A Royales 60

I took a trip to Etang des Royales to see some friends of mine John, Ben and Magda and of course my rods went with me - maybe I will get a couple of nights fishing while I am there!!

The swim I chose was the one near the gate, being sheltered from the varied weather conditions, cold winds, rain, hailstones, frost at night, almost forgot some sun during the day… when I wasn’t fishing. Monday night was completely without any action or sound from my Nevilles, Tuesday night heavy rain all night but temperature rising, which was nice!! 1 am, 2 bleeps on my left hand rod, followed by the tip of the rod bending round. I picked it up, I was into the first fish – a lovely common of 26lb, only fish of the night. Wednesday night, below freezing again, 1 am (why do the fish feed at the coldest time of the night?!) – my buzzer was away. After a spirited fight, a mirror of 18lb graced my frozen net. 4 am, I am in again! Rods had ice on them, this time another mirror of 22lb. Lucky I love my fishing! 7.15 am, I was awaken from my slumber by 2 bleeps and then a one toner. Picked the rod up and I knew straight away – it was a big fish. My 2 ¼ test curve Harrison rod lurched round under the pressure of a fish going and doing exactly what it wanted to do! Believe it or not, after 1 ¼ hours I was able to bring his head over the net. Unbelievable, the double linear!! The last time this fish graced my net it weight 52 ½ lb and won me a free holiday being the first 50+ lb landed by an angler. It looks bigger this time. On the phone to Ben. Ben, Ben I’ve got the double linear in my net! On my way mate – was the reply. After photos came the weighing. Well, you could knock me down with a feather – 60 ¾ lb!! Not important if you are lucky enough to catch this jewel but another free weeks fishing having landed any fish over 60lb!

I would like to thank John, Ben & Magda for their hospitality and a special thank you to the fish named the ‘Jewel’.

See you soon Kevin Jefferies aka ‘Biggie’

The 'Jewel'

Celebrations are in order