Although I’m sad to see the season draw to a close, it does make the return in three months that much sweeter. The banks will be looking fresh again and the flora and fauna have a chance to regenerate and take a rest from us anglers.
I tried hard over those last three days to get a big chub from the Lea. I was there in hot pursuit on the Monday and Tuesday. Sadly I drew a blank. Geoff managed to tempt a nice chub on the Tuesday which was about 4-4.5lbs. A great result for him as it’s only his second or third visit and its a tough venue. We bumped into a mate in the car park who had just caught a 13lb 12oz barbel, so his season ended on a high.
The Lea
The final day saw us for the last time on the Wasing Estate’s section of the Kennet. We have taken the rather difficult decision not to re-join next season but instead try our hands elsewhere on the Kennet. I will miss the tranquility, solitude and the rugged, wild feel that it offers. Anyways, this time there was Kevin and Dan joining Geoff and I and we decided to try Aldermaston, hoping for a big finish. It was a nice day. A little chilly perhaps in the morning but it gradually warmed up as the afternoon wore on.
4lb 11oz
I managed to tempt a couple of chub on bread crust, the biggest going 4lb 11oz and a trout on maggots. Sadly though I couldn’t persuade any of the resident barbel to show their faces. They just didn’t want to know. Still we saw a couple of Buzzards circling high overhead, a Red Kite flew past and a startled Roe deer hurtling across the field opposite. Kevin then witnessed it going headlong into the river and it swam across and clambered out the other side, shook itself off and then legged it.
I think Geoff also caught a decent trout but sadly Kevin and Dan saw no action, unless you include their sandwiches and pack lunch! So we bid a fond farewell to the Wasing and will no doubt return one day. Until then, we’ll miss you.
The Wasing Estate
The River Angler 
You must be logged in to post a comment.