Monday, July 19, 2010

A step on the right path..

Afternoon all, just a quick post to show you that mine and Clare’s humble attempts at fishing are improving with each attempt. As mentioned in an earlier post we joined Warrington AA whilst visiting the Cheshire show last month. The advantage of joining Warrington AA for us was that it offered us a secure local place to fish. Within the spirit of my previous post I’m trying to change the path that I’m walking in this life and with this in mind I’ve been trying to source waters to fish within walking or cycling distance to home, rather than use the fun cruiser, so lessoning its impact (however little). Basically speaking within this ‘no fun cruiser’ distance there are four fishable areas which consist of; ‘The Trap’- an over fished and expensive place to do so, ‘The Common’- free fishing slap in the middle of Buckley where your more likely to suffer alcoholic fuelled abuse and aggression than catch fish, ‘The Globe’ – free and on the out skirts of town but overfished to a massive degree and more the preserve of carp anglers and their quest for ‘the big one’ and that leaves us with ‘The Mount’- a long disused quarry consisting of three pools offering three completely different fishing adventures. ‘The Mount’ is fenced off and access is only by being a member of Warrington AA and then obtaining the necessary key for the gates. 

We’ve used the fun cruiser for the first couple of visits, one a look see after first joining and the second to actually fish there. The out come of having two lots of fishing gear is that now I’m required to fashion a trailer to tow behind my bike (this looks like the rotund Welshman may not be rotund for much longer!).

And so to the fishing, we decided to fish one of the smaller pools upon the advice of an angler we met whilst surveying the pools. The large lake being the ex quarry with a sharp drop off to very deep water. This would possibly be beyond our skills at the moment so we followed his advice and set up on the smaller water. First thing to say is discovering such an oasis for wildlife right in on our doorstep (ok so our doorstep is two miles long!) is remarkable, you just would not know that the area is surrounded by suburbia.


And the fishing was not two bad either; here are just a few pictures of the fish that graced our nets.

Highlight though was the young Robin using my ledger rod as a perch from which to steal maggots and a hen Blackbird constantly coming back and forth to Clare’s peg, obviously with a late clutch to feed.

So when all’s said and done I’ve managed to still go fishing and at the same time made the tiniest step on the new trial that I’m hoping to stick to.

Take care for now, your friend,

John

12 comments:

Mark Kautz said...

looks like a darn good start to me. Keep up the good work.

Mark

Leigh, Andrea Leigh Gil said...

John,
Wow, you really lucked up on finding a perfect little oasis! I am loving the pictures. Looks beautiful! But I think that I can speak for everyone when I say.... where's the bike with the cart behind it!? ;)

Two miles away is a hefty ride (hopefully not up hill) but before you know it you will be making the trip without a single drop of sweat! ;) Speaking of sweat... it really makes me wonder what idiot dubbed "The Simple Life"... SIMPLE!? ;)

Badger Watching Man said...

Warrington Anglers? That takes me back! I had some good times carp fishing Grey Mist Mere back in the late 80s and early 90s. Good to hear that they're still going strong!

Coloradocasters said...

Very nice. The adventure should always be part of the challenge along with catching fish. The scenery looks great and a few feathered friends stopped by as well.

Budgeting the petrol use is a worthy cause indeed. Good for Mother and good for the pocket.

Casey said...

Great words and pics John!! It's nice to have that interaction with the wildlife, eh?

I am a bit jealous. I have to travel at least 6 miles to get to the closest pond to me (and it's catch and release only), and the streams that I adore take about 20-25 minutes to drive to. Dang the living in the middle of nowhere.

You're doing the right thing, my man, getting in some biking while enjoying some recreation!!

Bill said...

That looks like a pretty nice spot John. The pictures are outstanding and the bird portion of your story was pretty neat. I didn't know you had Canadian Geese over there. Seems they're taking over the world. Good to see you catch some fish as well.

Bill

Ian Nance said...

Good looking honey hole!

Keith said...

A great post John, and well done with your new efforts. Excellent.

We had a local fishing hole near our property in the Territory called "The Gap", but it had crocs in it. One day whilst snoozing in my steel folding chair with a line wrapped round the chair leg, I was suddenly woken with a jerk as my chair was being dragged toward the water! The line finally snapped. I had obviously caught a barramundi, but a croc had caught the same fish!!!
And yes, I always wore a gun in a holster when fishing.
Regards.

Wolfy said...

Nice pictures John - I like the thieving bird! That looksl ike some very nice water

murphyfish said...

Mark,
I’ll be doing my utmost to change things, like you say a good start put the path is a long one and I’m on it hopefully for the duration.

Hey Leigh,
Yes indeed it’s a beautiful find; bike cart is a project to be started (should make an interesting post!). Ah the ‘simple life’ it’s going to take some effort, both physical and mental, I fear, to attain it, but a journey that ultimately I hope to achieve. As for the distance all I need to do is find a downhill circular route that encompasses home, The Mount, a local source of cider and home again…. Mmmm physics, so overrated ;-)

BWM,
Indeed they are, and with a really large and varied selection of waters to boot.

Coloradocasters (CC from now),
Cheers for dropping by, indeed it’s not just about the catching of fish but the whole experience, some of my best days fishing are when I’ve blanked (ok some of the worst as well!)

Casey,
‘Course fishing’ (fishing for non migratory fresh water fish) usually has a blanket catch and release policy over here with some exceptions such as invasive and introduce species. To be honest it’s a bit of a minefield if you want to catch for the table when fishing this way in that you really have to know your fish and the local as well as national guide lines.
I suppose living in suburbia does have its advantages but it’s not where my heart is. But you’re right; at least even here there is wildlife to interact with. Take care.

Hi Bill,
I believe that Canadian gees, at least for the UK, are an introduced species but they do seem to have ‘gone native’. Cheers for dropping by.

Ian,
Certainly is my man.

Hi Keith,
I guess the closest thing that we have to crocs are pike, but they are somewhat smaller and do not chase you overland! But I have had them take roach before now as I reeled the unfortunate victim in. a big pike though is a target for the future.

Wolfy,
The thieving birds were encourage somewhat in moments when the bites were slow, but yes it is a nice water, hope to be there again shortly.

To All,
Once again a million thank yous for dropping by and taking the time to comment, it means so much to me that people such as you take the time and effort to do so.

Your friend,

John

Anonymous said...

I am a little late getting here, John. Just wanted to add that I think it is wonderful that you are getting out and doing some fishing and have picked a place that seems to be beautiful and close to home and fishy! Straight ahead my friend with your goals and challenges. You will succeed.

murphyfish said...

Mel,
No such thing as being late, just arriving when able my good man. It does appear that we've hit the jackpot with this place, although the intention is still to try other waters that the association has to offer.
John