Fishing The Union Canal

Try again!

2011-09-08T10:28:00.004+01:00

After my success in changing bait size the day before I thought I'd try again. Tuesday morning I had to take my car into garage, so whilst it was in I wandered along Bankhead Industrial Estate till I reached the canal and started fishing. The wind and rain was quite strong making it difficult to cast and even see my float but after a while it calmed down enough to fish. Ended up with 2 Roach and 2 Perch, all good condition and more than decent sized. Gonna keep up the 2 maggot approach now as it does limit the amount of time spent putting tiny fish back.

Tight Lines!

2 is better than 1?

2011-09-08T10:14:00.004+01:00

Monday, went out for a bit of an afternoon session as the weather was nice and enjoy a I bit of sunshine. Fishing my usual rig with single maggot I took 8 Roach in the first hour but mostly small 10-15cm. Whilst fun, I was after bigger fish so I changed to fishing 2 maggots making It harder for small mouths to grab and more appealing to bigger fish. When fishing 2 maggots I put the first on tip to hook and second flat end as this helps keep first one from wriggling off. The change saw me take 3 more Roach, 18-20cm and also a nice Perch of 20cm. Pleased to see my first Perch this year I packed up for the day.

Catchin up!

2011-08-29T19:09:00.004+01:00

Hi all, not had time to update over the weekend but here goes!
On Thursday I popped out for an hour and had a great time. First Roach I caught was 20cm and put up a heavy fight. Over the next wee while I caught another 8 Roach, all around 12-15cm except for the last at 25cm and one of the best fish I've caught here.
Friday I spent an hour and a half near the moorin gs at the Calders. Weather kept changing, putting the fish off feeding for a bit, but I persevered.
Ended up with a tally of seven Roach including a 25cm and a 28cm!
Most impressed with my day I went home quite pleased with myself. I've noticed a lack of interest recently in the pink maggots, all my recent catches have been on white ones. Just thought I'd mention it.

Made it out to Ratho, today near the canal visitors centre. Whilst a nice visit the action was much scarcer than in town. Not a blank though, I had two Roach one 15cm and other 18cm and in lovely bright condition. Both taken just after canal boats had passed, which were many today.
Tight lines!

Bigger and better.

2011-08-22T17:40:00.002+01:00

Day off here at last! so set off this mornin for a wee while on the water. Headed over to near the city bypass and was rewarded with a shiny Roach within the first five minutes. A stunning specimen around 6 ounce and 23cm which swept my float under in a definite move, that's more like it! So I carried on, snacking on some apples growing near the water, and within another few minutes was into another roach, 15cm and playful leaping more than once from the murky water. Well after my Salmon wannabe I lost 2 and caught another 5, the last a 25cm nearly 8 ounce beauty. Most impressed with an hour and a half well spent I decided lunch was in order so off I went.
I haven't seen any Perch around, which I found unusual, I really enjoy hooking them as they put up a bigger fight than they're size. Fingers crossed for next time out.
Tight lines!

Back in business!

2011-08-19T14:02:00.006+01:00

Well set off today to while away a little time before I go to work, sun was shining and not to shabby a day in general. Went a little further from home and attatched a new rig I'd bought, a Preston Size 18 Light carp rig which I picked up at Country Life. Hooked a fish on the first drop! a Roach 6cm but it managed to thrash its way off the hook. Pooped my rig in near the weeds and this time was rewarded by a healthy 15cm Roach.

Fished for an hour and a half enjoying the sunshine and flora and fauna populating the margins, in which time I hooked 12 Roach and landed 9 of them. Sizes varied from 6-18cm and all very healthy. A great outing with the benefits of finding some wild mint, lovely with some boiled new potatoes and also some wild fennel the tops of which are a great herb to use with fish. Can't help finding things for the kitchen, mind I am a chef and love my food :)

Tiddlers Galore!

2011-08-17T14:42:00.003+01:00

Well I finally made it out for a while today. Such glorious weather that I couldn't pass up the chance to spend a bit of time by the water. My usual setup, 5m Pole, short 1.5m weightless rig, size 18 barbless hook and a pink maggot. Plopped the maggot in the margins and before it had sunk a foot it was taken by a tenacious 5cm Perch. Popped it back and tried again, float disappeared this time to a small 10cm Roach. Well half an hour later and another 5 fish, all tiny I decided I'll come back tomorrow and try further afield in search of some bigger game.

Tight Lines :)

Pemit Renewal

2011-08-17T14:36:00.004+01:00

CANAL SEASON TICKETS

In the summer of 2009 the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling signed a landmark agreement with British Waterways to take control of all fishing on the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals.

Having obtained the fishing rights, the SFCA decided to revolutionise the way in which that fishing was controlled and paid for. Instead of continuing with the old ineffective, labour intensive and costly mechanism of selling day and season tickets, a decision was taken to give away the fishing FREE of charge withAnnual Individual Membership of the SFCA.

