tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28306215976797448532024-03-05T19:50:02.193+00:00Fishing The Union CanalAngling log, hints, tips & experiences on this underestimated local venueMarco Palumbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934056920165734974noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-66789631617600603132019-01-18T18:27:00.000+00:002019-01-18T18:27:58.429+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU29plI4Edk0blETlngtkj6IM7dZe_F4cE43XSDqmnjstn6Of6xDtoJgg3Dig-OVJgf7lxHaWFttDmBW-D4_FXZmNMGqAZ18s9X0yKX58SD7kjIs4kQF-sW0-g-NrWetybs0gbCfoYjVM/s1600/LINEAEFFE+5m+delta-ready-to-go-whip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU29plI4Edk0blETlngtkj6IM7dZe_F4cE43XSDqmnjstn6Of6xDtoJgg3Dig-OVJgf7lxHaWFttDmBW-D4_FXZmNMGqAZ18s9X0yKX58SD7kjIs4kQF-sW0-g-NrWetybs0gbCfoYjVM/s320/LINEAEFFE+5m+delta-ready-to-go-whip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well here are the latest telescopic poles I've added to my collection.<br />
My reason for the purchase was to add some quick lightweight options as I have already started fishing this year. My aim is too get out when I can grab some time, even if for short periods.<br />
So these have been added to my car boot armoury along with a couple of small rucksacks. One with a selection of small light rigs, all set up at home, ready to grab any action when I can. The other with a lightweight fly rod, Shakespeare Graphite Travel Fly, and tackle with a selection of small flies and lures.<br />
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I had been a bit under the weather on New Years eve but was greeted with a beautiful clear crisp day on the 1st of 2019. I couldn't let this go to waste so left with fly rod and some small lures and had a wander. I spied a few cautious rises but couldn't coax any bites. Hoping to attract some small pike action, I carried on casting heading out towards Ratho. Just before sunset, due at 15:49, I managed to hook the silver birch behind me. Unhooked the birds nest that I got back and decided to strip down my tackle as light was waning. Everything put away I sat and just relaxed, enjoying the freshness of the day and the New Year. Then as if to provoke me, the dimming sun on the water started to reveal multiple rises. Firstly at the edges just opposite me then more and more further along the canal.<br />
Happy to see some life in the water and also refreshed with the air and sunshine I headed home. <br />
Maybe next time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-69798742120052816752019-01-16T16:13:00.002+00:002019-01-18T17:40:47.514+00:00Edinburgh Angling CentreHi all!<br />
Been a while since I last blogged but been a bit sporadic in my fishing the last while as work has changed a few times and also had some health problems.<br />
Anyway, just thought I’d let you know about Edinburgh Angling Centre open down at Granton. It’s like Santa’s Grotto for anglers, or even those just interested. The staff were friendly, helpful and not at all condescending.<br />
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Edinburgh Angling Centre<br />
Unit E Granton Retail Park, 65 West Harbour Road, Granton, Edinburgh EH5 1PW, UK<br />
+44 131 202 6351<br />
<a href="https://www.fishingmegastore.com/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.fishingmegastore.com/index.html</a><br />
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Popped in for a look around, as a good friend had told me about it. Ended up with 2 new rods and some tackle!<br />
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Tight lines!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-73027628324976219022012-12-09T16:34:00.000+00:002012-12-09T16:34:26.181+00:00Festive wishesHey all, just a few words to let you know what I've been up to.<br />
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.<br />
Anyhoo! I'd like to wish all a very happy, merry festive season and hope to be more regular on the blog next year.<br />
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All the best!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-81215237704624594052012-04-12T09:20:00.003+01:002012-04-12T09:20:46.266+01:00Maggot drowningHey all, popped out for a bit yesterday with my new improved toy. Went along to my favourite stretch near Calder Crescent <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=210046860021120053328.0004bd76dae779be19e71&msa=0&ll=55.918611,-3.300004&spn=0.000406,0.001313" target="_blank"><b><u>here</u></b></a> 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.<br />
