Eric the Egyptian Goose – Bait Quality Controller/Tester – Marsh Farm

Spring had arrived at last on Friday (06-04-08), the sun was shining and temperatures reached 18 degrees C, and this had encouraged fishermen to venture out in good numbers at Marsh Farm, although not a lot was being caught.  We decided to look for a rippled surface, as the calm areas were unproductive it seemed, and the recently heavily “trimmed” south end of Richardsons fitted the bill.  First casts were made around 6 pm; both of us” light linking” at short range on soft trout pellet paste.  Pete had the first tench, but after an hour, I had managed 9 tench (to 5/0) and 3 bream, and no further fish had graced Pete’s landing net!
My old friend Eric the Egyptian goose wandered along the bank and was grateful for a meal of my trout pellet paste.  He then moved to Pete’s adjoining swim and Pete was most offended when Eric refused his trout pellet, commenting that I had overfed him.  I’ve never known Eric to refuse food, so called him back and he continued to gobble my t.p. with great relish.  As a result of which Pete asked for some of my bait and immediately started getting numerous takes, although not converting them to fish on the bank for some time. 
We packed up at 10.15 pm and in 4 ¼ hours had 31 and 18 tench respectively, plus 3 bream each.  Pete also had a 2/12 crucian.  The tench averaged around 3 lbs, the biggest being 5 ½ lbs. and we ended the evening with a total bag of about 140 lbs.
Eric may be flightless as he has a deformed wing, but Pete was thankful that he showed that his t.p. was no good!
Lightlinker W

PS – I have included a photo of Marsh Farm just 2 days later – the vagaries of English weather!