I’ve had a hard few days with ‘the old black dog’ and really had to dig deep to get here today. I knew it would be worth it. I did rush and came with no agenda, along with the thought I could always go home. I came straight to the Airfield Lake, not wishing to put any doubts in my mind as to where I wanted to fish – being the Airfield Lake.
I got to the lake around 9 a.m., headed through the gate, turned right to have a look at that side first, parked in Badger Island car park and set off onto the island.
I looked in the first and third swims, there was a lot of weed about it, and it just wouldn’t be right for me this week. I got back in the car and headed off to the tower car park to have a look there in that area of the lake. I was mindful that Ian was due down and it would be very nice to have a social.
It was starting to feel like double gravel would be my best option, and I’d finally seen some carp topping, and they were a good size as well.
I wasn’t in a rush, had a good chat with a fellow syndicate member, and played around in the lake behind me after bubblers. Which didn’t work, but I will be back with a different tactic and lighter leads.
Despite knowing the lake as I do, it’s always worth checking your swim out, as things can change since you last fished it.
Once this was all sorted, then it was time to get spombing.
I’d recently purchased an Avid Bait Station, I’d been after something like this for years. The Fox one is okay, but it does wobble when using long bank sticks.
I shall give you the low down in a couple of months’ time, once I’ve fully tested it.
It was nice to finally get the rods on the spots and all set for the night. As the afternoon drifted by, I had the pleasure of the Lancaster Bomber flying over the lake, it’s quite thought-provoking as this was an old Airfield in WW2. My luck must have been in as a Spitfire and Hurricane came over about 2 hours later.
It’s very moving seeing these planes flying overhead and even more so sitting on the Airfield Lake.
Let’s home something that happens tonight.
With a few lines just on dusk, it was looking good for a bite or two before midnight with any luck.
That wasn’t to be. A very misty morning arrived – very close to being foggy at one point and I didn’t rush to get up until gone 8 am as I couldn’t really see the lake. I’d be up and about in the night a lot listening out for carp and was hoping to spot the green comet, but that didn’t happen either.
Stunning place this time of the morning.
I’ve looked at the weather forecasts, and it’s changed on me, with more of a pressure rise and loads of sunshine, not ideal at all.
Early next week looks like awesome conditions. I will be moving my gardening jobs around this week, so I’ve no choice but to get them all done next week before I head back out again. Let’s hope that the weather moves a few days to the end of next week.
I now need to work out what to do – change tactics, move swim, or hold it out. Looking at the weather, I doubt I will stay Saturday night unless I fancy a very wet pack-up. Which after a possible 3-night blank doesn’t float my boat. Plus, I’m finding a couple of nights at home in my own bed is something I need more these days.
I had a look in the lake behind me but found no bubbles or any signs of carp in there this morning, and I’m not really sure what I feel is the best answer to my earlier question about a possible change in swim or tactics.
Yesterday took an unexpected turn for a couple of reasons, and it wasn’t for the reasons you might expect. A fellow angler who was fishing by the bottom lake and owed me a couple of beers paid a visit around 10:30 AM. We ended up chatting for an hour, and I decided to make a quick trip to the local shop. I picked up a few cans for both of us and returned to his fishing spot, intending for a brief catch-up. However, our conversation stretched on for four hours, delving into topics about life and fishing.
It wasn’t until 3:30 PM that I realized Ian, my friend, was probably already here. I rushed back to my spot, only to find him on his second trip with the barrow, struggling despite my promise to assist him. Ian, a 70-year-old angler, could have used my help, but I was too late for that. Moreover, I needed to grab some food for myself and set up my rods and bait to get started.
After quickly preparing a snack, I had a conversation with Ian about his choice of fishing spot and whether he had spotted any carp. Unfortunately, there were no signs of carp activity except for the ones that always seem to hang out in the sanctuary area.
The Weber grill was fired up, and I was savoring my current favorite dish, macaroni and cheese, while Ian opted for a hearty cottage pie. We enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine, and before we knew it, it was already 8 PM. The day seemed to have slipped away, and I had initially planned to work on the first part of my video and contemplate a change in my fishing tactics, but that plan clearly didn’t materialize.
The next morning greeted me with yet another foggy start, and throughout the night, there had been an eerie stillness, not a single sound to be heard. I had woken up several times, and the silence was only broken by the distant braying of a donkey during the early hours of the morning.
Sitting outside, sipping on my first brew of the day around 9 AM, the left-hand rod sprung into life. Swiftly, I grabbed the rod and engaged in a fierce battle with an energetic carp. This fish seemed determined to dart left, heading straight for the snags along that bank, a challenge I was all too familiar with from previous captures.