Be back again soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-66766037477091092452012-04-11T08:55:00.003+01:002012-04-11T08:57:53.160+01:00A new toy to my collection!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.carphunter.org.uk/lineaeffe-telescopic-whip-7m.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi6bjNCXJSwu0Q0i6F9PKES-as-xMnqDj8GOlYffIK5Ig-XsCr-54FJ37h-7HHqvlXtyFt_b7htGkYUw5pch7wTPnxz0EMYbvfGfHyZuoqt3TKOSz1V9OeHR1jlhoXIMa8JAKNGkiRoc/s320/7m-whip_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Monday saw the arrival of a new telescopic whip I'd ordered from <a href="http://www.carphunter.org.uk/" target="_blank">Carphunter</a>. 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.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-67961929442087120952012-04-06T13:34:00.000+01:002012-04-06T13:35:46.079+01:00British Waterways Staff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/media/images/BW_SM.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/media/images/BW_SM.gif" /></a></div>
Meant to do this yesterday, just wanted to big up! the<a href="http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/home" target="_blank"> British Waterways</a> 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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-65065826999952995652012-04-06T13:13:00.000+01:002012-04-06T13:14:11.644+01:00April showers<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbwrA9ZhlcXlFv0ucPp7SLvaRSOiJtCD3ztJQUEzf3iOB7EN_Twr7lJ3vp_8_9Tk-RqoBeVetwZNmIvJeyi4l1UQXgCpq9Q7DsG_2MZK1cuG-MkmJz2GMLSTQhum12T72U7tib8Hh3rg/s1600/photo-751645.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbwrA9ZhlcXlFv0ucPp7SLvaRSOiJtCD3ztJQUEzf3iOB7EN_Twr7lJ3vp_8_9Tk-RqoBeVetwZNmIvJeyi4l1UQXgCpq9Q7DsG_2MZK1cuG-MkmJz2GMLSTQhum12T72U7tib8Hh3rg/s320/photo-751645.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728259953787083874" /></a></p>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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-55289462424756842932012-04-05T09:47:00.000+01:002012-04-05T09:48:03.573+01:00Cleaning up!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7Upy_bOAb-dtJQtIocUy6vsrd-9pxCkUkal48gJrQlsnu506DEcZEjszU6pFWmzqoGGoWiydPlT8DLvJgXBZkagntIo239uHFGsqdYZM3Ffl0fTUQtTZAasYhf4loGvPPRuZWC9425Q/s1600/photo-783573.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7Upy_bOAb-dtJQtIocUy6vsrd-9pxCkUkal48gJrQlsnu506DEcZEjszU6pFWmzqoGGoWiydPlT8DLvJgXBZkagntIo239uHFGsqdYZM3Ffl0fTUQtTZAasYhf4loGvPPRuZWC9425Q/s320/photo-783573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727835746998103730" /></a></p>Lovely sunny but cold morning. British Waterways are out trimming the edges.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-52760468775044685632012-04-04T11:58:00.000+01:002012-04-04T11:59:25.723+01:00Winter, Again!!!Sleet, hail and snow! what's goin on? Planned to go down the canal today but my <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/accuweather-for-iphone/id300048137?mt=8" target="_blank">AccuWeather</a> 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 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/fishing-calendar/id305708971?mt=8" target="_blank">Fishing Calendar</a> 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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK55.953252 -3.18826755.8821325 -3.3461955000000003 56.0243715 -3.0303385tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-9657234515807554602012-04-04T09:36:00.003+01:002012-04-04T09:47:52.716+01:00Catch and Release!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODmRUIEpJzu3hyjQ64IdXW3-X-EffLMMUwYNbjLyRodHCZnBuFk3oj_YqdBm0f_LK6IAHBDykT37dy4mEZEyjOrk0dimtYZYkc2HElps6GpsD-CoeJxErU1JEpgWy6HDHxq0CPun239U/s1600/1+%25282%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODmRUIEpJzu3hyjQ64IdXW3-X-EffLMMUwYNbjLyRodHCZnBuFk3oj_YqdBm0f_LK6IAHBDykT37dy4mEZEyjOrk0dimtYZYkc2HElps6GpsD-CoeJxErU1JEpgWy6HDHxq0CPun239U/s200/1+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727461729927199154" /></a>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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-69954181680281188552012-04-04T09:12:00.004+01:002012-04-04T09:34:55.918+01:00New season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuGM-uUGd2uGlY8IvDTM2a2u6g8v6uenbY-sC4bX5prNlg2qFuqeMAwpR2SQYuSH3pu3z9sJeJKw3hEn0YGIIoreGqj7smFb3oOJMzRzelr06_ezKEcDYYdG6AR6088m0hcx7_5TOx9A/s1600/1+%25281%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuGM-uUGd2uGlY8IvDTM2a2u6g8v6uenbY-sC4bX5prNlg2qFuqeMAwpR2SQYuSH3pu3z9sJeJKw3hEn0YGIIoreGqj7smFb3oOJMzRzelr06_ezKEcDYYdG6AR6088m0hcx7_5TOx9A/s200/1+%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727461223918385058" /></a><br />The new SFCA season permit started April 1st, which if you pay online is now £6 but still great value for a years fishing.<div>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!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-5588409487208702622011-09-08T10:28:00.004+01:002011-09-08T10:36:01.069+01:00Try again!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pRPLCCP1EwX5TmDWpFrTDf-PZN7iVd2Hj35KrVzNLiOkdD3K8mlp9gooLXBRoOjJONLAUDv76m0ZM963n7kLyXDSGc3_YNAWCuLq9l2UuuXoSNni15T0rYMHit9NiR_LfQVYM0_-3xc/s1600/003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pRPLCCP1EwX5TmDWpFrTDf-PZN7iVd2Hj35KrVzNLiOkdD3K8mlp9gooLXBRoOjJONLAUDv76m0ZM963n7kLyXDSGc3_YNAWCuLq9l2UuuXoSNni15T0rYMHit9NiR_LfQVYM0_-3xc/s200/003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649918454774405858" /></a>After my success in changing bait size the day before I thought I'd try again. Tuesday morning I had to take my car into garage, so whilst it was in I wandered along Bankhead Industrial Estate till I reached the canal and started fishing. The wind and rain was quite strong making it difficult to cast and even see my float but after a while it calmed down enough to fish. Ended up with 2 Roach and 2 Perch, all good condition and more than decent sized. Gonna keep up the 2 maggot approach now as it does limit the amount of time spent putting tiny fish back.<div>Tight Lines!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-28795835594267480132011-09-08T10:14:00.004+01:002011-09-08T10:27:55.754+01:002 is better than 1?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7we2zYNnjOpuLzB0G9aFSBWCY4UnTV7ejk7M3uC8r0PI_ws8dhflF0rexDlO1ux0pxh2r7YMHDsFQKWL6Y3cWkif7goHPYnLxFN4qy7pLlsn2XEHAawqEXI9oIMnyQ3zqJsWpXlIOAs/s1600/001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7we2zYNnjOpuLzB0G9aFSBWCY4UnTV7ejk7M3uC8r0PI_ws8dhflF0rexDlO1ux0pxh2r7YMHDsFQKWL6Y3cWkif7goHPYnLxFN4qy7pLlsn2XEHAawqEXI9oIMnyQ3zqJsWpXlIOAs/s200/001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649915103788713186" /></a>Monday, went out for a bit of an afternoon session as the weather was nice and enjoy a I bit of sunshine. Fishing my usual rig with single maggot I took 8 Roach in the first hour but mostly small 10-15cm. Whilst fun, I was after bigger fish so I changed to fishing 2 maggots making It harder for small mouths to grab and more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">appealing</span> to bigger fish. When fishing 2 maggots I put the first on tip to hook and second flat end as this helps keep first one from wriggling off. The change saw me take 3 more Roach, 18-20cm and also a nice Perch of 20cm. Pleased to see my first Perch this year I packed up for the day.<div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-30223348630772381322011-08-29T19:09:00.004+01:002011-08-29T19:32:30.794+01:00Catchin up!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoMedTJwaJnlJ7KqayvIPlBD1vFZwFqkJX_KYnNMTQcfcuBFYFypLuG06aPU2fPPiwNQ8rlxBsWlRxNnFA9_leix_B8Pp51AKQmP_-6ymHYmW_JfXUo8fKuq_7HhVb3uZsaaDtbCSJto/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoMedTJwaJnlJ7KqayvIPlBD1vFZwFqkJX_KYnNMTQcfcuBFYFypLuG06aPU2fPPiwNQ8rlxBsWlRxNnFA9_leix_B8Pp51AKQmP_-6ymHYmW_JfXUo8fKuq_7HhVb3uZsaaDtbCSJto/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646342249866332258" border="0" /></a>
<br />Hi all, not had time to update over the weekend but here goes!
<br />On Thursday I popped out for an hour and had a great time. First Roach I caught was 20cm and put up a heavy fight. Over the next wee while I caught another 8 Roach, all around 12-15cm except for the last at 25cm and one of the best fish I've caught here.
<br />Friday I spent an hour and a half near the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">moorin</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI_Qcpf6fgFHqn9KefEG15liLD80-AS7gZ9gu6FMlqvUEk3m5jwHBjtLCVBabfOFMZpC8iOVMTkSS7GWxaiNCZRpT9ypiwbpP1ja-jRKY60njBW_YAUntfuR-Xa_GZ3uP9md5CxayBQk/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI_Qcpf6fgFHqn9KefEG15liLD80-AS7gZ9gu6FMlqvUEk3m5jwHBjtLCVBabfOFMZpC8iOVMTkSS7GWxaiNCZRpT9ypiwbpP1ja-jRKY60njBW_YAUntfuR-Xa_GZ3uP9md5CxayBQk/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646345785082628738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7yyOIqTwTQ2-RlCZ0WCqlgm_0c592_1ilpugGp4Q8qmb6nIAnMMN3yjhW5YmLYarDGv8gXZTCc4ubeYuX8nVux2YLfek4-65kbjQuKEM9GcGu52GbjE0_xM0oGcO0Eiz6NPdD4TCX3Q/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7yyOIqTwTQ2-RlCZ0WCqlgm_0c592_1ilpugGp4Q8qmb6nIAnMMN3yjhW5YmLYarDGv8gXZTCc4ubeYuX8nVux2YLfek4-65kbjQuKEM9GcGu52GbjE0_xM0oGcO0Eiz6NPdD4TCX3Q/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646346178257526978" border="0" /></a>gs at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Calders</span>. Weather kept changing, putting the fish off feeding for a bit, but I persevered.
<br />Ended up with a tally of seven Roach including a 25cm and a 28cm!
<br />Most impressed with my day I went home quite pleased with myself. I've noticed a lack of interest recently in the pink maggots, all my recent catches have been on white ones. Just thought I'd <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mention</span> it.
<br />
<br />Made it out to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ratho</span>, today near the canal visitors centre. Whilst a nice visit the action was much scarcer than in town. Not a blank though, I had two Roach one 15cm and other 18cm and in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lovely</span> bright condition. Both taken just after canal boats had passed, which were many today.
<br />Tight lines!
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-6200669547492387252011-08-22T17:40:00.002+01:002011-08-22T17:58:07.601+01:00Bigger and better.Day off here at last! so set off this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mornin</span> for a wee while on the water. Headed over to near the city bypass and was rewarded with a shiny Roach within the first five minutes. A stunning specimen around 6 ounce and 23cm which swept my float under in a definite move, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">that's</span> more like it! So I carried on, snacking on some apples growing near the water, and within another few minutes was into another roach, 15cm and playful leaping more than once from the murky water. Well after my Salmon wannabe I lost 2 and caught another 5, the last a 25cm nearly 8 ounce beauty. Most impressed with an hour and a half well spent I decided lunch was in order so off I went.
<br />I haven't seen any Perch around, which I found unusual, I really enjoy hooking them as they put up a bigger fight than they're size. Fingers crossed for next time out.
<br />Tight lines!
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-88449413211901762212011-08-19T14:02:00.006+01:002011-08-22T18:00:27.400+01:00Back in business!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QI6UPmr3W91UiQ9x2mRq3P9KhmF8J3Vbtg5OhzvldEgvOoQgkKAHF9zJj2ADBgE5ErpLBOp3J_7BIXLICVY0ExoFItEyq7TmfAxdk8nE6BjpNW-D5azkTp8OmrpnevBkNJLGxsO_6oM/s1600/Wild-fennel-plant.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QI6UPmr3W91UiQ9x2mRq3P9KhmF8J3Vbtg5OhzvldEgvOoQgkKAHF9zJj2ADBgE5ErpLBOp3J_7BIXLICVY0ExoFItEyq7TmfAxdk8nE6BjpNW-D5azkTp8OmrpnevBkNJLGxsO_6oM/s200/Wild-fennel-plant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642557756908284178" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPIkyDMdlbo-hjosn6yejBy5rvLFYBe3gu0jkk8CjZL2IIxFSaP0sNP89OsTMy4IaaEs6kRypNNPoNg8YCE9x2Ifd7Jv57HUR7DJOombPNMtRv9R15H11ar3AKoTgMiAyMWRUuzZ5rFw/s1600/wild+mint.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPIkyDMdlbo-hjosn6yejBy5rvLFYBe3gu0jkk8CjZL2IIxFSaP0sNP89OsTMy4IaaEs6kRypNNPoNg8YCE9x2Ifd7Jv57HUR7DJOombPNMtRv9R15H11ar3AKoTgMiAyMWRUuzZ5rFw/s200/wild+mint.