowned maggot was gone, this happened another twice over the next 20 minutes. Sunshine was really warm and couldn't help remembering it was snowing the day before! Just before 1pm the water came alive, tiny silver fish flying through the air after the emerging flies. Sadly it was time to go to work and had to pack up.
Be back again soon!

A new toy to my collection!

Monday saw the arrival of a new telescopic whip I'd ordered from Carphunter. At 7m, its 2m more than my usual whip which will help me cover most of the canal now without taking my heavier 11m Pantera take-apart pole. After unpacking I couldn't wait to try out my latest shiny addition, so nipped out after the snow yesterday morning. On first try it isn't too heavy at 635g and feels pretty sweet to use. Sadly after snagging some weed the ring fitted to the top section fell out! Luckily within reach so I could get my rig back. I have this morning cut the top section, fitted a sleeve, No.4 elastic and Preston connector and its ready to roll. At £18 plus £4 to elasticate it it's still good value even if the original fitting was poor. Looking forward to trying it out again asap.

British Waterways Staff

Meant to do this yesterday, just wanted to big up! the British Waterways operators who were doing canal edge management on Thursday. One of whom moored up his vehicle about 25m from where I was sitting, then walked up to explain he was sorry but would be working the whole length I'd inteneded to fish. Courteous, pleasant and quite refreshing he even took the time. Thanks again!

April showers

Well, apart from the company of 2 swans and a coot there were no signs of life today. Still a bit too cold I think.

Cleaning up!

Lovely sunny but cold morning. British Waterways are out trimming the edges.

Winter, Again!!!

Sleet, hail and snow! what's goin on? Planned to go down the canal today but my AccuWeather app says it's a real feel temperature of -1deg C and 19kmh winds so not gonna happen. Hoping to get out tomorrow though as forecast is a bit better and Fishing Calendar says Thursday and Friday should be good for fishing (nice app and so far pretty accurate). Hard to believe I was enjoying hot sunshine and wearing a T-shirt just last week alongside the canal.

Catch and Release!

Just a short note, whilst out last week there were a couple of 'fishermen' with a bag of small Jack Pike which they described as food. Whilst I am no saint and even understand the joys of a free meal, as I regularly forage for wild foods surrounding this venue, taking small underdeveloped fish is only reducing the sport for everyone not to mention putting very little on the plate. This is a catch and release water, to give fun and pleasure to everyone for years to come not five minutes in someones stomach. Please think!

New season

The new SFCA season permit started April 1st, which if you pay online is now £6 but still great value for a years fishing.

So although a bit early in the year for my Ninja style fishing, grabbing an hour or so when I get the chance, I couldn't resist last weeks gorgeous weather and headed out a couple of times. The setting was lovely, warm, plenty of natural flies on the water and the odd canal boat passing by but no sign of our little friends feeding. Undeterred I tried all depths and colours of maggot but to no avail, even tried some pineapple softbaits I'd picked up! Anyway I enjoyed the birds singing and the glorious weather so no loss. Tried again on Thursday, the setting was the same but after a boat passed I saw the first signs of life, some small roach leaping after emerging flies. Sadly they weren't interested in the maggots I was teasing them with. Then five minutes before I had to go to work, my float surged under. It went left then right then slack, oh well not the first or the last fish lost but got my heart racing and ensured I'd be back soon!