Bleu produces 98lb catfish



Rouge

The Cooper party returned for their second holiday with Exclusive Angling Holidays and once again Darren (2) managed a personal best carp of 35lb on the first night. The only problem with catching a big fish on the first night is that he couldn't wake anyone up to take a photo!

The fishing was pretty steady throughout the week although there were some signs of fish spawning for the second time this year.

We had a very exciting moment when Gary hooked a big cat which successfully snagged other lines. After a stand-off in the fighting chair for a good ten minutes with no movement we went out in the boat to try and get the fish in. Unfortunately we failed but had a good laugh about it afterwards.

All four fishermen caught fish but Dad Gary waited until the last afternoon to land the biggest fish, a 44lb cat.

There were at least four personal bests during the week and everyone really enjoyed their holiday.

Some of the other fish photoed during 'Waking hours':



Bleu

Blue also fished very steadily throughout the week with a monster catfish along with many carp up to just under thirty pounds.

Itchy-feet Wayne, who caught four carp and a cat on the first night, just had to have a morning session on Vert where he managed over 200lbs of carp before the scorching heat drove him back to the shelter of the trees on Bleu.

Many cats were caught with fish up to 70lbs plus before the star performance of a 98lb cat caught on Thursday night. The dumbbell rig proved very effective, the only problem being trying to catch bream of the right size.

Well done to everybody.



Tight Lines
John James

A mixed bag of weather

Rouge

The last few weeks have been a bit hectic especially as I have managed to break a rib.

Rouge saw the Sardi group fishing this lake for the first time and as usual bringing the rain with them. Every year the same sorry old tale of rain, sun then more even heavier rain.

The fishing was a bit slower than the previous week ( well that 91 fish haul does take some beating), even saying this a lot of fish were caught with two decent thirties from swims 5 and 6 and many high twenties from all swims both commons and mirrors. The cats have obviously been working out as the big ones always seemed to get away. I think I am right in saying that every one of the anglers lost at least one really big cat.

I don't have any photos yet as all the cameras were packed away but I know a good time was had by all and thanks again for coming. Please send me some photos.

Bleu

Bleu was once again visited by Mike and Colin who I think are on there 15th year down here. This was a red letter week for Colin who managed over 1000lbs of fish on his own. This was a PB total and coupled with a PB cat of 44 lbs.

"Biggest carp - 28 lbs 04 oz Biggest cat - 44 lbs.

All in all a great week despite the weather. The rain obviously helped, and it died off a bit on Friday when the sun came out."

Hope all goes well for the rest of the year, and see you same time next year.

Mike also managed 743lbs - congratulations on your second best ever total!


Tight Lines
John James