Tuesday 26 February 2013

River Test @ Wherwell

I was really looking forward to fishing the River Test. For many years it had been on my "must do before..." list and for some reason had never had the opportunity till this weekend. And it never let me down as with just an hour to go on Sunday afternoon I managed to land this 44cm Grayling from the main river. I cast across to the far bank and mended the line again and let the tungsten headed gold ribbed hares ear head for the bottom. As i tightened up i was in and it was solid. With the current pushing through that dorsal fin gave it extra fight but after a good fight wow, good fish! My first Grayling was not quite that size but welcome none the less. I had had 4 takes and fish on but they wouldn't stick. As i headed back to the hut Jim Collins was settled in his chair by the weir and said their a loads of fish in hear but i can't touch them, help yourself. It was only 3rd cast and as the fly came round I saw the flash of silver in the clear water and a welcome grayling brightened up the morning. I was not the only one catching good fish and everyone was having a few fish with Grant more than most as usual. Stuart had a good rainbow off the river but goodness knows where they escaped from. Even with it drizzling with snow and all the fields water logged it was still a lovely place. Manicured grass paths and neat river edges with close cut reeds, clear water and white chalk gravel bottoms - lovely. I kept thinking i should take my boots off on the carpet or at least repair any divots i made. A great weekend!