Annual membership runs from 1st April through to 31st March of the following year and prices are:

Adult annual membership – £ 5.00
OAP/Disabled annual membership – £ 3.00
Junior Annual/Day membership * – FREE

*Junior membership is open to everyone aged 16 years or under on 1st April of the year for which membership is applied.

Hey everyone!

2011-08-01T21:46:00.002+01:00

Just a wee hello to say I'm still about. Been a hectic year, changed job and no longer working in Edinburgh. Started up as head chef in a new restaurant in Dunfermline, Ciao Italia, new rota and responsibilities have meant no time for fishing, not that I'm not interested just not been possible. Anyway still been watching the water when I get five minutes to go for a walk and its been looking great with plenty of movement. Hope you've all been having tight lines and enjoying time at this fun family venue. Things are more settled now at work and look forward to getting back into fishing the canal soon.

All the best!

Fishers of Penicuik

2010-05-23T19:49:00.002+01:00

Just a wee addendum, I'm currently working in Penicuik and found a great fishing shop called Fishers. Very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly service. I've added it to my fishy links and remember if you're out and about in Penicuik pop in and check it out. Gotta support our local tackle suppliers.

Summer's here already!

2010-05-23T19:14:00.006+01:00

Hi all, hope every one's having a good year. Today was my first chance to go relax and enjoy some of the sights, sounds and excitement that The Union Canal can offer. It's taken a while to get in to a routine with my job so not managed to get out sooner, but the weather this week has been so good I couldn't wait any longer to get out and see what I've been missing. So I started by checking my tackle and setting up a couple of new rigs, I suggest you do the same if you've not been out in a while as knots and line degrade and you don't want to lose anything to save on some line. I decided to start close to home to test the water and within the first twenty minutes I already had two nice wee new season Roach. Bright, sparkling and lively even if only a couple of ounces each. So as is my want I took a wee wander to change swim, second drop saw me take my first Perch of the year and it was obvious what I'd caught by the aggression with which it took the maggot. Well the sun got warmer and the Roach kept coming in about one every fifteen to twenty minutes. So when I felt my skin had cooked enough, after four hours, I was up one Perch and eleven Roach. Had one Roach around 4 ounce and one a wee bit bigger five to six ounce, so it was a very successful first day.

Hedgerow Offerings

2009-10-26T09:25:00.005Z

Got up early on Sunday but sadly a really windy day. The water was like the sea on a bad day, so decided to make the most of being out and go pick some hedgerow goodies instead. I'd spied a few bushes on Saturday and headed there.
This time of year is full of the tastiest ripe fruits and most of it goes to the birds. First pic is of Haws, these fruits of the common Hawthorn tree make a great jelly which is amazing with meat and game the same way you'd use redcurrant jelly, also nice on toast! They can also be used to make a dipping sauce like Chinese Hoi Sin recipe here. Next pic are Sloes, these grow on Blackthorn bushes which are usually planted in amongst hedgerows of Hawthorn. These make the classic Sloe Gin or Vodka and there are tons of recipes on the net. They can also be used in a hedgerow fruit jelly. Last pic are Rowans and these grow everywhere and the best ones are the ones planted by man not wild varieties. Wild fruits can be extremely bitter and the best thing to do is try fruits before picking from tree. If sweet with a little bitter after taste you've got a winner. These make another jelly for which there are plenty of recipes around and I also use these when making Rose hip jelly. Rose hips have no Pectin needed to set jams so if you use 3 parts Rose hips to 1 part Rowans you'll get a good set jelly as Rowans are packed with Pectin.
Well after an hour and a half I had 2kg Rose hips, 1.5kg Sloes, 2kg Haws and 1.5kg Rowans so off home to make some easy delicious things you just cant buy.

It had to happen sometime, a blank!

2009-10-26T09:10:00.004Z

Well had a great year so far but Saturday ended my unbeaten run. Went out around two and was greeted by a brisk breeze, not my favourite weather. I find wind is my biggest problem when fishing in general and especially on the canal as it makes bites very difficult to see. With the choppy water you either keep striking at every possible movement of the float or you end up missing bites. Anyway after about half an hour and changing swim I got a very cautious bite, but was off. So cast again to same spot and once again a very gentle drag at my bait but nothing there. Well wind picked up and decided to try deeper rig but after another hour and no more takes I decided to go and try another day. My first blank in such along time. I'd seen some berries on my way down so went of to do some recon on way home.

My smallest catch ever!

2009-10-18T10:23:00.002+01:00

Well another gorgeous day yesterday so couldn't waste it. Went out around 2pm again and thought I'd try the mooring behind Westerhailes petrol station as I've not been there for a while. Set up in lovely warm sunshine and saw some fly activity on water so things looked promising. An hour and a quarter dragged by, my confidence sinking into the depths. Apart from a rat skulking from the bushes to the water I'd seen no movement at all! Then it all changed, caught a nice shiny Roach about 4-5 ounce, put back and popped new bait on. Went for the same spot and again another Roach a bit smaller but still nice. Noticed much more timid takes, think cause the water is really cold now. This time I didn't even see float twitch, I just noticed it had stopped drifting and right enough another but about 2-3 ounce. Next cast a wee one about the same size, seems like a new crop of tiddlers. I topped my day off when I saw float bobbing, lifted and looked like I'd caught a bit of silver paper. It was without question the smallest fish I have ever caught. At 3 cm i didn't even think it was possible for it to take the hook, even the maggot looked impressive next to it :) So decided it was time to go, really nice couple of hours and a good bit of fun.

