A week of varying weather saw Dan and Anthony get in a bit more coarse fishing, while keeping an eye on the soon to open trout season…

I once fished with a man from Alaska who said to me, “If you don’t like the weather in Alaska, wait ten minutes”. That saying for me this week certainly was bouncing around my mind. Waking up Tuesday morning and taking a look outside it looked like spring had sprung. The starlings that have taken up residence under the eve of the house were vocal and active which immediately lets me know the weather is someway ok before I open the curtain. Of course, being a weekday both Anthony and I have mid-week duties namely school and work. Luckily I have a half day on Tuesdays and Anthony finishes early to so I was hoping this sunshine would last until we could begin our journey to the lake. Today looked perfect for a bit of carp fishing so a quick plan over the breakfast table was made before we parted company and away we went about our duties.

Luckily when the time came to hit the lake the weather was holding up and it was quite sunny. We quickly got changed, grabbed a Rice Krispie bun and hit the road. We had some bait left over from a trip over the weekend so it was straight to the pond. Driving there we had a chat about the upcoming Easter break and where we would like to fish for a couple of days. I would like to try for hybrids and Anthony is looking to go perch hunting. I enjoy fishing for roach and hybrids on the Barrow, sitting under the brolley having a cup of tea with a nice piece of carrot cake (with a dusting of ground bait usually) watching the quiver tip is both relaxing and exciting. What a way to spend a day – is it Easter yet!!!!

Arriving at the pond I heard a quick, “I will carry the rods”, which meant I was left with the net, landing mat, tackle box and bait box, short straw again. A lovely sight was watching the blue sky reflect in the water with the odd cloud showing. We threw in some free offerings and watched closely, a slight breeze kept the fish slightly down in the water although a couple did come up and nose at the bait a little. Anthony spotted a nice carp at the opposite side and made his way over to it, keeping low and watching the movements of the fish as he crept around the pond. Getting to within casting distance he dropped the bait in just short of the fish. It took a little time before the fish eventually raised the courage to go up and take the bait, but the fish did, and it was superb almost in slow motion. Anthony lifted into the fish and the battle commenced, making some lunges for freedom we slipped the net under the fish and took it out for a quick photo. A few more carp followed on the surface for Anthony, but it got cold quick, and the fish moved deeper. We switched to using worms under a float for the final hour and had some nice carp with a surprise roach.

carp

Now to the other end of the weather scale and Saturday I had a guest out with me on the Lake. The wind was quite strong with some rain. We were fishing for Roach so baited up two areas, one in a sheltered bay and the other on the downside of the wind. I lightly ground baited today to see what kind of reaction I’d get. It was very slow to start and in the first spot we only had 1 roach and a couple of bites. Having enough of the wind we went to the sheltered spot and what a move it was. It was action from the first cast really. We hit some nice palm sized roach and ended up with about 15 or 16 of them. It was lovely to be sitting on the edge of the lake sheltered by a high bank with the wind shooting over the top of us.

roach

With next weekend starting the beginning of the 2024 river season on the Nore I have been prepping rods and walking the bank a bit keeping an eye on water levels. The water currently is .97 so quite high and it’s also a quite cold 8 degrees at peak times. Building plans and strategies will be key to success for the opening days of the season with the King’s River probably being the favourite for my guests over the weekend.

Go fishing…

Trout Fishing Ireland

Address Thomastown Kilkenny Ireland Mobile Phone: +353857652751 Website: Trout Fishing Ireland