Enty Delivers

Entwistle Reservoir

Arrived to find 'Enty' ice free, reasonably mild and just a light wind. What a change from the last few visits.

With no sign of any other anglers I headed up to one of my favourite swims. Nothing was showing on the surface so I plumbed for an intermediate line and a black, gold-headed lure. And, within a few minutes I was into a very lively Rainbow. Safely landed and around 2lbs.

Moving around to the far side I ended the morning with three fish, all returned, I lost a few too. Hopefully, this sees the start of another season and all the snow and ice is behind us!

Pikin on the Cut

Every morning, as I drive to work, I travel over the Bridgewater Canal in Stretford. This morning I'd thought I'd stop and chuck a few lures around, just to see if I could tempt a Pike or two. No such luck.

A couple of jacks snapped at my lures and I even hooked one for a moment or two, until a leap from the murky (and I do mean murky) depths threw the hook...ah well, there's always tomorrow.

A fox’s nose touches twig...

So, there I was, watching John Bailey on the Fly on Discovery Channel, happy as Larry. Suddenly, there was a scream from upstairs. Angie (she who must be obeyed) had shouted - Fox!

We live in Chorlton, a busy town not far from Manchester city centre, and here is the much talked about urban fox. He, or she, seems to have set up home just above the shed.

Bold as brass and totally unconcerned about all around.

Blimey, is that Simon King in the foliage, camera at the ready!!

Shopping can be fun....

Angela (she who must be obeyed) had decided it would be nice to 'spend' an afternoon at Boundary Mills, which for those who may not know is a big shop in Colne.

Obviously, I was chuffed beyond words at the prospect of 3 - 4 hours of elbowing my way through hordes of shoppers.

Anyway, a quick flirt through Google and I found a new prospect, Roughlee Trout Fishery. Leaving Angie to her shopping, I headed off for a bit of a recce. At only 2.5 acres you shouldn't get lost at Roughlee, and you can only fish from one bank, but there is a decent car park.

I had a chat with a local guy, you can just see him - top right, and he said it wasn't a bad little spot and had caught 5 that morning. At the end of the day boys, which would you prefer - a shopping expedition - or an afternoons fishing?

I must get myself a travel fly rod to leave in the boot, any recommendations?