Sweethope Today, My Best Fish So Far!

Hello,
A day off for me today and a chance to fish Sweethope for the first time. I've heard allsorts of good reports about the place but haven't had the chance to visit.



I arrived bright and early with nobody else there, it was cold too....4degrees. I've only fished the smaller stillwaters and was a bit put off by the size of the big lake, I was starting to wish I'd brought a beachcaster!! (only joking).

I signed the book and headed off to fish where I thoght I saw a fish as I drove along the approach road. An hour later and my anticipation had worn off a bit.....not a touch and I was freezing, especialy my right leg as I'd found a new hole in my waders and my leg was full of water.

Properly disheartened I moved to the smaller lake after a quick cuppa to cheer things up. A couple more anglers came along and we had a good chat but they too were struggling. I couldn't see any movement or fly activity a another hour or so went by without a bite.



I decided to change things up a bit so off with the floater and on with the intermediate and a cats whisker variant that I've done well with in the past. Half an hour or so passed trying different spots untill I managed a nice Rainbow of 3lbs...."phew" blank off and a bit more confidence.

A few more lads stopped to chat and I was relieved to hear that they were struggling too, at least it wasn't just me!

I moved a bit further round towards the cottage and I was busy watching the anglers who were now fishing the opposite bank when It felt as though someone had whacked my line with a stick! My little 6wt rod took on an a healthy bend and I had to give some line as the fish made a slow deep run. A bit more of this and the fish swam towards me and I had to gain line sharpish to keep the tension, the fish came to the surface and showed itself and I knew this was my best fish so far. After a few more anxious moments and a trip along the bank I slid the net under it.

I had a minute or so before I continued fishing, but after only a few more casts I just had to weigh it......9lb 2oz...what a lovely fish.







I fished on for a while but soon had to get off home with no more fish but still over the moon, even more so considering what a poor start I had.

Thanks for reading fellas, I hope you liked my photos

Regards Ian

nice report ian , well done on the biggie , first of many trips up there i bet ,

Good angling well deserved for persevering looks like a cortland blue on the hardy rod

jim

lovely fish Ian, well done, good report

nice catch, bet it'll be the best tasting rainbow you ever get to eat

Great report Ian. Fantastic looking fish.

Great report Ian, nice to have a few pictures in a report. You should try the boat on the big lake and just drift about, you will be amazed at how many fish are moving out in the middle of the lake.

excellent result mate well done , love the report with the pictures .