Long time no see!

2009-10-16T17:19:00.006+01:00

Hi folks, gotta start with an apology for not blogging for what seems like ages. I am currently seeking work and whilst this means I have more time I've not been in the mood for fishing with a few financial worries on my mind. Anyway that's my problems moaned about back to fishing.
Went out last Wednesday, but like its been a lot recently, it was really windy and hard to keep sight on float never mind see any takes. None the less caught and landed a nice shiny Roach about 10 ounce within first few minutes. Missed 3 takes in a row and water was rough so decided to call it a night.
Today was so nice out I couldn't not chance my luck packed my gear and started fishing about 2pm. Ten minutes in float disappeared into the depths but not quick enough and it was gone. Nothing much happened for half an hour till once again float vanished from sight, this time I was alert and tightened firmly into a lovely bright 7-8 ounce Roach. Pleased with myself, changed maggot and popped it into a nice fishy looking spot. It hadn't drifted 2 foot before I was into a seriously annoyed Roach, around 9-10 ounce but bite mark on one side. Photo taken, put back, change maggot and presented again. Missed another on the drop! So decided when it went all still it was time to call it a day at four.

Mushroom time!

2009-09-12T15:45:00.010+01:00

Hi all, sorry not been posting or fishing much recently but things have been a bit heavy at work. Decided to do a bit of recon this afty as I plan on going fishing tomorrow. Whilst wandering near a Larch tree I spotted a long row of yellow, on closer inspection it turned out to be a pound and a half of Larch Bolette. A good to eat firm fungus found in or near Larch woods, will go down nicely with tomorrows tea! Anyway water looks good and will update once I've been out on the water.

N.B. Please only pick wild food if you are sure you know what you're picking!

Autumn Foraging

2009-08-19T15:55:00.003+01:00

Whilst out fishing I'm always on the lookout at natures larder. Now wherever you go you'll find Elderberries are ripening up but not quite time for them yet, Blackberries (Brambles) are still green but fattening up and wont be long before a few will end up on the table. At the moment the Rosehips are ripe and ready to pick, these can be used to make soothing syrups for the winter. These syrups can also be used as a nice addition to your favourite tipple like vodka or gin in particular. You can also use these fruits to make a Rosehip liqueur by adding cleaned hips to vodka, some sugar and letting it mature for a few weeks then passing through a fine tea towel to remove the waste. Rosehips contain around twenty times more vitamin C by weight than oranges and there are many uses listed on the net. Happy foraging and Tight Lines!

Festival Madness

2009-08-19T15:33:00.003+01:00

Hi all, with Edinburgh's Festival under full swing things have been busy at work and so no fishing for a whole week!!! Anyway got out on Monday night about eight, sat down and was tackling up when a local couple passing buy started to chat. Nice couple and guy seemed interested in trying the Canal out after giving him some hints, like most people I don't think he thought there was anything in the canal worth fishing for. As they walk off I lowered my hook in the water and watched it lazily drift a few feet. Down it went and was into a fish within seconds, but sadly lost it in my rush to show there was a good reason to fish The Canal. Got my act together and after two or three more drifts a very definite take saw my float disappear from sight. This time there was no escape and I landed a nice 6-7 ounce Roach, good condition and full fins. The next hour passed with me catching another three Roach all between 6-9 ounces. A great hour and a half out and bigger fish all around now the small fry are growing up.

Breezy evening

2009-08-06T15:32:00.003+01:00

Went to a nice quiet spot last night to take in the sights and sounds nature provides. Had a quiet start with a few small fish nibbles and was finding it hard to focus on the float with the sunshine and rippled water. After about half an hour float went down positively and landed a 4-5 ounce Roach. Ten minutes later another definite take saw me land a 7-8 ounce beauty, good fight and great condition. Wind had really picked up and after catching one more fish, smaller 2-3 ounce decided it was time to go support my local publican and invest in his wares.

First night out this week

2009-08-05T19:37:00.002+01:00

Hi folks, nipped out for a while last night after a few days of being unable to get out to play due to work. Started fishing just after eight, there was a light breeze rippling the water but a nice and mild evening. Whilst chatting to a local lady interested in taking up fishing, I hooked a couple of tiddlers which gave me hope for some better action later. Right enough around 9.15 pm landed a nice wee Roach around 4-5 ounce, the next half hour saw me land another three slightly bigger 5-7 ounce. All keen takes and great fun to catch and play.
Just getting ready to go out now, heading to a nice spot with good views and clear sunshine for a bit of R&R. Let you know how I get on later!

