I had a couple of jobs on Monday when I got back from fishing and the weather was looking more settled.  So, I thought a day on the bank was in order.  However, so did quite a few other anglers, for a few minutes I was thinking going home was the better option.  But after a walk about and considering the conditions were so much better than my last trip, it had to be worth a few hour’s on the bank.  I’ve found that when there are this many people on the lake, I’ve struggled – it will be an interesting experiment.  I’m really hoping that as they where here at the crack of dawn this morning, they may well head home after lunch (if it’s hard going) and I will get the opportunity to move.  Also the pressure will start easing and increase my chances of catching.

I ended up in my favourite margin swim, simply because it was the least pressured part of the lake.  Club lakes do make me laugh, there’s a guy on the opposite bank, about 4 swims to my left, casting along the bank and was really fishing opposite me.  The funny part was as he watched me setting up, he reeled in and recast to make the point of where he was fishing.  This would’ve no doubt spooked any carp feeding on his spot and unlike him, I generally never cast across on club water, as you just know what’s going to happen.  On the odd occasion I have done this, you just have to respect that if anyone set up, you simply have to move that rod – oddly, after an hour he did.  There was plenty of drizzling rain about and I’m glad I carry my umbrella regardless of the weather forecast.

Just after 11.15 am, the right hand rod ripped away and headed under the overhanging tree.  I simply picked up the rod, put the tip under the water, slowly coaxed the carp back out, around the lily pads in front of the swim and played out a very pretty common.

That will do to start the day off and with any luck, I will catch a couple more.

The rod was back on the spot and I sorted out a brew.

I was hoping someone would be going home this afternoon, but it’s looking very much like they are all here for the day.  The sunshine has come out and all has been quiet for some hours.  Now, this isn’t great news all round.  I’m thinking on a lake change or shall I just knock it on the head for the day?

It’s coming up to 3 pm, I need to make a choice and that’s never that simple.

A couple of anglers have gone and another two are packing up.  I’d had a liner just after 3 pm and as I’m fishing just off the front of the swim, I dare not go near the rods for sometime, otherwise I may risk spooking a carp.  Shame, as it would be nice to move a rod about, this time I’d even got the Zig kit finally sorted and planned to get one rod out on it, I really need to get to grips with this method of fishing.

It was time for a move at 4 pm and after a quick pack away, I headed around the lake.  It wasn’t the best time to move as there where no real signs of carp, but I just had to do something to try and get another bite.  The island was my first port of call, as some snags had been recently removed and we all know how inquisitive carp are.  I will give it 45 minutes to an hour and if no action, move on again, as I think I’m the only one fishing now.

I stayed as long as possible and didn’t fancy moving again.  There was the odd fish out there and I hadn’t see anything looking down the lake.

Until next time

Richard