I arrived down the lake just before noon, I really had no idea of where to go this week. I fancied a change of view. The wind was going to be doing more or less the same as last week, southwest to northwest and back again. The pressure was dropping over the coming days and there is a chance of rain, which I don’t think will actually happen, it’s also supposed to be a lot more cloudy than in previous weeks.
I turned into the entrance and headed right for a change. I looked at a couple of swims and then headed off around the other side of the lake. I was a bit confused about where to pitch up. I did have an idea, I had seen more fish show over that side and thought I better take a look. Sure enough, there were a few carp about. I didn’t fancy where I had been for the last few weeks but did quite like the swim Ian was in last week, but the Tower Swim took my fancy the most.
I got the Deeper sonar out, as I had been told about a weed bed, but it turned out it was pretty much everywhere. I put a gripper lead on and found a couple of nice thick beds of weed and baited around them with a good load of Impact Particles and 12mm Catalyst boilies.
Then slowly set up the bivvy, I always think about what I’m likely to be looking at, can I see my rods and watch the water.
Once that was all done, I made up a load of fresh PVA bags and flicked a couple out onto my baited area. I sat down in my chair to cool down and have a glass of elderflower cordial with tonic water.
I didn’t get my tea ready until gone 5pm, even though I was pretty hungry.
Morrison’s Lasagne and salad, washed down with a glass, is very pleasurable sitting by the side of the lake.
Unfortunately, last night didn’t go to plan. I had a few lines and that was it. Conditions were perfect, and the carp were about, but just not picking my bait up.
We had rain in the night, and now the wind is pushing hard onto this bank, with cloudy conditions forecast for most of the day.
It’s looking very favorable for a couple of bites over the course of today. The carp are very active, and I’ve just had a heavy liner on my right-hand rod.
The afternoon was looking perfect and a good chance of a carp. Now I’m hoping that the evening brings me a result, but the first night can often bring a blank on here when the second, or third night will bring success. The clouds have broken up and the sun is out and there’s a good chance of a sunset – if I stay awake that long, food is on the go, not much change as the same as last night.
I was absolutely dumbfounded this morning after a second nights blank and very nearly headed home. If it wasn’t for me bringing my laptop along to save time editing videos, plus the changes in the weather conditions, would probably go for it. The video editing went well and I even put the links into my blog which I do at home. It’s all about saving time and spending more time with the family these days, trying to get that balance right.
I’ve completely changed my tactics today by dropping the baits into my right and left margins. I’ve used my distance sticks to stop any disasters from happening. They are both locked up more than normal, but with a bit of give. I’ve also changed the leads to 4oz, and I’m fishing slack lines, plus upgraded my rigs.
Something will venture along these margins in the next 24 hours and save my blank. I’ve kept myself tucked away in the bivvy, as I don’t wish to spook anything, there are carp rolling the other side of the snaggy tree. There’s absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t catch.
Another lovely tea was had on the Weber. The conditions were getting better by the hour, even the odd carp showing nearby, giving me some hope that I may well catch something tonight and not blank.
It’s a very grey and miserable morning, and I’ve yet to catch a carp. The conditions just couldn’t be better. I decided to put fresh baits on both rods and recast them out in open water, near the large rocky plateau. I just can’t buy a bite from the margins or even 30 to 40 yards out over a baited spot. I simply had to try something different in these last hours. It’s just gone 5 am and this gives me a good 4 hours to save a blank. I’m extremely surprised at the lack of carp this trip and can only put it down to a couple of things. Firstly, the weather change, it’s been so hot for so long and the sudden change has affected them, secondly, poor choice of swim and lastly, weed growth has changed their feed pattern. I can certainly say it’s very soul-destroying after things have been going so well. The perfect conditions. I was hoping for something better.
But that’s fishing for you. If it was that easy and you wouldn’t have to think about things every time. I’d soon get bored, it just comes as a shock sometimes, when you expect it to go so well.
It wasn’t to be, despite my best efforts.
Until next time
Richard
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UK Carp & Coarse Fishing 