Late night fun!

2009-07-30T23:12:00.002+01:00

Well after an eleven hour shift in a kitchen all I wanted was some peace and fresh air. Got home, changed and out before ten o'clock. Decided to stay local seeing it was a bit dark and cold. Whilst there was no surface feeders decided to try near the surface to start with. Within ten minutes landed m wee Roach about 2 ounce but nice and lively and fun to catch. Got another three fish over the next thirty minutes all between 4 to 6 ounce. Was starting to feel a bit cold and a nice beer seemed to be calling me, so quite happy with my outing I called it a night.

Sunday's are too short!

2009-07-27T16:16:00.003+01:00

Hi all, hoped to go out early yesterday but when I got up it was pouring down, so decided to leave it till later. The afternoon was nice and sunny so left it till evening and went out about half eight. The first half hour was devoid of movement apart from the annoying gusting wind and was wondering if I should have gone in the afternoon. Well a few minutes after nine I got some wee nibbles, which after presenting in the same area again I got my first Roach about 4 ounce, clean and lively. Over the next forty-five minutes I had another six fish, all Roach and between 4-8 ounce except one which was in the 1-2 ounce class :) Turned out a lovely night and whilst being asked by some teenagers if there were any fish in the canal a nice wee Roach decided to play along and take my rod for a dance as proof. A good day but why do days off seem to go so fast?

Duddingston Loch?

2009-07-25T09:29:00.002+01:00

Hi all, was wondering has anyone tried fishing Duddingston Loch recently?
I fished there when I was young so got in touch with Ranger service to find out about permits. They sent details that follow:
We issue the permits here in the Education Centre Holyrood Park – which is a small low lying grey building set back from the flat playing fields across from Queen’s Drive. Our contact phone number 0131 652 8150. permits are free and last from one year. Fishing at Duddingston are catch and release.

Playing with my Thingamabobber!

2009-07-22T22:29:00.002+01:00

Had to get out tonight, was my only chance before Sunday as covering extra shifts at work just now. Anyway was in Country Life recently and picked up a pack of these Thingamabobbers from USA. Basically like a wee light bubble float but you attach by putting loop of line through eye and taking loop around bubble, you can then slide it up and down line easily to adjust depth. Well tonight was trial night so made up my usual four foot mainline to two foot hook length popped on Thingamabobber but didn't bother with weights as planned fishing the surface. Started fishing after nine and on first drop saw the float bobbing along in the wrong direction and was into my first Roach. The next hour and a half saw me catch another seven Roach, all between 2-6 ounce but great fun with these floats. Most of the fish didn't know they were even hooked till it was too late. I would suggest these to anyone as they are easy to attach, High visibility and very light for presenting even on the stillest water.
Tight Lines all!

Look after your bait!

2009-07-15T22:06:00.001+01:00

I've not being out fishing since last Wednesday, not feeling so good at weekend and work short staffed, so was really up for it tonight! Nipped down to the centre, behind Petrol station, and got myself settled. Well after a slow start, nothing for first half hour, I ended up with five Roach and two Perch in and hour and a half. Not bad at all seeing the dredger had been along on Friday and muddied it all up I was quite happy at a successful session. Just a wee tip on your maggots, mine are now a good three and a half weeks old now and apart form a good few casters for feeding all are well and lively. My tip is to rinse them with cold water once a week in a fine strainer, drain as much as you can and put a dry sheet of kitchen roll in the tub. Then keep them in the fridge till needed, change kitchen roll when saturated and that's about it. My bait lasts around a month each time before I need to buy more anyway.

Cold & Murky

2009-07-09T08:15:00.003+01:00

After not getting out on Tuesday, other engagements, I was looking forward to fishing last night and thought I'd try a new swim. While setting up I saw the water was still like a muddy soup and it was much colder than previous days. My first hour saw some small fish bites but no contact. Around nine thirty I got two Roach within five minutes, both about 3-4oz, which woke me up a bit. Sadly the next hour saw no more movement so rather than get any colder packed up and went home for some tea.

Cloudy skies & cloudy water

2009-07-07T15:34:00.002+01:00

Not so nice weather last night, rain in the air, pretty grey and the water a murky brown again. Still thought I'd chance my luck for a couple of hours so went out after eight. Went to a swim that's been good to me near the local Police station at Murrayburn, but after an hour the only thing moving were the small Roach. Had 3 in all 1-2oz and a far cry from the fish I'd caught here before. So decide to change swim and move closer to home also it looked like some rain was moving in too. This swim is usually a mixed bag of Roach and Perch and as I approached I saw the tell tale signs of some fish leisurely feeding near the surface. As I sat down I noticed something feeding in the reeds right at my feet, so being a bit opportunist I dropped my rig right next to it. No sooner had the line straightened out the float was pulled right under, a nice wee Roach about 4oz. Had another two fish of similar size over the next half hour but the big boys didn't seem interested. So after some interesting chat with another local angler I decided to call it a night.

