Perch feature a lot in my weekly angling blogs, which as my favourite species is something you’d expect. Also, spinning is a favoured method of mine, which with limited time is a great way of making the most of every opportunity. Some of my sessions are actually less than an hour but as far as I’m concerned, it’s better to fish for thirty minutes than not cast a line at all.
In my debut session for the week I was on the Staffs/Worcs Canal for an early morning start. For the first time since last winter I had cold hands, a sign that the air temperatures are now dropping, especially overnight. With nothing showing at all I knew it was going to be a challenge, therefore the one and only fish of the session was certainly very welcome indeed.
For the second outing, again a very short one, I struggled to find fishable swims as the lake in question has lots of algae growth washed up in the edges. I managed to get a few casts in but no takers. I did spot some fungi growing on a common ash tree by the car park though. As always, catch or not, there’s never wasted time when you’re out in the great outdoors.
With the next three sessions being very short indeed, averaging out at just half an hour each, it was a case of the previously aforementioned fact that it’s better to spend a short time on the bank than not fish at all. However, what was missing in quantity was certainly more than compensated by the quality in the net. That actually suits me fine, I’d sooner catch a handful of good fish than hundreds of tiddlers.
My final two outings of the week were sit-down affairs on the Staffs/Worcs Canal. One of the reasons that I maintain my angling enthusiasm and don’t lose my mojo is that I’m an all-rounder. That is reflected not only in species but also methods and venues as well. Although I must say that even when I am focused I still don’t lose interest. Although I have a balance, angling is very much a big part of my life.
I’m a big fan of the local canal network, with one of the big pluses at this time of the year being that with minimal boat traffic you don’t have to confine your angling to dusk, dawn and the period in-between. In fact, if you’re out during the day you can fish up to dark and still be home for a reasonable time.
The accompanying video was filmed on the very last session so there’s no need to duplicate the report here, that can be viewed direct. I certainly enjoyed myself this week. Perch and canals – the perfect combination. I’ll definitely be up for more of the same over the coming weeks. As they say, watch this space. Why not like my Facebook page and/or follow me on Twitter. The links to both are elsewhere alongside this blog entry. (Published October 24 2015)
