Catching trains

Date fished 25/10/2025

8am until 11am

I fished Brian's small river for a few hours this morning in the hope of a barbel. 

Two trains and I was there. I tackled up in a swim where I could see some fish. My ledgered breadl flake got interest but not a proper take. Eventually I got too excited and spooked them. 

I walked along and looked for fish. Not seeing any here but remembering Brian, I fished in a not so secret swim. In the summer the vegetation would cover the entrance.

My line started to tighten, I grabbed the rod and was in a snag. I could feel a fish on too. The fish won and managed to get free. 

I left empty-handed, but I kept my pants on! 

Mk 2

Date fished 24/10/2025

9am until 1.30pm

A trip down south, meant two things. Fireball and zander! 

I picked Jar up from the train station and we headed towards the canal. This time we float fished deadbaits. 

We walked the length and fished likely looking spots in the shade. We started in a turning basin where we saw plenty of fish topping but no predators lurking around. 

Sadly we didn't catch any zander, but we had a great trip. I think on this occasion I will leave it to jars photography..

Very appealing

Date fished 22/10/2025

8am until 2pm

I had booked some days off work, but looking at weather etc decided I would take today for a fishing trip. I was back on the Tees, not targeting the barbel but if one came along!! 

I arrived early and walked to my chosen swim. The river looked good and I had a nice crease about two rod lengths out. The aim was maggot feeder with maggot on the hook. I did have some breadcrumb I had mixed with predator liquid. I have two bottles and never really used it, so thought why not!

It was bites straight away. I had watched an otter in the swim as I arrived. Was lovely to watch it and it was not fazed by me. Eventually a rattle turned into a proper bite and a nice perch was landed. 

I fished on and apart from a deer, two kingfishers and a buzzard it was quiet. I played around with the rod rests and if I put the rod flat, no bites. If I put it up high, constant knocks. No idea the logic. 

The sun was lovely, I didn't need the big coat, but I had it with me. 

Another fish  a dace that was the same length as the perch. No pic as I was trying an arty shot close to the water, you know the rest..... 

I was having a lovely day. I noticed my rod rest was now in the water. Soon my chair legs were in the water. My feet were in the water. The crease had slowly disappeared and was now the main flow. 

As lovely as a day it was, I decided to head home, via a couple of tackle shops.

Tees barbel (6)

Date fished 19/10/2025

7.30am until 11.40am

I envy the anglers that do a proper quest, I am just not cut out for it. I have enjoyed the barbel quest and will put it on the back burner for now. Unless conditions seem perfect on Wednesday!! 

The river looked spot on, but my fishing trip was ruined before I got to the wet stuff. 

I walked to the peg I wanted to fish, realised I had dropped my landing net. I left some gear and walked back. I saw a couple of dog walkers, they said it was on the ground in the car park. I got back and it was gone. Someone had borrowed it. 

I walked back to my gear and started to fish. Conscious that landing anything bigger than a minnow would be challenging, really I hoped I didn't catch a barbel. 

Float fishing or rolling small cubes of meat was employed half heartedly for a few hours. 

Neither produced, and when I lost both new quick change olivettes, given to me by Ellis. I declared game over. 

Not trying to be negative. The highlight of the trip was my mates messaging me on my drive home. 

There is more to life than fishing, you made me smile!!

The afternoon will be spent making online purchases. 😍