I have fished the Hampshire Avon a couple of times before with very limited success. These slower rivers have more subtle features than the spate rivers that I am used to fishing.
I arrived to find the stretch downstream of the bridge by Britford largely under water from months of rain, so was advised to head upstream and chose a spot just below Harnham Island. I immediately got my trotting gear out; although feeders may have been more appropriate I have limited chances to trot so couldn't pass this one up.
I was advised to use an 18 hook and double maggot, and quickly caught a small salmon parr and a dace, but despite my steadily trickling loosefeed in, the sport was slow after an overnight frost. As lunchtime approached I hooked three better fish, all of which shed the hook. I must admit, I am not used to using little hooks that, at my age I, can barely see, so I changed up to a 12 and went for a walk to talk to friends to give the swim a rest. Not very match like, but this is mostly a social gathering to show support for the Avon Roach Project. Trevor Harrop and Budgie Price are the founding members and its great to take time out to talk, and to tell them how much their work is appreciated.
On returning to the swim I had a bite followed by a good fight on light line as I landed a jack pike of around 3 to 4lb which I returned into a carrier. This was followed by a couple of grayling in the 12oz to 1lb range, several small dace and at last a small roach of barely a couple of ounces. I then had an 11oz roach, by far my best roach that I had caught in these trips which I thought could be a winner of the match.
I packed up in mid afternoon to keep Sandy company, and at that time, my fish was in the lead, but alas, a 1lb roach was caught at the death by a fellow member. This is, however, a blessing in disguise as the trophy is without doubt the worst one in the world of angling which everyone tries not to win. It was bought several years ago at a car boot and whoever sold it must have been astounded it sold!!!
I was really enjoyed the day out river fishing at last with kindred spirits, and was delighted to catch a range of species and some nice sized fish, showing that I am learning about the river and my trotting is improving too.