Another EA hydro-acoustic survey

Just had this off the kind chaps at the EA.  Ely Ouse for 2009 - http://www.scribd.com/doc/21912556

Looking forward to tomorrow actually going to get some fishing done instead of just talking / thinking about it!

EA Hydro Acoustic Surveys

Spoke to a nice chap at the EA this week.  They've been doing surveys of some of the fenland waterways for a few years via a technique called hydro acoustic surveying.  Basically it sounds like a rather expensive fish finder with can record the fish present without doing a traditional netting job.  Obviously you don't get the breakdown of species etc but you do get a feeling for the stretches with a larger biomass that others.  I'm hoping to try a few of the stretches this year, see if it improves my results.  Hope yo ufind them useful: -

http://www.scribd.com/doc/21402134/Relief-Channel-2008
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21402096/Relief-Channel-2006
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21402044/Middle-Level-2009
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21402010/Middle-Level-2006
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21401958/Ely-Ouse-2008
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21401888/Ely-Ouse-2007
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21401840/Ely-Ouse-2006
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21401800/Ely-Ouse-2005

I've signed up for the mailing list so hopefully as more reports become available we'll get to see them...

The Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain

I joined the PAC nearly two years ago, it's around £20 a year.

You get 4 magazines a year and insurance for if you injure someone whilst you're fishing etc.  You also get access to an exclusive forum for members only.

If you take the mags as being worth £3 each what you get for your remaining £8 is pretty good.  The club could do with more members so they can afford to stand up for the rights of pike anglers.  We've started to lose the rights to use coarse deadbaits in some areas (Lake District), I'd not like to see that continue or a countrywide ban of livebaits etc.

Go on get yourself signed up - http://www.pacgb.co.uk/

2009 - 2010 Season Targets

Well it's that time of year again.  Time to think about what would constitute a 'decent' season for your avarage Piker.  I've decided for me than means trying to catch 10 doubles, of which I hope one will pass the magic 20lb mark.

I actually set myself the same target last year but didn't make it so hopefully this year I will.  I made some mistakes last year, fished a local lake that had done decent fish in the past but seems pretty poor now, I also spent too much time on one Fenland drain instead of fishing a number of them. 

As we stand today I've managed none so far - great start! I've only been out for two proper sessions, one where I lost a fish near the bank on a Fen drain and another total blank on Grafham - although Steve did manage to lose a trout!

My PB - 21lb Fen Pike 15th November 2008

Here's my personal best Pike, caught from a Fen Drain on 15th November 2008

It also forms half of my biggest brace, having had a 15lb Pike about half hour before.... if only every day was like that!

Getting Afloat

Well after numerous heated 'discussions' about getting a boat between myself and the missus I've done it.  Found a company in Norfolk called H2O Kayaks where I've got a boat for under £600.

http://www.h2okayaks.com/engine/shop/product/kljbdg/Amercian+12+Jon+Boat+Hunter+Drab+Camo+Green

It's just what I'm after for fishing the drains etc.  It can be put on a roof or trailered very easily and carried and slid down the bank no problem - no need for a slip way.

Now all I need to do is learn how much kit to take with me so it's not too full and put that first fish in the boat!