Thread: School Holiday Canal Fishing Adventures

Took my son down the canals for a few days fishing while he's off on school holidays.
Only been our 2nd time there so still learning what works, and where to go etc.
First day was a bit of a long day. Driving there via a mates place in Timaru, then to Twizel, finding where to go, then having a try throwing things in the water.
Next day was a huge test of our patience. Fish were jumping all around us and they were BIG fish too. Few followed our lures etc but they were just teasing us. No one was catching anything though so we didn't feel too bad.
This morning we decided to start early. Real early. Did I mention it was bloody cold. The water dripping off our rods was freezing by the time it hit the ground type cold. So cold the water in the canals felt like a thermal pool.
Just as the sun was rising the fish started to get hungry and were popping up everywhere around us.
Anglers next to us were using dropper rigs and bait and were having a bit of luck. We were using hard lures and soft baits though. 1 of the anglers kept having trouble with 1 bloody fish that had a death wish. Unfortunately it was far too small, and had to be thrown back each time. It must of had a sore mouth after the 4th time out of water and didn't come back.
After a few casts, my son thought he had got his hard lure stuck in the weed and got me to yank on his rod for him. Bugger me! The bloody reel took off!! That 'aint no snag boy. Grab your rod and wind the bastard in!
After a bit of give and take, we took more than was given and the fish was on the bank.
Didn't have a scale on me so didn't find out the weight till after I gutted it and borrowed some scales from an angler near us. 8lbs 3oz it came to.
Did the usual photo type things, then got it in a chilly bin ready for drive home.
It's now in the fridge all ready for smoking tomorrow.

awesome. Last hols he gets a fallow and now this one a canal monster.
These are the best memories. He won't remember the school hols where he got level 7 on some online game but he will remember these!

those are awesome/precious times, savour them. If it's like me and my son then it will get a lot better.

Those canals are on my wish list,good work Cambo son

Brown trout caught in Mackenzie hydro canals the 'biggest ever' | Stuff.co.nz not trying to detract from your sons efforts Cambo as looks like a great effort .

awesome Cambo and son! my grandkids are down from welly, 7 and 9,,, they ask, can we go to the canals?

With the size of the fish and the amount of publicity these canals get what stops them being fished out?
Just not many fishers?

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

With the size of the fish and the amount of publicity these canals get what stops them being fished out?
Just not many fishers?

Too bloody far to go

Originally Posted by Dundee

Too bloody far to go

You would think there would be standing room only on the banks with Americans casting $100 bills at them