Short sessions

2009-07-06T09:03:00.002+01:00

Had a late start yesterday, a few boring things to do at home first, going out about 11.30. Thought I'd start at the Shell Petrol Station as it was nice and sunny. A few nibbles later I caught a nice Roach about 4-6oz. This was followed by a tiny Perch, then things went a bit dead. Along came the two families of swans so lifted my rod till they passed. They spent some time rooting around the weeds in front of me, this could only be good for stirring things up a bit. Right enough no sooner had I shipped my pole out I was into another Roach, followed by another six all good sized and condition. Well around 1pm it was getting a bit hot so seeing I'd had 9 fish in an hour and a half decided to go home for a while. Popped out later at 6pm, had a couple of hours till dinner would be ready, and decided to fish a swim I'd had some nice bigger Roach from recently. The water was still and devoid of any movement for almost an hour. I was losing faith a little till along came a houseboat. Casting into its wake I immediately caught a small Perch. The next hour saw me take another four Perch and four Roach but all tiny. Guess the bigger fish were waiting till later, till things cooled down a bit so decided to call it a day.

Perfect Evening

2009-07-03T00:03:00.002+01:00

Tonight I decided to go back to the mooring, behind the Petrol Station, at Wester Hailes Centre. The view is stunning when clear and the wall of wild roses, elder flowers and other flora offer a heady pungent aroma which I find very relaxing. After such a hot sunny day I was pleased to feel the gentle refreshing breeze. Within twenty minutes of setting up I landed my best Roach for the swim, a good 8oz and very fat although it had signs of being in the wars. I was joined by a friend I met recently, whilst fishing, and while chatting away I caught another six Roach over the next hour. Good company, good fishing and a lovely night, could only be made better by the pint I nipped in for on the way home :)

Hot and Sticky

2009-07-02T08:49:00.003+01:00

Last night was very hot, airless and humid. Took my 5m telescopic whip as I felt like being a bit more mobile. I'd been fishing for more than an hour, and thought I was going to blank, before I got my first nibble about 10.15pm. Presented my bait in the same spot again and was into a wee Roach. Put back, I flicked the whip out again in the same area and bang another Roach. So I slung my seat box over my shoulder and started to fish my way home. Flicking the whip out and only allowing it to settle 20-30 seconds each cast as I moved along. This method saw me catch another six Roach and a solitary Perch before I reached my path home. Nine fish in forty-five minutes of action, not bad.

Warm Evening

2009-07-01T09:13:00.002+01:00

What a lovely night last night! It was warm with a pleasant breeze. Midges were out in full force, I seem to be donating more than my share of blood this year to their well being. Anyway although the water had cleared considerably and the temperature was good there weren't many signs of feeding fish. Nearing nine I started to get some interest then ten to nine float surged under. Decent Roach, 5-6oz at 7 inches put up a respectable fight leaping from the water before giving up. Nothing more till ten when once again a positive take saw my float disappear from sight. This time even better fighter and had to dismantle pole to hand line Roach from water as too heavy to lift with my setup. Stunning fish, full finned and in great condition 8-9 inches and a good 8oz. Hit one more fish almost immediately after, a 2-3 inch Roach had taken double maggot! Whilst impressed with its tenacity
not a fish to really brag about, so packed up happy for the night.

Foraging and Fishing

2009-06-30T19:58:00.006+01:00

Just a wee note to those of us who like a bit of foraging, or food for free. Now is the perfect time for wild roses of all kinds, I always try to collect some petals when in full bloom. Take about 8 petals in a mug and add hot water, add sugar or honey and leave for 5 minutes. You get a warm soothing and relaxing drink like no other herbal tea you can buy. They can also be dried for use later in the year if stored in airtight jars. Then there are Elder flowers, these can be made into a cordial which is a nice addition to Gin or as a non alcoholic drink with fizzy water. You can also make Elderflower Champagne, a very easy lightly alcoholic wine with a nice fizz. Recipes for these ideas are widely available on the Internet.

N.B. Collecting in the wild requires some common sense, so not roadside where fumes taint, shop bought flowers or any that may have had pesticides sprayed upon them.

Roach in the Mist

2009-06-30T09:10:00.003+01:00

Went out around nine last night. It didn't look too promising, as the mist was rolling along the water dampening out the usual sounds of nature and making it quite eerie. Had a few tentative nibbles in the first half hour before I caught my first Roach, 2-3oz. Exchanged some pleasantries with a few passers by then things went even quieter, the mist became fog and even difficult to see float at 11m. Then all hell broke loose with a serious Roach that was doing a good impression of a leaping salmon. Turned out to be about 6oz and just very lively, lovely fish. Caught one more fish at 10.30pm and decided it was time to call it a night. A much more successful session than I expected.

