tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36804904880403026162024-02-19T08:04:20.287-08:00The Meddy ManFishing the tiny River Medlock....and beyondMeddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-44273357458617367142016-08-07T09:14:00.000-07:002016-08-07T09:14:46.827-07:00Rio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Watching the Olympics reminded me of the blog that never got typed up. Three years since I tackled the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in Rio de Janeiro. I walked the length of Copacabana beach down to Ipanema to be beaten by both the fish and the weather unfortunately. All but devoid of decent fish now due to well publicised pollution incidents, but I still had to have a try. Managed s few tiny fish before a huge tropical thunderstorm cut short the fishing trip. Oh well, it was a good excuse to retire to the local bar before heading back to town on the bus.<br />Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-15565808615359270242014-01-26T03:10:00.003-08:002014-01-26T03:20:34.877-08:00The land that time forgot<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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You could be forgiven if you know nothing about Ashton-under-Lyne. I live just three miles from this quite large town and until a cruel illness rendered my father hospitalised in the local hospital for some months now, I rarely ventured inside it's boundaries. Once famous for a thriving night life, most of the bars are closed and the shops are slowly moving to the trendier retail parks near the new tram lines. The market hall was completely raised in a huge fire some years ago, and the town planners have performed miracles to preserve the historic atmosphere within the rebuilt Phoenix from the flames. The fire could have signalled the end for Ashton, along with the declining disorder problems on Saturday and Sunday nights. However almost in defiance the town is slowly regaining popularity. Monthly farmers markets, Xmas markets, Leisure parks, Ikea, metro link tram station, refurbished train station replace bric a brac stalls, barren moss land and scruffy industrial buildings. Through the turmoil that is Ashton flows a quite beautiful river that never changes, except that just as it's host town improves, so does the River Tame. Now renowned for large Barbel downstream in Stockport, little is written about the fishing upstream within Tameside and Mossley. I can tell you it is alive and well , and on Tuesday I visited a stretch that I had not fished for more than twenty years. The fish are much bigger and healthier than those days. I spent a cold Wintery afternoon stick float fishing in the shadows of the railway aqueduct, and amongst the harrowing sounds of the abattoir. The river gave up three brown trout, all sleek and strong. The biggest pictured below. One fish slipped the hook at the net which was much bigger, however I was not down hearted. People pay decent money down South for this standard of river fishing. No sign of any chub today, or perch for that matter, but a lovely afternoon nonetheless. The river seems not to be so secretive locally though judging by the rubbish left by the bank by less contentious anglers. My father, himself up until last year a keen angler all his life, and my original inspiration would be proud to know I am catching good river fish in his present home town. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly the tell tale signs of a good swim<br />
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Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-9600045610946599062013-09-24T09:26:00.000-07:002014-01-26T04:14:49.572-08:00River Tame trout<a href="http://s745.photobucket.com/albums/xx93/youbloods1/?action=view&current=null_zpse6debd9c.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx93/youbloods1/null_zpse6debd9c.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>
Fishing hair rigged Campbell's meatball for barbel, I managed to catch this huge River Tame trout. Not quite the barbel I was expecting but a beautiful specimen anyway. No complicated tactics, just half a meatball secured on the hair rig with a piece of grass stalk, and a constant trickle of much smaller loose pieces fed sparingly down the channel near the hook bait. After a couple of hours the bite came and it was unmissable. This fish tore up and down the swim for twenty minutes before it came to the net. Exciting stuff after a long absence from the bank.
Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-86416778718905909332013-05-05T12:15:00.001-07:002013-05-05T12:19:37.589-07:00A Beswick beautyOn Thursday I spent a full day on the Ashton Canal armed with all my tackle, pole, seat box the works. I caught two perch no bigger than 2 inches in length. Tonight I took the remainder of the bait out for an hour on the same canal but on the edge of Manchester City centre, armed only with a hi tec rucksack with some bits and bobs, my Caperlan telescopic holiday rod bought in Spain and a fold up landing net and caught this big old roach and lost a small Jack pike at the net. Funny old game fishing. <br />
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But days like today happen when least expected, and generally when you are at your least prepared. Being my first trip this year I travelled light, expecting little action after the recent snow water. No camera and just a fold up landing net. Today was really a chance to get back into the swing and check what bits and bobs needed stocking up.<br />
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A couple of hours on the Vale did nothing to change that opinion. Before the demolition of the weir this stretch had some really obvious fish holding areas, but now there are few fishable spots, and even these seemed barren today.The banks have taken a bashing this year with the constant barrage of water and the river has really taken on a different shape.<br />
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After a couple of fruitless hours I decided to move downstream to give it one last hour in a swim behind the Etihad stadium. I generally find it difficult to blank on the Medlock but today looked like it was heading that way, but the move proved fruitful and the trout began devouring my double white maggot offering freely.</div>
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Not small fish either. With no scales or camera today and having to rely on my mobile phone to get photos, I will leave the guestimation to you as to the weight of some of these beauties, but let me tell you, every fish fought like a trojan today, and had I not had the help of a passing Lithuanian lad on the landing net some of these fish may not have been banked. His English may have been broken but his amazement at the size of these fish was most apparent. It was nice to have some company in an otherwise desolate inner city location, even if he did tell me he had spent three months of his seven month stay in England in HMP Forest Bank for possession of a knife! He did play it down though, telling me in Lithuania they carry big knives (indicating the size with his outstretched hands in much the same way I describe my fish), without a problem. Anyway he offered me a beer out of his rucksack, so in my book he seemed like a decent lad!<br />
Now there can be no logical explanation why a monster like this lives in a red brick culverted stream (hence the local name), with a river bed comprised of 70% sand and 30% used sanitary towels. But after a twenty minute scrap due to fear of the fish slipping free from my tiny size 20 Kamasan 511 barbless hook, this beauty finally came to the net. <br />
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Whatever weight this fish was, it gave me the thrill of the year so far and was worth it's weight in gold. look at the colouring on its fins, and the muscle behind its gills. This has to be the biggest trout I have banked from the Medlock. I would guess this fish was in the 4-5LB range. I know it filled the landing net. This is the reason I continue to focus my fishing on urban venues. People travel, and pay good money to catch a fish like this. My bet is they live in most rivers in Britain but rarely get fished for in some of the grimier locations. As the rain closed in and the bites dried up, seven fish to the good, I packed up and headed back through the park, climbing the gates (really at 47 years old!) and headed to the car. I said goodbye to my Eastern European friend, who happened to have the same name as me. As he headed into the City centre I headed back to the relative comfort of suburban Manchester and home to a plate of Polish hams, sundried tomatoes and olives and a glass of Chardonnay. What a way to begin my fishing year.Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-11092052039919295132012-11-30T14:57:00.000-08:002012-11-30T15:20:21.708-08:00Frost and furious on the Etherow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A heavy frost on the Etherow this Thursday did nothing to dampen the appetite of the trout and perch population of this pretty Greater Manchester river. Within minutes of setting up Andy and myself were into our first trout of many, on a day we expected the weather to beat us in the end. But the weather was to take a back seat as the sun kept shining and the fish kept biting. These crisp winter days really revitalise me. Wrapped up well with thermals and neoprene boot liners inside my waders, I was determined the cold was not going to be an issue. We both worked a stick float through several swims and waded all day to catch too many fish to count, of varying sizes. Mainly brown trout up to 1lb, but I also found a couple of small perch, which have proved elusive over the last year or so.<br />
