After the successful day on 23 July I returned, this time with Helen. I had decided to fish the spot that produced the two larger fish last time, as it was fairly open and would allow Helen to sit comfortably to watch. However, best laid plans and all that, it turned out that a couple of chaps were already in situ.

I decided, therefore, to fish the bridge swim. It is difficult but at least I knew there were fish there. It was also less ideal for Helen as the main footpath was at the top of the bank. I balanced myself on the rocks on the steep bank and cast a 2-swan shot link leger. There is a deep pool after the bridge and I cast to the run-off where the water is shallower. I didn't have a rod rest so balanced the rod on some vegetation. I then missed a pull on the rod top. I therefore decided to hold the rod and after a short while a good pull resulted in a hooked chub of 3½lb. It fought well in the fast water.

Click image to view larger version.

The chaps in my preferred swim moved soon after so we made our way there.

Well, as always with fishing, what proves to be productive on one day may not prove so on another. And so it was. Despite trying everything I never got a bite in my chosen spot. I had spoken to one of the chaps who had been fishing there, and he said he had had one fish, but had had five the previous day. My guess, therefore, is that the swim had been 'fished out', whereas on the previous occasion I was the only one on the river.

I had spoken to another chap earlier who was fishing the stretch for the first time. He left after lunch and said he had taken a 3lb fish and lost another (hook straightened). He had been fishing a very shallow section and had stalked the fish, which were visible.

The lesson, therefore, is to roam this stretch as I had done on the first visit, and not commit to a single swim. To this end I have since made up a stalking kit, which comprises, in addition to a rod and landing net, just a Korum bits and pieces bag containing essential sundry tackle items and bait. Everything else will go into pockets, although I may be challenged to get food and drink in as well, in which case a very small rucksack will be added. I shall also take my weighing mat as this doubles as a good bum rest.