Zander Update

I've got an itch that I cannot quite scratch. Sitting between two anglers who caught zander and failing is a hard pill to swallow. 

I've kept my eye on the weather and applied much thought to the cause. Yesterday was to be the day. I'd sorted through the freezer for some fresher bait and had pondered an approach with less resistance to the taking fish.

I collected Neil, threw him the keys, and he drove me to Gloucester. We headed for the spot that produced last time, and Neil allowed me to steal his swim. I'm rarely happy when taking the goer swim. I prefer to do all of the work, but this choice was logical as it gave access to many features. I set about sorting a couple of new hooklinks, size 2 circle hooks to a supple braided link. There are few pike in the canal when compared to the zander, it just felt worth the risk of a bite-off.

Out went rod one, and I set about sorting number two. I became distracted by a large fish rolling just beyond a boat between the Boy and me. It swirled again, and the penny dropped. By the time I got to Neil, he was looking for his scales as the fish rested in his landing net. I called him a few unfatherly names and peeked into the mesh, "PB there I reckon". Considering this was only his second zander, it was a good step up the weight ladder, and the scales showed a healthy 8lb 2oz. More insults and a swathe of photos later, and I returned to get my second rod out.

I was happy for Neil. There is no animosity between us, and he has become a very competent angler. There's no time for jealousy as we fish as a team. But his 'luck' is getting ever stronger as I seem to have lost that vital edge to my own fishing. I sat, poised over my rods, a section of lamprey on one, and a several-times-refrozen little roach on the other, that having been Neil's successful bait. 

A little later, I had a flying run on the roach rod. The line was pouring out, and the strike/tightening seemed a mere formality. I hit fresh air. Not even a mark on the bait. And that was that. One twitch was all that followed. It got cold. 

Neil popped his head around the corner to show me that he can also catch small zander. He put it back and rolled up again with, "Ever caught a zander on a centre pin?" He'd put a rod out virtually under his feet. and had an almost immediate take. I told him to be careful not to trip over his halo.

So endeth Trip 2, and I'm even more determined to catch something bigger than my ancient pb of 4lb 9oz. It can't be too difficult - can it? I shall be back, but probably when the weather is a little milder.

8.02