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We managed to catch steadily all day. Wherever we moved to the fish were voracious. As the sun moved behind the trees the temperature dipped severely. I managed to fish until I could finally just make out the red tip of my stick float dip below the waterline to produce a final brownie. By now the rings on my rod were frozen with ice and my landing net was frozen solid. We did it justice though and had stuck it out to the last of the fading light. Days like this you remember and talk about for years. The fishing was superb even if the fish were not huge. As we rounded the day off with a pint of Thwaites' Wainwright in the Pear tree inn we could only enthuse about a special winter's day on the Etherow.</div>
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Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-84826980363512956952012-11-18T05:34:00.000-08:002012-11-18T05:34:40.603-08:00River Etherow Woolley Bridge<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
The problem with my fishing and blogging is that it often needs some inspiration to get me up and out or writing. My life is so busy that days off are increasingly about doing nothing. I have decided that from today it has to stop. My new found blogging inspiration has come from the blog of a good pal and fellow Salford friendly member, <a href="http://urbanpecheur.blogspot.co.uk/">http://urbanpecheur.blogspot.co.uk/</a> . Some terrific fish from the Irwell can be found on this blog, if you ever needed some inspiration the fish on his latest post should provide it. My fishing inspiration came from a couple of emails from a reader of my blog enquiring about the River Etherow, cheers Rob, I owe you one. Manchester's rivers really are thriving and the Etherow is an old favourite, which flows between the edge of Greater Manchester and Derbyshire out of Bottoms reservoir in Tintwistle down through Tintwistle and on to Compstall to join the Goyt and Mersey river system. I decided to try an area I had previously had little success in, but ever the intrepid I tackled up at the confluence of the Glossop brook and the Etherow in a lovely deep glide. The water in this river has a lovely clear but rusty colour, just looking at it excites me, it doesn't take much these days! In the winter this river guarantees a fish or two. They may not be as big as the Pecheurs urban monsters, but every last fish I catch in this river is special to me as they all bring back great memories of our trips on the bus, followed by a pint in the Pear tree pub. </div>
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Today was not going to disappoint either. It wasn't long before the tip was bouncing round in a way that only trout can make it move. The bites were unmistakable and the fish came to the net one after the other. The perch and chub have all but disappeared from the higher stretches of this river, but the trout thrive. A steady dozen or so trout later as the bites slowed and the light dipped I decided to move to a swim higher up the river.</div>
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The move to a glide by Rossington Park trading estate brought the catch of the day. I have fished this river over thirty years and reasonably regularly but in all those trips only managed one Rainbow trout before. This little beauty may only be small but no less exciting than any of the huge Medlock brownies I have caught. Rainbows are not really prevalent in the local river system, nonetheless they are there.</div>
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So in early fading light, on a really windy , overcast day nineteen fish is not to be scoffed at. This river will always keep you busy if nothing else, it,s a great place for the beginner or younger river angler. On a sadder note, as the river continues to progress, the surrounding area seems to be declining. The pub by Woolley Bridge now a mere vandalised shell. The Spring tavern further down the road, once famous for hearty meals and genuine German lager also closed. The road to the river now boasts a huge municipal dump facility and a host of industrial units where once green fields prevailed. The price of progress I suppose. Fortunately the bank side of this river remains unspoilt and it really is a beautiful stream to walk along. Anyway, next week has to see me searching for some of those Irwell chub rather than playing about on the Etherow with the tiddlers. Just goes to show though, its about the fishing sometimes, not the catch.</div>
Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-88593780364336948272012-09-18T05:36:00.000-07:002012-09-18T05:36:03.282-07:00Carp fishing and vodka in MoldovaLast week I ventured to Chisinau, one of Europe's least visited capital cities. England were in town for the World cup qualifying match against Moldova, a game that should get us off to a winning start on the road to the finals in Brazil. After a monster journey across Europe involving three flights I arrived at midnight on Thursday before the game the next day. Having booked a long weekend I had a spare day on the Saturday as the other lads were moving on to Roumania leaving me with some time on my hands. I had the foresight to pack a small bag of tackle and a telescopic rod just in case there was anywhere worth exploring. Searching google earth on the ipad revealed a few lakes within half an hour walk of the hotel, all I had to do was pick the one that looked easiest to access and keep my fingers crossed there were a few fish in it.<br />
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First though was a little matter of the match and up and out early on match day to walk into the City centre to meet the lads. The walk was a long one as I ventured into a couple of tiny bars to get a cheap beer, The cheapest pint coming in at a princely 42p. The lads tend to frown on my dinge bar expeditions so best to get it out of the way. Having picked up the match tickets and met up with the boys at midday we embarked on a leisurely journey to the stadium via numerous restaurants and bars. With a 9.45pm kick off we had a full day ahead. We even managed a power nap in the sun, which has become something of a ritual at away games.</div>
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We weren't the only ones having a leisurely stroll through Chisinau either. Bumped into Roy taking a walk mid afternoon near the team hotel, no doubt thinking through his team tactics quietly away from the camp, that is until he met us!<br />
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The game itself went to plan with a 5-0 victory. Roy must have drawn from our offers of advice in the afternoon obviously, and after a couple of beers it was gone 2.30am. Wanting to get a days fishing in tomorrow it was time to grab a couple of 50p Mcdonalds burgers and hit the road to the hotel.</div>
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Up for breakfast early and a quick last check of google maps to check the directions to the lake, I packed a small backpack and nipped to the shop next to the hotel for a tin of corn. It would have been rude not to have grabbed a cold 30p beer out of the fridge to keep me cool on the walk to the water. The road to the lake took me away from the City to the very edges of the suburbs. The gardens on the gradually deteriorating lane all had fruit and vegetables growing in them, people are self sufficient in this the poorest country in Europe. As I walked further and further I knew this lake could be a sewer pool for all I knew. Imagine my elation when I caught my first glimpse of what turned out to be a lovely lake filled with carp.<br />
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I managed to find a quiet corner and set up my travel rod with a very basic waggler set up, all the time watching large fish rolling all over the lake. If I hooked one of the bigger ones I wasn't sure my flimsy tackle would hold up. An hour passed and not a bite, then suddenly after a move into some more open water, the float slipped beneath the surface. After a gutsy but brief scrap I had a small carp on the bank, my first carp of the year as it happens, and I had come a long way to catch it.<br />
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I felt confident more would follow, and as the float glided away for a second time I was interrupted by the bailiff. I hadn't considered there would be a bailiff, and certainly not considered the language barrier that ensued. The extent of my Moldovan was to wave a 50 lei note at him, he was having none of it. So much for my bribery tactics. I agreed to walk round the lake with him to meet the owner. The reason for the security became a little more apparent on meeting the owner, who spoke broken English. He duly accepted my money as long as I didn't take any fish from the lake. They eat carp as a staple part of their diet in this country. I began fishing again in an area designated by the owner but I knew the fish were on the other side near the reeds and after an hour or so I decided to walk round and push my luck with him. I figured he realised I was here for pleasure and wouldn't be filling my Manchester City backpack with his slimy mirror carp. As I walked round, from the picnic tables came a shout. The bailiff was sat at the table and I thought I was going to get another piece of his mind, but quite the contrary. His wife spoke broken English and invited me over for a glass of home made wine. Result I thought! Not only did she pour me a glass of wine of very sociable proportions, she cut the large almond cake on the table and asked me to join them for lunch. This was my sort of fishing. She was excited to be trying out her English language with the real article, I sense they get very few English visitors to this outpost on the edge of town.<br />
