The Plan

I didn’t think I would be out this week unless I fancied pitching up late Friday afternoon. Rushing things isn’t my style these days. But luck was on my side! The plans I had for Friday fell through, which meant I could finally have some overdue social time with my friend Ian. The fishing would just be a bonus!

Morning Adventure

I woke up at 05:15, the excitement bubbling inside me as I packed the car. I was determined to arrive at the lake just as dawn broke. Ian and I had chatted the day before about the best spots to fish, making a list of our top three choices. I had a good feeling it wouldn’t come to that.

As I pulled into the main car park, I noticed one other car. Perfect! I grabbed my bivvy and headed down the path. Our first choice was free! I quickly set up the bivvy, knowing heavy rain showers were forecast for the day. I returned to the car, loaded up the barrow, and set off again, ready to fish right next to where I had been on my last trip.

Setting Up

I carefully wrapped out my rod to the same distance that had landed me all those twenty-pounders last week. The anticipation was palpable as I flicked my line into the water. With everything set, I waited for Ian’s arrival, hoping to spread our rods out for the best chances.

At around 10:30, Ian arrived, just in time to set up his bivvy before the rain began. The sky opened up, and we braced ourselves for a wet day. My bivvy developed a leak along one seam, but I was determined to make the best of it.

The First Catch

The rain poured down, but as the hours passed, something miraculous happened. At 17:49, my left-hand rod burst into action, the fish darting away as if trying to escape! I expertly guided it back, only for it to make a hard right towards some overhanging branches.

I dashed down the bank to play and net the carp there.

“21lb 9oz Common!” I cheered, snapping a few photos.

Just as I reeled in my other rod, I spotted movement. Ian was running, his remote alarm blaring. I rushed over to help him net a beautiful 22-pounder. What a fantastic start to our weekend together!

The Night Time Thrills

The night was alive with possibilities. At 04:01, my right-hand rod took off again! This time, I had gone out a bit long in hopes of landing something bigger. After a smooth battle, I netted another carp—19lb 4oz.

By 05:12, I was drifting back to sleep when that same rod went off again. This time, I had a struggle on my hands, but eventually, I brought in a stunning 22lb 13oz common.

As the sun began to rise, I was pleased with my haul and looking forward to more action.

New Day, New Opportunities

At 07:04, my left-hand rod went off again, and this time, I landed a 21lb 14oz common. I felt the thrill of fishing in my veins as I enjoyed the calm after the rain.

The day continued, and I chatted with other anglers, sharing stories and tips. I was hopeful for more catches. At 14:01, my left rod pulled away, and after a short battle, I netted a lovely 10lb common.

Evening Reflections

As night fell, the lake transformed under the stars. At 23:17, my right-hand rod signalled a bite. I stumbled out of my bivvy, half asleep, but managed to net a 20lb 8oz common. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was!

Morning came with a mist hovering over the lake. It was beautiful and peaceful, but no bites came until later. I decided it was time to refresh my bait.

Final Whispers

At 12:27, my left-hand rod was off again. This time, it was a 17lb 2oz common. The action kept me on my toes. By 17:31 I was reeling in another common—14lb 2oz.

But the real thrill came at 23:11 when my right rod pulled hard. I was shocked to find a stunning 23lb 4oz common! It was a beautiful fight, and I felt a sense of joy wash over me.

The Bond of Friendship

As the weekend wrapped up, I realized that fishing wasn’t just about the catches. It was about the laughter, the shared stories, and the tranquillity of the lake.

With the sun setting and the sky turning a brilliant orange, Ian and I shared a bottle of wine, celebrating our time together and the memories we’d created.

In the end, the fish were merely the icing on the cake—what mattered most was the friendship and the joy of being together by the water.

And so, as the stars twinkled above, we knew we’d be back again, ready for more adventures by the lake.

Until next time

Richard

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