A Swale Barbel!!

Date fished 25/8/2019
9am until 4pm

After a great meal last night at Ellis and Caroles house, it was going to be a second day fishing. This time on the Swale at Morton. We were hoping for some nice chub, but with maggots as bait, we were after anything that came along.

The second day was as hot as the first, so with plenty of water and sun cream we parked by the road bridge and walked upstream.

We didn't walk far, and soon found a couple of swims we liked. Me in one I had fished before but never caught, and Ellis trying a new area along some trees. Ellis was soon catching fish, and me? Well. I was "trying".

A quick walk down to Ellis to see if I was doing it right, and sure enough, I was. We both had the same size float on, 5 number 4's!  I went back to it. Soon my float was disappearing too and a little dace was my first fish.

Next a bigger fish got hold, was this to be my chub?? No, but a cracking trout was the reward.

It was time for a move, for no real reason other than we wanted to try different areas! We really have tried to walk the swims even if not fishing them, just to get an idea on river  levels each time. Now, we both feel we could tackle different swims in different situations, given the chance!!

Next stop, a little spot in the shade of some trees. Perfect as it was now approaching midday. The trotting here was easier and we were both catching dace, little chub and the odd Grayling. The best ones being caught by Ellis.

Then it changed. The minnows happened. Bite after bite from minnows. It was getting frustrating. My float buried and I struck to see the latest minnow, only this time the line was solid. A much larger fish, holding bottom, slow. Was this my chub? It took line and was running me all over the place. Ellis came to net it, a lovely 2lb Trout my prize! When I un hooked it, and took my hook out it was coupled with another hook and line. I was glad to remove this and return the trout after a rest to the depths.

It was time for another move. Dropping into a few swims we had not fished before, Ellis catching a few fish whilst I just watched the water. After a bit more exploring it was time to go back to the second swim. I was confident the chub would come eventually, so it was worth a shot.

The minnows continued, but the occasional larger (small) dace and chub kept us interested.

My float buried once more, again a larger fish, keeping low. Was this my chub?
I played the fish, but did not see it. Eventually it came to the surface, this was no chub, this was also no trout. This was my first ever Swale Barbel!!! I went to net it, but my (#$%#) net, again was not up to the job and the fish was not safely in it!! I called to Ellis and he quickly came over and netted my fish!! I was so happy. Exclaiming " I am throwing that net away and buying a new one!!"

Size isn't everything!!

As we fished on and the cows started wading through the river, we knew if we caught one of them it would be a pb!

Deciding to pack up early as we were boiling hot and exhausted from fighting those minnows, we walked to the cars.

It was a great day to be on the river, we thought, as we passed by some people blowing up a lilo, dance music blaring, bar b q smoking away, right in the swim I had been in a few hours before.
" That's no fun" said Ellis as we walked on by,
" They don't have any alcohol!".
I totally agree with you Ellis, and here's to my River Swale Barbel.