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As the wine ran out I sensed my chance to get back to the fishing, but it was not to be. Out came a bottle of vodka. Now for anybody that has visited Eastern Europe you would know that to turn down an offer of a drink of vodka is frowned upon in these parts. Several shots later I began to make my excuses as I had a full evening to get through, to which I was promptly invited for dinner at the summer house by the lake. I politely declined based on the fact that I was the most sober, and dinner was to be two large mirror carp that had been flapping around in a plastic bag under the table, the rules of fishing are a little different in Chisinau.</div>
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I did manage to get a little more fishing in but decided time had run away with me and I needed to get some proper food. In the evening I visited a lovely restaurant on the edge of the city and decided against all my prior reservations, as this was a regional delicacy I did try grilled carp with roasted vegetables, and it was lovely. In true Manchester style I kept thinking though I could have had the same for free...never mind, my meal and several beers only came to £4 anyway. You tend to forget the prices at home when you are in these countries and I refused to get a taxi back to the hotel for £3 as the trolleybus was 5p!</div>
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So one fish to show for a full day out, but a day that was most unexpected. </div>
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Sunday brought the marathom journey home but there was one bright point. I had seven hours to kill in Munich and left the airport to visit the world's oldest brewery in Freising a short bus ride away. The town was full of small streams and rivers and there were some nice rainbow trout and huge carp basking in the afternoon sun . It would have been a huge bonus had the security at Chisinau airport not taken exception to my fishing rod in my hand luggage and made me put my bag in the aircraft's hold all the way home. Some you win , some you lose, but just watching these graceful creatures was enough to round off an exceptional long weekend.</div>
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Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-66824697908005688182012-07-19T12:58:00.000-07:002012-07-21T12:26:30.612-07:00A tale of two riversOn Tuesday, spurred on by my trip to Wales I finally found the urge to visit the Medlock for the first time this season. Since the close season I have not bothered as the river has changed completely due to the demolition of a large weir. This has really changed the shape of the river through the Vale in Clayton. Swims which held good chub are now just a inches deep. I couldn't hide my disappointment as I walked the river with a local project manager to talk about the river and the fish holding areas.<br />
The weather was fine for a change and on the one deep hole left I set up a maggot feeder rig and cast under a far bank tree. The fish were biting and within minutes I had a brownie of about 12oz. I backed this up with nine more fish including a couple of chub, and one decent one.<br />
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As the bites dried up and with no alternative swims to move to these days I decided to drive into the city centre and try a stretch of the Irwell new to me. I arrived about 3pm and decided to stick it out all afternoon. The only problem was the rain arrived pretty soon afterwards, and persisted for hours. With no cover and concrete banks it was a case of grin and bear it. It didn't stop the fish from showing up though, and I managed to build up a tidy bag of fish including a chub of 3lb all caught on maggot feeder three quarters across the river. An interesting spot in the middle of the city drew quite an audience at times as the fish were being played in. From the offices opposite I could see the surprise as each fish came to the net. The only hazard is the rate of rise in the river level. To wade here you have to be confident, and in the pouring rain I had to remain vigilant. At 8pm I decided to call it a day with around 10lb in the net of roach and chub, and a solitary perch. Not bad for a first day out on the river. I could have done with some coaching from Derek (Salford friendly fame) today on stick float fishing as only one fish fell to this tactic. I am sure Del would have bagged up. I like to think I am proficient in the art of stick float fishing but had to revert to long range tactics. There's always another day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kKBaxFc43Uu3mC-SCQszDUeKiwIJnhL_1hLsNQk0hiYEK1ByCmFrU9hxxcNfE1KtuQ5iSEKjolPzlFfFIgx7ieSBmpy_wQ2QS4lH3EAiQXKV7-gqVWMDYeWmtK0A4SO-QcLbnqIf0DPU/s1600/510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kKBaxFc43Uu3mC-SCQszDUeKiwIJnhL_1hLsNQk0hiYEK1ByCmFrU9hxxcNfE1KtuQ5iSEKjolPzlFfFIgx7ieSBmpy_wQ2QS4lH3EAiQXKV7-gqVWMDYeWmtK0A4SO-QcLbnqIf0DPU/s320/510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-29393328938746307742012-07-19T12:29:00.000-07:002012-07-19T12:29:54.197-07:00Nuclear powered troutEach year I seem to do at least one decent trip out to somewhere new, and this year's outing came courtesy of a work colleague who mentioned he had a caravan in Wales, and often went fishing on Trawsfynnydd lake. Not only was the caravan in close proximity to some interesting fishing, it was near to Barmouth, a seaside resort that I visited many times as a child for my summer holidays. Who could resist a trip down memory lane? Not me. So along with Chris and Lee another colleague we wrapped up work on Saturday evening and headed for Barmouth on our jollies, well for one evening anyway. We made the best of our short stay though and managed a good few pints in the pub before rounding off with a kebab by the sea. Back to the caravan and several cans more before we hit the sack ready for a good day out on the lake.<br />
Arriving early at Trawsfynnydd I was expecting something spectacular for the £17 day ticket. I have to say the views alone are worth the ticket price, and the fishing though patchy, was most interesting. <br />
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Pictured above are the reactors from the decommissioned nuclear power station. They were buzzing all day, and apparently will do for years if not decades to come. It is quite a stark reminder of an era that started and ended within my lifetime.<br />
On to the fishing and a slow start but gradually the bites started registering on the tip. Fishing long range with a maggot feeder on a surprisingly level bottom I had lots of positive bites. The main problem was me! I was rusty after a long break from fishing due to travelling to Ukraine for the Euros and playing catch up since getting home. I managed to hook and lose two fish before hooking a large trout. After a good scrap the fish turned quick as it neared the bank and snapped my hooklength, all 4lb 12oz of it, as it flipped over in the water I could see it would have been a PB trout. I finally bagged a couple of small brownies and a perch before Chris alerted me to the fact he had a good bend in his rod. After a long fight he banked a good rainbow trout. With no scales I would guesstimate 2lbs plus.<br />
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Not to be outdone I managed to bank one a little bigger, a beautiful fish. These fish go like a train and take some taming.<br />
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Lee, who hadn't fished for years was a little dejected by now, and switching him to a float set up with a 3AAA waggler and a little coaching did the trick. He completed a hat-trick of big rainbows.<br />
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So not prolific fishing but a great day and indeed weekend in some stunning surroundings with great company made for a trip to remember. <br />
<br />Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-91068850027991568142012-05-08T15:02:00.000-07:002012-05-08T15:02:20.356-07:00Droylsden Pope and chicksThe sun tried to break through all afternoon on the Ashton canal at Fairfield road. I had originally planned a trip to Cambrian street in Manchester but arrived to find my swim taken by another angler. I decided to head nearer home to a swim that I have fancied for a while in Droylsden to find that was taken as well! I guess today was going to be one of those afternoons. As I crossed the playing fields I came across this uplifting scene, two geese protecting their new born chicks. These geese have really made themselves at home on the canal.<br />
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I managed a few fish today including a couple of stripeys, roach and a nice skimmer. I lost a much bigger skimmer as I turned it towards the net. It bolted and shook the tiny size 20 hook, a nice fish by my standards this year.<br />
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Fish of the day award goes to the smallest fish though. Not often a Pope visits Droylsden! I still have no idea why they have derived that nickname. I love these little Ruffe, they go like a train all over the swim when you hook them. I haven't caught one for a couple of years, some anglers never catch one in a lifetime. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Had I brought my seat box and pole today, I think I could have took a few bream from under the far bank overhanging tree. I have fished this swim before and had bream, carp, and tench up to 4lb. This close season I have gone back to basics on the canal, with a telescopic match rod, a folding chair and a small bag. I have to say, I enjoy it more as it seems more of a challenge. Roll on June though to get back on the rivers.</div>
