Grayling Fishing On The River Itchen 25/02/06

[Andrew Burgess]

Well it was nearly/over a year ago since the last time I visited the place and was hoping for a repeat performance despite the pollution on the water in June/July time where a lot of the bigger grayling (3lb+) died. Again I decided to revisit my favourite peg as last year.

I did settle for the feeder as I did last year as for my main wish was to catch a 2lb+ grayling on using the loafer float and using my new 17'ft float rod but as the water was seem to be carrying a bit of extra flow on the water, so again reverted back to the feeder rod.

Chuck out a small blockend end feeder with an 1lb 4oz hooklenght with a barbless method feeder hook size 14 with either three or four red maggots. In that time had a little chat with Argyll claiming that I was fishing in his reserved place :loll: Anyway back to the fishing as it was very tough going and did catch a couple of grayling at 1lb 15oz and 2lb 8ozs.

This one at 2lb 8oz



My mate Alec had a cracking 3lb 1oz chub on the feeder.



He was well please after he told me that it was over 25years since the last time caught a chub that size.

I can't wait to go back again next year

[dasman]

Nice one lads, sounds like you had a great time, and the pictures are great. It was very cold and windy that day, so catching good fish makes it worth the trip.

[Andrew Burgess]

Thanks dasman. Yes it was worth the trip and can't wait for next year!

[Stu]

A nice Grayling there Andrew. Is that a day ticket stretch of the Itchen or a club/private water?

[EddieJ]

Andrew I think you must have weighed that Grayling with the same magic scales that my magic tape comes from the one I tell my missus that 6inchs is a foot ;D better luck next time

Eddie
P.S. you told me to post more!

[BUDGIE]

Eddie It doesnt look very big in the picture does it? But if you look close you will see it is tilted slightly towards the camera.This gives a misleading picture.I never like to make comment about claimed weights from photos as Im sure you know the old saying of "the camera never lies" is far from true!

The smaller species ie Roach,Perch,Rudd,Dace,Grayling etc are often mis weighed.This is because any small error ie not zeroing scales,different amounts of water in/on weigh sling etc etc have a far greater affect on the overall weight as it is relatively small.For example 1/2lb out on a treble figure Cat is totally irrelevant but on a Dace! See what I mean? The slightest inacuraceys really affectacyrate weights on these smaller fish.My cat weigh sling is 11lb wet and thats heavier than most people fish!

Ive found for Perch/Roach/Dace/Grayling that a simple plastic carrier bag is far better than any sling.Much lighter so less room for potential error and quite fish friendly when dampened.

I must admit that I would be suprised if the fish had been mis weighed though and Andrew would certainly have no need to lie as he has caught a lot bigger!Yup I put it down to a crap photo.........like the ones he normally takes of me!

[EddieJ]

Budgie I'am only winding him up I don't think for one minute that Andrew would be telling any lies, he likes a go at me it's only tit for tat.

Eddie

[BUDGIE]

I know that mate! but its just some thing (photos and sizes) that came up recently on another forum and was quite interesting.My reply was more aimed at others reading than a go at your good self.

[Andrew Burgess]

stu said:

A nice Grayling there Andrew. Is that a day ticket stretch of the Itchen or a club/private water?

Sorry Stu it is a private water

Here a link if you want to know more.

www.itchen-fishing.net/

And this is the one we have as a massive crowd -

www.itchen-fishing.net/CorporateEntertainment.asp

[Andrew Burgess]

jonah said:

it's only tit for tat.

;D I be ready for you next time Eddie ;D

[EddieJ]

You may have to wait Andrew I thought that I was free on the 19th but we are going to a wedding in Berkshire that weekend my not be back in time, I'll live to fight another day

Eddie

[Stu]

Thanks for the links Andrew. A lovely looking fishery that.

Cheers,
Stu