With a steady hand, I began applying pressure, coaxing the carp to change its course. It responded by veering to the right, and I cautiously walked back toward my swim, all the while keeping a watchful eye on its movements. The carp was clearly unhappy, vigorously shaking its head, and then it broke the surface, creating a turbulent spectacle.
With patience, I gently guided it closer, hoping to secure the catch. But in a flash, the hook unexpectedly disengaged. As I’ve recounted in the past, such moments are not uncommon in this spot. I couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated for a couple of minutes after losing the fish, but soon, I settled back into enjoying the morning sun by the water.
I was soon up and about, craving that first pot of coffee, and it didn’t take long before we fired up the Weber for a late breakfast slash early lunch. Camembert cheese, salami, breadsticks, and a small glass of red wine seemed like the perfect combination.
As the clock ticked past noon, the heat continued to rise, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened. The sight of a calm, still lake with not even a whisper of wind didn’t exactly fill me with enthusiasm.
I knew I needed a plan, so I strolled up to the car to fetch some 20mm Classic Corn Boilies, unsure of my next move. I took a walk down to the far end of the lake and peered into the middle lake, but it seemed devoid of any signs of life. Not a promising sign. The open area was sweltering, but my swim was slowly becoming shaded. I sat in my chair, pondering my options.
It became clear that I should stick with the spot that had yielded the morning’s take. While it wasn’t a guaranteed hotspot, it had produced some impressive carp, and after the morning’s action, I couldn’t simply ignore it. However, I had a nagging feeling that I needed to make some adjustments. The right-hand rod had been giving off sporadic bleeps throughout the early evening and late morning, and it wasn’t due to weed, wind, or something on the liners.
I decided to bring out the marker rod and began searching for any unnoticed features closer to my bank. There had to be something I’d missed before, something that explained the persistent liners. And then, I struck gold—a patch of gravel that, if I were just a couple of feet off, simply vanished. It lined up perfectly with the horizon marker I’d used previously. This had to be the ideal spot.
I lifted the float and was surprised at how far out it was compared to the typical margin drop-off. This was undoubtedly the perfect feature, one that I might have overlooked in the past.
I utilized the Deeper app for my search, and it seems I’ve pinpointed the location. If the opportunity arises tomorrow, I plan to mark the spot and conduct a more thorough investigation.
My confidence has significantly increased. Although the long-range rod’s baiting wasn’t ideal, the close rod baiting was flawless. Ian was organizing both his rods, and by 4 pm, I found myself comfortably sheltered from the sun, thanks to the shade, and the gentle southwest breeze made the experience even more enjoyable.
I was writing away doing this blog when I heard a buzzer sounding in Ian’s swim direction, and I could see the line going out into the water, I grabbed my phone and quickly headed around to his swim.
Only for him to experience the same as me this morning, a mocks hook pull—those unpredictable surprises we cherish in this sport.
However, it truly rekindled my excitement. I have a profound passion for carp fishing, and witnessing others share in this success amplifies the joy within me. I have never felt any resentment towards others for catching fish; after all, we’re all united by the same goal.
By now, it was mostly certainly time to get tea on the go and have a glass.
Eating by the water is something I love to do, regardless of if I’m fishing, we sat here watching an Osprey last night, and I was hoping it would be about again with any luck before it moved on its migration.
Let’s hope tonight brings more success to use both.
The tranquility of last night was a far cry from what I had anticipated, quite unusual for this lake and time of year. It’s become evident that I need to put more thought into this trip and future ones, considering the best approach to tackle this particular lake moving forward.
While my initial inclination was to stay for a fourth night, the weather isn’t in my favor, and it’s imperative that I reevaluate my strategy for next week. Despite my reluctance to leave, four nights of blanking isn’t ideal, especially considering how unusual it is for this location. I must maintain my focus here rather than yearning to return to Meadow Lake just yet.
After much contemplation, around 11:30, I made the decision to head home for several reasons, which I’ll discuss in detail on my vlog. Sometimes, it’s essential to recognize when things aren’t aligning as they should. If I had endured a fourth night without a catch and hurriedly packed up before an impending storm, it would have served me no good. I need to regain my composure and approach things with a fresh perspective next week, particularly with gardening plans on the horizon and favorable weather expected towards the end of the week.
Just the rod’s to go and two trips to the car and I’m all done.
Until next time
Richard
video
UK Carp & Coarse Fishing 