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No fishing Sunday as we have a Salford friendly anglers event in Prestwich, and an even bigger event at the Etihad in the afternoon. Just one more win against Mark Hughes's boys will see us end an era of red domination hopefully. After thirty odd years of watching City I take nothing for granted though!</div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-16196844467394577812012-05-01T11:45:00.004-07:002012-05-01T11:45:30.650-07:00An afternoon in Beswick<br />
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Following the previous evenings festivities at the Etihad I decided I couldn't keep away from the place. Nursing the remnants of a hangover I dropped on a swim on the Ashton canal in full view of the stadium in an attempt to lure the odd silver fish following my previous two blanks. <br />
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Armed only with my trusty Shakespeare Ganza 12ft telescopic match rod, a few bits of tackle and the rest of Sundays maggots (now mostly turned to caster) I cast to the middle of the canal and dragged the float back to the nearside trees to my left. It only took a few minutes to tempt my first bite which turned up a stunning little perch.<br />
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After the week I have had this fish was more than welcome. I only stayed a couple of hours but backed up my little stripey with a nice skimmer and a few ounce roach before a boat trundled through the swim nearside churning the bottom up. That was that, not one single bite more.<br />
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This swim is really tucked away over landscaped waste land at the back of Cambrian street as you approach the City centre. It also overlooks a fishy looking stretch of the river Medlock. I flung the remainder of my bait over the bridge on to the sandy bottom of the river and watched, hoping to spot some monster Chub moving in on the gourmet offering. It was not to be today, but I bet they are around. A word of warning though, this spot is very isolated and it would be wise not to fish unaccompanied. I would only fish here if travelling light.<br />
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So there you have it. Proof if it was ever needed that you dont need to load the car with an array of tackle to catch a few fish, just a few essentials, a good telescopic rod and a little patience can bring you better results in less favourable locations.Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-62378053666858482982012-04-23T15:12:00.000-07:002012-04-23T15:12:05.432-07:00Addicted to DrinkiesYou would be forgiven for thinking you were reading a blog for alcoholics anonymous, however I refer to Drinkwater park lake in Salford. This place has got under my skin. I like a challenge but this is becoming a tough nut to crack for me. Preferring rivers and canals I am finding it difficult to even tempt bites, whilst others are reporting bumper catches. Even though the rain poured I gave it a good four hours again on Sunday to catch nothing. The sum total of my efforts were two shelled casters (I didn't see either bite) and the bottom of my hooklength completely bitten clean through whilst fishing a small lobworm, I presume by a pike or one of the huge resident mussels.<br />
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The good thing about fishing Drinkies is the need to drive through Cheetham Hill and past Brewsters Fish and chip restaurant and cafe which opens nice and early on a Sunday morning. A real greasy spoon type brekkie but value for money, and once again the only proper bite of the morning. Its becoming something of a theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojj3uXYHN_azcCHhtQAQEqJaR7hS275E5frTKSun9hJUWVG0yNUSV1RBCkwFqDhVId1TbGEUX6r7qwpZ2-CwKTNtSFmSPZv6kBMI0NoH-e8Vqcb-FdlcMzpz9_Wp__eJUVp2XHYtbnwMX/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojj3uXYHN_azcCHhtQAQEqJaR7hS275E5frTKSun9hJUWVG0yNUSV1RBCkwFqDhVId1TbGEUX6r7qwpZ2-CwKTNtSFmSPZv6kBMI0NoH-e8Vqcb-FdlcMzpz9_Wp__eJUVp2XHYtbnwMX/s320/Fuengirola+2012+310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sunday next sees me showing off my match fishing talents again on the Rochdale canal with the lads from Salford friendly anglers. Lets hope the fish are a little less dormant than in the previous two matches.Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-55005213276338436092012-04-15T11:32:00.002-07:002012-04-15T11:39:38.506-07:00Salford Friendly match. Drinkwater Park Lake, Salford.I won't try to spice up another blank with a few well chosen words. The lake looked beautiful. I drew a favoured peg, and managed one bite. This week has been a week to forget. Only six fish caught on the match, with Ian catching one bream for 5lb 1oz to take the spoils. He hooked it first cast and remained biteless all match. Lovely fish though. Heres a few piccys. Note Mr Duddy resorting to the tactics he has spent weeks telling us are useless. He hooked a roach first put in on the pole which put him in the money! Clever ruse Mike.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JIAs6ZZdrGFROYqfVTa7iq-dcC67Op6HZLIm4WoTwNVSB0Bq6ZpCmsczUPV1lu64b_f8S9fF4e8iC99rq3MzqNRun3x5-VwSG5jqE0_pumwf_Ax2TVGuMDtltpA-yrdntWY3LXOvozQP/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JIAs6ZZdrGFROYqfVTa7iq-dcC67Op6HZLIm4WoTwNVSB0Bq6ZpCmsczUPV1lu64b_f8S9fF4e8iC99rq3MzqNRun3x5-VwSG5jqE0_pumwf_Ax2TVGuMDtltpA-yrdntWY3LXOvozQP/s320/Fuengirola+2012+292.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x4MEXT7YU6mWwh1rIHQLOtEP26h698xNxLB3VgRH0yWgMePUViaQiCjV6qORguynksG-d0yest3MQmOeVfmDOFPeN5YDIimW_SJjLLqU0Y-M4pd0EYkRtDwDdm5dapmg-_2teNnV1-DD/s320/Fuengirola+2012+309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-35823449238616932722012-04-15T11:02:00.000-07:002012-04-15T11:02:47.020-07:00On your bike....Which is exactly what I did this Wednesday, down the canal towards Manchester from Droylsden Marina. Well that was the plan. Firstly I arrived at the marina to find I had left my reel at home so had to pedal home to retrieve it. When I arrived back to the canal the heavens opened and it rained on and off for half an hour. My intention was to pedal to town stopping at likely looking spots trying to lure a few pike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyXWD86mptWCAPu7PHw_Em0sgs3TyFSIJCtb2NcPcnIC05BlJSCuOM-3iv8ULDUMjZnB_Gtdnnjg8DaP01Sef2XGBrETiNCsqg6lVbPpQatT6Td2Wg3dKubAHeiXdBKdMQ6AH4RGA8JH9/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyXWD86mptWCAPu7PHw_Em0sgs3TyFSIJCtb2NcPcnIC05BlJSCuOM-3iv8ULDUMjZnB_Gtdnnjg8DaP01Sef2XGBrETiNCsqg6lVbPpQatT6Td2Wg3dKubAHeiXdBKdMQ6AH4RGA8JH9/s320/Fuengirola+2012+290.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anyway the furthest I got was Fairfield road , about 300 yards, as I got chatting to an angler who was also struggling to find a fish. After an hour of fishing talk I decided today was one of those days where you don't really get going. So it was off home, without a catch to post. Never mind theres always weekend and the Salford Friendly match at Drinkies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc3kDGIznz8gis73OKyI8RNWfEuT-luvqxTDyeMQbzXGJ5dydUCtsrLGeoCF9RIM4VKtWBZFdFDEmeImtRzlNwKVl9IObDfB2GRlfb2PovEdSqSBjbFfZnTa_0zTKVAEUbKmtjjhRgKQi/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc3kDGIznz8gis73OKyI8RNWfEuT-luvqxTDyeMQbzXGJ5dydUCtsrLGeoCF9RIM4VKtWBZFdFDEmeImtRzlNwKVl9IObDfB2GRlfb2PovEdSqSBjbFfZnTa_0zTKVAEUbKmtjjhRgKQi/s320/Fuengirola+2012+289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-49872205699338959822012-03-11T15:57:00.002-07:002012-03-11T16:40:29.144-07:00As the season draws to a closeA last chance today to run a stick float through Clayton Vale. After a big breakfast at my new early morning haunt, Brewsters cafe in Strangeways, along with the Manchester Pecheur we arrived on the Meddy in Beswick to be met by a fairly low and static river. Not the best start, and after an hour trotting a swim that has recently thrown up some beauties, without a hint of a fish I began to wonder whether we would see a fish today. The arrival of another angler, Phil, signalled the time to move over and let an expert try, complete with centre pin reel. Who were we to spoil his Sunday? after all we were doing nothing anyway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoGx1Rc4vZd0kyte00JJ8Dm9GgO8qVVMEJ53DzVrLVCtPF1FPF7sp1FUmeS2mYkG5msNkNazuPeIVe6KkDwCy1s2rd5dBgBXtO8hwztWcCxkRCGICAaqRTF_QIlK80yM1J1plMqQQGDbL/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoGx1Rc4vZd0kyte00JJ8Dm9GgO8qVVMEJ53DzVrLVCtPF1FPF7sp1FUmeS2mYkG5msNkNazuPeIVe6KkDwCy1s2rd5dBgBXtO8hwztWcCxkRCGICAaqRTF_QIlK80yM1J1plMqQQGDbL/s320/Fuengirola+2012+282.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>I wonder how he went on? Hopefully better than us two so far. However the day did pick up after we dropped on the Vale. After losing a good chub to a snag on the bottom I finally hit a good fish that I managed to steer into open water. A decent scrap followed before this lovely 2lb 13oz chub came to the net, weighed expertly by the Pecheur on his Korum digital scales. The Pecheur has every top quality gadget known to the angling world!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0Gjd3wiDFVPKJDhqFAofjw9Ce5wYERY3DxkXIXz6F7Zp3PrQ730TQPcNMV0yWAaHT8_iAau4JJzfxjMjL65FAth92F2ikSCRUT7AlrrJfG8q5n54cEk-YJUGmt0x1TiME-DnTpL2fPdl/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0Gjd3wiDFVPKJDhqFAofjw9Ce5wYERY3DxkXIXz6F7Zp3PrQ730TQPcNMV0yWAaHT8_iAau4JJzfxjMjL65FAth92F2ikSCRUT7AlrrJfG8q5n54cEk-YJUGmt0x1TiME-DnTpL2fPdl/s320/Fuengirola+2012+284.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>I managed another two fish, both brown trout, and both decent fish, from the same swim. All caught to double maggot on the stick float. The best pictured below. The other decided to jump from my hands, obviously camera shy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m3p88VwwUdHH7PN7Jx2jKWkSWRt7uU1DBrLAFLIpAHBf_K0IFoBLUmNUXkXR7piWzl6a-8wKjxqvO1CRPuaG3x9JOThLNk8O6kPvSRuF5f8SvYJNPuGCpGWvlb4mVK7XgQGAVjswzLyF/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m3p88VwwUdHH7PN7Jx2jKWkSWRt7uU1DBrLAFLIpAHBf_K0IFoBLUmNUXkXR7piWzl6a-8wKjxqvO1CRPuaG3x9JOThLNk8O6kPvSRuF5f8SvYJNPuGCpGWvlb4mVK7XgQGAVjswzLyF/s320/Fuengirola+2012+286.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div align="right" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="justify">The prettiest fish of the day fell to the Pecheur. A lovely 2lb 1oz trout that gave him the real run around before coming to the net. This fish gave a really good account of itself and drew an audience on the bridge. A really pretty trout. Pity about the captor!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEw7Laoo6cDnmEtkmIcKYXj3hLR7bAcyU09KAiaVp9YTxXYN3471cHBpsVOPIF35bL4pR9S6zDif99BIhGIOGuvV2TzmjRJbsLIIupncXfzPgm8PTnDvXjIu4627dh-AQkjo5A1ey0Due/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEw7Laoo6cDnmEtkmIcKYXj3hLR7bAcyU09KAiaVp9YTxXYN3471cHBpsVOPIF35bL4pR9S6zDif99BIhGIOGuvV2TzmjRJbsLIIupncXfzPgm8PTnDvXjIu4627dh-AQkjo5A1ey0Due/s320/Fuengirola+2012+287.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div align="justify">We both lost other fish during the afternoon before deciding to move to a quieter spot upstream due to kids throwing missiles in the river, and dogs swimming beneath our feet. Thats the problem with fishing in the suburbs of Manchester. The Vale is like a little tourist trap when the sun comes out. A move to the golf course saw both of us get no more bites. This stretch was once the jewel in the crown but is now devoid of fish other than the odd minnow. Pity really, but it didn't stop the three other anglers we bumped into trying! I don't think I have ever seen so may people on the river in one day. </div><div align="justify">So the season draws to a close for me as my day off this week sees me travelling to Essex to say farewell to a good friend, Peter, from our England trips, who sadly passed away after a long illness. Peter was a real gent, and an Arsenal season ticket holder, and will be sadly missed by all. He was a man that touched the hearts of everybody he met. He always wanted to go to a World cup finals and achieved that dream in 2010 in South Africa. Sadly he came home after the group games as he was unwell , and has been poorly on and off since. Peter will live on in all our memories. He was that sort of gentleman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX2e8yOgwH5K6tUD73oGyjEEqvO_kkEBNIuQxBnyIHTcPyb6LzqZFYpsQujZFu3I7qHnTiIwOOZ5v3dhyphenhyphen2ZmM-iRnGfdgsYIpj0b5d5XBpaBy6L9jGo6e_kbab4cFOIOuvsnoBQAGfpIS/s1600/bethans+memory+card+315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX2e8yOgwH5K6tUD73oGyjEEqvO_kkEBNIuQxBnyIHTcPyb6LzqZFYpsQujZFu3I7qHnTiIwOOZ5v3dhyphenhyphen2ZmM-iRnGfdgsYIpj0b5d5XBpaBy6L9jGo6e_kbab4cFOIOuvsnoBQAGfpIS/s320/bethans+memory+card+315.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-82441788349169406182012-03-02T13:00:00.000-08:002012-03-02T13:00:56.221-08:00Job doneAfter wandering the canals and Rivers of Salford and Manchester all day on Sunday in search of a Pike, and failing miserably, yesterday I could only muster the enthusiasm for a couple of hours out. I even put washing the car further up the list of things to do on my day off. However being a bashful individual I decided to try for a pike again, to put some closure on Sunday, and to restore some self confidence. As it was mid afternoon I decided to head a little nearer to home on the Ashton canal in Audenshaw. I have had pike from there over the years, including a few that have snaffled the odd roach whilst fishing the pole. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96guhYhYh_RdZkneNBeMIOZ9J6d6L53m4RSGqQNCnxBTUaWWs0R4bQwf4d4G_RlORCe4e3Ld5WIcnW_bVw6_a2J7WR52z6lLQpNst0bkyAhs4oWkqWnpf0-HdbdBdkhxN4xUYbgawFVcH/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96guhYhYh_RdZkneNBeMIOZ9J6d6L53m4RSGqQNCnxBTUaWWs0R4bQwf4d4G_RlORCe4e3Ld5WIcnW_bVw6_a2J7WR52z6lLQpNst0bkyAhs4oWkqWnpf0-HdbdBdkhxN4xUYbgawFVcH/s320/024.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>On a beautiful sunny afternoon, the pike below may not have been a big one, or remotely interesting to all the specimen hunters reading this piece, but never has a fish been more welcome. It was a small spinner that did the trick. The moral of the story is never give up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtTy9WIHCNEw1BP6m_XgmBrTfaMFqHc_jbOdxyvbQa3VvWbi-SxTSQoKA9N1lx5kIgz_gpf0wRu39eNkWhrpLAzC1_IgF9kaXCFmETBYS0oJzMiJnHhyphenhyphenvfZhg_g0VaWalD5S-dV6UUAN6/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtTy9WIHCNEw1BP6m_XgmBrTfaMFqHc_jbOdxyvbQa3VvWbi-SxTSQoKA9N1lx5kIgz_gpf0wRu39eNkWhrpLAzC1_IgF9kaXCFmETBYS0oJzMiJnHhyphenhyphenvfZhg_g0VaWalD5S-dV6UUAN6/s320/022.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>That was the only take on this short session. I was only out for a couple of hours, but what a pleasant way to see the evening in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziPqtZ-frdhiHTXiGvOpcs-QEZyPBjsve4kj7EW4Pd6g4SnI3N-hC6VCG1zOxEfRwV40J_x8-Nia3mFbskIYfw3eD_s8ISajCW6Cj_8SoqNv1mLG8dIj_MghGB3Qn6sJSUDH_T38O8RhM/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziPqtZ-frdhiHTXiGvOpcs-QEZyPBjsve4kj7EW4Pd6g4SnI3N-hC6VCG1zOxEfRwV40J_x8-Nia3mFbskIYfw3eD_s8ISajCW6Cj_8SoqNv1mLG8dIj_MghGB3Qn6sJSUDH_T38O8RhM/s320/028.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRnpBaIJK1hxRhqvVBOWFlpH0Kmg-ftvRCD1zFJ4NrGRyN1hVQVBwx3vdvGMsjQN8jyOQBv2goYIMUnh89NZC97T0LD9EPhTy46ZDp5VUDCa4VSjJIfPbgc_Z9JHsk8vlZXRpwTi60PJO/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRnpBaIJK1hxRhqvVBOWFlpH0Kmg-ftvRCD1zFJ4NrGRyN1hVQVBwx3vdvGMsjQN8jyOQBv2goYIMUnh89NZC97T0LD9EPhTy46ZDp5VUDCa4VSjJIfPbgc_Z9JHsk8vlZXRpwTi60PJO/s320/026.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-42548660872023415052012-02-26T13:15:00.002-08:002012-02-26T13:54:48.253-08:00We're Salford friendly, we'll blank where we want!!Today saw the Salford friendly crew arrive mob handed on the Irwell. Twenty strong we had the upper hand. The fish could surely be no match for this tidy posse. We had every trick known to Salford up our sleeve ( or in our tackle bags). Other fishing clubs had been on the manor and not stayed the pace, but there is a new mob in town. Led by The Fishing Fiend and his apprentice The Manchester Pecheur we arrived early doors. Hoping to show Salford the score, we were met by a welcoming party, six or seven strong..... Cormorants.....on every lampstand!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpaQ-Y4_rDQ4rCQY3SrWnz2JaGAWLGwevXMJPutogGVkgQchITH4GfoZw2UV3cRnEEy_1v6j1zr5B1OMMsUUj8huM14Tu814lOi4IPo9pKyMznklDooVQrvQxzAxk_5_QV822JrQmO3-a/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpaQ-Y4_rDQ4rCQY3SrWnz2JaGAWLGwevXMJPutogGVkgQchITH4GfoZw2UV3cRnEEy_1v6j1zr5B1OMMsUUj8huM14Tu814lOi4IPo9pKyMznklDooVQrvQxzAxk_5_QV822JrQmO3-a/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0ygB2YmEoJ9A9VcoQ-v0NasiXJGMvek09NuegBPoLwI_J12LdP4UbVSckCYyvG5KHrV5YyYKx-bWImOv0v3IjtblPzGyO-CFdjBTWa36GG7l9x6q6xZ3RavKFWd4VyZZyXCj1IVba0Fn/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0ygB2YmEoJ9A9VcoQ-v0NasiXJGMvek09NuegBPoLwI_J12LdP4UbVSckCYyvG5KHrV5YyYKx-bWImOv0v3IjtblPzGyO-CFdjBTWa36GG7l9x6q6xZ3RavKFWd4VyZZyXCj1IVba0Fn/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpYeXF-h3Fxw_DgZtygnKJATkI63m4clErOm2dDHWb_jWA0m9gulkRWe42NZR8om7KtxxDsdLWWQey_-lGYnwwFgiKrtQ8pleuEG7Ibf4CDTuaLIf8B8IgetjdsoxMvQUCgVLoKaEpOsR/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpYeXF-h3Fxw_DgZtygnKJATkI63m4clErOm2dDHWb_jWA0m9gulkRWe42NZR8om7KtxxDsdLWWQey_-lGYnwwFgiKrtQ8pleuEG7Ibf4CDTuaLIf8B8IgetjdsoxMvQUCgVLoKaEpOsR/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOSYH7Y3x-4HbJ-GW-DVTOFrOAGx0bO5J0N4ZFc7rDfTcdE6amg_oZfcQIr3eQ4krIvj9XkyDhJCjRt9iIJXY1x07zMGK7LuqvM76UC47aZ1THuQZbzZaRBfdowmA20YDz8XiJ7GJMH7W/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOSYH7Y3x-4HbJ-GW-DVTOFrOAGx0bO5J0N4ZFc7rDfTcdE6amg_oZfcQIr3eQ4krIvj9XkyDhJCjRt9iIJXY1x07zMGK7LuqvM76UC47aZ1THuQZbzZaRBfdowmA20YDz8XiJ7GJMH7W/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>First hour and no movement we brought in our secret weapon.....Paul Carr. He could winkle a fish out of a plughole. He arrived to to put our minds at rest by proclaiming he would show us how its done...result!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfisF2n7b5VHmR_ghOTwWzoQNzINqJUYDj67-wb161bQlct8ksoferqCGFbhyphenhypheneipQeZoRigCGtzuDnRxvpsd_SPNlEw7aRDtaH6ITAbsRJ3XQUkRIsUiiW0cbPTtngxtEsnfvDUcE86H1/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfisF2n7b5VHmR_ghOTwWzoQNzINqJUYDj67-wb161bQlct8ksoferqCGFbhyphenhypheneipQeZoRigCGtzuDnRxvpsd_SPNlEw7aRDtaH6ITAbsRJ3XQUkRIsUiiW0cbPTtngxtEsnfvDUcE86H1/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We were getting turned over, and with not a single fish to show the Pecheur was on the edge. He decided to head up a little splinter group deep into the City's canals through Castlefield to explore the possibility of a scrap with a few Pike or even some game Perch. Conrad and myself followed buoyed up by the Pecheur's expert knowledge. By now the Fiend was hallucinating, or at least dreaming...John's expectancy seemed far more realistic.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB6TDkkhnc5BcuuFROYSV9VaeLHgo21Lgy0XhFBlcl4GcWxzFV3gTxgNezjTz9nFPHb1cnQjxdDF6QvjtYMdZyYpF1ipEl7sKbEtaonNGu2JO81Dp8kUhx7ysrTtKLx-bSYVeDDjg9qba/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB6TDkkhnc5BcuuFROYSV9VaeLHgo21Lgy0XhFBlcl4GcWxzFV3gTxgNezjTz9nFPHb1cnQjxdDF6QvjtYMdZyYpF1ipEl7sKbEtaonNGu2JO81Dp8kUhx7ysrTtKLx-bSYVeDDjg9qba/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So off deep into the City we went. The results were the same, no takers. Every wide, every basin, every feature was fished to. Our lures could find no takers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx16rcDRNGSL2OdXhZyluHKA1LLSHAUdvONejAmNGFxOxrWWeNEoYX-wX8KJ30fU137DMFfdXQUjhOZ_5Fw-4SpdaT6Agc1kh7HcuEATvvj_qgQ9pvxQw2OtmtPoTXSXCJLU4Ur2HDWNJ/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx16rcDRNGSL2OdXhZyluHKA1LLSHAUdvONejAmNGFxOxrWWeNEoYX-wX8KJ30fU137DMFfdXQUjhOZ_5Fw-4SpdaT6Agc1kh7HcuEATvvj_qgQ9pvxQw2OtmtPoTXSXCJLU4Ur2HDWNJ/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We returned hours later to join the boys back on the river with our reputations in tatters, the best we could muster was a catch by myself, an umberella, which I backed up with a Ribena carton and a gents jacket. On the day I have to be quite proud of this achievement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCUcKezJZ-2KXqI_UbO9Qe_WymmolSquhcDWxrtcEkYyM8LF3oORBxiN4LLGA9i6h7P7M9KzS0Qtu8A0o2dvFNRZo5tXCaZB7dY4_o1Zqwxx2JOC52Wp5OrGBs0mhkgPCYf9WVFhicsyb/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCUcKezJZ-2KXqI_UbO9Qe_WymmolSquhcDWxrtcEkYyM8LF3oORBxiN4LLGA9i6h7P7M9KzS0Qtu8A0o2dvFNRZo5tXCaZB7dY4_o1Zqwxx2JOC52Wp5OrGBs0mhkgPCYf9WVFhicsyb/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">On our return to the river would the Fiend or Paul bagged up? Not likely. In fact there were twenty anglers today on the Salford Friendly pike fish in, and not a single fish caught. Some very capable anglers, even the stick wizard Derek put in an appearance, to no avail. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">So that was that. Big turn out by all but the fish, however we live to fight another day. To put the top hat on it, I headed to the Dutton hotel by the Arena for my lift home to find it closed, and then to realise I had left my hat in the Kings arms after our Hot Pot supper. The evening was going from downhill to ski slope!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">So the next pub down the road was the Derby Brewery Arms in Cheetham hill, and as I waited for my lift by the bar complete with rod bag and tackle bag on Sunday disco night, I had to commend the locals for taking the strange sight of an angler in Cheetham Hill in their stride. However the disco was in full swing and I was the least of their worries.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">On the plus side Hazel gave me a lift to the Kings to find my hat propped against the Organ. The day was saved.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">The most interesting point of the day was when the new landlord of the Kings Arms introduced himself to the guys..None other than Paul Heaton out of The Beautiful South, which produced some conversation, and the quote of the day... Ask him "Are you the guy out of the Stone Roses?" . He seemed a real gentleman and may have not been too pleased with that question!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">So there you go. The most enjoyable non- event this year . Good job we all like a pint and hot-pot!</div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-23573242696085613052012-02-21T10:39:00.000-08:002012-02-21T10:43:42.175-08:00In the shadow of the Etihad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrih7lqXvuDdU2kbhmO-TVyzGCV0CJ5ZxY_GcrgM_yzX9GvhRD5VNj8zapRArUk0vP-sixEMCQIQmXvRE3EuTo8TtyH-KOATslOm1EVvll-b0fIdIVLrEhriIBQk0q2yHGdDusn74eT-f/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrih7lqXvuDdU2kbhmO-TVyzGCV0CJ5ZxY_GcrgM_yzX9GvhRD5VNj8zapRArUk0vP-sixEMCQIQmXvRE3EuTo8TtyH-KOATslOm1EVvll-b0fIdIVLrEhriIBQk0q2yHGdDusn74eT-f/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Driving by the Etihad blink and you may miss the River Medlock. Stop to look and you may be dismissive of it, but to ignore it is your loss. Amidst the regeneration of this once run down suburb of City centre Manchester flows a rubbish strewn river that at first glance you would think must be barren of fish. However as this blog has shown on numerous occasions that is far from the case. I n fact the fish go big in parts. As usual I went to bed last night with a carefully thought plan, today's was to fish the canals in the city cenre looking for Pike. On getting up I changed my mind and decided to fish the Medlock and try to realise an ambition, to catch a chub within sight of the Etihad stadium. Things didn't quite go as expected. I did catch fish within 200 metres of the stadium but they weren't chub. The first came on the first cast and a beautiful fish it turned out to be. After a ten minute battle it was landed, a lovely brownie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY8c2MLMnMdkWVZWVunCwDTNA-b4cXbVPLCFflce0m_O2tDigTintYUaefTHJ8oMX8SsxTZFOqwcYFIAQhmxkg2LtRkJylw61H_ze0yQjvBnPMXMITxHUSrcD3UTMuY1HC8y7Tnf0jfsV/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY8c2MLMnMdkWVZWVunCwDTNA-b4cXbVPLCFflce0m_O2tDigTintYUaefTHJ8oMX8SsxTZFOqwcYFIAQhmxkg2LtRkJylw61H_ze0yQjvBnPMXMITxHUSrcD3UTMuY1HC8y7Tnf0jfsV/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Little was I to know what would follow. The fish got bigger and bigger. I caught eight fish of varying sizes wrapping up with the biggest in the evening as I was about to turn it in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pOusSIRUnJ_tgVsb7hgwnzOsKKCBQUlJG_R-ezKh2shWSLpZFuLPcxRkAiURxxbhCK-lYoAOCfQtPPFf-Vlx-kWeNLnoQ-jXP0CMI0RqMjBI39v0GE7jaq_TuLeTmWzqBPivAHVE-7yR/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pOusSIRUnJ_tgVsb7hgwnzOsKKCBQUlJG_R-ezKh2shWSLpZFuLPcxRkAiURxxbhCK-lYoAOCfQtPPFf-Vlx-kWeNLnoQ-jXP0CMI0RqMjBI39v0GE7jaq_TuLeTmWzqBPivAHVE-7yR/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodVwZhmHm3lhoFb2X2Ru5IKTKuuyfBVNK4duDEW4jMlbzzhzq_4ZHoTGjVrm7yrURwaAjR0HMmMwgCrp-my6PWmoYY_Ti7TEE_utOuMOi6dAdJaAlRHJDv6tQJjT1XICHKVRSAOGIdxaD/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodVwZhmHm3lhoFb2X2Ru5IKTKuuyfBVNK4duDEW4jMlbzzhzq_4ZHoTGjVrm7yrURwaAjR0HMmMwgCrp-my6PWmoYY_Ti7TEE_utOuMOi6dAdJaAlRHJDv6tQJjT1XICHKVRSAOGIdxaD/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Note I have finally sussed the timer on the camera, which was a good job as I would have been dissappointed not to get a picture with the final fish below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgjLFDCzmOvTsKCEXC7Z8L-LhEdHglFdcEzLILuFU1z05tOgaWm_7acU7BJuqrv62_JF2RL68CcLWY2zIilolU_UKbTaDtIOrB-e0BU7m5pYzgfloFx6E3D9ip8uZAz826fbAvl9YKfXW/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgjLFDCzmOvTsKCEXC7Z8L-LhEdHglFdcEzLILuFU1z05tOgaWm_7acU7BJuqrv62_JF2RL68CcLWY2zIilolU_UKbTaDtIOrB-e0BU7m5pYzgfloFx6E3D9ip8uZAz826fbAvl9YKfXW/s320/041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>If you like a scenic location urban fishing may not be for you but the rewards for trying awkward , unusual locations can be worth the effort. Some of the best fishing can be in the most unthinkable places. The police helicopter circled twice during the day and a police van arrived on the road bridge at one point. Not the quietest spot but at least the vandals around here have a little class though!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefUDOZfxCC5hWJQnM-mZce_lNsVN2Rm0Cy5dRonMgRoFZxjbDKCOLyzBFdupgLsT8fgT-62etREVxPPELvax3UzzJHWylTctRDxSTdUVuB4wmndjFARjxhGqw8X8jDCLEbiwDgzlGEoyE/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefUDOZfxCC5hWJQnM-mZce_lNsVN2Rm0Cy5dRonMgRoFZxjbDKCOLyzBFdupgLsT8fgT-62etREVxPPELvax3UzzJHWylTctRDxSTdUVuB4wmndjFARjxhGqw8X8jDCLEbiwDgzlGEoyE/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This fish is a personal best trout from the Medlock and what's interesting I lost three fish that I never even saw. They could have been bigger. One thing I noticed was these fish fight hard as they live in a culvert with fast flow. Getting their heads up in the water is hard work. By the end of the afternoon my wrist was aching. Two of the fish took over fifteen minutes to net. This is a complete difference to their tamer cousins upstream in Clayton. This unusual river runs through a complete diversity of areas into steep gullys in the City centre, and this is the lowest spot on the river I have caught on, other than Potato Wharf. I have found a nice spot lower down in Beswick though and aim to try before the close season starts.<br />
At this point I usually predict my next trip, which then turns out totally different. However Sunday is the Salford friendly anglers pike fish-in on the Irwell, a day not to be missed, and hopefully a chance to find a few specimen fish and sink a few real ales. Roll on Sunday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoUi15zGIOSHFQfB21gtWUxvBLKsQQnuZHYSzT_r4deou5FK5SrHJMOMpyLWaelQMFTMsEB4litxanqobQlzL6trlwycummEOawPdyCz2YtL1U1YJVBlfaoy2dQQy_5tg8MQSi1WWVIcv/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoUi15zGIOSHFQfB21gtWUxvBLKsQQnuZHYSzT_r4deou5FK5SrHJMOMpyLWaelQMFTMsEB4litxanqobQlzL6trlwycummEOawPdyCz2YtL1U1YJVBlfaoy2dQQy_5tg8MQSi1WWVIcv/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-35967758413382548622012-02-05T09:31:00.000-08:002012-02-05T09:31:26.021-08:00Winter wonderlandAfter making arrangements earlier in the week to spend a day on the river today with Josh, the only thing that could get in the way would be the weather. Try as it might, the weather turned on Saturday and the snow fell, all day and evening. Indeed so bad was the downfall that a ten minute journey from work to home took a good hour on Saturday evening as I got stuck in traffic, ironically by the River Medlock in Bardsley, Oldham. Several buses and vans were strewn across the road as they struggled to pull through the snow and up out of the valley. I considered cancelling our impending outing but knowing I wouldn't have another opportunity this week, and Josh hadn't texted to say he was in two minds, I decided to carry on regardless.<br />
