One
of the driest summers on record did impact the fishing
in a number of ways. Firstly, the low water oxygen levels
reduced the activity in the fish and the feeding patters
were extremely sporadic.
Secondly, the insect activity seemed to be considerably
reduced from previous years. Both of these factors resulted
in poor fish fitness and slow growth rates but despite
this, there were occasional high points and the overall
quality of the fish was well up to standard.
There weren't many developments in tactics last year
- the old favourites of slowly fished , thinly dressed
diawl bachs and buzzers scored as well as anything else
as well as pulling blobs and sparklers on DI3's.
While it wasn't a record year, angler numbers were well
in line with previous years and the numbers of bank fishermen
in particular were a welcome sight in the early and late
season.
So,
putting a difficult season behind us, we're looking ahead
to this year with a degree more optimism - a lot of fish
overwintered and there appears to be a good head of fish
coming on.
The official figures for the 2003 season
are: