First the backup camera that I use for fishing packed up. "Card Error" said the message. Stupid thing. Then, Real Life got in the way and limited my opportunities. It's not all bad though. The more limited the opportunities are, the more I tend to enjoy them when they do come around.
So, re-armed with my only remaining digital camera - the one I really don't want to drop in a canal - I grabbed a (very) short session on the canal.
On the canal, my UL lure fishing separates out into the use of two basic methods. Method 1 is to cast the lure out and bring it back, at whatever rate of retrieve seems right at the time. Results for this method seem to be fairly random. I can't predict whether a swim will produce or not yet. The positives are that it covers lots of water, and I keep busy casting around, which is always enjoyable. The downside is that I seem to lose more gear in snags this way. I picked up 4 or 5 perch fishing this way, all much like little this fella...
Method Number 2 involves jiggling a lure within a foot of the bank. I suppose it is similar to drop-shotting, but I tend to jiggle left and right, rather than just up and down. This method is more more predictable, and results are dramatically improved if I put myself within 15 yards of a bridge, reedbed, or pretty much any other deviation in the nearside bank. The stamp of fish is generally a bit bigger too, with 2-4oz fish being standard on this canal.
Bridges are definitely holding features. Wherever the canal narrows and deepens, the margins hold more perch. I know this from my old canal match fishing days, and I've saved many a blank in winter leagues by jiggling a worm right under my feet, or along the edge stones down one margin. I suppose this method is the same thing, only using artificial lure, rather than a live one.
I also remember that the best time to catch a perch close in is when a boat is approaching, or just going past. The canal pace quickens as the boat's movement draws water towards it. This must stir up food items from the bottom, and the perch must be tuned into it. I caught a fish for nearly every boat that passed.
A bit further along the canal, a passing boater seemed so surprised to see me catching, and photographing a wee spiny fish, that he didn't notice his boat careering towards the bridge, which was on a bend. He had to take evasive action, turning full throttle and turning his rudder right into the bank. The resultant filthy whirlpool put an end to any underwater visibility, and signalled the end of my short session.
Result: about a dozen perch caught. 4 lures lost in snags. Only one bit-off today from a pike.
Best lure of the day was a 2" bright yellow triple-tail grub.
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