Introduction: From West Lake’s White Baits to Wenyu River’s Carp Surprise
A while back, I was on a business trip to Hangzhou, right by West Lake. When I wasn’t working, I wandered around the lake-and as a die-hard angler, I couldn’t help but scope out the fishing scene. Let me tell you, West Lake is teeming with white baits! They’re bold, lazy, and hang out super close to the shore. Most are 10+ cm long, and some even hit 20 cm. I kept thinking, “If this were Wenyu River, I’d be catching them one after another-those big ones would feel amazing on the line!”
Fun fact: West Lake actually allows fishing! Too bad I didn’t bring a short-section rod with me-total bummer.
Why Weekday Fishing Beats Weekends (For Wenyu River Lovers)
On my way back to Beijing, I read a post titled “You Should Fish on Weekdays” and couldn’t agree more. Why? Because Wenyu River is packed on weekends-like, shoulder-to-shoulder packed. Weekdays? Way fewer people, quieter, and better fishing spots. Plus, big fish love calm environments. So I made a vow: I’m hitting Wenyu River the next weekday, no excuses.
My No-Fuss Fishing Setup (Super Light, Super Practical)
After breakfast, I grabbed my ultra-simple fishing gear: a Wumart shopping bag (yes, really) with a small stool, fish basket, umbrella hat, bait, and two rods. I hopped on a Hello Bike, stuck one end of the rod in the basket and tied the other to the seat, tossed the bag in the basket, and off I went. Light, easy, and all I needed-perfect for a quick trip.
Weather Worries: Cold Mornings, Big Temperature Swings
I got to the river around 9 AM. The temperature was 12-13°C, and riding in the shade made me shiver. I thought, “Uh-oh-big day-night temperature swings usually kill the bite.” But hey, anglers fish for the vibe, right? The blue sky, the water, the wind through the reeds, the quiet time alone… fish are just a bonus. So I powered through that 5-grade north wind and got to my spot.
New Spot, New Plan: Long Rod for Big Fish, Short Rod for Fun
Last week, I scouted a new spot 10 meters upstream from my old one-today was its “debut.” Here’s my game plan:
- 7.2m long rod: Target big fish. Heavy lead, New Kanto #1 hook, half a piece of old altar corn per hook (since big fish are rare, smaller bait might help).
- 4.5m short rod: Keep me busy. Earthworms (safe for cold mornings) + wheat grains (meat-and-grain combo to attract bigger fish). I used a big slip float (to avoid small fish) and fished 1 eye adjusted, flat water when fishing, a few cm off the bottom. Cast, wait, lift-repeat.
Early Bites: White Bait Frenzy (Then Boredom Sets In)
After 10 minutes, I caught my first fish: a 10cm white bait. Then came the white bait spree-one after another. But after 10 or so, I got bored. I tried just wheat grains, but no bites (turns out autumn fish need that fishy smell). So I went back to the meat-and-grain combo, but by 11 AM, I was kinda checked out. I set the rod on the grass and started people-watching.
The Unbelievable Moment: Double Carp, Then a Third!
Two minutes later, I glanced at my short rod-and the float was gone! I grabbed it, felt some weight, then a sudden pull. When the fish surfaced? Double carp! They weren’t huge, but they fought in opposite directions, making the line feel heavy then light. I fumbled for my phone to take photos-this never happens with white baits!
While I was snapping pics, I heard a thud behind me. My 7.2m long rod was being dragged into the river! I tossed the double carp into the grass and grabbed the long rod. The pull wasn’t super strong, but when it surfaced-another carp! Small, maybe under a pound, but I was stoked. No net? No problem-I just lifted it out of the water.
Wait a second-let’s count: double carp on the short rod, then a third on the long rod… all within 1 minute! I couldn’t believe it. All that worry about the temperature swing? Gone. Total shock, total excitement.
Aftermath: Spooked Fish, Early Wrap-Up
After taking photos and putting the fish in the basket, it was 12:30 PM. The commotion from the double carp and long rod catch spooked the fish-no more bites. So I packed up around 1 PM. Here’s my haul:
I released the small ones and took a few home. And of course, I picked up all my trash-leave the spot cleaner than you found it, right?
Final Thoughts: The Best Fishing Surprises Are Unplanned
Who knew a random weekday trip would end with catching 3 carp in 1 minute? It just goes to show-you never know what’ll happen when you head out. If you’re tired of crowded weekends at Wenyu River, try a weekday. Keep your setup simple, enjoy the moment, and who knows? You might get your own crazy surprise. Tight lines, everyone!
