Meadow Lake Session

Tuesday–Friday, Early November

The weather’s been playing havoc with my gardening jobs this week. Monday was a complete washout — I got rained on everywhere I went. Tuesday turned out better though, and as I’d managed to move a job forward, I suddenly had a free afternoon. Perfect timing, because the forecast showed a good blow coming in from the south — rain from noon onwards. These carp love a proper wind pushing down the lake, and it looked ideal for the next few days.

I’d already spent Saturday morning going through my Fish Deeper app on the computer, marking out a handful of potential winter spots. I wanted to familiarise myself with the lake again and explore a few new areas, so I’d dropped several pins on the map as possible targets.

When I arrived, there were only two swims available from the shortlist I’d picked out — one near the top of my list and one right at the bottom. Luckily, the better option was free, so I slipped straight in. First thing I always do is boot up the weather forecast again to get the most up-to-date information. As luck would have it, the rain had been pushed back by a few hours — which turned into about six — giving me plenty of dry time to set up properly and get everything sorted before the heavens opened.

I’m a firm believer in sticking with what I have confidence in, so I planned to continue with the same approach that worked so well on Airfield Lake — only tweaking things if needed. It’s a formula I trust. The only downside here is the number of Bream, which can be a nuisance, but my goal is to stick with it through November and reassess in early December.

Both rods were going out on the same spot this session — something I’ve been experimenting with recently as part of my winter tactics. I also wanted a slightly wider baited area than normal, encouraging the carp to move between mouthfuls and burn some energy before feeding again.

At 06:05 the left-hand rod went off — unfortunately, just a bream. Hopefully, the only one for the day.
A fresh bag went back out, and just as I was about to do the other rod, the rain finally arrived.

By 11:30 I reeled in and headed up the road to pick up a few new bags of Jurassic Particles. After a quick chat with a couple of lads back at the lake, I was soon back in the swim and topping up the baited area slowly. Around 3 p.m., I started hearing carp crashing to my right — couldn’t pinpoint exactly where, but they weren’t far away.

The afternoon and evening were full of promise. Carp were showing regularly around the corner, and with that warm southerly wind, I was confident they’d drift onto my baited area sooner or later.

Thursday Morning – 08:00 hrs

I woke after an amazing night’s sleep, genuinely surprised not to have had a pickup. The conditions had been spot-on. After some thought, I decided to stay a third night — they had to feed soon. Everything would remain exactly as it was: no new bait, rods left out for another 24 hours. It’s a method that’s served me well over the past 30-odd years.

Going into the last night, I was full of confidence. The carp were edging ever closer to my baited zone. The full moon was hidden behind clouds — perfect. I’ve always felt that clear skies and a full moon put the carp off feeding. Controversial, maybe, but in my experience, I never seem to catch under a bright full moon.

Thursday Night – 20:22 hrs

I’d been warned the carp here don’t always give great indications — more like a bream bite. The left-hand bobbin gave a couple of tiny bleeps. I was straight out of the bivvy. A couple more bleeps followed, so I hit it — instantly connected to a carp! It kited right, so I dropped the rod tip and kept steady pressure to steer it clear of the other line and the overhanging branches.

Under the rod tip, I flicked my head torch on low and was shocked by how clear the water was — a real change from Airfield Lake’s murk. Then, out of the gloom, a big common rolled over. Moments later, it slid into the net. Photos done, and away it went.

32lb 7oz Common

A superb result for my first session back on Meadow Lake — and a November carp to boot. Couldn’t ask for more.

A fresh bag went back out straight away. Fingers crossed it wasn’t just a one-off fish.

Friday Morning – 05:30 hrs

I was up early, listening for signs of carp. It was strangely quiet until around 06:15 when one crashed right in the baited zone. I hoped something might happen before pack-up at 10:00, but it wasn’t to be.
Time to sort the punctured barrow wheel at the tyre shop before heading anywhere near the club lake again.

Nothing else came of the morning, but I’m more than happy with the result — and full of ideas to build on next week.

Until next time,
Richard

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