Well here we are at the back end of December, Christmas is out of the way for another year and hopefully the next one will be alot more enjoyable than the one just gone and that isn't me being a scrooge, I will just be glad to see the back of this year!
I always see this as a time of reflection as well as looking forward to the year ahead.
This time last year I was chasing the "The Big Linear" and after a baiting campaign lasting the entire winter on two spots, I caught my target off one of them back in March.
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| My Target Fish "The Big linear" |
I've gone on since then to bank some cracking fish but can't help feeling disappointed in my angling for the second part of the year. If I'm honest I believe I got stuck in the same old routine and didn't ring the changes when they were needed and I know this has cost me fish.
I'm pleased that I took the opportunity to hone a few of my skills that needed improvement, particularly floater fishing and after picking "Brownies" brain I soon added another weapon to my armoury which was proven when I landed "Snubnose" off the top from Island.
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| "Snubnose" off the Top |
As I sit here writing this I'm feeling exactly the same as every other seasoned Carper in the Country, the lakes have been frozen for what seems like an eternity and I am literally chomping at the bit to get on the bank and back behind the rods, I love my winter carping.......and most of the time I get the bank all to myself, peace and solitude.....perfect!
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| Not another Carp Angler in Sight, although the lake froze overnight! |
So my plans for next year? Although I can't say too much at this point as there are a few things in the pipeline, I am definitely going to try and outwit Herons largest resident "Rudder" as well as "Single Scale" from Island........I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that may just do the deed.
With regards to the "Beds Pit" I am thinking of calling it a day on there, if I am honest I think I am taking on a bit too much hoping to outwit one of it's unknown inhabitants as well as targeting the syndicate.
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| Returning my old friend "Dumpy" |
A water like the "Beds Pit" needs 100% commitment and I just don't have the time currently. I am sad to leave it before I have even begun but I'll keep an eye on it and who knows what will happen in the future......
It's been terrible year for Carp Deaths, many of the country's most prized fish have gone to the great pond in the sky and although it hurts me to say it I can see a few more going early next year, this hard winter will certainly take its toll that's for sure.
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| One of the Greats gone to the Great Pond in the Sky |
All in all I don't think its been a bad year in terms of my angling but I do think that I could have done alot better. Next year I intend on being alot more open minded about my tactics and making the changes as and when required and being alot more mobile, something that I was good at in the spring but as the season wore on I got lazy again but that is something that I shall remedy for good going forward.
At the moment, the thaw has begun, we have had heavy rain overnight and the current temperature is 6c and it's not forecast to drop below 2c for the next week, so maybe, just maybe........
Have a great new year and until next time,
Smithy
