Car packed on the Friday night and up early on Saturday to take a spin to the south, approx 7.30am I arrived at David Smiths house. After a quick coffee we were of to meet Anthony Byrne and John Hardiman at Swords Angling to see what bargains they had on sale. We got a few bits and bobs and had a bit of breakfast in a nearby Cafe then headed on over to the yearly Swords Angling Expo.
We arrived early to find the place was packed out, there was a great turn out and a huge variety of stands from predator flys from Chasing silver to massive tuna lures from Kiwi Girl and tuna.ie.
As usual the Irish kayak Angling stand looked excellent so a big well done to the lads for organising it and all the hard work in setting it up.
As we were in a mad rush to get fishing the four of us just about had time to get a quick look around the place, in doing so I noticed one of the clubs sponsors there South Side Angling and remembered I had a nice little voucher to use up. I thought of getting something a little different so I used it to get some nice Bass lures for the summer, a big to catch species this year.
It was nice to see some of the lads again out of the Club and putting some names to faces.
We were back on the road again in no time heading to the midlands to a lake for the night to set up camp, the wind was starting to pick up as we arrived but it was a fairly nice day for a bit of fishing.
Kayaks rigged and on the water things went down hill from this point on, we were not out 30 minutes when a big dark cloud rolled in, the wind was howling and it started snowing, then hailstones, then the heavens opened ( I never seen rain going up before) hoods up and continued to fish for a minute or two. Then it came, a massive rumble of thunder that seamed like it was not going to stop and it was right above us, I did not see a flash but take it from me I think the four of us set a world record for speed on sit on tops getting of the water!
It soon passed and the sun was out again the wind also settled down a fair bit so back out we went, things were very slow and extremely cold to the point I had trouble putting a pair of gloves on as my hands were failing to work properly. John had the first and heaviest Pike of the day around 8/10lbs shortly followed by Anthony. An hour later we agreed to head in for some dinner when i hooked up trawling a dead bait (Roach) not a big fish but certainly saved the blank.
Also another species for 2015 IKA hunt.
Just as I released it David also landed one so we all had a fish, Anto landed two.
Considering the mental weather I think we all done exceptionally well landing 5 Pike between us, back to dry land we started setting up camp while John ( The Chef ) started cooking dinner Bear Grylls style on the fire.
David invested in a large awning for the back of the van, a bloody great job to say the least once up we had a prototype propane bottle (Davids Idea) wood burner, camp chairs and a table.
We had dinner and a bit of crack before heading back out on a failed attempt on a night session as we literally froze to death, so kayaks abandoned and back to the wood burner it was were we remained for some time to thaw out!
Anthony disposing of bank statements from the day so the wife dosent see how much he spent.
Next morning after a really cold nights sleep in the car, on occasions having to start the car for a bit of heat before getting back to sleep, we awoke to a great breakfast prepared by David.
Just what we all needed before packing up and heading home as it was a complete wash out.
I also made a new friend :)
It was a great weekend with brilliant company and stacks of crack, I am really looking forward now to the summer when the real fishing starts!
Until next time folks
Tight lines.....
