The Big Fish Column by Ian Welch

Chub continued to be main target species for river anglers last week as bright, sunny days followed by cool nights kept water temperatures rather subdued.

For the most part the smaller rivers remain in much better shape than the out-of-sorts Thames, with the Kennet and Loddon showing occasional glimpses of excellence; although the fishing is still far from consistent on any local venue.

The Loddon seems to be offering the better sport and it was from here that Marlow angler Gerry Shaw fished a session last week to take four chub topped by a good specimen of 5lb 12oz.

Gerry presented a garlic-flavoured meat bait on a size 8 hook to 6lb line to take the big fish from beneath the overhanging branches of a fallen tree. The smaller fish, all in the 3 to 4lb range took the same bait from different swims on the same section of river.

River Loddon pike have also been active with John Kirby netting a terrific snapper of 16lb 8oz from a local section of the river last weekend. John fished a smelt deadbait sink and draw style on size 8 treble hooks to 20lb wire and 12lb line to take the fish from a deep pool between shallower runs.

On the Kennet Jason Farmer used a pellet hookbait on a size 10 hook to 8lb line to pick up a good chub of 5lb 8oz from a Reading and District beat and backed it up with specimens of 4lb 6oz and 4lb 2oz during a late afternoon session. Jason fished an evenly paced glide with a PVA bag of 4mm pellets to attract the fish.

Also on the Kennet, the Old Mill at Aldermaston was in typically good chub form for Pat Richards who fished the canalised section above the weir with breadflake to net a specimen of 5lb 4oz.

Pat had spent the morning unsuccessfully fishing the weirpool with meat and pellet baits before upping sticks and trying the more steady area of the venue. He beat the fish with a link legered bait on a size 8 hook to a 4lb hooklength and 5lb main line.

Fishing on the local lakes was rather quiet last week after a brief spell of activity when carp, bream and even tench were moving around and picking up the occasional bait.

Despite the current lack of activity the warmth of the sun and the emergence of the daffodils and blossom is evidence that spring is well on the way and it will not be long before we start to see it reflected in terms of catches.

To report catches call 07780 755138 or email ian@bigfishtrail.com