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642557666156400498" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLoLzd0XIiWryEe-t6SKSpu-s3z3yuRtX7_Mu_9l_usd12j00jMR0btp4HMyQQ0YgWGytSblO-pt4Ah2M3BoKqD5kYBoHacY6l_FBxHewll-f1dkKNHxWtCBaNm8TcQEtXsee_csJQmg/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLoLzd0XIiWryEe-t6SKSpu-s3z3yuRtX7_Mu_9l_usd12j00jMR0btp4HMyQQ0YgWGytSblO-pt4Ah2M3BoKqD5kYBoHacY6l_FBxHewll-f1dkKNHxWtCBaNm8TcQEtXsee_csJQmg/s320/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642552103819730546" border="0" /></a>Well set off today to while away a little time before I go to work, sun was shining and not to shabby a day in general. Went a little further from home and attatched a new rig I'd bought, a Preston Size 18 Light carp rig which I picked up at Country Life. Hooked a fish on the first drop! a Roach 6cm but it managed to thrash its way off the hook. Pooped my rig in near the weeds and this time was rewarded by a healthy 15cm Roach. <div>Fished for an hour and a half enjoying the sunshine and flora and fauna populating the margins, in which time I hooked 12 Roach and landed 9 of them. Sizes varied from 6-18cm and all very healthy. A great outing with the benefits of finding some wild mint, lovely with some boiled new potatoes and also some wild fennel the tops of which are a great herb to use with fish. Can't help finding things for the kitchen, mind I am a chef and love my food :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-15966452860965192542011-08-17T14:42:00.003+01:002011-08-22T17:59:10.459+01:00Tiddlers Galore!Well I finally made it out for a while today. Such glorious weather that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">couldn't</span> pass up the chance to spend a bit of time by the water. My usual setup, 5m Pole, short 1.5m weightless rig, size 18 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">barbless</span> hook and a pink maggot. Plopped the maggot in the margins and before it had sunk a foot it was taken by a tenacious 5cm Perch. Popped it back and tried again, float <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disappeared</span> this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">time</span> to a small 10cm Roach. Well half an hour later and another 5 fish, all tiny I decided I'll come back tomorrow and try further afield in search of some bigger game.<div>Tight Lines :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-6847569963113185182011-08-17T14:36:00.004+01:002011-08-17T14:40:41.433+01:00Pemit Renewal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:24px;">CANAL SEASON TICKETS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:medium;"><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: 12px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; ">In the summer of 2009 the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling signed a landmark agreement with British Waterways to take control of all fishing on the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: 12px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; ">Having obtained the fishing rights, the SFCA decided to revolutionise the way in which that fishing was controlled and paid for. Instead of continuing with the old ineffective, labour intensive and costly mechanism of selling day and season tickets, a decision was taken to <strong style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">give away the fishing FREE of charge</strong> with<a title="Individual Membership" href="http://www.sfca.co.uk/membership/membership-benefits/individual-membership/" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Annual Individual Membership</a> of the SFCA.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: 12px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; ">Annual membership runs from <strong style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1st April through to 31st March</strong> of the following year and prices are:</p><ul style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: square; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; ">Adult annual membership – <strong style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">£ 5.00</strong></li><li style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: square; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; ">OAP/Disabled annual membership – <strong style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">£ 3.00</strong></li><li style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: square; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; ">Junior Annual/Day membership * – <strong style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">FREE</strong></li></ul><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: 12px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; ">*Junior membership is open to everyone aged 16 years or under on 1st April of the year for which membership is applied.