My Second Small River Fishing: The Big Traditional Fishing Mistake
Let me start by saying this: I’ve been fishing for years, but there’s something about wild rivers that makes every trip feel like a new adventure. This was my second time exploring this little river, and I was *thrilled* with what I found. The water was clear, the grass beds were thick, and I swear I saw a few plump rhodeus fish. I was convinced traditional fishing here would be a breeze… but oh boy, was I wrong.
Preparing for the Traditional Fishing Challenge
First, let’s talk gear. I grabbed my trusty 4.5m stream rod—it fits perfectly under my electric bike seat, so I can take it anywhere without hassle. The line setup? 1.0mm main line with a #7 Maruto Heaven Hook (a type of fixed-position hook used in traditional fishing) and a star float (the “sky hook” in some regions). Bait? Homemade chum with rice wine and live earthworms—simple, but I hoped it’d draw in the big ones.
I left early, around 6:30 AM, to beat the crowds and grab breakfast (four buns and a soy milk—my lunch was already on me). Arriving at the river by 7:30, I immediately started chumming. Three spots: first near the water hyacinth, then a small clear patch, then a mix of water chestnut and hyacinth. Each spot needed its own chum drop—small batches, testing how fish reacted.
Spot 1: Right where the water hyacinth thins out, there’s a natural dip. Perfect for traditional float setup—deep enough to hold fish, and the dip would funnel them in. I dropped a small chum here, convinced it’d attract fish fast.
The Morning Struggle: Small Fish Everywhere
By 8:00 AM, I’d set up three spots. The river was quiet except for water hyacinth rustling and birds chirping. Then, the first “bite” hit: the star float twitched, then went under. I struck… and pulled up a tiny rhodeus. No big deal, right? But then it happened: *every single cast* had this little silver fish. I swear, they were everywhere!
These “mini-silver devils” (rhodeus fish, I later learned) were relentless. Even with earthworms, they nibbled the bait without swallowing. I moved to the second spot—same problem. Depth was right (over 1.5 meters, I’d checked with a ruler), but where were the big fish? Why were all these little guys showing up?
When the “Big” Fish Finally Appeared (But Then Disappeared)
At 9:00 AM, I switched to the third spot—a mix of water chestnut and open water. After adjusting the star float to the bottom (it took a few tries!), I felt it: a slow, steady float rise. That’s a crucian carp! I struck, and up came a 10cm crucian—finally, a target fish!
But crucians vanished. The rhodeus returned, more aggressively. I tried different baits (only had earthworms and chum), but nothing worked. Then a topwater hit—*whitebait!* I’d never caught one, but it felt like the river was mocking me.
By 9:30 AM, I was done. Three nests produced 5-6 small fish total. The chum didn’t attract bigger fish—just tiny pests. I packed up defeated, knowing fishing days can be brutal. But that’s the game: some days, you lose, but you learn.
Why Did Traditional Fishing Fail Here? Let’s Break It Down
After kicking myself, I analyzed why:
- Too Warm for Crucian? Late summer temps made crucian chase small prey near the surface, not settling in nests.
- Wrong Bait/Chum Rice wine chum alone couldn’t compete with rhodeus’ hunger. Larger fish wanted something richer.
- Hook Size A #7 hook was too big for crucian—they’re tiny, and the hook snagged them before they could eat properly.
- Miscellaneous Fish Invasion Rhodeus and whitebait hogged the bait, leaving crucian with nothing. I should’ve brought a separate crucian-specific bait.
What I’ll Do Differently Next Time
Next trip, I’m prepared:
- Smaller Hooks Swap the #7 for #5 or #6 to match crucian’s tiny mouths.
- Better Bait Mix Add corn kernels or sweet potato to chum for bigger fish appeal. Maybe try red worms instead of earthworms.
- Targeted Chum Concentrate chum in 1-2 spots instead of 3—less competition for crucian.
- Float Adjustments Use a sliding float to stay in the strike zone longer when fish are active.
Final Thoughts: Fishing is All About Learning
This trip taught me humility. I went in confident, but nature humbled me. Next time, I’ll return better prepared. Maybe try evening sessions or switch to a different river. Have you ever had a “disaster fishing day”? Share your stories below—I’d love to hear how you turned it around!
Until then, tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣
