Rod average - 3.0
This week has seen a dramatic change with the weather, coupled with the longer, cooler nights the water temperature has cooled significantly. Subsequently the fish’s diet has began to change as they turn their attention to the abundant fry & the ever-increasing number of Shrimp.
The fish have generally remained in the same areas; G Buoy, N Buoy, the points of the North Shore & along the Dam but they have changed their feeding habits often moving around the weed beds & into the shallower water. During those days of a stiff breeze, they can be found from 30yards out to into the margins of the windward shoreline as the waves crash in disturbing the Shrimp. Those targeting the Fry are predominately found around most weed beds, find the weed beds, find the fish. A point of note to remember when targeting these fish is that they feed in spells & can rapidly fill up on this substantial meal. The secret is to be there when they are feeding & this can be achieved by return visits to that area.
Other food items that have become increasing prevalent recently has been terrestrials, most notably the Daddy Long Legs, especially over the open water off the leeward shoreline.
It is not just the boat anglers who have benefitted from this recent change, the bank anglers have also benefitted with some good returns recorded. The most productive bank areas in addition the north shore & the Dam (before 9) has been Plummers where the fish have been actively feeding around the remaining weed beds.
This past week we have had the honour to host 2 high profile competitions, the Inter Services & the Fastmail Pairs final. During the Inter Services, it was the Army who took the honours by a margin of 43lbs which is excellent angling, well done. In the Fastmail Pairs it was Rob Edmunds & Andrew Scott that came out on top with an exceptional pre-time bonus 43lb 12oz bag of fish, targeting the fry feeding fish up in the general area of the bowl. Great angling, well done. Congratulations to all competitors in both events it was great to see you all.
The autumnal weather looks settled for the forthcoming week, so the good form looks set to continue. The additional cooling of the water that will naturally occur for this time of year should also mean that the Shrimp feeding will no doubt, become extended to other areas.