My original plan was to spend a few nights up in Suffolk with my oldest friend, Rob, but unfortunately, things didn’t quite line up. Instead, I found myself with four nights on Airfield Lake. The conditions weren’t looking great, with heavy rain forecast — though apparently, we still need it. As far as I know, there’s still a hosepipe ban in place.

I’d been up in Rutland last week, visiting family, staying in one of the lodges at the Rutland Hotel — absolutely fabulous spot. The water levels there were low, but not quite as bad as I expected.

Regardless of the weather, I decided to get set up today. Getting the rods out early gives me an extra chance of nicking a carp or two.

I had a couple of swims in mind, but in truth, when I arrived, it was easiest to set up near the car park. As luck would have it, that spot turned out to be one of my planned options — the double gravel swim I fished last time. The other option was the swim I’d used previously when the wind was pushing hard onto that bank.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about fishing on the back of the wind. With a strong south-westerly due to blow through all week, the double gravel swim felt like the better choice. The low pressure, however, had me slightly concerned — I’m convinced it’s been putting the carp off feeding. Oddly enough, the so-called perfect carp-catching conditions don’t always seem to be the best ones.

15:52 hrs — Out of the blue, the right-hand buzzer burst into life. The carp tore off to the left, and I had to keep it away from the snags along the margins. It quickly became clear I’d need to get back into the swim and sink the tip to avoid any issues. After a tense few minutes, I had it under control and spent the next ten minutes in the rain, waiting for the fish to tire. These carp don’t give up easily — those large tails keep them powering on. Eventually, I slipped the net under it.

21lb 11oz Common

The perfect start to what I hoped would turn into a cracking session.

05:07 hrs — I was already awake when the rod went off. It’s rutting season in the nearby forest, and the noise they make all night long is unreal — I wish they’d stick to daylight hours! I was deep into the fight and close to netting the fish when the other rod screamed off. I had to apply a little more pressure than usual to get the first one in the net, but I managed it safely and secured the net on the stand.

16lb 9oz Common

05:19 hrs — I picked up the second rod; the carp was heading left toward the snags. I moved down to the right-hand side of the swim to guide it away, and soon it was in the net too.

12lb Common

By the time I was sorted and back in the bivvy, the heavy rain had returned. Maybe that’s why I was awake in the first place. It was perfect timing to call the wife — she was off to Ireland for a few days — and I was hoping to catch up on the USA Grand Prix later, though I can’t watch it live from the lake. No social media for me until I’ve seen it.

Come on, Max — even if it finished 12 hours ago!

08:29 hrs — The left-hand rod was away. As the carp belted out into open water, the other rod screamed off too. With the first fish fighting hard, I focused on landing it, hoping the second would stay on. After some effort, I safely netted the first, ran back, and picked up the other rod — it was still on! Unfortunately, halfway in, the hook pulled. It must’ve found something out there while I was busy.

23lb 9oz Common

That’ll do nicely — and I even avoided the rain.

14:05 hrs — I was halfway through catching up on some much-needed sleep when a drop-back woke me. Nothing at that time, but the next take was definitely a carp. Another powerhouse with a big tail that just wouldn’t come off the bottom.

16lb 12oz Common

Lovely fish — those tails really do give them that extra punch.

15:06 hrs — The right-hand rod was away again, the carp kiting hard left. I moved up the bank trying to turn it, but it wasn’t having any of it, heading straight for the snags. It went under or over my other lines — chaos — but I stayed focused on keeping it out of trouble. After a tense battle right under the branches, it finally turned and came up.

21lb 3oz Common

Another chunky one, all tail and power.

After sorting everything out, I made up a few fresh PVA bags. Around 17:00 hrs, after a few phone calls, the sun finally made an appearance — just long enough to start drying things before the next downpour arrived.

21:42 hrs — The right-hand rod screamed off again. I was deep in a dream and woke up completely confused. This carp fought almost identically to the last one, and although it felt huge, I think that’s down to the half-tail — it’s not one I’ll name, but I’ll definitely remember it!

20lb 6oz Common

Both rods were reset with fresh bags.

00:51 hrs — The same rod again. I was sure I’d dropped the big one earlier, as I’d had to tighten the line quite a bit, but once these carp move into the area, they keep mooching around in the silt for food.

23lb 12oz Common

Another solid fish — time for a fresh bag and some much-needed sleep.

08:43 hrs — Woke to a calm, glassy lake and patchy clouds. It looked like I might finally get a chance to dry everything out — the rod and bivvy bags were still soaked after setup. I decided to rebait around 10:30 hrs, as it had been a while since the last bite.

09:21 hrs — Midway through my first coffee, the buzzer screamed again. A powerful fish that almost gained the upper hand, heading straight for the snags on my right. I held firm and eventually turned it. After a few more lunges, it slipped over the cord.

22lb 13oz Common

These fish fight like demons — once they’re over 25lb, they seem calmer, but these twenties are relentless.

At 10:30 hrs, I baited up as planned — the best window on this lake, I reckon. The rest of the day was a mix of drying gear between showers.

15:17 hrs — As the drizzle returned, the rod was away again. Then the heavens opened. Despite the soaking, I wasn’t complaining — another solid twenty graced the net.

20lb 13oz Common

Once everything was sorted, I freshened up the other rod and finally got some sunshine around

15:57 hrs. Hoping for another fruitful night’s fishing, I started thinking about my next move. With another windy, wet front due Wednesday night, I wasn’t sure the extra night would be worth it. I’d review the forecast in the morning before making a decision.

I got my head down early but was woken again by the deer — they’re unbelievably loud during rutting season.

After checking the latest weather, I decided I’d probably head home tomorrow. I don’t fancy sitting through another 12 hours of rain, and the chances of more carp in those conditions are slim. I’ll confirm in the morning after the forecasts update.

I woke to a misty morning. By 09:00 hrs, the sun broke through, lighting up the far-bank trees and drying the bivvy fast. I was pretty sure that was my cue to wrap up — a heavy band of rain was due overnight, and the carp here don’t seem to like it. I reckon the shallow water and noise of the rain just put them off.

It’s been an enjoyable three nights out here on my own, surrounded by wildlife. This place really is special.

Until next time.

Richard

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