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Post by Tyne Angler on Jan 16, 2008 10:16:52 GMT
Given the choice would you sooner fish a poor/average beat in prime time or a good beat outside of prime time? and why?
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Post by G Ritchie on Jan 16, 2008 11:59:03 GMT
Depends on the river and the beats. If they are a nice piece of water to fish I would be quite happy to fish a poorer beat at the best time, compared to a prime beat on a boring bit of water.
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Post by charlieH on Jan 16, 2008 13:45:57 GMT
It's an interesting question.
I think I agree with Graham - it comes down to the other attributes of the place. For example the Ridge Pool on the Moy is an exceptionally productive fishery, but has minimal aesthetic appeal - you're one of a row of fishermen, spaced at forty yard intervals, rotating round and round over the same bit of water, in the middle of a town with hardly a blade of grass to be seen. I've fished a couple of half day sessions there, but wouldn't rush back; frankly I found it barely more interesting than catching stockie rainbows in a concrete bowl.
Similarly, on the odd days that I've fished the lower Tweed I've not been particularly impressed by the water. There are some nice streamy bits, certainly, but there's also an awful lot of dull, flat pools where you have to handline and probably have to fish from a boat (which I don't particularly like). Given the choice, I'd rather be on a nice wadeable beat of the Spey, even with a lower catch average.
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Post by sinkingtip on Jan 16, 2008 15:51:15 GMT
An interesting question indeed TA.
IMO a lot would depend on whether or not your prime motivation was to catch fish or simply to fish bonnie water well.
As an example, on the South Esk the Kinnaird waters are very attractive beats with 'nice' pools and are generally regarded as 'certs' (especially the Upper beat) for a clean fish during the period February - April in a normal year. After April, and once the water warms up, fish ascend the temperature barrier at the top of the beat and it can be hard going during the period May - August due to the fact that they (salmon + sea trout) shoot right through having literally just come off the tide. Still a bonnie water but with ever decreasing prospects of 'connecting' after this time and until the water temperatures start to drop again from September onwards.
By comparison, I also do a fair bit of fishing on the waters around Finavon and Cortachy which, although also extremely attractive beats, can be totally devoid of fish until April.
Summary : If you want fish, then fish a 'poor' beat at the best times rather than a 'prime' beat at a poorer time IMO. If you want to fish purely for the enjoyment of 'being there' then go for the bonniest water you can get access to and enjoy it for what it is and regardless of statistics, time of year or the need bump up your seasonal tally. Regards STip
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conwyrod
Advisory Board
Autumn on the Conwy
Posts: 4,659
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Post by conwyrod on Jan 16, 2008 18:35:46 GMT
A topical question for me, as I've just booked a day on Upper Floors on 25 Feb.
The fishing is very reasonably priced at £1 + vat, but the compulsory hotel is £128.
A beat I've read about (Bill Currie) and I've wanted to fish, just hope it's fishable on the day!
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Post by Willie Gunn on Jan 16, 2008 22:05:32 GMT
Prime time, prime beat, do I take it you Dave, Charlie,and Graham are looking for a change to a June week at Carron instead of the April week .
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Post by Tyne Angler on Jan 16, 2008 22:25:24 GMT
Prime time, prime beat, do I take it you Dave, Charlie,and Graham are looking for a change to a June week at Carron instead of the April week . I'm sure we wouldn't turn it down if you could pull the appropriate strings. April and June would be better though...then again perhaps my liver would not be able to take it..
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Post by G Ritchie on Jan 16, 2008 22:35:46 GMT
Prime time, prime beat, do I take it you Dave, Charlie,and Graham are looking for a change to a June week at Carron instead of the April week . That will be perfect Malcolm. ;D
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Post by Willie Gunn on Jan 16, 2008 23:32:08 GMT
2009 i have both weeks
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Post by neptune on Jan 17, 2008 19:46:15 GMT
my catch totals for last season suggest that im only there for the scenery ;D i think i would go for the poorer beat at prime time
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Post by Roobarb on Jan 17, 2008 21:07:10 GMT
It's an easy decision down here in the Southwest, they're all poor beats and there is no prime time! Andy
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severnfisher
Active Member
The Severn Valley in spring
Posts: 226
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Post by severnfisher on Jan 17, 2008 21:28:12 GMT
It's an easy decision down here in the Southwest, they're all poor beats and there is no prime time! Andy I can identify with that.
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