UK Carp & Coarse Fishing

I was home in good time after my two-nighter on Meadow Lake, and with all the family commitments wrapped up by 14:30—and a free day ahead—the opportunity was there to squeeze in a quick overnighter and fish into the following day.

The key for me was confidence. Meadow had only really produced at night, and the Airfield Lake, historically, just doesn’t switch on properly in March. That said, it’s something I know I need to keep working at rather than avoiding altogether.

I took a drive over first and spent a good hour just walking, watching, and listening. It didn’t take long before that old spark for the place crept back in. There’s something about it—you can’t quite put your finger on it—but it pulls you in. I already had a feeling that come Sunday afternoon, when I’m next due out, this lake could well be calling me back.

I gave myself until 16:30 to commit to a swim, which left me a solid couple of hours to get sorted. The middle lake drew me in more than anywhere else. I settled on a swim I’ve done very well from in previous Aprils—maybe a touch early, but not by much. Sometimes it pays to be a step ahead rather than behind.

I was fishing in front of a point that I could easily walk around to, which made baiting much more efficient. Rather than complicating things, I kept it consistent with what I trust—introducing a mix of boilies, pellets, and a light Active stick mix element, as well as hemp and buckwheat, all boosted with oils to give off that extra bit of attraction in colder water. I spread it by hand and catapult from the far side where possible, then topped up with the Spomb to keep a tight area building.

This was the last of the bait I’d prepared for the week, originally intended for a three-night session, so I knew the quality was there. My PVA bags were kept simple but effective—my usual stick mix approach, using a combination of fine crumb, crushed boilie, and pellets, all lightly glugged to leak off attraction without overfeeding the swim.

Hookbait-wise, I went with what’s served me well time and time again in early spring—an Orange Blank Saver for that visual edge in clearer water, alongside my ever-reliable white version. Both are high-attract singles that I’ve got complete confidence in when bites are at a premium.

Conditions weren’t ideal, and on a quick overnighter like this, you’ve always got to accept the risk of a blank. I kept an open mind—either I’d nick a bite through the night or early morning, or I’d be ready to move if I saw something elsewhere.

The night passed under clear skies, and not a single sign of carp showed. Still, I slept well, only waking around 08:10 as the sun started to warm things up. That early spring sunshine can be a game-changer, so I gave it some proper thought.

In the end, I decided to sit it out until lunchtime. If nothing happened, I’d pack down and go for a proper walk, using the time to learn more about the lake rather than just sitting behind motionless rods.

Deep down, I’ve got a feeling about this place again. If Meadow doesn’t offer me the right opportunity next week, I can see myself ending up back here for what will likely be my final session on there before the real spring switch-on. Confidence plays a big part in that decision—I need to feel I’m on fish, not just hoping.

Regardless of the result, it’s been a real pleasure to be back on the Airfield Lake. There’s something special about it—the tranquillity, the birdsong, the wide-open feel of the place. It’s properly idyllic, and sometimes that alone is enough.

Packing up came around all too quickly. I made sure to have one last proper look, setting myself a firm cut-off time—I could easily have stayed another night, but discipline is key.

Until next time,
Richard