Seven Little Ducklings

2009-06-28T22:35:00.004+01:00

Had a nice start to the day today. It was damp and misty but not cold when I left, around half ten. Water still looking murky but I'd seen some movement on my way along so not discouraged. Missed the first gentle take but was soon into a fine specimen of a Roach. Ducked and dived and put up a good fight, around six ounces and good fins. The morning went in fits and starts thereafter, but was regularly into catches till one o'clock I'd landed five Roach and lost two. Nipped off home for a while, had some things to catch up on, then went back out around eight tonight. Nothing moving until i threw a few sprinkles of casters in, then caught a small Roach on the drop. Then nothing for another hour when i caught second Roach of the evening around 10pm. Had a nice wee visit from a mother duck and her young who weren't shy so took a short video clip before packing up

Muddy Water!

2009-06-26T22:49:00.003+01:00

Thursday night saw me start fishing about half eight, but things didn't feel promising. A random wind was blowing, quite cool, cloudy overhead and you couldn't see even an inch into the water. It was even cloudier in the water than the sky! Anyway got set up, met another local angler fishing not far from me and shared some recon :) Nothing was moving, no fish rising, flies emerging or any signs of life. Started to think tonight would have been better spent online or watching telly, when float disappeared! A small Roach around 10cm, photo taken then put back. Not a catch to brag about but at least I woke up a bit with the little adrenaline rush it gave me seeing the float go under. Carried on a while longer and though I was into a better fish around ten, which got off the hook I was cold and things were really bleak so called it a night.

Waste Fishing Line

2009-06-25T08:43:00.005+01:00

On a serious note. Our sport harms no one but our carelessness can, Please dispose of safely, or wind up and take home you waste or tangled line. This by product of our hobby does kill harmless birds and wildlife every year and gives us as fishers a bad name. I often have a drink in a can which I then use to stuff any line in then pop it in nearest bin on way home. Be responsible and Tight Lines!

Late Session

2009-06-25T08:11:00.004+01:00

Decided to start a bit later tonight , so left about 9.30 pm, to an open swim I hadn't fished before. Warm night, slight breeze, great panoramic view and midges everywhere! Shipped out my rig and whilst doing so saw a good few rises that looked promising. Twenty minutes in I landed my first Roach. The fish were feeding just below the surface and had more than one try to catch my bait as I was lifting off. Just after ten my float started to move opposite the drift, I thought maybe a bigger fish dragging line but no it was a small Perch taking my maggot for a walk. Landed and put back, I shipped out again and almost immediately caught a very splashy Roach who leapt from my hand once I was putting it back. Called it a night as the swans and thier families were coming along.

Bigger Fish?

2009-06-24T00:10:00.002+01:00

Well I decided to aim for bigger specimens tonight so went out a bit later, around nine, to an area I got my best Perch previously. Shipped out larger rig, hook and bait and waited. Not surprisingly there were small Roach leaping at flies occasionally but sure of my no small fish setup I carried on. Twenty minutes in I get a positively aggressive take and I'm sadly disappointed to lift my quarry straight from the water when setting the hook. Yes all three inches of Perch shot straight up in the air, till I settled and released it. What shouldn't have been even capable of getting the size 16 hook and two maggots in its mouth proved me wrong. Well and hour and a half later the same had happened another three times, all four fish under four inches and each sank the float as if it were some leviathan. Oh well so much for the bigger fish :)

Double Up!

2009-06-23T00:45:00.002+01:00

After yesterdays success, I decided to be a bit more selective and try to target bigger fish. Used a slightly beefier float rig ending in a size 16 with doubled up maggots, bigger the bait and hook harder it is to end up with small fish. Went out a bit later around 8.30 and after a few small knocks took my first Roach about 9.15. Nice fish, lively and about 6 ounces. Things went pretty quiet for a while then on the drop, at 10pm, I got my second fish. Bigger about 8 ounces and a nice end to the night.

My How To and Why?

2009-06-22T15:54:00.002+01:00

I’ve already covered tackle and setup in earlier posts so here are some other questions I am asked regularly whilst fishing.
Why am I using a Pole? (This appears to be unheard of in Scotland) because when I fish the Pole I lower my rig into the water without splashing or disturbing, also alerting, the fish. This means I usually get interest on the drop or soon after.
How long do I leave my bait in position? I move my rig every five minutes max, enabling me to find the fish without waiting on them to find my bait. Using this method of lowering the rig allows me to keep searching the swim without spooking the fish and allowing me to cover the area thoroughly. Also if you leave your bait in the same spot much longer you don’t know if it is in a visible area for the fish to find, or if covered in weed.
How long to fish a swim? This is a bit more hit and miss really, I usually move if I’ve had no nibbles or interest within thirty minutes. Could be the fish just aren’t feeding but equally there could be Jack Pike or full grown Pike sitting where you are keeping the wise away. All in all I keep looking both up and down the swim to see if there’s movement anywhere near and move accordingly. Now the problem with this is when shoals are moving up and down patrolling in which case you might be better staying put, but I stick to my method. If the grass looks greener further along I move.

