I’ve finally managed to get back out on the bank. It’s been one of those months — doctors, dentist appointments, car in the garage — and not just for me, but various family members as well. I daren’t even tot up what it’s all cost.

The wife is away for work this week, I’ve got a small window for a few day sessions. They might not be marathon efforts, but I’m quietly optimistic. Contrary to popular belief, I actually enjoy short sessions, especially at this time of year. The lakes are peaceful, there’s far less pressure, and you can move between swims without feeling like you’re invading someone’s space. It suits the way I like to fish — mobile, observant, and ready to react.

I arrived at the club lake around 07:30 and spent a good while just watching. One carp showed — a single roll — but that was enough for me. By 09:00, all three rods were fishing.

My approach was going to be two rods, which would be Castaway-PVA small mesh bags paired with Orange Blank Saver hookbaits from Nutrabaits. The third rod was a solid bag approach with a 12mm pink pepper pop-up — a little visual edge, something slightly different, with a pouchful of Jurassic Particles hemp / Buckwheat.

The weather was noticeably better than in previous weeks — brighter, more settled — but the wind still carried a sharp chill. Unfortunately, I found myself in a swim that was taking the brunt of it. Not ideal comfort-wise, but it was where I’d seen that carp show.

Two other anglers were set up near areas I’d also fancied. Setting up too tightly packed would have been counterproductive, so I kept my distance. My thinking was that by lunchtime, they might move on, potentially opening up water for a late adjustment if I spotted anything.

At 11:01 hrs, after noticing a carp roll much closer in along the bank, I decided to reposition the middle rod — tightening the area between the left-hand rod and a set of reeds. I was literally about to make the cast when the rod in my hand gave a couple of sharp bleeps, and the tip pulled round steadily.

I quickly rested the repositioning rod, lifted into the take, and felt solid resistance. The fish stayed low, kiting slightly in the crosswind, but steady pressure did the job. After a tense few minutes, a lovely mirror slid over the cord.

21lb 13oz.

Happy days.

I genuinely couldn’t believe my luck. I’d been seconds away from recasting — that bite could so easily have been missed. It’s those fine margins that make you realise how quickly things can change.

With two rods now positioned exactly where I wanted them — tight to the feature and in the clearer area between — confidence was high. I felt there was every chance of another opportunity if something ventured out from the reeds.

However, as the afternoon wore on, the weather began to turn. The wind strengthened, and the temperature seemed to drop rapidly. My feet and hands were starting to feel it. I was aiming to push through until 15:00 hrs — historically, around 14:30 has been a productive bite window for me on this lake — but the rain band moving in looked unavoidable.

With only a small day brolly and strong gusts pushing across the water, I knew putting it up would likely result in it ending up in the next field. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valour.

By 15:00 hrs, the conditions had finally got the better of me, and I packed up.

Driving home, I felt more than satisfied. One well-earned mirror from a short session, fished mobile and reactive — exactly how I enjoy it. More importantly, I left confident that I’m on the right lines and very much in with a chance next time.

Until next time,
Richard

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