June 2007 Fish Report

My prediction of a massive June did not really come about. The weather continued to seesaw between high and low pressure levels, and it was all a bit stop and start. As I started this report I was thinking, June was a little crappy, but such is the power of Long Sault once you start looking at the figures, I think I can still say "it is the best carp fishing in the world" (even when it is bad)

So some highlights and lowlights for May:

Some old faithful`s back from last year had mixed fortunes. The old Codgers from Luton bought a third drinking partner this year, which reduced the catch rate somewhat, as try as I might I cannot yet get the carp feeding in Grumpy`s bar. Martin was top rod of the three with 90 fish to 32.4.

Keith and Mathew Baldock had a slow week for them with only 144 fish between them and this year only 2 x 30`s. Their two friends (Long Sault virgins) managed 123 fish and three 30`s.

Merv and Jim bought Merv`s son James this year, and as normal the Fish Gods always smile on the youngsters. James is now the proud owner of a 32 lb PB.

Martin and Mike returned for the first time since we took over they last came as one of the last guests before we took over. I think they will agree it is a little different now, and the way we fish/feed the swims produces more fish. Martin took 113 carp and Michael 68. Michael improving his PB four times in the process (as well as catching some Pike)

Mark Dimmock was back for another bash, this year he did not get into the 30`s as previously but had 107 fish in his week with plenty of big 20`s. Mr Munchie was also back again, along with Vaughan and a new face "Big John" As normal Vaughan was top rod with 96 fish and a new PB of 36.8 lb but big John was great fun, a pole angler by trade, it took him a while to get the hang of it (and to stop loosing the buggars) but he ended up with 70 fish and a new PB of just over 34 lb.

The Virgin crowd were also in town and in their three day stint on the boat, Andy landed 37 fish with 3 x30`s and the normally prolific Richard only 24 with 2 x 30`s. This was a mighty blow for "orthodox" fisherman everywhere, as the third member of the team (and the only one who follows the normal rules of fishing) ruled the day. In fact Paul Williams stayed on after the others left and was joined by his brother Tolan. Paul put in an exceptional 205 fish total with over 80x 20`s and 7 x 30`s to 34.10. Tolan did not quite match the quantity but had 3 x 30`s and a new PB of 38. The fishing was not great during this period and in particular Paul`s performance was a bit special, and proves the point that although fishing is usually pretty easy out here, when it is tough, those who work hard still get the fish

One of our new recruits Alain stayed with us for 3 days and had a spectacular 3 days with over 100 fish into the high 30`s. This was in mid June when the fish were feeding well and almost everyone was getting our target 20 fish per day, but Alain`s catch was a bit special, considering he only took up carp fishing towards the end of last season.

Newcomers to the CCC were the Janes family, fishing in early June, despite a trip to Niagara and various days out, the family managed over 320 fish (the girls only fishing around 3 days) As usual the kids led the way, Young Sophie Janes landed a 30.04, Reece had 3 plus 28`s, 4 plus 26`s numerous 20`s and a best day of 28 fish to 28lb. Their mother Clair who has never fished before now has a PB of 26 and the old man Glen.............Well he netted a hell of a lot of fish !!!!!

We also had a few "challenges on the firm" this year.

Peter Osborne was on his 4th trip on the St Lawrence (first time with us) and he had never caught a 30. He nudged it a few times bringing his PB up to 29 and then the good old pontoon swim come up trumps on his last day and he now has a new PB of 36 lb.

Of great personal satisfaction, was the Redhead party. I have been exchanging emails for a while with Roy who has been out here many times, but never with us. Roy has posted on our forum so no need for details here, but we push our guys to fish a little differently to most and of course we pre bait and hunt down the fish. All of the 5 man party had their best ever trip (and the fishing was not great on the whole) Roy Redhead was top rod with 175 fish for 2643lb with 5 x 30`s to 34.

We won the first two challenges but lost the next. Russ and Clive fished the last week of June and it was mega tough. They are again both St Lawrence veterans with other operators, but it just didn't happen, leaving them with only 76 fish between them and only 1x 30 they were great guys and I hate it when we fail. In that same week, one of our regulars Vali had a mega morning with 6 x 30`s to 38, but that was how it was going. Mat"Rip Van" Taylor, fished that same week with similar results but finished his holiday with over 100 fish as they came on later. Of course he would have had a lot more if he stayed awake!! (What can I say boys? I know you would have hammered them if they were feeding)

To sum up June, it was as patchy as hell. Some days we slaughtered them, some days we scratched to get 4 or 5 per person. There were a lot more 10 to 20 lb fish and less 30`s than normal, but a local Angler had a plus 50 out. (Story on forum) During the week 19th to 27th June I was emailing the competition thinking we were doing something wrong!!! The next week they fed again and it was smiles all around.

This is still only our second year as new owners and we obviously have a lot to learn. During the quite days the fish were shoaling up in plus 30 ft of water. We knew where they were but could not catch them!!!!

Still Colin who works with me kicked off July 1st with a 38. (I am in the UK at the moment and the bastard should have been working) and tomorrow is another day.....Jeff