Reunion in France
August 19th 2019: Fatigue from a night’s driving, are pushed behind by the Alsage-region sunrise. Arriving at the finish line, Jean Marc greets me with a big smile. It has been quite a few years since we last met, and the joy of reunion can’t be hidden.
As we sit in the shade of the scorching sun, the conversation goes merrily over an ice-cold beer. In the afternoon, it’s time for marc’s father’s 70th birthday.
After a celebrating in appropriate manner, we walk back through the streets in cool evening air. Our focus is in direction of the next 4-5 days fishing.
Gold of the Rhine: Along the Rhine are a myriad of gravel pit lakes. They typically range from 20-120ha in size, and water depths of 30-40m are common.
The massive extraction of gravel-materials (Gold of the Rhien), has left a mark on the landscape, in the form of deep clear water-holes. The destination of this trip, Is one of those little paradise.
I been at the edge, of this 70ha big water-surface before. Have only heard it mentioned by the name “The Gravel-Pit” and just a handful of people have access. The largest known carp, were caught a few years ago at 27.5kg
Along one bank, there’s some small pieces of land, with associated fishing-rights. Jean Luke and Jean Marc got one of the golden keys, to this area behind the steel-gate.
No body knowns exactly what’s hiding, in this lake mysterious depths.
Take it all: Tuesday afternoon, our tackle finds their way through the water-column.
Marc talks about poor visibility for the moment. Meantime the echo-sounder displayed 3.2m, and sailing along a big weed-bed, I can clearly see the bottom. He explains that you usually, can see much deeper than the current 3.5m.
For the last month, it’s been hot in the region. With sun, low wind and 30-35 degrees in the shade, this week will be no exception. Not particularly promising for the for the coming days fishing.
Just before dark, a Delkim comes to live. It calls for Marc, but at arrival the rod remains and he’s insisting that I should grab it.
After a confused exchange of words, I make contact to a long-gone fish.
The man had apparently decided, I should take all runs that may come.
The discussion is closed, as next take appears.
I’m pushed towards his howling rod-pod, and an 8kg mirror becomes my first French carp in years.
At first morning light, one more specimen enters the boat.
It pulls the weight to 15kg.
Only the bait: Later in the morning, I’m alone in camp. My partner is out doing some every-day duties. Loui who is in the area daily, sits by a small river only 30m away.
He is catching bait for cat-fishing.
5 rods had been laid out, of which 2 are Marc’s. Neither of the 2 takes fell on mine, so the thoughts circles. What could I have done differently?
Only significant difference, should be our bait. A few months before, I made a major purchase for rolling boilies. After a handful sample-mix/rolls, the first 40kg had come out with satisfactory results. Following test-fishing had also been positive. I refused believing, this could be the reason.
Feeding-spot of leftovers: Standing on top of the stairs, leading to a platform where the rods are placed. I see a couple of violent bubble-clouds appear, just a few meters further down the brink. They break surface exactly, where the pots and pans got cleaned an hour ago.
Feverish hands find the extra rod. Braided main-line is replaced with a spool of 0.37 nylon, then there’s some elasticity for a fight under the rod-tip. A simple 18cm long combi-rig, is made of 30lb soft-coated hook-link, and baited with a sinking 20mm boilie. As I sneak down the stairs, there’s still sign of activity. Impatiently I wait until the animal withdraws, to where it came from. Gently I lower the tackle, in a dept of 3m. A limited feeding, consisting 3 whole and a few broken boilies follows.
Mood swings: Sitting on the bottom-step, a really grown common-carp shows it self 10m away. It slides out of the shadows from that fallen and flooded tree, it had disappeared to short while ago.
With calm movements, this welcomed guest steers towards the dish-wash area. Above the tackle, bubbles rise through the water. After a little nudge the slack-line tightens, and I immediately join the fight.
First deep pull, moves away from the platform-legs. No doubt the fish try returning, to the dark security of the treetop. Due to line-pressure directly over the back, it breaks surface before goal, and rolls heavily.
For a couple of seconds, I’m relieved through-out the whole body, how well this is playing out. The feeling instantly disappears, as one of my Bite-alarms mood swings.
It goes from 19 hours inactivity, in to a full-blooded run.
Second prize: Loui hears my call loud and clear! Amazed by this hectic activity, he runs down the stairs. The man doesn’t now my gear. He strikes, and the sound of a breathless Delkim, is replaced by a wheel-brake in overdrive.
I give quick instructions, but lose concentration for a moment. The carp I’m fighting, is getting close to the net, and see its cut to get water over the neck.
With a strong impetus, it disappears into the depths, and continues unabashed under the platform, which we’re standing. Lying on the stomach with arms in water, I can pull the fish closer with my hands. A meter below surface, the line is caught in a steel-bracket and end-tackle only goes so far. It’s enough to reach it, but before the net encloses my reward, hook loses its grip.
In a stagnant pocket of time, it scornfully poses a golden 20+ shape in the sun. With magic of the tail, it regains freedom.
As loui hands the other rod, he doesn’t have to speak. The annoyance of own ability is painted in my face! From boat 5 minutes later, can I enjoy a consolation prize at 15.5kg
Above average: In the company of Jean Luke and Tommy, Marc returns towards evening.
It been a long time since I shook hands with those guys.
The reunion is celebrated with a barbecue, and proper amount of liquid.
For the next 3 days, 4 mirrors slide in the net.
Best one hits 18.8kg a 12-14kg catfish is caught to.
One of these carp-takes is on Marc’s gear, rest is on mine. The home-rolled boilie’s, had proved themselves quite effective. 4 nights had shaken off 7 carps. I was well satisfied when the car got packed for home. According to Marc and Luke, the result was above average. Just one of the lake’s larger residents were missing, before it could be described as really good.
Thinking on fishing, can I by no means disagree. Main purpose of the trip, had been to visit friends and their family.
This was fully a success! When the car steered north in direction of Denmark, no more of this journey could be desired.
Martin Stormly 2019.
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Planning
October 2019: Jakob Gottschalk and I, went south to fish some carps. Most importantly, and in consultation with the French, should the season of 2020 begin to take its shape.
In 3 days, Jakob unfortunately gets defeated by a few good fish. I have to settle with a 13+ as the best out of 3.
A rough drawing of next year fishing, is now on the desk. If it was to be realized, an upgrade of the old gear was an absolute necessity.
Martin Stormly 2019.
Carp and Catfish Show
February 29th 2020: This year “Forum International De La Carpe Et Du Silure” kicks off in the French city of Montlucon. In company with Jean Marc, Jean Luke and Jakob, a weekend is planned, to the name of sparkling fishing-tackle.
In a few days, about 19,000 visitors pass through the big halls. More than 200 large, as small booths, offers everything to dream of, when fishing for carps and catfish.
If something are missing for the upcoming trips, it can be found here.
At end of the event, we lost a pocket full of euros and were completely saturated with tackle. All are we looking forward to a planned trip in 2 months.
Shortly after returning home, Covid-19 grabs the world in its brutal arms. All travel plans fall to the ground, like a house of cards.
Martin Stormly 2020.
