SNAKE CHARMER

SNAKE CHARMER

Coming up to the Christmas break it’s always nice to get out to throw a line, and after studying the weather forecast there appeared to be a window of opportunity between the storms. The date was now set so both myself and fellow teammate, Tony Hogg,  headed to Craigmore Fishery, Co Antrim for some much needed rod bending!

When we arrived at the fishery the weather was almost as forecast with brisk southerly wind which provided a little milder conditions. As there was some activity on the surface we were keen to pay our dues, get set up and hop into the boat.

Tony started on a floater with a weighted bug on the point, small black epoxy buzzer in the middle and a small pearly cormorant on the bob. I was less subtle…starting off on a 12ft fast tip with bright pink snake tied onto to Airflo G3 8lb fluoro with a rapala knot. 

We found a quiet area on the wind driven side and the takes were instant. I was mixing up my retrieves between slow draws and quick figure 8. The offers and follows with the snake were unbelievable….nip, nip, bang then nothing…twiddle, twiddle then thump and lock up! Awesome! The snakes were easily out fishing the more natural offerings that Tony was fishing. In fairness Tony did pick up fish on the pearly cormorant and buzzer, but he was missing out on the fun! We had a great day afloat pre Christmas with a few mince pies and almost 40 hard fighting rainbows up to 3lb to the net! This is what fishing with friends is all about… I hope everyone can get out over the Christmas break to for some winter fishing, as they say the tug is the drug!  Have a great Christmas and tights lines for 2020! Arden Pollock

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