New Point

1 Night

17th December

As the final opportunity for angling in 2023 presented itself, my initial aspirations centered around spending it on the tranquil private lake. Regrettably, this plan was thwarted due to the unanticipated closure of the lake owing to a water level issue.

The notification regarding the closure reached me belatedly on Saturday evening, and had it not been for the timely organization of my fishing tackle and bait, I likely would have opted to stay in the comfort of my home. However, a spontaneous decision led me to embark on a drive. The lake tends to witness increased activity in the week preceding Christmas and the subsequent period, a factor I was well aware of, influencing my decision to withhold commitment until my actual arrival.

Around 1100 hrs, upon reaching the lake, I discovered two anglers sharing a swim, with another individual exploring nearby. This development was certainly encouraging, providing me with a diverse selection of swims. However, a lingering concern emerged in light of the inclement weather on Tuesday morning, as I was not happy with the prospect of a damp walk or wet fishing gear, especially considering that most swims were conveniently located with parking available behind them.

The abundance of choices presented a dilemma. While I was strongly tempted by the allure of the “No Carp Corner,” the option of Canada Bay also beckoned. My internal debate weighed the merits of fishing opposite my previous spot, enticed by the presence of bait, denser weed cover, and proximity to potential carp-holding snags. The other swim, untouched since my last visit, held the promise of being fished over the next couple of weeks, raising hopes for the resumption of my target fish campaign. Additionally, plans for a social engagement with a fellow syndicate member in the new year fueled my considerations.

Ian was scheduled to join me for a day of angling on Monday, marking the final casting of his rods for the year. Opting for the versatile New Point, which allowed fishing on either side, appeared to be the prudent choice for both of us.

Considering the possibility of an influx of anglers over the next 48 hours, I decided to position my fishing quite close in, with a maximum of about 13 wraps. To my right, a tree-lined margin and a substantial weed bed provided an ideal setting for one rod. The other spot proved more intricate, given the plethora of options. Eventually, I settled on a location near the entrance, adapting to the overhanging trees. Both spots received a generous baiting with pellets and a couple of pouches full of boilies. Employing a Ronnie rig, featuring a snowman set up with a bright topper, aimed to inject a burst of color into the otherwise subdued surroundings.

The first night yielded no success, but a conviction lingered as I believed I heard something behind me. Reports from a friend fishing around the corner on The Winter Bank mirrored my sentiments, as ripples were observed in the calm moonlight. There seemed to be an elusive catch hiding in this area.

There was a weird orange/pink sky on Monday morning.

Ian’s arrival around 0945 saw him setting up his rods at the back of New Point, utilizing pop-ups with small mesh bags.

The warmth of the day shifted my focus to the impending wet pack-up. Complicating matters, a lingering toothache, persisting for weeks, resurfaced. With a dental appointment scheduled for 1430 the following day, a wet pack-up was inevitable. By around 1430, after consulting the weather forecast, my decision was made to head home, ensuring a completely dry kit—a circumstance that brought a certain satisfaction on this occasion.

Until next time,

Richard