In 2023, I embarked on a memorable angling session at Airfield Lake, a place that held a special place in my heart for its serene beauty and the promise of great angling adventures. The new year was upon us, and I couldn’t wait to get my gear ready for my first trip of the season to this beloved fishing spot.

The session began with the excitement of the unknown, as each trip to the Airfield Lake brought new challenges and opportunities. The weather played a significant role in setting the stage for the session. With a chilly winter breeze in the air, the lake was adorned with a thin layer of frost in the early hours of the morning.

I arrived at the lake in the pre-dawn hours, well before the sun began its ascent, eager to secure a prime swim. The cold air nipped at my skin as I carefully navigated the bank, looking for any signs of fish activity. The mist hung low over the water, adding an air of mystery and tranquility to the surroundings. The anticipation of what lay beneath the surface was palpable.

Setting up my bivvy, I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless sessions I’d had on this very bank. Each visit held the promise of a new angling adventure, a chance to connect with nature and challenge myself as an angler. The lake was like an old friend, always ready to reveal its secrets, yet always keeping a few hidden.

As the morning sun broke through the mist and cast its warm, golden rays upon the water, I prepared my gear and bait. The lake’s surface was still and serene, a stark contrast to the lively activity I hoped to witness below. I knew the carp were lurking in the depths, waiting for the right moment to grace my line.

For this session, I had carefully selected my rigs and bait. The cold water required a different approach, and I had chosen a set of tactics that had proven effective in similar conditions. The rigs were meticulously tied, the lines perfectly balanced, and the hooks sharp as ever. My chosen bait, a blend of winter-friendly offerings, held the promise of enticing even the most cautious of carp.

I cast out my rods, each landing with precision in the areas I had previously scouted and marked during the colder months. The air was still, and the anticipation grew with every passing minute. I settled into my bivvy, wrapped in a warm sleeping bag, and gazed out over the tranquil waters.

The hours passed, and the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a brilliant light on the lake. Nature’s beauty surrounded me, from the calls of the resident birds to the rustling of leaves in the nearby woods. It was a reminder of why I cherished these angling sessions, not only for the thrill of the catch but for the connection to the natural world that they provided.

As the day turned to evening, I continued to monitor my rods, ready for any sign of a take. The cold air had settled in again, and I knew that the night would bring its own set of challenges. But I was prepared, both mentally and physically, to endure the elements in pursuit of my angling passion.

The night brought with it a quiet solitude, broken only by the occasional splash or ripple on the water’s surface. The anticipation of a run kept me alert, my senses finely tuned to the nuances of the lake. Each rustle in the bushes or change in the wind direction had me on high alert.

It was during one of those quiet, moonlit hours that my patience was rewarded. The unmistakable scream of a bite alarm shattered the silence, and I was on my feet in an instant. The adrenaline coursed through my veins as I connected with the unseen force beneath the water.

The battle that ensued was a testament to the strength and tenacity of the carp that called the Airfield Lake home. The fish fought with all its might, but I was determined to see it through. After a thrilling struggle, I finally netted the prize – a magnificent carp that shimmered in the moonlight.

With the carp safely returned to the water, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. This angling session on the Airfield Lake had been a testament to the enduring connection between angler and nature, a reminder of the beauty that could be found in the midst of a chilly winter’s night.

As the session came to a close, I packed up my gear with a contented heart, knowing that I would return to the Airfield Lake in the future for more angling adventures. The lake had once again proven to be a place of wonder and challenge, where the pursuit of fish was only part of the journey. It was a place where the beauty of nature and the thrill of the catch coexisted harmoniously, and I looked forward to my next session with great anticipation.

until next time

Richard