Antique Antics...
following on from the "Going Retro" thread t'other, day I thought I'd get some of my antique gear out for a play and I drove down to a local Commercial to get the old string tugged for the day...
I tackled up with my Marco Test (a bit of a beast, but the fish run to low doubles at the venue) and a newly acquired Speedia Wide Drum, loaded with 5lb Daiwa Hyper-Sensor, with a Drennan 6 no4 waggler, to a size 14 hook. Corn over micro pellet was the bait of choice
On arrival I was mugged...! yes mugged, for a tenner day ticket.... thieving sod
for a dabble in not much more'n a puddle, I ask you.... but I pressed on and I made the chap wait for his cash as I tackled up
Once the chunky chap was out of my hair, I settled down and had an enquiry on the first cast, a firm strike produced a nice tangle which I proceeded to sort out, then I had a Mr "Oooh.. a cane rod... I still have one somewhere" conversation with a passing angler.... As has been said elsewhere, they may be old, but they certainly get folks talking.
Second cast resulted in a lively little common putting a healthy bend in the Test and soon enough rolled into my waiting net with a waved pectoral of surrender
Once returned I settled back and cast out again and started to get odd little knocks on the float, I suspected Roach or Rudd intercepting the bait as it settled, but nothing came of it for a while. A couple more little commons graced my landing net and then I had a spirited scrap with a little Mirror which probably went a couple of pounds but gave a satisfying fight on the old gear, and I relished playing them on the new Speedia which performed superbly....
Then I got another odd bite, and striking gently I found the culprits....
I hate these things, and it was quickly despatched, I managed another four on the bounce and I left their remains for the bailiff.
I then put the micro pellets away, as that was what was drawing the things into my swim, and I concentrated on the corn baits for the duration of the day.
I had another conversation with a different Mr "Oooh.. a cane rod... I still have one somewhere" and he commented that the Speedia and the Test were made for each other.... and y'know, I agree, they do look good.... bloody heavy....! (as my right arm will readily testify) but they do look good
After a few hours I noticed that there were a few more smaller fish snaffling the bait... tiny little carp with a yard of attitude and an appetite to match
with the fish getting smaller and smaller I decided to take my leave of the little pool and wend my way homewards... Next time I may take an old glass rod to make things a tad easier on the arm... I'll still be using the Speedia though... it's a little belter of a reel.....
Tight Lines
