This week’s trip is about making the right decision—whether to fish the lake with the wind at my back or with the wind on my face. It sounds simple, but when the wind is blowing from the Northeast, it complicates things.

I really wanted to fish Airfield Lake, but the northerly wind was whipping across it. I decided to check it out and make up my mind, rather than going to Meadow first, as I would probably stay there all day, even though I shouldn’t, since I’ve spent all winter there.

I arrived around 1:30 p.m. and thought it best to head straight to the swim with the wind in my face, as this would give me the clearest picture. The wind was forecast to blow at 30 mph, which was perfect except for the direction, of course. I really didn’t fancy being on the back of the wind. Carp love a good blow on the water.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the wind didn’t have that easterly chill. It certainly did this morning, but tonight’s temperature was supposed to be 12°C, with 22°C during the day. I’m hoping the wind chill will lower that a bit, as I’m not a fan of the heat.

Ian had a good session in this area recently, catching some nice-sized carp, which interested me since I haven’t been able to find the bigger carp lately.

I had a good walk around and settled on the double gravel area, which I hadn’t fished since last year when it produced some lovely carp. I felt it was worth a go. It was a gamble, but I had seen carp, and I could only hope they stayed.

I spombed out the contents of my bait bucket after selecting the perfect spot. Nothing had changed since I last fished here, so I spread the boilies between 16 and 18 wraps, creating a good interception path for the fish. I usually set up my bivvy, then bait up and sort out the gear, as I like to give the swim a rest between casting.

At 5:01 p.m., the right-hand rod was away with a hard-fighting Airfield Lake carp. I had to walk to the other end of the swim to avoid picking up my other rod, which almost happened as the carp headed right no matter what. I managed to sink the rod tip and avoid the overhanging trees. Eventually, I slipped it into the net.

18lb 9oz Common.

At 6:04 p.m., the other rod belted off, and the same scenario repeated. I have a feeling it’s going to be hard work at night. This fish wasn’t as big but put up a great fight.

15lb 0oz Common.

At 7:40 p.m., the right-hand rod was away again, and this carp quickly headed out into the pond. I slowed it down a few times, but it made it to the boulders and bumped the hook out. I wasn’t happy, but it was bound to happen at some point.

After getting the rod back out, I took some time to update my blog.

At 6:01 a.m., the night had been quiet until the left-hand rod burst into life. I was awake, watching the moon set over the trees. This carp didn’t put up much of a fight until it was under the rod tip, and it took me 10 minutes to finally net it.

18lb 5oz Common.

Not a bad start to the day and a good sign for what’s to come. It’s due to be another warm one, but the Northeast wind should help cool things down.

At 12:30 p.m., it was time to top up the swim. After 24 hours of activity, I’m hopeful for a few more takes, and with any luck, some bigger carp. Steve joined me for a social, setting up behind me on the middle lake for two nights. Let’s hope we can bag a few good ones between us.

At 3:30 p.m., the left-hand rod was away. I picked it up as the carp shot toward the island. I tried to slow it down, but the hook pinged out.

At 4:51 p.m., the same rod was away again. This time, the carp was kiting right over the other line. I tried to gain ground before it reached the trees, but it didn’t work. I quickly walked back to my swim, sunk the rod tip, and manoeuvred the fish under the branches. It eventually tired out, and I netted it.

17lb 7oz Common.

After resetting the rod, I started editing my blog.

At 5:20 p.m., the other rod was away. This one came in pretty well until it was under the rod tip, where it went all over the place. By the time I got it in the net, my foot had gone to sleep, and I was hopping around like a peg leg!

20lb 6oz Common.

Superb! I finally broke the 20lb mark. It’s not a monster, but I’ve been struggling to get one of this size for some time. Now, to catch an upper twenty.

At 7:02 p.m., the right-hand rod was away again. This fish behaved well and almost picked up the other rod, but I managed to avoid that. It fought hard under the rod tip before I netted it.

21lb Common.

A fantastic few hours of fishing this afternoon, with over 24 hours to go. Hopefully, I can improve on the size.

At 9:40 p.m., the right-hand rod rattled off again. It was a straightforward fight, except for the usual under-the-tip battle. I’m hoping the carp only kites towards the trees during the day, as it’s easier to handle in daylight.

21lb 11oz Common.

At 6:50 a.m., after a quick bathroom break, the left-hand rod was away again. Another good fight and the early morning carp was in the net.

15lb 13oz Common.

Time for my first brew of the day and to take my collection of tablets, which I’m apparently stuck on for life. Aren’t I lucky? (yes, says the Editor)

At 7:20 a.m., I hadn’t even finished half my cup of coffee when the other rod was away. This fish felt bigger, and I had to sink the rod tip to guide it under the trees to my right.

20lb 8oz Common.

It seems the better carp are in this area, or maybe they’ve moved with the northeasterly wind, which has been blowing all night. After landing that carp, I grabbed my next bucket of bait and topped up the swim earlier than yesterday.

At 9:30 a.m., I baited up, hoping the afternoon takes would start earlier and maybe bring a 30lb fish.

At 11:44 a.m., the right-hand rod was away, and surprisingly, the carp headed left, picking up the other line. I managed to sort it out, but not before it dragged my lead about 10 yards. It fought hard under the rod tip for about 10 minutes before I finally netted it.

21lb 10oz Common.

A cracking result! I got both rods back out just in time for my hospital consultant’s call, which was 20 minutes late but timed perfectly for me.

At 6:05 p.m., after no action since the 11 a.m. take, I thought it best to change the hook baits, sharpen the hooks, and switch to a new fused leader I’m testing. Hopefully, this will bring a bite before I turn in for the night. If not, there’s always the early morning bite.

The evening was spent drinking coffee and chatting about future plans.

At 2:11 a.m., the right-hand rod was away. Because of the moon, I thought it was 5 a.m.! The carp didn’t put up much of a fight, just tried to go right into the trees, but I wasn’t letting that happen. Under the rod tip, it charged around, but eventually, I netted it.

12lb Common.

That’s fine, as I’ve avoided smaller carp so far. The rod was soon back out, and I was back in my sleeping bag.

At 7 a.m., I was up having my first brew of the day. Conditions had completely changed—no sunshine, just cloudy skies. The strong wind was still blowing, and I felt there was a good chance for a bite or two before packing up around 9:30 a.m. to head home and prepare for a weekend in Dublin, where I’ll have a few more Guinness.

I’m not sure if I’ll make it down to the lake next week, as there’s a lot of family stuff happening that I need to attend to. We’ll see how things go, and if the weather’s perfect, I might make it happen.

At 8:28 a.m., most of my gear was packed up on the barrow, except for the bivvy, which was still air-drying. Then the right-hand rod was away. After so many carp kiting to the right, I had fine-tuned my process, and this one followed the same pattern. I gently guided it away from the branches and played it out under the rod tip before netting it.

24lb 3oz Common.

Superb! Probably the last take of the trip and the biggest carp. I’m really happy with that.

I put the rod back out, as I still had an hour left before packing up. I’d seen a few carp topping in the area, so fingers crossed for one more, though I didn’t want to be too greedy.

That turned out to be the last fish of the trip, as I had to get home before the rain arrived and get everything sorted.

Until next time!

Richard.

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