So last time I updated you guys If my memory serves me right I had put in a number of evening sessions on a local estate lake and managed to get a secluded corner bay area really going. In 3 sessions I managed to winkle out 4 fish but putting in a further couple of sessions after it seems that the fish have done the off out of the area due to angling pressure and others not going about their business as quietly and inconspicuous as myself. Considering the bay area is only 2-2.5ft deep and very intimate the fish are not used to being caught in the area so are very cautious. Anglers fishing tight lines and using Spombs are definitely a no go but yep they went and done it so that had put an end to that spot.

Thinking if we managed to get this area going we should be able to replicate this elsewhere in certain areas of the lake so after a couple of laps, watercraft and a good knowledge of the lake we decided on another bay area that could only be fished from one platform. Riddled with Snags, Overhangs and reed-lines this was pretty much a carp haven but also allowed access to open water and an island. This was to be seeing the odd sprinkle of bait over the next couple of weeks. Intending to fish it as soon as possible it was stitched up for the next couple of visits by other anglers which just about seemed to be my luck of late with not seeing anyone on the bank for weeks. Not letting this deter me I bided my time until I drew lucky and arrive to an empty 6 acres.

I gave it a day and decided to drop in again after work one evening and the lake was even busier than I’ve ever seen it. Whilst doing a lap I could tell that any spots that I would take as 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd or even 4^th choice were all taken. I decided to walk round to the pre-baited swim to find someone had dropped in there and whilst having a chat for 20 mins or so a fish boshed out a little further up the bank and that made my mind up for this short session. Cutting convo short I headed round and put a rig right on the spot. Also whilst sat there quietly another mirror pretty much cruised in straight through the margin in which I decided to lower a rig in with a light scattering of corn. An hour or so passed when I received a take on the first rod when I lifted into what felt like a fish when I was left really in the good part of a branch from the trees above. So I got done a good-un! But you win some you lose some and that one I definitely lost! The evening drew to a close and my only opportunity had got away this time.

Not feeling defeated I was back the following day heading straight to the newly primed area and this time it was free. I knew exactly where the rods were being dispatched and took no time in getting them out with a top up of squashed freebies. Conditions couldn’t have been any more perfect with a slight warm breeze pushing into the reeds from right to left which I imagined would tease a few fish through the snaggy margin to my right and ending up at the reed lined margin to the left.

An hour or so passed and there were a few shows in front of me which for this lake are very rare. I was confident I was on fish and they were in the area. Sitting back against the posts of the platform an hour or so passed and I was into my first fish from the right rod on the tip of a fallen tree. Straight away it was obvious that it was only going to do one thing and try and get under it. As I was trying my best to drag it out the other rod ripped off and I was left playing two fish at once. Whilst extracting the first from under the tree I was winding down into the other trying to play both simultaneously. Once the second fish was in open water I concentrated on slipping the net under the first as he was not a happy chappy! Finally securing 1 out of 2 fish it was time to try and concentrate my efforts on landing the second. With the mirror sulking in the net I knew I had to swoop this energetic little common in one go rather than have any more complications of only having one net. In it went and what a result. Two fish from two separate spots at pretty much the same time in the swim I had been baiting steadily with a trickle of bait over a couple of weeks.

In the sling they pushed 32lb4oz and what a result for a few hours in the right location. Over the coming weeks I’m going to keep trickling the bait in this area and fish it as much as possible until I think they may have moved off elsewhere.

In the meantime I have 6 days on Linear coming up to celebrate my 30^Th Birthday and also 3 days raising money for Motor Neurone Disease Association at the Fish With The Stars event. I look forward to putting together a video blog for you guys and hope I can share this with you in the very near future. Until then.. WET NETS.. Martyn