After getting home from the river Wye on the Tuesday night and Ron catching 3 doubles up to 12lbs it was quick change around for me. Packing away the barbel gear and then getting the float gear out.

It was the annual grayling trip on the river Itchen with Alan, Steve, John, Tony, Colin, and Bob. We normally have a couple of days fishing and stay close by in a Travel lodge for a bit of a social in the nearby bar and restaurant.

There are normally a couple of prizes on offer too.

The days were mild with heavy rain on the first morning but dry after this. I’m not going to mention too much about the two days as the photo’s do tell the story.

Car park

There were plenty of grayling caught each session with 30 or so fish each, plus plenty of trout, chub and sea trout. The river was so low with no rain for weeks to improve flow.

River Itchen crystal clear

The best thing about the session is that there is no pressure to catch as most swims contain grayling. Often you could fire out some maggots or corn and see the grayling chase after it.

Splasher of a sea trout

Team Grayling

I did manage to stalk one of about 1lb 4oz right under my feet. It is quite frustrating to see the bait going towards the grayling only for a 2lb brownie come bustling into the swim and take the bait.

John and his 1lb 5oz grayling

During the last hour of the days I did manage to find a shoal of chub and managed to get 4 of them to 3lbs 11oz. It was difficult fishing but hugely satisfying in taking them.

I think we all had a great time.

Alan took the Omnishambles cup for dropping ketchup and yogurt down his front.

Steve presenting the Omnishambles cup

Omnishambles

Tony had the cup for the largest grayling of 1lb 6oz.

Colin presenting the best grayling cup to Tony

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