May 2007 Fish Report

I am sorry this is so late, I started it two weeks ago and could not get to it to finish. As always my apologies for not mentioning everyone. As those of you who have been out know, we had a lot of bodies on the water, particularly in the later weeks. As usual there have been some staggering May catches, but early May was not up to normal standards. We had six inches of snow last week of April and then temperatures up and down like a Yo-Yo. To use a good East End expression, the fish didn't know if they needed a shit, shave or a haircut.

Despite some truly horrible conditions, cold wind and rain and howling winds, some exceptional performances stick out. I think without doubt Phil Crouchmans 50 fish 4 over 30 and a back up brace of plus 29`s was outstanding. Phil fished hard through the worse week of the Spring season. Similarly Carol, Bruno and Simon were a delight to fish with, and were rewarded with 120 fish, 4 over 30 and a top fish of 37.8. They fished very early May when believe me it was tough !!!!

Also in early May, Luke Pinder steadily broke his PB`s until he finally got a much deserved 33 lb fish. He would have caught a lot more if he hadn't tried to keep up with our guide Colin, in the Grumpie`s bar stakes. Steve and Pete Bushell also had it tough in the bad period , but scraped home with 76 fish between them Steve "nicking" a 31.5 and Peter a 29.5. Most other anglers in early May averaged 40 to 50 fish. As always all got big 20`s and most, at least one plus 30. But it was not good.

In the interest of fairness I will report honestly the worst week any anglers have ever had with us. Two guys in early April had a shocker. I will not name names, as the fault was all ours, we chose the swims, they did everything we asked and were good anglers. Just NOTHING went right for them. For two days they blanked (that is the first time anyone has blanked with us ) and it seemed every time we put them in a hot swim the fish moved out. Sometimes it happens. They ended up with only 16 fish with 4 over 20.

ENOUGH OF EARLY MAY. On the 18th and 19th at last we had two days of sun and the fish moved in. Some of the catches in the last two weeks have been spectacular to say the least.

On May 23rd John Breed had 30 fish to 37 lb AND PACKED UP AT 1.30 TO WATCH THE LIVERPOOL GAME !!!!!! You would not have moved me off a hot swim like that with a fork lift. This was John`s first trip to Long Sault. The first part of his holiday was slow, but he ended up with 102 fish, with 3 plus 30`s. He was fishing with Trevor, one of our regulars who only had 61. That will teach you to nick my hat and phone charger you bastard.

David Haynes another of our regulars, failed to fill in his fish report (as did a few others) but I know he had a few 30`s including a high 30 which pushed up his PB, and a big mirror which he didn`t even photograph. David always wins the award for being the most laid back angler at Long Sault,

One of my favourite guests of the year so far was Alan Tweed. This was a treat for his 40th birthday and he Loved every moment. Alan had niether loads of fish or a massive fish (88 fish to 31lbs) but fished every different type of swim on the system, weedy bays, fast water, the main channel, the rocky ledges, and he caught from every spot. He deliberatly avoided the normal "hotspots" and just described the type of water he wanted each day. He is not a carp specialist, but got a new PB on day one and gradually edged it up all week until he got his 30 on the last morning.

The Trace party got their act together this year, always a joy to fish with, 2 out of the three got PB`s with a 37 and a 35. (Brian, will have to come back next year for his +35)

Most others in later May had between 50 and 70 fish each with loads of upper twenty`s but frankly less plus 30`s than last year. Almost everyone got one or two, but not the numbers we are used to. The Kids as normal kicked some butt with 10 year old Josh Dickinson netting a 19 1/2 while his mate Liam Bradshaw got up to 27 lb 4 oz, but 10 year old Sophie Jane led the way with a 31 lb fish.

And then you have THE BIG SWINGING DICKS. Those who emptied the place. Andrew Short had a staggering 204 fish in his week. He wrote down the weight of every one and it came to 3281 lb. He improved his PB numerous times finishing on 35lb. He has promised to tell the full story on the forum, I believe he had a good time !!!!!!

The BAG UP BOYS Jay and Lee got off to an awful start including an all nighter on the Pines for only 2 x 20`s and then they "clicked" 79 fish between them was the start on day 3, and from then on they never looked back. They bagged up everywhere, not just from one of our hot spots. Jay had 205 fish with 5 thirtys to 35 and over 100 20`s. Lee had 232 fish with 4 thirty`s to 38 lb, and the buggers didn`t fish the last day.

I believe Glen Jane and his son Reece were also up in the 300 bracket between them and have promised to email their results from home.

Now as I write it is June 4th. it has been the latest Spring any of us can remember and the June fishing is going to be spectacular. Already the new guys are bagging up and the 30`s are at last coming regular ( I even popped out and nicked one myself 11 fish mostly 20`s best 32 with a back up 29 1/2 in 3 hours ........this is the worst job I ever had ) Yesterday the first 40 of the year came out (see photo on site) The best fishing is to come. (apologies to the above guys and girls)