Arrival time: 13.30
Weather: Overcast with some light drizzle. Still mild for time of year.
Tackle: 14ft Shimano match rod, Rapidex II 2400 centrepin, porcupine quill, 6lb line direct to 16 wire hook.
Baits: Maggots.
Fish: Rudd, roach & perch

While waiting to get the auxiliary battery changed on my car I didn't want to use it any more than necessary. So I decided to check out a small drain that runs along the edge of town. I had spoken to a couple of young lads a while back whom I saw in town carrying fishing rods, asking them where they fished. They said 'The Stink', a local name for the drain. I've never witnessed a 'stink', but that's what they call it. During a previous walk I had seen a spot where there were signs that people had fished, so that's where I headed.

Arriving at the spot there was a homemade rod rest, comprising a bamboo stick and other sticks lashed together with green & yellow insulation tape. Quite inventive, and confirming that the spot was fished. I plumbed it at about four feet but there was fibrous weed on the plummet so I decided to fish a few inches off the bottom. I only had maggots and first cast I got an immediate bite, and a small rudd was swung in. I was a bit surprised to get a fish so quickly, even a small one. A few more rudd followed, including a couple of better sized fish.

This set the pattern for the session, although after those early successes things did go a bit quieter. Casting a bit further out rewarded me with a few more bites, including the occasional better fish.

The session continued in much the same way until I packed up around 3.30pm. I caught some nice rudd, the occasional roach and a couple of perch. I also had about four fish come off, which felt better than the average, but it's difficult to be sure when the fish are only on for a short while.

To say that the little drain was a surprise is an understatement. I had expected perhaps a few tiny fish but not the better quality rudd. It could well be that there are even larger rudd in there and it certainly deserves more attention. It would be interesting to try bread, especially in summer as a slow sinking bait.

And the benefit, of course, is that I can walk there!