</p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-11228035703002362442011-08-01T21:46:00.002+01:002011-08-01T21:57:10.253+01:00Hey everyone!Just a wee hello to say I'm still about. Been a hectic year, changed job and no longer working in Edinburgh. Started up as head chef in a new restaurant in Dunfermline, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186530-d2030910-Reviews-Ciao_Italia-Dunfermline_Fife_Scotland.html">Ciao Italia</a>, new rota and responsibilities have meant no time for fishing, not that I'm not interested just not been possible. Anyway still been watching the water when I get five minutes to go for a walk and its been looking great with plenty of movement. Hope you've all been having tight lines and enjoying time at this fun family venue. Things are more settled now at work and look forward to getting back into fishing the canal soon.<div>All the best!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-30749713564399267912010-05-23T19:49:00.002+01:002010-05-23T19:53:58.376+01:00Fishers of PenicuikJust a wee addendum, I'm currently working in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Penicuik</span> and found a great fishing shop called <a href="http://www.fishersdirect.com/about-fishers-1-w.asp">Fishers</a>. Very helpful, knowledgeable and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">friendly</span> service. I've added it to my fishy links and remember if you're out and about in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Penicuik</span> pop in and check it out. Gotta support our local tackle suppliers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-71115735340843194212010-05-23T19:14:00.006+01:002010-05-23T19:39:28.942+01:00Summer's here already!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9D0BrN-GqKqkZQVdSHoXsVdaNimyEY5U9u1IpiXfTmfIXb4wzps7QX5TqLNxQXTKurvUNdyhykvsawNb_aeyAiXMxmSukta0bLbFoVvyw_mzEABnmG2eJfFR24ZMz_cpfZ22XYpG8YI/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9D0BrN-GqKqkZQVdSHoXsVdaNimyEY5U9u1IpiXfTmfIXb4wzps7QX5TqLNxQXTKurvUNdyhykvsawNb_aeyAiXMxmSukta0bLbFoVvyw_mzEABnmG2eJfFR24ZMz_cpfZ22XYpG8YI/s200/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474535976833339618" border="0" /></a><br />Hi all, hope <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">every one's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">having</span> a good year. Today was my first chance to go relax and enjoy some of the sights, sounds and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">excitement</span> that The Union Canal can offer. It's taken a while to get in to a routine with my job so not managed to get out sooner, but the weather this week has been so good I couldn't wait any longer to get out and see what I've been missing. So I started by checking my tackle and setting up a couple of new rigs, I suggest you do the same if you've not been out in a while as knots and line degrade and you don't want to lose anything to save on some line. I decided to start close to home to test the water and within the first twenty minutes I already had two nice wee new season Roach. Bright, sparkling and lively even if only a couple of ounces each. So as is my want I took a wee wander to change swim, second drop saw me take my first Perch of the year and it was obvious what I'd caught by the aggression with which it took the maggot. Well the sun got warmer and the Roach kept <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">comi</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcofTHN3AiSCqxpc_PwOGCnZP32s2hnWd4O6p4WDKiEECZSE1v0yvWVYPhGAhGaYP-wK2V-Xoqi9LGz5DVQa_U4hTC1Pxl1Iz3vTetEwRnCjiHNDgClm_bfr6M6exRw88OuGnbI1XwODo/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcofTHN3AiSCqxpc_PwOGCnZP32s2hnWd4O6p4WDKiEECZSE1v0yvWVYPhGAhGaYP-wK2V-Xoqi9LGz5DVQa_U4hTC1Pxl1Iz3vTetEwRnCjiHNDgClm_bfr6M6exRw88OuGnbI1XwODo/s200/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474536467046608322" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ng</span> in about one every fifteen to twenty minutes. So when I felt my skin had cooked enough, after four hours, I was up one Perch and eleven Roach. Had one Roach around 4 ounce and one a wee bit bigger five to six<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1Q17usthe67k4KkCzybTtPyeYttzQx7rWxBOl7KeBudA28qMWWGVeDZ3_yWSpNFT_WXJArHOCrc2GylwB1A70gCi-D9C8nKCepTrQ9Yz6gpl5RNWRxz_dFyXRZgWX7fyVPVEXf4zn5U/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1Q17usthe67k4KkCzybTtPyeYttzQx7rWxBOl7KeBudA28qMWWGVeDZ3_yWSpNFT_WXJArHOCrc2GylwB1A70gCi-D9C8nKCepTrQ9Yz6gpl5RNWRxz_dFyXRZgWX7fyVPVEXf4zn5U/s200/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474536658354114386" border="0" /></a> ounce, so it was a very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">successful</span> first