What a day, continued!

2009-06-21T21:57:00.004+01:00

In 26 years of fishing, I've never had a day like this. Nipped back out this afternoon for an hour and a half, before dinner, and caught another five Roach. No monsters of the deep but each one exciting and fun to catch. Came home, dished up dinner to my boys, ate and watched a bit of telly. Then thought, only 8pm, I could get another couple of hours in so off I went. Well 9.40 saw me bag my last of five fish for the session, making it 17 for the day. All Roach today but great sport and each one a pleasure to see.
This truly is a great venue for people to discover, and definitely underestimated by most.

Well what a day so far!

2009-06-21T17:37:00.004+01:00

Well what a day so far! Left this morning to a lovely sunny day, contrary to weather forecast. Within 20 minutes was into my first sparkling little Roach, promptly returned I carried on. Moved along a little and was into a stunning fish who had no intention of letting me land it easily. Heavier than my light elastic could take, I dismantled pole and hand lined a nice 11 inch Roach around the 11 to 12 ounce mark. Morning carried on nicely till too hot, about half 12, so I went home for a break after a respectable seven fish catch for the morning.

About Worms

2009-06-21T06:36:00.003+01:00

I've been asked a couple of times this week about worms as bait, they're great too. Just not whole, you need to pinch of about a 1cm piece and use that on your hook. Two reasons for that firstly most of the fish wont be able to get a big juicy worm (as someone described their bait to me) in their small mouth. Second good reason is that fish have a good sense of smell and by breaking the worm you allow it to release its scent into the water attracting fish.

Roach Trio

2009-06-17T22:52:00.004+01:00

Looked lovely outside tonight, sunshine and just a little cloud. Looks can be deceiving, left home at half eight to find a constant breeze and a bit chillier than I'd hoped. Wanted to fish a swim I've not fished for a while and was setup about 8.45pm. Wind is a pain when pole fishing for presentation and controlling the ever flexing pole. Anyway five to nine saw my first Roach positively sink my float and put up a nice wee fight till netted just as a friend was coming over to say hello. For the next while had a few wee tugs of interest then a nice definite pull from my second fish in twenty minutes. No sooner had I taken its photo, settled it back in the water and shipped my pole out again I caught and landed yet another. All three were six to seven inches, bright and healthy. Not wanting to push my luck, three fish in half an hour, and getting a bit nippy out I called it a day.

Be kind, use a net.

2009-06-16T23:59:00.004+01:00

Sadly no fishing tonight. Home late from work, then cook tea for kids and some other stuff to do. Long story short no time for fishing. Anyway last nights catch brought about a change in my setup, first thing this morning I was off to Country Life for a Fox Match Fish Safe Drip Dry Spoon landing net. I fish light tackle as I enjoy catching fish. Most of my canal catches are small fish, I use light No.4 Preston Elastic which is fine for lifting most straight from the water without harming the fish. Unexpectedly though I seem to be getting my fare share of better fish and feel trying to lift them is more likely to harm them, hence I am now armed with a suitable method of landing my catch without damage. I feel this is important as it satisfies my conscience and ensures my future sport.

Children Safety

2009-06-16T08:35:00.003+01:00

This is just a wee note to Mums and Dads, the canal is a great place for your children to see and experience wildlife and nature right in the centre of town. They will learn and be entertained by so many activities around this beautiful resource. Water is always a danger, so some respect for the risks must be observed. Here is a fun game you can play about water safety, also there is the Wild Over Waterways site with lots of information and activities.
Have fun and take care!

Time for a quickie!

2009-06-15T23:04:00.004+01:00

Well after taking my own advice about Tackle Maintenance it was getting on twenty past nine. A bit late to go out but seeing I'd just renewed my two favourite rigs I thought a wee hour of fresh air wouldn't go amiss. So just nipped across the road, didn't want to go far, and was fishing by half past. Placed my float gently with full 11m of pole and within a few moments of drifting my float disappeared completely. Elastic shot from my pole tip and no sign of fish for a good five minutes of fight. Guiding away from floating reeds and other obstacles, I finally saw my adversary, a Roach but heaviest yet. Played out I had to dismantle rod, no lifting out of water as elastic seemed at limit, and lift by hand and line. A beautiful specimen about 12oz and 11 inches long, in perfect condition and not taking long to revive, shot off after only a few seconds cradled in the water. What a great night!

Tackle Maintenance

2009-06-15T20:55:00.002+01:00

While having rigs (line with float, weights and hook attached) already made up makes life much easier in the great outdoors, where wind and weather make it difficult to tie up, they must be maintained. This means checking for wind knots, tangles and the like when you’re in the comfort of your home. Wind knots, or unintentional casting failure knots, are a real pain as the line must be replaced as each creates a serious weakness in your line. You wouldn’t want to be about to land your personal best fish, having seen it, then your line snaps where you felt a tiny wee knot earlier but thought it not that important. Look after your tools and they’ll look after you!

Fishing in the rain...

