Ian Alexander
Well-known member
Hello,
A day off for me today and a chance to fish Sweethope for the first time. I've heard allsorts of good reports about the place but haven't had the chance to visit.
I arrived bright and early with nobody else there, it was cold too....4degrees. I've only fished the smaller stillwaters and was a bit put off by the size of the big lake, I was starting to wish I'd brought a beachcaster!! (only joking).
I signed the book and headed off to fish where I thoght I saw a fish as I drove along the approach road. An hour later and my anticipation had worn off a bit.....not a touch and I was freezing, especialy my right leg as I'd found a new hole in my waders and my leg was full of water.
Properly disheartened I moved to the smaller lake after a quick cuppa to cheer things up. A couple more anglers came along and we had a good chat but they too were struggling. I couldn't see any movement or fly activity a another hour or so went by without a bite.
I decided to change things up a bit so off with the floater and on with the intermediate and a cats whisker variant that I've done well with in the past. Half an hour or so passed trying different spots untill I managed a nice Rainbow of 3lbs...."phew" blank off and a bit more confidence.
A few more lads stopped to chat and I was relieved to hear that they were struggling too, at least it wasn't just me!
I moved a bit further round towards the cottage and I was busy watching the anglers who were now fishing the opposite bank when It felt as though someone had whacked my line with a stick! My little 6wt rod took on an a healthy bend and I had to give some line as the fish made a slow deep run. A bit more of this and the fish swam towards me and I had to gain line sharpish to keep the tension, the fish came to the surface and showed itself and I knew this was my best fish so far. After a few more anxious moments and a trip along the bank I slid the net under it.
I had a minute or so before I continued fishing, but after only a few more casts I just had to weigh it......9lb 2oz...what a lovely fish.
I fished on for a while but soon had to get off home with no more fish but still over the moon, even more so considering what a poor start I had.
Thanks for reading fellas, I hope you liked my photos
Regards Ian
A day off for me today and a chance to fish Sweethope for the first time. I've heard allsorts of good reports about the place but haven't had the chance to visit.
I arrived bright and early with nobody else there, it was cold too....4degrees. I've only fished the smaller stillwaters and was a bit put off by the size of the big lake, I was starting to wish I'd brought a beachcaster!! (only joking).
I signed the book and headed off to fish where I thoght I saw a fish as I drove along the approach road. An hour later and my anticipation had worn off a bit.....not a touch and I was freezing, especialy my right leg as I'd found a new hole in my waders and my leg was full of water.
Properly disheartened I moved to the smaller lake after a quick cuppa to cheer things up. A couple more anglers came along and we had a good chat but they too were struggling. I couldn't see any movement or fly activity a another hour or so went by without a bite.
I decided to change things up a bit so off with the floater and on with the intermediate and a cats whisker variant that I've done well with in the past. Half an hour or so passed trying different spots untill I managed a nice Rainbow of 3lbs...."phew" blank off and a bit more confidence.
A few more lads stopped to chat and I was relieved to hear that they were struggling too, at least it wasn't just me!
I moved a bit further round towards the cottage and I was busy watching the anglers who were now fishing the opposite bank when It felt as though someone had whacked my line with a stick! My little 6wt rod took on an a healthy bend and I had to give some line as the fish made a slow deep run. A bit more of this and the fish swam towards me and I had to gain line sharpish to keep the tension, the fish came to the surface and showed itself and I knew this was my best fish so far. After a few more anxious moments and a trip along the bank I slid the net under it.
I had a minute or so before I continued fishing, but after only a few more casts I just had to weigh it......9lb 2oz...what a lovely fish.
I fished on for a while but soon had to get off home with no more fish but still over the moon, even more so considering what a poor start I had.
Thanks for reading fellas, I hope you liked my photos
Regards Ian