day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-913631373709820112009-10-26T09:25:00.005+00:002010-05-23T09:52:23.275+01:00Hedgerow Offerings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7wKyaiZ8TKAJ4l-Qreevy1hQseJpK1PnvFzFsWrYhuuPssNczaovo8MvAmozRDcm0TaHgXeSTj149cWGZtKkAz468Tkb9fZY_fAPsEurITyftyrriYANdW_zGs2gyWhn_8k66OiSYT0/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7wKyaiZ8TKAJ4l-Qreevy1hQseJpK1PnvFzFsWrYhuuPssNczaovo8MvAmozRDcm0TaHgXeSTj149cWGZtKkAz468Tkb9fZY_fAPsEurITyftyrriYANdW_zGs2gyWhn_8k66OiSYT0/s200/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396837903216577490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeM0tVsF9C0QJ6Hyy5KXp50F17FrPIfw6T7gsMFZv6eAxYI8V8po7k5CoZbnHIGSCzIpvfY71lhd54737t380OEqZMpDY6k6P0sfpm7uyMcFZ_kJsoDAj1hOIGxLpI_vd33B_6C8GRp0/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeM0tVsF9C0QJ6Hyy5KXp50F17FrPIfw6T7gsMFZv6eAxYI8V8po7k5CoZbnHIGSCzIpvfY71lhd54737t380OEqZMpDY6k6P0sfpm7uyMcFZ_kJsoDAj1hOIGxLpI_vd33B_6C8GRp0/s200/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396837756098023842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4G1vdCNd-pcseQt-_xl8H6lhQfGneKnppbyCVKSsjRQvnZKCV09xc5IQR_uqZVK8A5Bh4Q9oFTrh5_EmCh4xc4na4-iP7qeqf2uk3JJhD1nRd0EMu1js38xhR-9yK__hG3J2olaC3bc/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4G1vdCNd-pcseQt-_xl8H6lhQfGneKnppbyCVKSsjRQvnZKCV09xc5IQR_uqZVK8A5Bh4Q9oFTrh5_EmCh4xc4na4-iP7qeqf2uk3JJhD1nRd0EMu1js38xhR-9yK__hG3J2olaC3bc/s200/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396837615101449602" border="0" /></a><br />Got up early on Sunday but sadly a really windy day. The water was like the sea on a bad day, so decided to make the most of being out and go pick some hedgerow goodies instead. I'd spied a few bushes on Saturday and headed there.<br />This time of year is full of the tastiest ripe fruits and most of it goes to the birds. First pic is of Haws, these fruits of the common Hawthorn tree make a great jelly which is amazing with meat and game the same way you'd use redcurrant jelly, also nice on toast! They can also be used to make a dipping sauce like Chinese Hoi Sin recipe <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.channel4.com/food/recipes/chefs/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall/haw-sin-sauce-recipe_p_1.html">here</a>. Next pic are Sloes, these grow on Blackthorn bushes which are usually planted in amongst hedgerows of Hawthorn. These make the classic Sloe Gin or Vodka and there are tons of recipes on the net. They can also be used in a hedgerow fruit jelly. Last pic are Rowans and these grow everywhere and the best ones are the ones planted by man not wild varieties. Wild fruits can be extremely bitter and the best thing to do is try fruits before picking from tree. If sweet with a little bitter after taste you've got a winner. These make another jelly for which there are plenty of <a style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/miscellaneous/fetch-recipe.php?rid=misc-rowan-jelly-2">recipes</a> around and I also use these when making Rose hip jelly. Rose hips have no Pectin needed to set jams so if you use 3 parts Rose hips to 1 part Rowans you'll get a good set jelly as Rowans are packed with Pectin.<br />Well after an hour and a half I had 2kg Rose hips, 1.5kg Sloes, 2kg Haws and 1.5kg Rowans so off home to make some easy delicious things you just cant buy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-31471449153653578492009-10-26T09:10:00.004+00:002009-10-26T09:25:18.961+00:00It had to happen sometime, a blank!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhd5y5E1reTqZJVR1t96Q1k6pKdBfu0q_dzqvfveKd5GAXJxtR9I1EXBPS24wqykBgGs8c8dlAUMI14EMlh6qQvxNu-KSrFm9Koe10rsDxo85wFljG58_edQ8WCVUBV1YFbGpCeW_8po/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhd5y5E1reTqZJVR1t96Q1k6pKdBfu0q_dzqvfveKd5GAXJxtR9I1EXBPS24wqykBgGs8c8dlAUMI14EMlh6qQvxNu-KSrFm9Koe10rsDxo85wFljG58_edQ8WCVUBV1YFbGpCeW_8po/s200/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396837042393066242" border="0" /></a><br />Well had a great year so far but Saturday ended my unbeaten run. Went out around two and was greeted by a brisk breeze, not my favourite weather. I find wind is my biggest problem when fishing in general and especially on the canal as it makes bites very difficult to see. With the choppy water you either keep striking at every possible movement of the float or you end up missing bites. Anyway after about half an hour and changing swim I got a very cautious bite, but was off. So cast again to same spot and once again a very gentle drag at my bait but nothing there. Well wind picked up and decided to try deeper rig but after another hour and no more takes I decided to go and try another day. My first blank in such along time. I'd seen some berries on my way down so went of to do some recon on way home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-88216587038759971792009-10-18T10:23:00.002+01:002009-10-18T10:48:09.908+01:00My smallest catch ever!