I can't say I'm disappointed with the photo but, without setting myself up for a bit of flak, I do agree it doesn't do the fish justice. I also have to say I intentionally try and not hold fish out at arms length regardless of their size or stature.
It was a solid, fit fish with barely a mark on it. The tail was slightly ragged but all in all it was in excellent condition. On the other hand, the brownie pictured in the article was thin and empty, still one of the most gloriously coloured browns I've ever caught tho!
I think the Lower Itchen is an excellent, well managed fishery. I fished it on a £20 coarse ticket which opens up only the lower beats but still gives a tremendous amount of water to explore. Even in mid November there were still plenty of sea trout in the area and of course a few browns. Most pleasing from my point of view was the amount of small (young) grayling showing up. I had plenty of just a few ounces and apart from the big one, also had plenty between 1lb and 1lb 12oz. Another guy fishing below me had quite a few over 2lb with the best at 2.09 (I think). And you're right, they looked huge!
It must be quite a fishery to appproach with the fly! More of a challenge than my 6AA Avon and double maggot!
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