After a Clayton Cafe brekkie it was down to the river, and down to business. We arrived at the Bay Horse in Clayton to find the valley completely white, and absolutely quiet. Not many people out early today, understandable really.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI79Za9RpkK531NyekmJbaCbCaH9UUvHGsRONzvG-UTx9KkcvqxC1jd54QHe9IH_hpXe_qba3AB3ND0d3JMQn3kjN5oVjzCCkeZkYsaCYkkrRWu9D4MctUu62kAbc4QpvpyJElq7TShub/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI79Za9RpkK531NyekmJbaCbCaH9UUvHGsRONzvG-UTx9KkcvqxC1jd54QHe9IH_hpXe_qba3AB3ND0d3JMQn3kjN5oVjzCCkeZkYsaCYkkrRWu9D4MctUu62kAbc4QpvpyJElq7TShub/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We tried a good few swims today in search of a few winter chub. It was not to be, but this river is full of decent fish, and after trying below the weir , we settled on a deep hole above the Clayton bridge. It took about half an hour before the first bite came here, and it fell to Josh, who had tackled up on lighter gear expecting the fish to be a little fickle in the cold. What he hadn't banked on was a large trout taking his bait and promptly swimming upstream for a few yards before turning and smashing through his hook length and disappearing into the depths. I however had stuck to a heavier rig, using Preston power 0.13 (4lb 12oz) hook length, which proved to be the difference as within ten minutes I was into a decent trout. The bite was a drop back on the tip, and as I tried to tighten the line the tip dropped back again. I realised I had a fish hooked that was swimming upstream towards me. This fish finally came to the net after a lengthy battle watched by a tidy audience that had gathered on the bridge. There was huge relief as the fish eventually ran out of steam and came to the landing net to comments of well done, and look at that etc, etc. Most locals don't even realise the river contains anything but traffic cones and bicycles, let alone decent trout.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CJBcLoGlQCznNkoIARZ9LvNxjZGV-AAgmDTdvMUInrvivCHAGR2NxKnRXvNjTQF-O9bRlf_xNLiAPtRCHnuQw8RNIVbwzh-zezVeiKOUM8yGVm5iaSnDhqXu0Hg25Ct-XCAJXCapikvA/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CJBcLoGlQCznNkoIARZ9LvNxjZGV-AAgmDTdvMUInrvivCHAGR2NxKnRXvNjTQF-O9bRlf_xNLiAPtRCHnuQw8RNIVbwzh-zezVeiKOUM8yGVm5iaSnDhqXu0Hg25Ct-XCAJXCapikvA/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG99T6IElwsmmYTnlab8mzXtACUUMEH63ty-3ZvEV9dBi7xGiTsu8clwAmxoMwMI-CbpQozNS38CJT6rJCWcD42pq8jf_Tq1XQy49TZedqh6_Ipo2FuUxBxfnxw0Km5cPqTFGUOLLUbFw/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG99T6IElwsmmYTnlab8mzXtACUUMEH63ty-3ZvEV9dBi7xGiTsu8clwAmxoMwMI-CbpQozNS38CJT6rJCWcD42pq8jf_Tq1XQy49TZedqh6_Ipo2FuUxBxfnxw0Km5cPqTFGUOLLUbFw/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I managed a second slightly smaller, but equally strong fish from the same spot. Again this fish took me all over the swim before giving itself up. These river fish are so powerful that using lighter gear really is not an option.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY_vGl_CWH9QsizFNDVir-oaYfFVaqVsEJeZvt4R9Irbm_ktYfg5DosLwYR53xGSmOLVxehmBwHddCaqd8oynCWzUMEdtbJMP7rpq_LJ3ncFpjDlJNo_igJrvzKpFXWz3UA9La4F9wZC9/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY_vGl_CWH9QsizFNDVir-oaYfFVaqVsEJeZvt4R9Irbm_ktYfg5DosLwYR53xGSmOLVxehmBwHddCaqd8oynCWzUMEdtbJMP7rpq_LJ3ncFpjDlJNo_igJrvzKpFXWz3UA9La4F9wZC9/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After such a flurry of action the swim was to go quiet, and the fish above proved to provide the last bite of the day. Although the river went quiet the valley became really busy as the sledgers descended in their dozens. We stuck it out for a few hours more but knew the best of the fishing had passed. Once again a satisfying trip on a river that just keeps on throwing up decent fish. <br />
I have an enforced break from fishing due to work, and a trip to France in the next couple of weeks. I am considering packing some lure fishing gear though, as I think I will need my weekly fix, so keep watching.Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-89113368363798285992012-02-01T12:48:00.000-08:002012-02-01T14:32:54.002-08:00A belated birthdayDue to pressures of work, my birthday on Monday had to be celebrated a day late this year. That celebration should have been by netting a good bag of chub from a much lower River Medlock now the constant rain had subsided. What I didn't bank on was a return of the frost, and a freezing cold river, which I sampled first hand with my right hand as I slipped down the bank and reached out to steady myself early in the session. So with one wet arm I proceeded to try to tempt the resident fish to snap up my bait, try being the relevant word. The fish were even less up for it than me. Only one trout felt the need to sample my bait. One bite , one fish in six hours, in the freezing cold. The brownie below fell to a double maggot offering below the big weir at Clayton bridge. This swim is normally prolific with smaller fish, so much so I tend to not bother here unless I am scratching for bites. There are generally better specimens upstream of here. Anyway you know it is a dead loss when a banker swim only throws up one fish in the last hour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE-PGos0ySbfK0aOM3PsRzLfcZGjzTZSaNrikzps8eoe1i26Bud5NRn1rJZm9C9E2SKLe1hUkssPTUrxHpDzyGI2xbt_f1bT7p0AChlEnofrFoSet15er6k7b6Q12lnpGtYnZsZUFj7ql/s1600/368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE-PGos0ySbfK0aOM3PsRzLfcZGjzTZSaNrikzps8eoe1i26Bud5NRn1rJZm9C9E2SKLe1hUkssPTUrxHpDzyGI2xbt_f1bT7p0AChlEnofrFoSet15er6k7b6Q12lnpGtYnZsZUFj7ql/s320/368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Having endured a long session in the cold with little action I decided to turn it in a little earlier today. After a hot bath and revived somewhat, I decided a trip to the pub with the family might save the day . So it was off to the Haddon hall for a steak and a couple of pints, which hit the spot, before rounding the night off with a glass of chardonnay or two from my birthday bottle and City on Sky sports. Even City did their best to spoil the day, losing at Everton.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This week I need to find a spinning rod which fits in a suitcase. I have decided to fish the club's pike fish in on the Irwell in a few weeks but don't have a rod. I also want to take the rod to France the week after next as we are going to Eurodisney for the umpteenth time, and I have spotted some monster Perch in the main lake between the hotels on my previous trips. I am not sure on the legalities of fishing in Disneyland but am sure it will be a challenge, if only to not get caught! Rebel!!</div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-34525262930895602252012-01-24T08:59:00.000-08:002012-01-24T08:59:13.558-08:00Rain, rain, and more rain.I seem to be having little luck with the weather these days. Any free time for fishing since the turn of the year has been accompanied by inclement weather, or so it seems. My last visit to the Vale was a wet one and today was no different. Fine drizzle continued to fall all day as I sat out a real grueller of a session on the river Medlock. The first two hours didn't even produce a twitch on the tip, on a favourite swim, though these days I seem to be more determined than ever. A move to a deep hole where last time out Adam tempted a cracker of a brown trout had to see my fortune change. Up to now I was fish less for 2012 and on for my second consecutive blank on the Medlock, which is actually quite difficult to achieve. The river today was murky brown and pushing through quickly and I seem to struggle in such conditions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfEi6botWeDemxAE_rzYvY_AT0gT3fw9sX7TSQg4H0fyXL4I7wrJwVnR2QLd8E5IZW8AvUzws26waIn__HANZSb27mfNGlm4IBFK0tOkp0OnpS6kJN-JA1ObyhVRWpBVIhKb5V-occ43Q/s1600/359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfEi6botWeDemxAE_rzYvY_AT0gT3fw9sX7TSQg4H0fyXL4I7wrJwVnR2QLd8E5IZW8AvUzws26waIn__HANZSb27mfNGlm4IBFK0tOkp0OnpS6kJN-JA1ObyhVRWpBVIhKb5V-occ43Q/s320/359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybdXDVwwU5Byerr2qpUby3VzkHhMxmkp63srgP7h2UNOCkYc8rR8WMrubSB9seZfVC0QbWepJuR6Ie74-xmRKOO6qD-lrVMoETPlFJFynFr1FkVMSvyxKCQ9sg3aSi8R-3ve0_eJmYX-F/s1600/360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybdXDVwwU5Byerr2qpUby3VzkHhMxmkp63srgP7h2UNOCkYc8rR8WMrubSB9seZfVC0QbWepJuR6Ie74-xmRKOO6qD-lrVMoETPlFJFynFr1FkVMSvyxKCQ9sg3aSi8R-3ve0_eJmYX-F/s320/360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not to be outdone I cast a 30g Preston maggot feeder loaded with an extra half ounce bomb to hold the bottom toward the wall of the bridge at the end of my swim and waited, and waited. Fortunately fellow maggotdrowner Stretford Red, and a guy that regularly walks his dogs along the Vale, came along for a nosey and a chat which brightened up a so far dull day. Then after an hour or so the slightest of knocks alerted my interest. Again the tip twitched as I adjusted the rod. I had a fish on, and it felt like a good one. After a great scrap in which the fish rarely surfaced I pulled one of the Medlock's resident brown trout over the landing net.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizNk5nH7TM8jnHjhpMrtFgzoTbL4N6x3DxYf1QfzvYxw7IOy6bnaE9nuAXZhiqzpyqfeLgH3LTqIb7wvxbNQXVwphBrJxjqQsfQXdRT3PKnDogi-hgWvMln4UB3ApeHY9Gj_Anr-usJC5/s1600/362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizNk5nH7TM8jnHjhpMrtFgzoTbL4N6x3DxYf1QfzvYxw7IOy6bnaE9nuAXZhiqzpyqfeLgH3LTqIb7wvxbNQXVwphBrJxjqQsfQXdRT3PKnDogi-hgWvMln4UB3ApeHY9Gj_Anr-usJC5/s320/362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On a day when I thought the weather would beat me I was pleased to be holding any fish, even if it wasn't the winter chub I was looking for it was a beauty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26DjmJvGmO355p2oXvqhuGx6ETKmP-5M3jzU_2YDXqmaQSemSQ0_7GMKLZSylgDgwbKOZCPb_1fSizmxST3FFC3zYlfo2ghc_5ghtNlffLecey76RuIsJt966C4cEJbr_wDzSTMnjhPm3/s1600/363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26DjmJvGmO355p2oXvqhuGx6ETKmP-5M3jzU_2YDXqmaQSemSQ0_7GMKLZSylgDgwbKOZCPb_1fSizmxST3FFC3zYlfo2ghc_5ghtNlffLecey76RuIsJt966C4cEJbr_wDzSTMnjhPm3/s320/363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I did manage a second smaller fish below, again a hard fighting brown trout, but today was a long hard session. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJjw1kT3BnNWpvm5NZbKDYlUh9oX2FHHNKK3aCmtxP2C6dWiNWrab8XSNNPyBNBf2Vv2JPRuZD9-GKQhkW8M0rQsdzyFnkX60WkpdBBrmp8U06IA3t5ONIk960DUJ0y2mh0-kbZfakoZo/s1600/365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJjw1kT3BnNWpvm5NZbKDYlUh9oX2FHHNKK3aCmtxP2C6dWiNWrab8XSNNPyBNBf2Vv2JPRuZD9-GKQhkW8M0rQsdzyFnkX60WkpdBBrmp8U06IA3t5ONIk960DUJ0y2mh0-kbZfakoZo/s320/365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Thanks goes to Stretford Red for the photographic efforts. Only living a hundred yards from the spot I was fishing should be tempting enough for him to venture on in the warmer weather. If I lived as close I would never be away from the bank. Talking of which one of the downsides of a water becoming popular is that not all anglers care about the environment. This swim has become a magnet for such visitors who leave most of what they bring strewn about the bank. I did bring a bag to try and clean up the bank but really needed a bin liner. Hopefully those people will read this blog and think twice before throwing their empty Carling cans over their shoulders in future. There are large litter bins all through the Vale that are emptied daily, so there is really is no need to spoil this pleasant spot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XvLXF5iCd9E2YcLThS_1CJSv1tOZoqv5qJ2lFP-RvTQcLRl8nuQzrZnRh4QzHjLegad1CYAgXeJaRm3QCSMABVgotEUd-Ea6n9_5v2itrw-kVb5AiLYo0YLe9UyUS31zZyQVVCUPjaD1/s1600/366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XvLXF5iCd9E2YcLThS_1CJSv1tOZoqv5qJ2lFP-RvTQcLRl8nuQzrZnRh4QzHjLegad1CYAgXeJaRm3QCSMABVgotEUd-Ea6n9_5v2itrw-kVb5AiLYo0YLe9UyUS31zZyQVVCUPjaD1/s320/366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next week I hope to try something a little different. Sretford Red and myself are hoping to combine a few real ales with a trip to the Etherow on the 237 bus. Should take me back to my youth when we did this every Sunday before I owned a car. They say you shouldn't look back, but those were great days , and if I enjoy it only half as much as I did then it will be an outing to remember.</div>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-59800763358446707832012-01-04T13:19:00.000-08:002012-01-04T13:19:06.093-08:001-0 in your own back yard....A less than well planned day took myself and Adam Mack A.K.A. Manchester Pecheur (Now world famous) on to the River Medlock at Clayton. After many days of poor weather, torrential rain etc. would it be worth it? Well if anything it would be a day on the river and a bit of fresh air. Despite pushing through hard the river was just about fishable, although muddy brown. Between us we managed minimal bites, but Adam managed one fish, a huge beautiful Medlock Trout, worth a day in the rain by any standards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEiYFMBYOSs7-jlJuSxc200fXVN4B1VTGVSC_72kAxYQNVQFEztirB_ekOP-DzeIDT5rBJAqY9jnoDzJfySaFYrHRV2UeDzM7SuCkktxyrX4Qy20AuqH-rsoZ9z9mR4lMONKqp2plmnFm/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEiYFMBYOSs7-jlJuSxc200fXVN4B1VTGVSC_72kAxYQNVQFEztirB_ekOP-DzeIDT5rBJAqY9jnoDzJfySaFYrHRV2UeDzM7SuCkktxyrX4Qy20AuqH-rsoZ9z9mR4lMONKqp2plmnFm/s320/Fuengirola+2012+281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHlEGdaBN8mT25pcvUATdsBNpWrbPljwVAR104XkzP3U-4kmoW_0EpM9O5F-AmvFpRmCOJbGVwcr9nTw9EZV08ldz64RT0R9TaCksqIP2UsgQ2M4QyCpzsK9WtbJ-p76Tza-yVm289LH9/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHlEGdaBN8mT25pcvUATdsBNpWrbPljwVAR104XkzP3U-4kmoW_0EpM9O5F-AmvFpRmCOJbGVwcr9nTw9EZV08ldz64RT0R9TaCksqIP2UsgQ2M4QyCpzsK9WtbJ-p76Tza-yVm289LH9/s320/Fuengirola+2012+280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well done Adam, to catch anything on the river was a feat today. What a superb fish to concede defeat to.Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-87986827452714841892011-12-29T14:35:00.000-08:002011-12-29T14:40:55.591-08:00Ukraine river fishing...if you dareI do! But I will be staying on the lash if too many of these turn up during the Euro 2012 championships. You never know what a bit of research will throw up!<br />
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<a href="http://www.fishingfury.com/categories/world/ukraine/">http://www.fishingfury.com/categories/world/ukraine/</a>Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680490488040302616.post-65154907310804813632011-12-21T09:27:00.000-08:002011-12-24T13:10:38.960-08:00The shortest day, on the TameDecember 21st, the shortest day in the calendar found me nursing a headache after the previous evenings Salford friendly anglers Xmas do. Buoyed up by an evening of tall fishing stories in the fishing call my bluff contest (believe me there are some fantastic liars in the fishing club!) I decided to put a little reality back in to the week and found me heading for the River Tame. Mossley is a small town about 15 miles north east of Manchester, most famous for its football teams exploits in the FA Trophy, getting to Wembley on a few occasions. However running through Bottom Mossley is the beautiful River Tame, a streamy river with some deeper wide bends and reputedly some big fish. I set up on a swim by the Roaches lock pub and tried to battle the raging current on a very high river, switching feeders several times to try and hold bottom. I have fancied this swim for a long time, trust me to pick a day to try it when it was unfishable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguJDY5-52INzX2BGmdnw4qxubOmsCiBHpj504buc__7rkPIuwuvU5dYSE-Kz0Ijlh1qby0C930xr0mtCVG0k3G53-2kDd7hORWb9LAKIup27nwB2m3LalCALgL8krqyOC0RbVonJ5zCpS/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguJDY5-52INzX2BGmdnw4qxubOmsCiBHpj504buc__7rkPIuwuvU5dYSE-Kz0Ijlh1qby0C930xr0mtCVG0k3G53-2kDd7hORWb9LAKIup27nwB2m3LalCALgL8krqyOC0RbVonJ5zCpS/s320/Fuengirola+2012+270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxnIOFiVoJ9HWgqxqbzNC-5oznyisgIS1Dz6-mWI-3Kjmu6ni2A8f08I4bihgu_bjGDakybU090XSvztp5jwanMNQaso8tsFYWo1InuxpCRi8_dPMFFff3kQ1Ja4tRydeLkALnJHGbvrN/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxnIOFiVoJ9HWgqxqbzNC-5oznyisgIS1Dz6-mWI-3Kjmu6ni2A8f08I4bihgu_bjGDakybU090XSvztp5jwanMNQaso8tsFYWo1InuxpCRi8_dPMFFff3kQ1Ja4tRydeLkALnJHGbvrN/s320/Fuengirola+2012+271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Down but not out I began walking downstream, fancying a bash at the adjacent Huddersfield narrow canal, which really does have some fantastic looking pegs. Determined to bag a river fish I found a slacker corner a few hundred metres on, and plonked my gear down on the first fishable spot of the river I came by. Having only a few metres of slack water to aim at I cast a medium drennan feeder perfectly into the hole, placed the rod down and waited, all of two seconds, for a big rap on the tip. It turned out to be a greedy brown trout which gave a good account of itself in the fast current.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF31vLTeNDY1qb67cgrldgHty0uP90I6EB3JXrIi4r2CQNb26fJny_NwJNDY2XowYLYmhc9OzrdorXEIPJ_tFycOyRue0yKn70iwfzq49fJlR8-gmjRibiHVEq1ZLnLPWYEKAnEudKlTCZ/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF31vLTeNDY1qb67cgrldgHty0uP90I6EB3JXrIi4r2CQNb26fJny_NwJNDY2XowYLYmhc9OzrdorXEIPJ_tFycOyRue0yKn70iwfzq49fJlR8-gmjRibiHVEq1ZLnLPWYEKAnEudKlTCZ/s320/Fuengirola+2012+272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJxeyOREAPmf_2rPCwatUN2XNesx25A3xsViGHYxbyMmBolBGlyaShi_XmnPxWeq9Fv5uXQn5Zlrxo3Cpf5d2zYrfL0M0JYklNlTOTI1mUsLf5cjOTFi2yvRSC9_a4tsjY8EeVqHuIXk7/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJxeyOREAPmf_2rPCwatUN2XNesx25A3xsViGHYxbyMmBolBGlyaShi_XmnPxWeq9Fv5uXQn5Zlrxo3Cpf5d2zYrfL0M0JYklNlTOTI1mUsLf5cjOTFi2yvRSC9_a4tsjY8EeVqHuIXk7/s320/Fuengirola+2012+273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Arriving at this swim around 1.30pm I fished until darkness fell at around 3.45pm and managed to catch thirteen trout of various sizes, nothing big, but all welcome on a miserable overcast afternoon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0MNP_ZH-sxsy2UTi8_w2QBapmRAvbJjI9XCzsEEjJ8XTFsZ1IVpv-pody9645fjFmMk7Zwjh1VRNGmoxIixpg_pEUmTCETWoyzF7fV-J5ha060-8-sO88zW4nqAmtblnW28rceii2epR/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0MNP_ZH-sxsy2UTi8_w2QBapmRAvbJjI9XCzsEEjJ8XTFsZ1IVpv-pody9645fjFmMk7Zwjh1VRNGmoxIixpg_pEUmTCETWoyzF7fV-J5ha060-8-sO88zW4nqAmtblnW28rceii2epR/s320/Fuengirola+2012+276.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>All told a really enjoyable afternoon, which started as an exercise to blow the cobwebs of a hangover away. As I walked back up the towpath of the canal to the car park I could see the lights of the Roaches lock pub in the distance, looking very welcoming. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnXXzEse5E70VmxXNYeWo8vGWUAKWMdjlqgSCdyPBl3VOFH-aTLTEJyk5F_54HHHoXMG7z4kXgaMXXqrEvHJeV2XvT_xZomBp4r4634WxN9UhBd7uUdNq51OAiMhiw7FDgwuzJ9s2XLiv/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnXXzEse5E70VmxXNYeWo8vGWUAKWMdjlqgSCdyPBl3VOFH-aTLTEJyk5F_54HHHoXMG7z4kXgaMXXqrEvHJeV2XvT_xZomBp4r4634WxN9UhBd7uUdNq51OAiMhiw7FDgwuzJ9s2XLiv/s320/Fuengirola+2012+278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvrKCo0Apdf0GVs64ugXzyNmdpCsZbwON3ij8T0Uqewdf36X8lb1UtWTCu00K3Kl_nQVvb-Gf5FlmlN7gK_QaXLwY8HlP0egmhxgEHDMqMibPglGa55xVUtJr77hVv3S9ay8AS7zXHG3d/s1600/Fuengirola+2012+279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvrKCo0Apdf0GVs64ugXzyNmdpCsZbwON3ij8T0Uqewdf36X8lb1UtWTCu00K3Kl_nQVvb-Gf5FlmlN7gK_QaXLwY8HlP0egmhxgEHDMqMibPglGa55xVUtJr77hVv3S9ay8AS7zXHG3d/s320/Fuengirola+2012+279.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My apologies for the quality of the pictures. Today's trip was so impromptu I forgot the camera. This river rises in the Pennine hills and runs right through Saddleworth and the delightful Uppermill village, on to Mossley, Stalybridge and on through Tameside to Stockport where there are some very large Barbel and chub. We really are blessed with some fantastic river fishing around Manchester, some of it in really pleasant locations, for those that have the appetite to try.Meddy Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648018099952619807noreply@blogger.com2