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wad2HKeTy19S3-3FuiuHhr82ieiI6uAo9zsfW88hBnSO5hhZRrcd2ekPtZh4XA-GH3i3G8ht5sXEG9IyDG1cGLrtDaQdmlEPbJmGGMtPmw0fEGWDxmydBHj6qkfusrhJKuo7yplBm7E/s1600-h/2009-10-18.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wad2HKeTy19S3-3FuiuHhr82ieiI6uAo9zsfW88hBnSO5hhZRrcd2ekPtZh4XA-GH3i3G8ht5sXEG9IyDG1cGLrtDaQdmlEPbJmGGMtPmw0fEGWDxmydBHj6qkfusrhJKuo7yplBm7E/s400/2009-10-18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393870542119314802" border="0" /></a><br />Well another gorgeous day yesterday so couldn't waste it. Went out around 2pm again and thought I'd try the mooring behind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Westerhailes</span> petrol station as I've not been there for a while. Set up in lovely warm sunshine and saw some fly activity on water so things looked promising. An hour and a quarter dragged by, my confidence sinking into the depths. Apart from a rat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">skulking</span> from the bushes to the water I'd seen no movement at all! Then it all changed, caught a nice shiny Roach about 4-5 ounce, put back and popped new bait on. Went for the same spot and again another Roach a bit smaller but still nice. Noticed much more timid takes, think cause the water is really cold now. This time I didn't even see float twitch, I just noticed it had stopped drifting and right enough another but about 2-3 ounce. Next cast a wee one about the same size, seems like a new crop of tiddlers. I topped my day off when I saw float bobbing, lifted and looked like I'd caught a bit of silver paper. It was without question the smallest fish I have ever caught. At 3 cm i didn't even think it was possible for it to take the hook, even the maggot looked impressive next to it :) So decided it was time to go, really nice couple of hours and a good bit of fun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830621597679744853.post-28380600376277632892009-10-16T17:19:00.006+01:002009-10-16T17:40:04.452+01:00Long time no see!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOHwJZJXSDuVfq21VAh9Sg_IxdjIHFMNWNviJI5xFrLpbzTm_CSWfRy7kWVzN1r3g2Wc_Y-UAz6Gy87d1C2JTgmeoCTL0VDYLBr6wxQmqEL1Y13w_njuTp4HA0N-csmz9rko4mjeDNng/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOHwJZJXSDuVfq21VAh9Sg_IxdjIHFMNWNviJI5xFrLpbzTm_CSWfRy7kWVzN1r3g2Wc_Y-UAz6Gy87d1C2JTgmeoCTL0VDYLBr6wxQmqEL1Y13w_njuTp4HA0N-csmz9rko4mjeDNng/s320/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393238089193139154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyxYMmNabEYhKkupc07Hzc55tUI5iXg7U6uYU1YeET0Hd3tggC7AyvPxfvgtiD5VYnA2Ym9iXeB37cI8fSAZZr2MUg1zQwG1vNYxARfIANiQqoF66Mf7DOf34zYL8fWgmFZg6BYULo9k/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyxYMmNabEYhKkupc07Hzc55tUI5iXg7U6uYU1YeET0Hd3tggC7AyvPxfvgtiD5VYnA2Ym9iXeB37cI8fSAZZr2MUg1zQwG1vNYxARfIANiQqoF66Mf7DOf34zYL8fWgmFZg6BYULo9k/s320/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393237994274348706" border="0" /></a><br />Hi folks, gotta start with an apology for not blogging for what seems like ages. I am currently seeking work and whilst this means I have more time I've not been in the mood for fishing with a few financial worries on my mind. Anyway that's my problems moaned about back to fishing.<br />Went out last Wednesday, but like its been a lot recently, it was really windy and hard to keep sight on float never mind see any takes. None the less caught and landed a nice shiny Roach about 10 ounce within first few minutes. Missed 3 takes in a row and water was rough so decided to call it a night.<br />Today was so nice out I couldn't not chance my luck packed my gear and started fishing about 2pm. Ten minutes in float disappeared into the depths but not quick enough and it was gone. Nothing much happened for half an hour till once again float vanished from sight, this time I was alert and tightened firmly into a lovely bright 7-8 ounce Roach. Pleased with myself, changed maggot and popped it into a nice fishy looking spot. It hadn't drifted 2 foot before I was into a seriously annoyed Roach, around 9-10 ounce but bite mark on one side. Photo taken, put back, change maggot and presented again. Missed another on the drop! So decided when it went all still it was time to call it a day at four.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1