2009-06-14T22:46:00.009+01:00

Well what started as a lovely warm sunny day, changed drastically to heavy rain and electric storm! Had one small perch just before 12pm then all went quiet. Very warm in midday sun so decided to come back later. Started up again around quarter past three and by half past was into a fighting Roach. Exciting to play, land and over the half pound at 10 inches. Took another nice one twenty minutes later. Thunder and lightning had started so not wanting to hold on to an eleven metre conductor too much, not a lot of fishing done till it passed. Had one more fish after five when lightning started again and rather than tempt fate I went home happy with another successful day.

Groundbait or not?

2009-06-13T09:07:00.007+01:00

While I think groundbaiting may help out of town, in the Edinburgh centre area where I fish I wouldn't bother. There is so much food in the water already both natural and for the birds it doesn't seem to help. The only thing I do use is a handful of fine breadcrumbs to attract some small fish in to the swim, bound to interest some bigger fish too without spooking anything.

Lowland Canal Angling Partnership

2009-06-12T15:54:00.006+01:00

No fishing today as on split shift today. Thought I'd take a mo to advise on how and where to get a Permit for The Union Canal.
The Permit fees are:
Adult Annual Membership - £15
OAP/Disabled annual membership - £10
Adult Day membership (all categories) - £3
Junior day/annual membership - £2
Available from The Lowland Canals Office, Canal House, 1 Applecross Street, Glasgow, G4 9SP. Telephone: 0141 332 6936; fax: 0141 331 1688

I purchased my permit, as I enjoy supporting this venue and in return they ensure the quality of the fishing and upkeep.
Note after speaking to various anglers and locals, no one has heard of permits being enforced, but seeing it costs so little compared to other fishing venues and there is no close season I found it hard not to support it.

Flying Perch

2009-06-11T23:40:00.005+01:00

Been a late one again tonight. Started raining as I left my house and kept going on and off all night, but not too cold and little wind. Hooked my first Perch under a bridge I was using for cover. Bolted off then started tail dancing! Long story short I lost it, to make matters worse lost another two in the following hour. Each a little better in size than recent Perch but so lively and jumping like salmon.
Confidence knocked I carried on. All of a sudden I was in to a Perch and landed this one. No sign of Roach tonight, I carried on till nearly 10pm when I got a lovely 7-8oz Roach matching my previous best. Packed up around 10.30pm after I caught one more Roach, sated for the evening :)

Unplanned late night

2009-06-10T23:22:00.005+01:00

Went out around 8pm, not far as weather didn't look too promising. Anyway thought my luck had finally run out, after seven days and thirty one fish, nothing was moving tonight. No twitches, splashes or interest of any kind. Until about pack up time, 9.30pm I noticed further down the stretch some movement at last. Pole down, box up I was on the unsuspecting as fast as was possible. Reward? my best Roach to date, around 8 ounces and very healthy specimen. Follow up was a nice wee Perch at 10pm. Well you know how it goes, hard to pack up when things get going. Hooked another Perch around 10.30 but lost it, took the hint and went home happy after another enjoyable day.

Basics

2009-06-10T15:41:00.007+01:00

Let me take a moment to explain my recommended setup. This can be for any pole, from a 2m whip to an 11m pole or even a long enough stick! The main item is the Rig, a 5-foot (1.5m) length of 3lb line starting with a figure of eight loop to attach to the pole tip. To this put on a light weight pole float, enough shot weights to set the float at a height so you can clearly see the tip then finish with another figure of eight loop but a little smaller than pole end. To this end I join a Drennan size 18 Barbless hook, I get these from Country Life which comes on a 2lb piece of nylon with loop already to loop to loop connect. I start with float about 2 foot (0.5m) from rod tip and adjust down if fish surface feeding. Favourite bait seems to be Pink Maggot more than any other colour.

Short Session

2009-06-10T00:00:00.004+01:00

Well another great evening on the canal. Didn't get started till after 8pm tonight but weather was pleasant if not a bit chilly. Not much in the way of movement, plenty of natural flies emerging but nights have been getting colder the last three days.
All was not lost though, first fish was an energetic Perch, small but determined and a joy to see and put back. Things went a bit slow for a while, plenty of twitching float but nothing really hungry till after nine. Then three Roach one after another. The last one, pictured, around 9.45pm was nice size, condition and lively.
Nice end to a short evening session.

Opening Blog

2009-06-09T08:25:00.002+01:00

Welcome and thanks for visiting my Blog.
I've been fishing in the Lothians and surrounding areas for the past 25 years and while trying course fishing a few times have always gone back to fly fishing.
So recently, while waiting for a bus, I couldn't help noticing some fish rising in the canal opposite my house. Interest spiked I nipped down to Country Life bought myself a 2XL 5m telescopic whip, a couple of rigs and off I went.
That was two weeks ago, in which time I've had the best fishing and most successful in my entire angling career.
So my blog will be to keep a track of my trips to this exciting and accessible venue right on my doorstep.