Going to Rutland for the first time this saturday, usually fish the North East and Yorkshire Dales. Very excited, the fella assures me that the boats are still out till sunday so should be able to get out in a boat.

1. Never fished from a boat before - do Rutland provide life jackets or are you expected to have your own?

2. Where should I start fishing, Rutland looks massive!

3. Whats the best techniques to use at this time of year? Will the fish be far down or will it depend on the conditions that day?

4. Should I drift or anchor? Do Rutland provide those drift chute things, will the boats have anchors?

Sorry for all the questions, its new to me fishing resevoirs this big and I want to prepare as much as I can to spend most of me time fishing rather than panicing.

Cheers

Anglian Water's Boat Handling course is on-line here:
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1 - Yes life jackets supplied, and you have to wear it.
2 - Sailing club right down to the damn seems to be a good bet at the moment
3 - Whatever you fancy. Someone will have some specific pointers I'm sure though.
4 - Either. Boats have anchors but no drogues.

If you've not been out on a big water before you might consider asking on here for a boat partner who knows the ropes, will save you a lot of time and will almost definitely be more fun.

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Matt Gregory
mattgregory.freeblogit.com

Are you going on your own? If so I would suggest looking for a partner for the day, put a post in the 'Fishing Partners' forum.

You can ask for advice on the day in the tackle shop, or ask one of the wardens. There is a notice board in the area next to the wardens offices (by the coffee machine). There is usually fairly up to date info to be found there.

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Or even consider a guide for a few hours. I would imagine you could get someone for a morning for around £30-£40 (that's a guesstimate!) They would almost definatley put you on the fish, tell you the right method and could turn a good day into one to remember for a long time.

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If a man speaks in the woods and no woman is there to hear him............is he still wrong????

£30 - £40, you have very good imagination.


Keep an eye on the weather forecast, if it's really windy the boats won't go out and if they do and you are a single they won't let you out on your own.

Also if you haven’t got a drogue you may need to consider getting one, because if the fish are along the Normanton bank your not allowed to anchor in this area.

I'd save you the money mate........and the going rate is £60 a morning !

Just get a map of the water (available in the lodge) and fish from New Zeland Point to East Creek.....(including Sailing Club Bay)

As you've no (chute) drogue i'd anchor just in the mouth of the Sailing Club about 30-50 yards out.....(motor past the boats up the South Arm then when you see the last boat you'll find Sailing Club Bay) anchor just off the point 30-50 yards out...or anywhere up to the next Point (New Zealand point)

I'd fish a Sinking line - preferably a Di-3 or DI-5 with a 15ft leader of 10lb........White & Silver Hummungus on the point or a nice big Minkie 3" and an orange blob or small minkie 1.5" on the dropper...then just figure of 8 it back....

Also try from the Lodge to Normanton Church...about 30-60 yards out

Failing that there are fish from the Blue Pipes to the Dam (but no anchoring)

Good Luck..

Cheers Rob

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Thanks chaps, really good advice.

I'm fishing with another lad, who has never fished from a boat before, we've both used boats before but never fished from one, so it was the things like the drogue and when or when not to anchor we were worried about.

Bit worried we're gonna upset other boat or bank fishermen, since we're not to hot on the etiquette thats expected. I guess we'll just keep our distance from other boats and the bank anglers.

Hope the weather is ok, I've been booked to fish there for a month now and really looking forward to it. If the wind picks up whilst your out on the water how do they call you back in?

Thanks again for the advice

That will stand you in good stead. You're doing the right thing by asking the questions, and straightforward politeness goes a long way.

As far as the weather is concerned they'll either come and get you or just ring you on your mobile depending on how rough it is! Forecast is for this low to have moved through by Saturday, so the wind should have dropped quite a bit, along with the temperature I'm afraid.

Hoped Mr. Edmunds might chip in, and in spades too!

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Matt Gregory
mattgregory.freeblogit.com

The forecast is not that good.....but as usual the weather guys always seem to estimate that it'll be worse than it actually is.

As regards the calling in of boats, and boats safety. The lodge will ring you and call you in if conditions are too bad, but they may just advise you to stay at the top of the wind (out of the rough water in the shelter of the shore)

Remember try not to head across the wind in rough conditions (waves could swamp the boat)just go directly into the wind and slowly, or with the wind.

If in doubt call the lodge and explain your situation, the fact that you're not experienced in rough weather and ask if they'll come and get/help you.

If in doubt take no chances.....wardens will sooner come and help you if your struggling. Rather than to have to rescue you and a sunken boat.

As regards bank anglers....I doubt if there will be that many out this weekend....but just give them some room and you'll be fine....

good luck Rob

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Mock me, vilify me, but don’t ignore me!

Hi Lewins, it's a awsome place, you'll love it.
The sale may still be on in the lodge shop if you need to stock up on a few goodies.

Good Luck
John