Chasing Myths

Park Life – Over before it’s Began….

2012-01-28T21:38:00.000Z

After some news of a new permanent contract at work on Thursday I was keen to celebrate, so I arranged for my long suffering carp angling companion Pete to come over on Friday evening and enjoy the finest eastern delights from the local Indian takeaway with me and my wife.

Friday evening soon arrived as did Pete and whilst making him a brew in the kitchen he noticed my hook sharpening equipment on the side and said “Off to the Park are we?” I just simply replied “Yes mate first thing in the Morning”, now I can’t remember his exact words but it went something like this “I’m not being funny mate and please don’t take it the wrong way but you’re a fu%$ing nutter, you have started a campaign on an 80 acre days only pit with 30 fish in it in January, you’re putting in all this effort and it may be for nothing if no one takes on the fishing rights in March”, this shocked me a bit and I didn’t really know what to say, in fact it did make sense but I went on the offensive and just replied with “I’ll be done by then mate, its only takes one bite!” he very simply replied “Yeah and I could pull Cheryl Cole on a night out but I don’t go every night hoping it will happen!” I could see his point, I certainly had chosen to make life difficult for myself, I love the Park and the challenge but the two factors that held me back were the days only rule and the fact that the lease will be over in March so I certainly wouldn’t be able to have them on my own terms, the days only was doing my head in! A few hours on a low stock 80 acre pit was just not enough and time was running out anyway and I hadn’t even seen a sign of a fish since I started at the beginning of January.

Our Indian soon arrived and we tucked into it laughing and joking about old times and being generally in good spirits, Pete left at about 11pm so I finished tying a few rigs and then retired to bed ready for my early start on the Park Lake still intent on going.

I awoke blurry eyed and wobbled down the stairs and put the kettle on, knocking back two very strong black coffees to bring me back to the land of the living, once I was in a fit state I jumped in the van and made the short journey to the park.

Once parked up I set about loading the barrow and began the barrow journey to the same swim I fished before which incidentally I had prebaited a few days earlier before work with a couple of KGs of Live System.

My plan of attack for this session….

Once in the swim it took me no time at all to get three rods rigged up and unlike last time I had brought my wellys so I could wade out past the tree canopy to make casting slightly easier.

One rod was fished on a chod and was whacked to the horizon, the other two were baited with 10mm Ngage XP hook baits and fished in a pva bag, both at 90 yards range.

Once the rods were sorted I put the kettle on and sat back to think, Pete’s words were playing heavily on my mind and I decided that he was right I wanted a challenge, a low stock pit but I wanted to fish it on my terms, no silly rules just me against the fish so I decided that until the future was more clear on the Park Lake, this was to be my last session for now on the water.

Broken, but not Beaten….

I then began to think “errrrmmmmm so where do I go now?!” I could just flit about a bit until I made my mind up or could go back to the Snag Pit to finish what I started last season. It was then I that I remembered that I had been invited down to meet the fishery manager of a new syndicate on a previously only lightly fished low stock Pit, which is meant to hold a few surprises I made the phone call there and then and arranged to meet on Sunday. Obviously nothing is set in stone yet with regards to the syndicate as it doesn’t start until later in the year but it was nice to have a plan so I could just mooch about until then if need be.

Anyway as the morning wore on the sun began to show itself and it was quite pleasant sat next to the Pit,that was until a mad Labrador came bombing into my swim knocking my coffee over and running straight into my rods! I said a few expletives’s and decided that I had made the right decision!

It was now mid-day, I hadn’t seen a thing to note other than a few rather attractive young ladies jogging up the track behind me!

I put the kettle on once again and went and stood by the rods praying for just a sign if anything although it would have been great to bag one so I could leave the pit with a spring in my step but unfortunately neither materialised and I was forced to pack up later in the afternoon and leaving with my tail firmly between my legs, I was leaving broken but certainly not beaten and once the future of the park is revealed I hope to return and continue the quest but the way I want to do it.

But for the immediate future my own angling is unclear but you can be sure whatever happens I will be out there hidden behind the rods somewhere Chasing Myths…..

Until next time,

Smithy

Park Life - Feeding the Obsession

2012-01-14T22:42:00.001Z

I began to question my sanity as I was scraping the ice off the inside of the van windscreen this morning, spraying ice all over the interior and in my face during the process!

I turned on the ignition and the dash lights lit up, I glanced at the thermometer - it read an outside temperature of -3c…I just said to myself “see Smithy, it isn’t that bad” and chuckled as I pulled off the drive, I was leaving slightly later than planned due to a dodgy curry the previous night!

Two minutes later I was pulling into the Park gates, there was already a few dog walkers mooching about the café, no doubt having a hot drink after a long walk through the heavily frosted Park.

I made my way up to the over flow car park, noting the sign that said “overflow gates close at 4pm” as once again I had forgotten my key so needed to be packed up and off my then.

Once I had parked the van I quickly set about loading the barrow then skipped up the path to the same area I fished last time.

The conditions couldn’t have been any worse, there was not a breath of wind, clear skies and sub-zero temperatures but it beats being sat at home in front of the TV.

Once I pushed the barrow down the incline into the swim I quickly set about getting the rods sorted, all three were fished on running chod’s baited with the ever faithful Northern Specials.

The ever faithful Northern Specials fished on running chod’s….

I had exactly the same problem as last time with regards to getting the rigs out there due to the canopy of trees a few feet above my head; I really must remember the chest waders next time!

But once again after a bit of bending in awkward positions and cursing I soon had 3 single hook baits at 60 yards range.

As usual I sat back and fired up the coleman and rolled a smoke, the park was getting busier now and over the next few hours whilst I sat with my eyes fixed to the water I lost count of the times that I heard passers-by behind say “oh look,there’s a fisherman, never seen one here before!” and “he must be mad”, one women looked quite annoyed that I was there. I think I heard her say something to her friend along the lines of “well what if I wanted to let my dog swim in there?, he can’t now” I just mumbled something like “go away” – well kind of!.

Is there anything better in the world?

The thing that I really do like about the Park lake though is the look on children’s faces when they see you, all camouflaged crouched behind 3 rods at first they look intrigued and just stare in amazement then run off back to their parents shouting about this ”strange man who’s fishing and he’s going to catch the biggest “. I really hope they leave the Park thinking about fishing and that this somehow influences them to take it up as after all these children really are the future of our sport.

Anyway back to the fishing, I hadn’t taken my eyes off the water all morning but hadn’t seen a thing although to be honest I really wasn’t expecting to given the conditions.

By now it was about mid-day, I was knelt down by the rods praying for something to stick its head out when I received a text from a friend called Chris, I hadn’t seen him since the summer when I was fishing down snag pit, he had celebrated his 30^th birthday the previous night so was feeling a bit rough but fancied a walk to clear his head so said he would pop down for a brew and a catch up.

About an hour later I heard a familiar voice shout “well I can’t see any wet slings!” Chris was here!

So I fired up the coleman and we chatted away about what had been going on in the last few months and excitedly about the new season, both of us full of expectation….well hope, I guess!

The next couple of hours flew by as when I checked my phone to see how long I had left I couldn’t believe that it was nearly 3:30pm!

Giving them some food!

I grabbed a bag of Live System out of the barrow bag and put a couple of kilos out using the throwing stick, I won’t be able to get down next weekend due to a Carp Show in Norwich so just wanted to put a bit of food out to keep the area ticking over, I will try and pop into the park on my way back from the show next weekend to top the area up with a few more kg and later again that week before fishing it the following weekend all being well.

For once I really didn’t want to get locked in, normally I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a sneaky night on a day’s only water but the wife was due back from her mums with the kids and I couldn’t wait to see them so once the barrow was all loaded up we jogged back to the vans just beating the 4pm lock up time, I quickly loaded up the van then we bid each other farewell and headed for home.

Once home, I unloaded the van and checked the post and was pleased to see a Carpology amongst a load of bills, that’s my night sorted then…although I really should make a start on the chapter I have been asked to right for an Ebook!

Until next time,

Smithy

Park Life - An Obsession is Born

2012-01-08T18:18:00.001Z

Well despite over sleeping by an hour following a hard first week back at work, I was pulling into the country park a mere 10 minutes after getting out of bed, it was great to be angling so locally!

On arrival, the gate to the over flow was locked and stupidly I had forgotten my key, so I loaded the barrow in the public car park and began the long barrow journey towards the top of the Pit. I was greeted by a strong South Westerly which was gathering in strength by the minute.

I stopped a couple of times to look in a few likely areas but in the end settled for a swim that gave me the command of a large expanse of water and also had the added bonus of being slightly hidden down an incline right by the water’s edge which was well out of the way of the busy park track, my idea being that I wouldn’t be bothered by every Tom, Dick & Harry asking the same old “are you fishing?” “Caught anything?” questions, oh how wrong I was!

I quickly set about getting the rods sorted, all three were fished on chods with my ever faithful Northern Specials but getting the rigs out there was slightly tricky due to the canopy of trees 6 ft above my head but with a bit of bending in an awkward way and a slight bit of cursing I soon had two rods out at about 60 yards range and one down the left about 20 yards out.

I settled back in my chair and put the coleman on for brew, within an hour I had all kinds of dogs bounding through the hedges into my swim, some bloody great things and others which to me looked more like rats – are they supposed to be fashionable or something?

Trying to hide from every Tom, Dick & Harry…

Just after 11am, an old friend called Jamie who I haven’t seen for over 12 years got in touch through Facebook and popped down to see me. It was great to have a catch up and a brew together and it transpired that since we last saw each other the Big Carp bug had really bitten him and whilst chatting he told me that he loved the Park Lake I was on and fancied a ticket, he’s hoping to join me for a short day session next weekend…..small world eh?!

After about an hour we bid each other farewell and he set off for a walk round the Park with his daughter, I fired up the coleman once again and sat back with a brew.

The old park lake was really pulling me in, something about it grabbed me - my mind was racing with thoughts about what it could hold and my excitement was building by the minute.

Whilst sat there trying to unravel the mysteries of the park I heard a scrambling of debris behind me, I turned around and was shocked to see a little old lady stood right behind me. I don’t think she had ever seen a Carp Angler before and looked quite intrigued, she didn’t say a word just smiled and stumbled back up the incline and wandered off……was she a ghost??!!

Hoping for a glimpse of an Old Warrior…

I just chuckled to myself and started humming the song “Park Life” by Blur, time was now getting on and I hadn’t seen a thing, not that I expected to see much, despite the mild temperatures it was still only early January.

I went and sat down by the rods for a few minutes hoping to get a glimpse of what the magical pit held but unfortunately my time ran out so I started a slow pack up, leaving the rods out right until the last minute before heading home.

Since I left the Park yesterday I have discovered that the Club who control the Park are giving up the fishing rights in mid-March due to the 80% price rise in the lease owned by the local council, which won’t affect my mini campaign too much as I plan to be elsewhere by then but what it may affect is my chance to go back in the future to pit my wits against the 30 – 40 magical old warriors that inhabit the 80 acre Park Lake. I’m hoping another club takes control or the council sells season tickets as it obviously wants the revenue, hence the price increase in the lease so I can’t see angling stopping on there full stop.

So with that my thoughts are now with returning to the Pit next weekend, I have already sorted the Kit so with a bit of luck I shall be pulling into the Park at the crack of dawn as long as I don’t over sleep again!

So until then, be lucky

Smithy

Christmas Heartache & New Beginnings

2012-01-03T21:26:00.004Z

Well what a terrible year 2011 was, both in terms of Angling and personally, the final straw for me was the unexpected passing of my father in law last week, after that the New Year just couldn’t come quick enough!

I am just hoping that 2012 is going to be better, it certainly can’t be any worse that’s for sure!

Anyway onto the Carping, after receiving the terrible news about my father in law I was easily persuaded to join Martin on his syndicate on New Year’s Day. So New Year’s eve was spent prepping all the gear ready for the Day Session the following morning, I have to admit it was nice waking up with a clear head unlike the rest of the country, although I was tempted to hit the bottle a few times the previous evening!

I met Martin in the lay by off the track and we loaded up the barrows before heading through the woods to the pretty little pit on the other side. Unsurprisingly we were the only ones on there so had the whole lake to go at, we stood in an area that covers the middle of the lake and enables you to view the whole expanse of water for a good 10 minutes whilst puffing away on a cigarette but didn’t see a thing, in the end we decided to set up on the bank opposite.

After making our way round to the opposite bank I wasted no time in getting the rods sorted, one rod was fished 6 feet off an Island in 4 feet of water, the other two were fished at about 30 yards range, all were baited with Live System extra hard 10x14 hook baits in a pva bag of 15mm Live System Chops.

With the rods now sorted I fired up the Coleman for a coffee, incidentally it was this Coleman’s first outing as I had only bought it a few days earlier, my old one had served its’ time and was beaten and battered beyond repair!

The day past with little to note and to be honest I didn’t hold out much hope as the sun began to drop over the horizon, just as the light began to fade Martin had a flier on his left hand rod which after a brief battle turned out to be a pretty little mirror. Shortly after returning her my left hand rod pulled up tight before one toning, this fish really didn’t make much effort to get away the fight was over in seconds and soon enough I was smiling in front of the camera with a cracking little mirror.

My biggest of the day, what a cracking little mirror…

Not long after returning the mirror Martins right hand rod pulled up tight, he lifted straight into it and after a brief scrap a little common was soon pulled over the net cord. After returning her we both commented that we were more than happy with that on a January day session, but the action didn’t stop there.

An hour later my middle rod pulled up tight, I lifted into it and felt little resistance and pretty much just reeled another little mirror straight into the net, why they weren’t fighting? I’m really not sure but my only guess is the cold water temperature.

With two a piece we were both more than happy, it was now about 8pm and completely pitch black but we decided to sit it out for another couple of hours to see if we could push our luck and winkle another one out, I was pretty hungry by now so warmed up a tin of chilli that was in my rucksack. Just as I was tucking into that I heard Martins alarm let out its merry tune so I quickly finished the last of my dinner then strolled down into his swim, this one put up a better account of itself and after 5 minute’s we were admiring a nice scaly upper double mirror, once safely photographed and returned I went back to my swim and sat by the rods willing one of them to go, I needn’t have worried as 10 minutes later the right hand Neville shrilled for my attention, once again the fight was very short lived and before I knew it another little mirror was safely in the folds of the net, we quickly weighed and photographed her then returned her to her watery home.

Another little one for me, size is irrelevant in January!

It was now gone 10:30pm so we decided to call it a night and have a slow pack up, leaving the rods out right until the last minute hoping for another but to be honest I think we had used up all our luck this session!

We were both pretty chuffed following the day’s events, 3 each in January is a great result on that water regardless of size.

My next session all being well shall be on Saturday, it will be the first session of a very short campaign probably lasting only until the end of Feb/early March on a day’s only 70 acre park lake with an estimated stock of 30 – 40 fish to 40 lb+.

Not an easy task at the best times of the year let alone in the winter, but the Lake is only 5 minutes from my front door and it will be nice to have the wife bring the kids down to see me (and on call to do trophy shots!) and who knows my luck may just continue but to be honest I would be more than happy blanking on there for 2 months, it’s nice just be out there chasing myths.

Until next time,

Smithy

Penguins and Polar Bears!

2011-12-20T19:54:00.000Z

Well I managed a short session down on the pit which is located behind snag pit, I arrived mid-morning intending on doing the night but upon my arrival I was met by three of the four bays being frozen which didn’t leave much ice free water.

I checked the forecast on my iPhone and it was due to get very cold that evening, I was pretty sure the lake would be frozen solid by late that evening but decided to make the most of my time and just fish until the light started to fade.

I dropped my kit off into one of the point swims which commands all the ice free water and one which I have fished a few times so know the bottom pretty well, all 3 rods were rigged up with solid bags and placed up against some ice bergs at 35 yards range.

Roll on Spring!

After the rods were sorted I fired up the Coleman and sat back to take in the tranquillity of the intimate pit, the water looked lifeless and to be honest I didn’t hold out much hope, morning soon turned into afternoon with noting to note other than my brother in law popping down the lake for a chat and before I knew it darkness began to fall, so with that I started a slow pack up before heading for home.

The following morning I received a text from a mate who was walking his dog round the pit, it simply read “It’s frozen mate!” so I made the right decision there, I hate waking up to a frozen lake!

I’ve just checked the forecast whilst I have been writing this and it is due to turn milder tomorrow until at least Christmas Eve, so all being well I will finish work early enough on Friday to allow me to get my Christmas shopping done (typical man!) and that means I should be able to do a quick day session on Christmas eve if I use some of the brownie points I have cleverly accumulated this year!

So until then, have a great Christmas and I hope Santa carp brings you the fish of your dreams,

Smithy

Blood, Sweat & Anger Management

2011-12-11T15:00:00.000Z

Well the planned trip to Oxford with Pete was something of a disaster! We arrived as planned mid morning and were pleasantly surprised to have the Pit to ourselves other than a few pike anglers, we were feeling confident as we had pretty much free reign of the place.
We decided to set up on a point which gives you access to a large expanse of water and where the due strong south westerly was anticipated to blow but following a brief chat with the bailiff our confidence was soon knocked after he informed us that the Pit hadn't done a fish in 10 days, hence why it was so quiet! We should have figured that out for ourselves really as the Pit is normally bivvy city, not the kind of venue either of us generally choose to fish but as we are both on different syndicates it made a change.
To cut a long story short, the session went down hill right from the moment we had the chat with the bailiff, firstly with my Coleman packing up then on the second day my reel deciding to blow up, not what you expect from a top of the range reel!
That pretty much sums the session up, it just didn't improve and after 48 fruitless hours we were both pleased to be heading back up the A34!
After a few days of sulking I gave Pete a call to see if he could get my reel sent back to the manufacturer as he works in the trade which he kindly agreed to, then after a bit of moaning we decided to have a short day session the following Sunday on the same intimate Pit I have written about recently which is part of Pete's Syndicate located in the Ouse Valley.
I met Pete at the gate that Sunday and had a quick scout about the pit, we didn't have much to go on as there was a couple of anglers bivvied up where we fancied so we decided to double up again in the same swim as before where we'd both had a bit success previously.
The conditions were far from perfect, with a heavy fog and near sub zero temperature's but after all it only takes one bite!
I soon had two rigs dispatched to a couple of likely spots, and quickly fired up the stove for a brew! The morning past quickly without anything to note but just as the fog cleared at lunch time I received a flier on my left hand rod and after a brief scrap a nice little common was soon pulled over the net cord, the rod was soon back out on the spot but before I had a chance to put the kettle on the same rod was away again! Once again after a brief little battle another stunning little common was in the net.

Size is irrelevant when they look like this...

Once I had returned the little stunner I found Pete rummaging in my bait bucket but after a brief telling off he soon sat down and sulked!
I repositioned the rod back on the spot hopeful of another take but certainly not expecting one given the conditions, a bitterly cold easterly was now gaining in strength but as we were on the back of it there was hope.
A few hours past and just as we were considering packing up after an eventful day (for me anyway!) the same left hand rod pulled up tight once again! This fish felt a little heavier than the first two and after good scrap this was confirmed when a nice 20+ Mirror was netted, we quickly weighed and photographed her before returning her.

A cracking 20+ mirror, which was the biggest of the day

After that we decided to call it a day, more than happy with my success on the short session. Pete gave me a bit of stick whilst barrowing back to the vans, I just told him "it's next year you should worry about mate, get my ticket in Feb, no more guest sessions for me!" we both had a chuckle then bid each other farewell and headed for home.

A year older but certainly no wiser!

Since that session last weekend, I have celebrated being a year older and also had the heart ache of a dream job offer being withdrawn.
So I may just head back down to the Snag Pit next week to chill out for a couple of days and have some therapy before the anticipated big freeze takes hold of the country, then who knows I may just pay the Beds Pit a visit - "the Pit that never freezes".

Until then,

Smithy

Last Minute Success!

2011-11-26T12:04:00.000Z

Since my last visit to the "Snag Pit" I’ve suffered a severe case of “Man Flu” not to mention having to attend various meetings, but I finally managed to get the rods out again today whilst on a short day session as a Guest on Pete’s syndicate water.

The alarm clock went off at 05:30am and woke me from some sort of dream involving fat Carp and big women!; it took me a few minutes to drag myself out of bed but I was soon pacing up and down the kitchen eagerly waiting for the kettle to boil, I am like a zombie until I have had that magical first brew of the day along with a smoke.

After my caffeine and nicotine hit I just jumped straight into the car and headed towards a little pit nestled deep in the Ouse Valley.

Pete was already waiting for me at the gate, we parked up and went for a quick mooch about the pit although our vision was very much impaired due to the incredible dense fog which incidentally didn’t lift all day, there was a bitterly cold easterly wind blowing too.

Conditions were far from ideal and neither of us felt confident, the Pit looked lifeless and with a couple of other anglers arriving it meant that our options were limited on the intimate pit.

We decided to double up in a swim on the back of the wind, baits were soon placed on the spots and we were both angling.

I got the Kettle on (Pete is well known for his lack of tea making skills!) and we sat back and enjoyed a brew. About an hour later a good fish rolled over my left hand rod, that lifted our spirits slightly but that was the only sign we saw until late into the afternoon.

Just as Darkness descended on the pit Pete’s left hand hanger cracked the blank and he was away, after a short but spirited battle a nice upper double rolled over the net cord.

The stunning little mirror was quickly weighed and photographed before being released into her watery home.

We were both really pleased to have received some action but as the temperature and light were dropping quickly we decided to call it a day. I packed everything away other than the rods and decided to have a quick smoke before I got them in, it was a great decision on my part as just as I lit the cigarette my left hand rod pulled up tight then ripped off, I was on it in a flash! The unseen culprit put up a hell of a scrap and I was a little shocked at the size when we netted her, the upper double fought like a fish twice its’ size! These Ouse Valley fish really do fight for their lives!

After a quick photo we slipped her back and headed for home more than happy with our last minute success.

A little warrior!

I had a meeting the following day, but on The Tuesday I headed down to one of my old haunts in Oxford for a quick night, in the hope that one of the big girls fancied a bit of a munch.

I left home at 6am and after battling the traffic on the A34 and a quick coffee stop in Oxford pulled into the gates just before 8am.

I couldn’t believe my eyes, the place was completely void of anglers……..I rubbed my hands together and thanked the carp gods!

After a quick scout about the pit I decided to drop into a swim that I knew would receive the south westerly wind that was due in a few hours. I slowly got the rods rigged up and then set the Oval up and got the kettle on, I wasn’t in a rush as due to the fog I couldn’t see 6ft in front of my face.

I always carry a good selection of singles!

At about mid-morning just as the fog was clearing a very large fish crashed out about 80 yards out, within seconds I had a Northern Special fished on the chod landing in the dying rings that the fish had left. I put another chod 5 yards to the right of that and fished the 3^rd rods on a snowman on a clear spot at 60 yards.

I scattered half a Kilo over the 2 chod’s and put a handful of bait over the 3^rd, I was more than happy with my bait placement so sat back and let the day unfold.

To cut a long story short the day past without event and before I knew it darkness was descending, just as the last slither of light dropped over the tree line I went and sat by the rods with a smoke and a coffee, straining my eyes to see if I could see anything give the game away but I never did.

Praying for something to give the game away....

After a nice curry I decided to get in the bag, it was only 8pm but for some reason I was exhausted so the warmth of the bag seemed a nice idea, I soon drifted off once again into strange dreams of fat carp and big women!

Getting in the bag so early was obviously a bad idea as I awoke at 03:45am and was wide awake, it was freezing, much colder than the predicted forecast and on checking my iPhone that was confirmed.

I relieved my bladder in a nearby bush and put the kettle on, the night seemed to last forever but eventually the sun started to show its first rays off light a little after 7am. I hadn’t seen or heard anything all night and didn’t feel too hopeful so I gave it until 10am then had a slow pack up before making the journey home.

That brings us pretty much up to date, I’ve just been out and replenished stocks and sorted the kit out as I’m heading back down to Oxford tomorrow for a couple of nights for a social with Pete so hopefully I will come back with news of a lump, after all it only takes one bite!

Until next time,

Smithy

Tunnel Vision....

2011-10-30T20:22:00.002Z

It’s been a few weeks since I last sat down on the laptop and got my writing head on, so I better carry on from where I left off!

Since my last write up I managed a short unproductive session last weekend on a mate’s syndicate which only resulted in frustration, mainly because the fish were showing at 130 yards and with the strong crosswind it made it impossible for me to reach them! Following this session it was back to Kent to finish my last week at work rolling bait, I had a great summer down there and learnt a lot but being away from my family has been very difficult so I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time with them.

So after leaving Kent on Thursday, I decided to spend Friday with the family and after the kids were sent to bed I sorted out all my gear and replenished stocks before loading the van ready for the off first thing Saturday morning.

As always I awoke before my alarm and after a quick coffee it was straight in the van and down the pit.

As I pulled in the fishery gate I noticed a few cars parked up on the left hand side including a mates, it was still early so I decided to park up and have a mooch about on the otherside before I popped round to see him.

The Pit was fairly busy but with the nature of the Pit it still seemed like you had the place to yourself no matter what swim you were in.

View from "Lazy Mans"....

The wind was hacking into “Lazy Mans” so I dropped a bucket in there before creeping round to see my mate to see if anything had been occurring.

After a brief chat I headed back to “Lazy Mans” to get myself sorted for the next 24 hours, I have done a fair bit of time in this swim so know it pretty well but still chucked a bare lead out to the spots just to make sure they were clean which they were.

With all three rods now clipped up to the respective spots it was just a case of getting the rigs back out there accurately which was done with little fuss. Hook baits were 14 x 18mm MGM barrels with half a kilo of 18mm MGM scattered over the top of each spot.

I was more than happy with the spots so got the Oval up and sat on the Bedchair with the first brew of the day, the day seemed to fly past with not a lot to note other than a few subtle shows over my left hand rod.

Saying a prayer to the Carp Gods....

I sat next to the rods as the sun was dropping below the tree line with a brew in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the monsters before the light faded, unfortunately the monsters must have been out trick or treating for Halloween as I saw nothing definite so I decided to get some dinner on the go as my stomach was starting to make some strange noises!

After a healthy dinner I lay on the bedchair just catching up on some reading before calling it a night a little after 9pm although I was expecting to be awoken by one of the other members pulling a Halloween prank!

Fortunately or unfortunately I was not awoken by a prank and neither was I awoken by the Neville singing its’ merry tune, it was a little after 6am when I stirred,the line was hanging limp and the indicators were on the floor exactly where I left them. I fired up the coleman for a much needed brew before sitting with my eyes fixed to the magical abyss in front of me.

Nothing happened for a few hours but at about 9am I noticed a bit of fizzing coming up over the left hand rod so I stood up and wandered down to the rods for a better look, I could clearly see that the spot had coloured right up, the fizzes were now almost a vortex! I stood there eyes fixed to the spot for a good 20 minutes before deciding a strong coffee was in order which was the first of many as over the next 2 hours I must have had a dozen brews whilst the carp played with my nerves, they were showing well over the spot now but my Neville stayed quiet.

I really didnt want to get this rod in....

I was fast running out of time and in the end accepted defeat and started a slow pack up, leaving the left hand rod out until the last minute praying for a slice of luck, but it never came.

Before leaving the Pit I put out 4kg of MGM over the spot where all the activity was, now I am back local again I’m going to give the pit a lot of attention until the end of the year in the hope that “that” Linear decides to make a mistake....

Until next time,

Smithy

Returning to Paradise.....

2011-09-11T13:52:00.000+01:00

It seems like an age since I last sat down and wrote a piece for this blog, in fact it must be nearly 3 months since I actually graced the bank which is the longest in my 20 year angling career! You can imagine how stir crazy it has made me especially considering less than 6 months ago I was doing 3 – 4 nights a week. But since working in the Bait industry time is definitely at a premium especially considering the long hours involved not to mention working away from home 5 days a week, come the weekend all I normally want to do is relax with the family however all of this is about to change with the arrival of our new son/daughter this week (I’m pretty certain it’s a girl but didn’t want to know at the scan as they got it wrong last time!) so I made the extra push to get on the bank this weekend!

After arriving back home from work at a reasonable time on Friday it gave me plenty of time to sort out the Kit and replenish stock so to speak, I loaded the van early and relaxed for the evening. The plan was to get up early and watch the Rugby (which was terrible for those of you that didn’t watch it!) then make the short journey to the next county and get down the snag pit.

So with that I arrived down the pit about lunch time, and had a good mooch about. The place had changed dramatically since I had been away and it looked stunning in all its summer glory.

With little fish sighting to go on I decided to get on the end of the ever strengthening south westerly that had sprung up.

I placed two rods on the edge of a weed bed at 40 yards range and baited with a couple of handfuls of my “secret snail mix” the third rod was placed on a clear spot at 30 yards range and baited with my new “choco nutz”.

My "choco nutz" mix

I sat back and just took in the atmosphere, it was great to be back on the bank, if I caught or not was irrelevant I just needed some peace and had most definitely found it again on this magical water.

The afternoon passed quickly and before I knew it the sun was starting to drop below the tree line. Just as I was started to think about getting some dinner on, Pete “the cooonnnnntttt” arrived carrying two white plastic bags which can only mean one thing! Chinese!

It was great to be back under the Oval!

So with that we sat under the oval and devoured the small banquet and talked anything and everything carpy. We chatted late into the night before Pete headed off about 11pm.

I sat on the bedchair looking and listening for anything carpy but saw little so called it a night about midnight and retired to the bag.

I slept well despite the howling wind and awoke much later than I normally would but I did need the kip and felt much better for it, nothing had occurred in the night and with only an hour left before I had to pack up it didn’t look likely. I fired up the coleman for the first brew of the day and just sat admiring the pit for a while before eventually starting a very slow pack up.

Reflecting on the short but magical session....

As I left for home, I took another look at the pit and just smiled and said “I shall see you again very soon” then departed.

On the way home all I could think about was my next session, although I’m not sure when that will be what with the baby coming this week, but one thing you can be certain of now is as soon as that spare moment arrives l shall most definitely be paradise bound…….

Until then,

Smithy

Just Mooching!

2011-05-21T15:47:00.007+01:00

Well since my last entry with news of my success landing the pretty one I haven’t done much at all.

I have fitted in a couple of very short evening sessions on a small lake behind the Snag Pit, I even managed to bank a lovely low 20 mirror on one of them but most of my time has been spent walking round the pit trying to work out a plan for the rest of the year but to be honest I’m still nowhere nearer a decision than I was before!

A lovely low 20 taken on a short evening session....

I have however been using a few new items on the market and so far I am very impressed with them!

The first item is the New Korda Kaptors in the curve pattern, to begin with I wasn’t sure what to make of them as I had a read a few things on various forums but decided to give them a go myself before I passed judgement, I’m sure a lot of people just jump on the bandwagon with the rest of the certain brand haters, jealously or not…….it really annoys me!

My first impressions of the hook were very good, the point is protected by a rubber stop and once removed the “sticky” sharp point is exposed, I couldn’t believe just how sharp it was…..much sharper than anything else I have seen before but would the point last?

Korda Kaptors

I gave them their first testing on the session where I landed the “Pretty one” and a low 20, now normally I change the hook regardless after a fish but was so impressed with the point after the first fish that decided to put it back out and see how it would cope and shortly after landed another.

The point was still as sharp as when I took it out of the packet, I was impressed - very impressed!

Obviously since that session I have only done a couple of short evening sessions landing a low 20 as well as three Tench all weighing 9 – 10 lb which is always a good sign that the rig is working, not to mention sticky sharp!

The next product is the new PVA bag loading kit from Avid Carp, this item is simply brilliant and makes it child’s play to make perfect solid bags every time. Avid have really pulled out the stops with this product, admittedly it is such a simple idea but one that no-one else had thought of before so full marks to them for putting it out on the market.

I would definitely say that “Avid Carp” are a company to keep your eye on for the future!

I would just like to mention that I am in no way connected to the above companies either, just my honest opinion after a short test period, but they will both now take a permanent space in my Fox box!

That’s all from me for now, with various things going on I’m not sure when I will manage to get behind the rods again, I will keep mooching about the pit often to see what the witty beasts are up to though!

Until next time,

Smithy

A meeting with the "Pretty One"....

2011-05-03T18:03:00.004+01:00

I arrived for my annual social with Pete on his syndicate water and headed straight round the far side of the lake where he was set up. If I’m honest I didn’t really have my fishing head having received some bad news over Easter and just chucked 3 rods out more in hope than anything, and to cut a long story short I blanked although Pete managed to bank a couple including a stunning low 30.

I left the venue knowing that I didn’t deserve anything, I just needed a good laugh and the social did me the world of good.

I had to drive down to Devon with the family for a few days after the social and whilst down there I managed to get my head together a bit so on the Saturday evening whilst sat on the beach I made the call to Pete saying that I wanted another crack on his syndicate and that I wouldn’t be beaten this time! He just laughed and said “I will see you Monday then!”

I made the journey home up the M5 on Sunday afternoon and once home got the car loaded ready for the off on Monday morning.

I arrived at the Pit slightly later than planned, but was more than happy when I noticed nearly all of the bank holiday anglers were packing up so I left the kit in the car and took a stroll round the lake to Pete who had fished the previous night but with nothing to report. I sat in his swim and had a brew whilst the last few anglers vacated their swims then we set off on a circuit of the lake trying to find something to have a go at, but after two circuits we didn’t see a thing!.

Pete had seen a few the previous night in front of him so we decided to stay put, I barrowed my kit round and dropped in next to him.

I got a rod sorted and had a feel about in front of me, I managed to find a nice bar about 20 yards out so decided to place a bait at the foot of the bar, the other two were fished to the right of the bar at about 50 yards range.

Once I was all sorted I rolled a smoke and had a brew, it was great to be out again although I’m not sure who’s idea it was to set up on the end a freezing cold easterly, although it was quite pleasant out of the wind under the oval.

I was just enjoying my umpteenth coffee when my left hand rod pulled up tight and ripped off, I was on it in a flash although Pete had a good giggle laughing at me trying to get my waders on whilst in full battle and nearly falling in the lake! After a good scrap I pulled an old looking warrior over the net cord, we weighed her at 21lb 10oz then safely returned her.

An old looking warrior....

The rod was placed back on the spot and soon after I had a delicious chicken vindaloo bubbling away on the stove. The evening past quietly other than Pete getting plagued by bream, so I called it a night at 11pm and got in the bag.

I must have had the best night’s sleep I have had in ages because I can’t remember my alarm clock going off, it was 07:30am when I finally crawled out from under the Oval!

I had a brew whilst thinking about what I could do to winkle out another before I headed off a few hours later. I decided to re-do the left hand rod, and a few minutes later it was back out and at the foot of the bar.

The smell of bacon was soon drifting out from under the Oval as I devoured a whole packet , I laid back on the bedchair to rest my stomach and then an hour later the left hand rod pulled up tight and roared off again, the Neville was screaming for my attention! I lifted into it and instantly had to loosen the clutch as the unseen culprit ripped 50 yards from the spool, it weeded me up several times but after a long battle, she was mine.

Pete looked down into the net then looked at me and said “you’ve got the Pretty One, You C%&*!”.

The stunning "Pretty One"

We weighed her at 31lb 2oz then took a few trophy shots before returning her to the crystal clear waters of the pit, I was tempted to pack up but in the end decided to give it another hour and then 10 minutes later a big tench made an appearance, I quickly returned it then decided to have a slow pack up. I was chuffed to bits to land one of the most sought after fish in the lake, it’s far from the biggest but one of the lookers that’s for sure.

I headed for home a happy man and with my confidence restored I may just head back to the “Snag Pit” to continue my quest for ‘’The Linear’’ tomorrow night....

Until then,

Smithy

Farewell For Now......

2011-03-17T00:09:00.001Z

Well, what a hectic last few days! I left off last time getting ready to head off to the South Coast to find somewhere to live before I start my new job on the 21^st March, well I left home at 05:30am as planned and was soon well on my way and making good time, I even stopped for a “Costa Bucket” just off the M25 but the journey soon turned soar when I was only 10 minutes away from my destination in the form of some very strange noises coming from under the bonnet followed by a flashing oil light on the dashboard! Now I always check the oil at least once a fortnight so knew it wasn’t a lack of oil that was the issue so once I reached my point of destination I gave my mate a bell who works in the area, his thoughts matched mine……the bloody oil pump! Great!

Shortly after this I realised that my breakdown cover had expired and me being the cheap skate that I am had decided I could live without it, big mistake as I soon found out!

So it was back on the phone to my brother in law (and apprentice!) to see if he could come and get me, Martin was soon flying round the M25 with my sister in tow and before I knew it the Calvary had arrived.

Martin lifted the bonnet and turned on the ignition of the van then looked at me and just said “ouch, it’s the oil pump dude……might have ruined your engine too!”.

Following this wonderful news I decided to leave the van at my new place of work then get Martin to give me a lift to view my new home so I could pay a deposit, following this we had a walk up the beach so I could have a smoke and try and destress…….it kind of worked?!

We were then soon flying back round the M25 heading for home but didn’t arrive back until 10pm, poor old Martin had been awake 30 hours straight and insisted on driving the whole 150 miles home despite my sister nagging him to swap with me, poor fella but little did he know the events that would follow the next day down on Pete’s syndicate that we were booked on for as guests.

So the following morning lacking a van which was still down on the south coast I had to get my wife to drop me off on the stunning estate lake and before I knew it me, Pete & Martin were soon set up and moaning about the previous day events, me more so because of the pain that will be inflicted on my wallet over the next few weeks!

The afternoon passed quickly and darkness soon descended, we fired up the colemans and got the dinner sorted, our morale had plummeted somewhat as we were expecting a bit of action and we were beginning to doubt our tactics……..we needn’t have worried though as less than an hour later Martins “my apprentice” Neville was screaming for attention, he was on it in a flash and the battle began, the unseen leviathan took Martin into every snag possible but Martin stayed in control and coped well and it was quite obvious that Martin was now fighting a PB, I decided to take the liberty to tell him that during battle which made him even more on edge, but slowly Martin gained the upper hand before pulling the culprit over the net cord, we all let out a cheer as it was quite obvious that not had Martin just caught a PB but he had in fact more than doubled it!


Martin with his new PB!

That fish really made the session and the rest kind of seems irrelevant but to cut a long story short me and Pete also got in on the action later that night, me with a rather old looking common and Pete with one of the nice plump mirrors.

Going back to Martin for a minute, I have to say how impressed I am with how his angling has come on, only a year ago I was teaching him all the basics but now he was taking to it like a duck to water and every aspect of his angling had improved tenfold, a massive well done mate and keep at it!

I managed one too, this tired old looking common....

I was due to fish the “Snag Pit” for the last time for a while on Monday but with a 12 week scan at the hospital booked that was priority so off me and the wife went to see the latest addition to the family for the 1^st time!

The following day Pete picked me up and we headed off to a local water just to get the rods out for the last time before I moved down to the South Coast, we set up in the snags on the back of a easterly but didn’t have a sniff all morning and by 2pm we were both getting itchy feet so went for a mooch and found a couple of fish feeding, shortly after moving we had both had two takes and had both landed one and lost one and just before packing up Pete managed to winkle out his second, it was an enjoyable day and with only one other fish coming out of the lake we must have been doing something right - but I’m looking forward to getting back into my serious fishing in a month or so’s time which brings me on to the next bit nicely…..

A nice little mirror taken on the short day session....

It’s now Wednesday evening and I am moving down to the coast on Sunday, I’m not intending on getting the rods out for the next 3 – 4 weeks now as other things take priority for the time being but as long as all things go to plan my next instalment shall be about my new water in the southern half of the country and who knows there may even be news of a chunk too, he who dares and all that!

So on that note I shall say farewell for now, I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog as much as I have writing it and I shall be back in a month or so.

Until then,

Smithy

Snag Pit Fever......

2011-03-10T22:30:00.001Z

I arrived down the pit slightly later than planned at about mid-day and once again I managed to drop straight in the point that I have been pre baiting for a few weeks.

It didn’t take me long to get sorted and before I knew it all the rods were positioned in the chosen areas. I couldn’t help but notice how mild it felt and was soon sitting topless on the edge of my bedchair at the beginning of March, I looked at my Blackberry in disbelief when it read a temperature of only 8’c!

But as soon as the sun set the temperature started to plummet, Pete arrived at 7pm armed with a Chinese and informed me that his car was reading -3’c already. We sat talking for a good few hours, planning the year ahead before Pete left shortly before mid-night.

I decided to get into the bag to rest my eyes and it didn’t take me long to nod off, I awoke a couple of hours later to answer the call of nature and couldn’t believe how cold it was, I checked my Blackberry once again to be met by a reading of -7’c, now this I did believe! I got straight into the bag and nodded off once again.

Dawn on the Snag Pit....

I awoke at 6am with a frost covered face, I rolled over and fired up the coleman as always then rolled a smoke, I decided to stay in the warmth bag though until the sun came up!

By 9am I decided to call it a day and started a slow pack up, the little field mouse that has kept visiting me on the last few nights must have been hungry as when I went to put a couple of pounds of bait out into the lake I noticed a huge hole had been chewed in my air dry bag!

And that was that, I left feeling the same as I have done each time I have visited the pit…….gagging to get back, the place has really got under my skin!.........as the bailiff quite rightly put it as I drove out the gate “You’ve got the fever!”.

It was a very cold night!

Although time is running out if I am to land the “The Linear” in its’ winter colours as I am going to be working away from home as of the end of the month before hopefully relocating permanently, so the pit will have to go on the back burner for the time being, I hope to still get on for a night or two a month but most sessions will be closer to work, I’ve just got to find the right water first!

Anyway tomorrow will see me travelling down to the south coast trying to find somewhere to live then I am having a social on Pete’s Syndicate water over the weekend and my apprentice Martin is also joining us so hopefully a few fish will be landed but I am sure a good time will be had by all.

Then it’s back down the Pit on Monday to get back on the trail of “The Linear”…….

Until then,

Smithy

Getting Closer....

2011-03-01T23:28:00.002Z

Well I arrived down the snag pit mid-morning on Thursday as planned and made my way round to the point with kit. I couldn’t help but notice how could the conditions looked as I parked the barrow and slowly unloaded it. I sat down on the bedchair and rolled a smoke whilst trying to get a plan of action sorted in my head, 5 minutes later and I knew what to do, well I hoped I did!

It didn’t take me long to get things organised, 2 rods were positioned either side of the pre baited area as before and the 3^rd was fished out towards an overhanging bush just off the island on the “naked chod”.

I sat down and fired up the Coleman for the first brew of the session, soon after one of the bailiff’s popped round for a chat, I gleaned all the information I could and as it turned out I was in the right spot for my target fish as the point I was on was the scene of its’ first capture of the year for the last few seasons on the bounce and with the mild s’westerly pushing right in here it couldn’t have looked any better!

I sat on the bedchair with my eyes fixed to the water all afternoon but didn’t see anything to note although my confidence was still high. Just before the light started to fade I thought I would get some grub on the go and before I knew it I had a spag bowl boiling up on the Coleman large enough to fill an army followed by a tin of your finest fruit cocktail!

As the sun slowly sank on the horizon I was met by a stunning sunset, the kind that takes your breath away, I’m sure some people take them for granted but I will never tire of them.

No words needed....

I decided to get into the bag a little after 11pm and just as I was beginning to nod off a few bleeps from the Neville brought me back to reality, I rolled over to look at the Neville and right before my eyes I could make out the glow of the right hand hanger crack the blank twice on the bounce then hanging there! I jumped straight out of the bag into my boots and ran towards the rods, it was pitch black so I quickly turned around and grabbed my head torch. Just as I got to the rod the bobbin fell back to the deck, I held on to the line willing for a pull but felt nothing, I lifted the rod hoping to be met with resistance but unfortunately wasn’t, turning around and grabbing the head torch had cost me a fish, I was absolutely gutted! I sent Pete a text venting my anger at my bad angling, I didn’t get a reply……he knows me too well!

I tied on a fresh bait and put it back out towards the bush on the island, pretty much pub chucked if I’m honest! , then got back in the bag in a huff!

Before I knew it my Blackberry was waking me from my slumber at 6am, I rolled over and fired up the Coleman before rolling a smoke. I only had a few hours before I had to be off but it still looked good for it. I drank countless coffees over the next few hours whilst willing my Neville to sing it’s merry tune but it never did. I had a slow pack up at about 9am leaving the rods until the last minute but by 10am I had to call it a day, I threw the rods on the barrow and made my way up the boggy path towards the van with a slight feeling of rejection.

All packed up and ready for home....

It’s now the following Tuesday and I have just about got over it, but unfortunately due to making a trip down to Devon to see family on Thursday I can’t get back down the Pit until Monday at the very earliest, the kit is already sorted so it’s just a case of the loading the van and heading down there.

Until then,

Smithy

Ready & Waiting....

2011-02-23T16:10:00.000Z

I arrived down the snag pit on Monday morning in what can only be described as monsoon like conditions! I grabbed the bivvy from the back of the van and made my way round to the prebaited spot. I got the bivvy up in double quick time then headed back to the van to load the barrow and get the rest of the gear back to the swim, my idea being that I could chuck the bedchair straight under the bivvy…….there is nothing worse than sleeping in a sodden bag!

I had a quick smoke and surveyed the area, the conditions looked promising although to be fair this quick overnighter was more of a baiting up trip in preparation for the good winds and mild temperatures that are due on Thursday……I had a free night so thought it would be rude not to get the rods out!

I waited a while for the rain to ease then set about getting the rods sorted. Two rods were placed either side of the baited area and the 3^rd was put out in 12ft of water as a single hookbait and would be used as a roaming rod should I see anything show.

Sheltering from the elements....

After getting the rods sorted, I fired up the coleman for the first brew of the session and sat on the edge of the bedchair scanning the water, not to mention sheltering from the ever increasing rain! Other than countless coffees and hours spent with my eyes fixed to the water not a lot happened that afternoon and it was late in the evening before the rain subsided. I eventually decided to get into the bag about 9pm and soon nodded off.

I awoke at 6am and as soon as I opened my eyes I was aware that something wasn’t right, my throat felt like it had swollen up to twice the size and I was swallowing sandpaper, combine that with the headache from hell and every bone in my bone aching and I had a problem! I needed to be back on the bank on Thursday and couldn’t have chosen a worse time to be ill!!!!

Nether the less as always I fired up the coleman for the first brew of the day and rolled a smoke, I sat scanning the water until 9am but with nothing showing I thought it would be a good idea to get home and do everything in my power to feel a bit more human ready for Thursday. So after a slow pack up I put out 2 lb of bait on my chosen spot, I was hoping that after 2 weeks of priming this area it may just do the business what with the conditions that were soon to follow.

So with that I got in the van and headed for home via the pharmacy so I could empty their shelves of the all the weird and wonderful pain killers and syrups!

Once home, I decided to have a quick sort out of the gear, tie up some fresh rigs before sending the wife out for food & coffee supplies!

As I type this, it’s Wednesday afternoon and I have done nothing for the last 24 hours other than lay on the sofa reading “Still Searching “ for the umpteenth time, whilst my good lady waits on me hand and foot, us carp anglers don’t know how lucky we are sometimes and the support that my good lady gives me is nothing short of amazing but she knows I appreciate it and try to show it as often as I can.

Anyway, all being well tomorrow morning shall see me back on the pit in search of that special fish, they have got to wake up soon and I intend on being there ready and waiting when they do!

Until next time,

Smithy

A Place To Call Home.....

2011-02-19T16:43:00.001Z

I arrived down the pit slightly later than planned but soon had my kit in the swim, I quickly got the bivvy up and then rolled a smoke and sat down to assess the situation…….I was due to have a telephone interview in 20 minutes so thought it was best to get my head together then get the rods out after.

At 12 on the dot my blackberry rang as promised and before I knew it the brief interview was over and actually went quite well, I think more interviews should be conducted on the bank!

I quickly got the rods set up, even the anti-tangle tubing threaded without a hitch and before I knew it I had 2 rods fishing either side of the pre baited area towards an island, the 3^rd rod was fished as a single hook bait in open water.

Watching & Waiting........

After the positioning of the rods I fired up the coleman and sat back with the first brew of the session, I had the whole pit to myself apart from the odd bird letting out its calming chorus……I have found home!

The day past quickly without anything to note and an eerie mist and a deathly silence soon descended all around me as darkness fell. I climbed into the bag at about 8:30pm as I planned to be up early, very early! Before I knew it I was dreaming about fat carp and big women then a couple of bleeps woke me from my slumber, I sat up already wide awake staring at the right hand rod then looked at my phone…..it was 03:45am, I had planned on being up at 04:30 any way so fired up the coleman and rolled a smoke. I then sat with my eyes fixed on the water other than the countless times when I put the kettle back on.

I saw a few subtle shows over my baited area just as the sun started to appear over the horizon, but unfortunately a take wasn’t meant to be and I had a slow pack up at about 9am as I had promised to be home to do a few jobs.

Before I left I put out about 2lbs of bait on the spot towards the island where I had seen the shows as I planned on returning Monday.

I can’t really remember much of the Journey home, I spent most of it thinking about the Pit, it had really got into my blood, it was the first blank of the many I am sure that will follow……..but I enjoyed every minute of it!!

As soon as I got home, the kit was sorted with Military precision and is ready to head straight back down the pit bright and early Monday morning.

Until then,

Smithy

Heading Off To Pastures New.....

2011-02-16T23:51:00.000Z

Well since my last post I certainly have been a busy chap! I’ve been flitting about here there and everywhere but have finally settled down again and looking forward to a fresh start.

I had a night back on that “special pit” and although I have no fishy activity to speak of I can certainly tell you the session was far from dull, the force 10 gale sorted that out and I spent most of the session hanging on to the bivvy!

After I left I had a venture round a water that I had known about for a long time and had walked its banks countless times during the summer months, I won’t name the water but for the purposes of this blog I shall call it “Snag Pit”, but what I will say is that it is simply stunning and has every feature a carp angler would want!

It was only when I spoke to Pete about it as a possible target venue that the juices got flowing once more, my mind was made up!

I decided to have a few last visits to Island in hope of landing the big girl in all of her winter glory but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be, I did manage a few doubles though whilst other struggled to get a touch so it was nice to get a take or two after a long winter.

My last fish from Island.....

I left Island knowing it would probably be my last visit. I have had some great times on there and made some lifelong friends but I am looking forward to starting afresh.

That pretty much brings us up to now, I’ve spent most of this afternoon down the new water having a good lead about and trickled in a bit of bait too. I even managed to find a few fish hiding in the snags exactly where I expected them to be. So this evening shall be spent sorting out the gear and tying some fresh rigs before heading down there tomorrow morning for a quick over nighter. It’s a far from easy water but the creatures it holds are absolutely stunning and it will certainly be worth all the hard graft that I am going to need to put in should I be fortunate enough to land one……

Until next time,

Smithy

Off the Mark!

2011-02-03T22:33:00.003Z

Unfortunately on arrival at the syndicate Monday morning I was greeted by Heron & Island being completely frozen!

I stuck around for a while and had a smoke in the car park whilst watching the sun rise before heading off to get a few jobs done.

I had Tuesday off and got a few things done at home, but by the evening I was staring out of the window at the ever strengthening wind, chomping at the bit to get back on the bank.

So with the van still loaded from Monday I shot down the lake yesterday morning like a man possessed! I helped the fishery manager do a few jobs around the lake before getting the rods out at about 4pm. The conditions couldn’t have looked better and I was full of confidence, that first brew of the session really did taste good!

As usual Pete came down after work for what seems now like an everyday occurrence of a social and a Chinese (not that I am complaining!), he commented before leaving that he was fully expecting a text with news of a fish.

After Pete had left at about 10pm I got straight into the bag exhausted from a hard days graft around the lake and it didn’t take me long to nod off. I awoke at 6:30am to the alarm on the my Blackberry and immediately fired up the coleman and rolled a smoke, I peered out of the bivvy door, it still looked spot on but time was running out as I had to be packed away by 9am. I must have had 4 or 5 coffees in quick succession all the while not taking my eyes off the water then at 7:40am it happened, a stuttery take woke me from my daze…….I looked for coot or swan but couldn’t see any, “it can’t be a fish can it?” I thought, then reality hit and I lifted into the culprit! It was a pretty uneventful fight to be honest, other than it taking me into a weed bed 30 yards out but with a bit of persuasion I soon had it wallowing over the net cord before being safely netted. I let out a quiet cheer just to myself (well it has been a long hard winter) before inspecting my prize. It certainly wasn’t one of the lumps I was hoping for but was an absolutely stunning little common.

Size is irrelevant when they look like this....

Now normally I would have just slipped it back but seeing it was a little gem I secured it in the net in the margin and then went and got Craig from a few swims up to take a few pictures for me before safely returning her to her watery home.

I didn’t recast the rod in fear of spooking anything in the area for the remaining hour of the session so had a celebratory coffee and a smoke or two before slowly packing up and heading home.

Which bring us to now, the kit has been sorted and food stocks replenished, so tomorrow lunch time I shall be heading to a another very special water for the night that I spent some time on a few years ago, I can’t wait to grace it’s banks again and look forward to pitting my wits against its mystical resident’s………

Until next time,

Smithy

Winter Blues....

2011-01-30T13:41:00.001Z

It seems like ages ago since I last posted, I left off last time looking back on the highs and lows of 2010 and looking forward to the year ahead.

Like every other Carper in the country as soon as the lakes had thawed, the van was loaded in a blink of an eye and I headed off to Heron to continue my quest for “Rudder”, unfortunately all I got was frost bite but it was nice to be back behind the rods for a few nights, it was the first time I had managed to relax since before Christmas!

A few days later I headed round the M25 Kent bound to have a “Guesty” on my mates Southern Syndicate, the conditions were the best we could have hoped for still being the middle of January but unfortunately nothing materialised, although it was great to have a catch up not to mention a curry of a lifetime……the sleeping bag was warm that night! I struggled to pack up the following morning, I really didn’t want to leave the stunning venue! I couldn’t help but look on in awe at pictures of its prized resident in the club house before departing! I must have only been home 10 minutes before I had emailed the owner with my application!

Talking about Kent, Paul showed me a new bait which has been developed over the last couple of years named “Ninja Nut”, the aroma the bait gives off is phenomenal and the make-up of the bait is equally impressive! Certainly one to keep an eye on that’s for sure, it’s taken some rock hard waters in the Colne Valley apart during testing! I know what I shall be filling my freezer with this coming season!

Looking out onto Island this morning.

Following my trip down South I was keen to get back behind the rods on Heron again and I did at the first opportunity……although again to no avail. Heron isn’t an easy water at the best of times and in the winter it can’t be described as anything else other than a ball breaker! As of today (30/1/2011) it hasn’t produced a fish since the end of November 2010, the first fish of the year last year wasn’t until the 2^nd week of February and I remember that well because I landed it on Brownies rods whilst he was answering the “call of nature” and what did it happen to be you ask? None other than his target fish “The Long Mirror” at 35 lb+!

And that brings us up to this week! Well for the third New Year running I have been laid off from work – the joys of living in Modern Britain! Although it wasn’t a shock, I kind of saw it coming when they were unscrewing light bulbs and turning the heating off to save money! So to clear my head a bit I headed off down Island yesterday for the night, I had the rods out by dusk and fired up the coleman for the first brew of the session…….I don’t know why but I always forget about my troubles at this point of the session. Shortly after Pete turned up for a Chinese which as always was absolutely fantastic, the cold really set in at about 9pm and the margins started to freeze rapidly! Pete left shortly after 10pm so I jumped in the bag to get some warmth!

First coffee of the morning!

When I awoke this morning as always the coleman was lit and the kettle was on before I even got out of the bag, I gave it until 8:30am before reeling in and getting a few jobs done round the lake which took most of the Day. It was getting dark as I packed up but before leaving I had a good chat with Yoda as I hadn’t seen him since the autumn, he was filling me in on all the happenings over on the Mill.

And that was that, I loaded the van and pointed it in the direction of home, which brings us up to now. I’ve got another night or two planned on island for Monday so with a bit of luck I shall report back with news of a winter whacker!

Until then,

Smithy

Looking Back on 2010.......

2010-12-30T09:42:00.000Z

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.

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.

"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!

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.

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.

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

Blood, Sweat & Tears.......

2010-12-19T14:22:00.000Z

My apologies for the delay in recent posts, it's been a slightly depressing week all round with one thing and another going on and I find the cold and snow seems to bring out the worst in people, so much for Christmas Spirit. I for one am certainly looking forward to closing the door on 2010 and am hoping for better times ahead in the New Year. On a brighter note I have something in my private life to look forward to but can't say more than that for now.
I left you last time as I was getting ready for my Birthday Social on the "Beds Pit" with Martin & Pete. I think it's safe to say a great night was had by all despite the lack of Carpy activity. Plenty of whisky was drunk and we sat up late into the night under the clear sky talking about the past and making plans for the future.
I awoke on the Friday morning and dragged myself from the warm confines of my bedchair to see how the other two had faired in the few hours since I last saw them, my head feeling slightly "muffled".

Behind the rods on the "Beds Pit"

And with no activity to speak of other than a good fish rolling over Pete's left hand rod in the early hours I started to pack up and get ready for a night on the Town for the joint birthday do [myself, Martin and Stepfather all sharing our birthday on the 10th which happened to fall on a Friday this year]
As I left I baited up a deep margin spot with a Kg or so of 5th Element, the spot looked perfect and I was sure if I kept a bit of grub going in there for the next few weeks and then having a dabble at the end of January I may just trick one of the witty old "Cyprinidae" that lurk in the pit's crystal clear deep water.
We had a great night out and a good curry to celebrate another year on the planet, not to mention plenty of the "hoppy" stuff!
I awoke feeling slightly worse for wear on the Saturday morning and I have to admit that it actually took me the next 48 hours to recover! Must be getting old!
It was back to "Work" on the Monday, but after finishing each day I was calling into the syndicate praying for some change, but unfortunately there never was any and the lid is still intact and is getting thicker by the day.

So we get to yesterday......

I awoke strangely early and decided to get down the syndicate to assess the situation, on my arrival I was greeted by the same sorry sight as I have these last few weeks but the problem was alot more clear in the daylight hours in oppose to my nocturnal visits. There is no chance of the "Thaw" beginning until the end of January, that's for sure!

It was a depressing sight.....

I had a walk round and took a few pictures then got back in the van to warm up and then headed back up the 509 towards home to sulk. Whilst on my way home the sky got darker and the first few flakes of snow started to fall, by the time I pulled up on the drive it was a full on Blizzard!

I was meant to be going to my works do that evening, I didn't plan on going but was talked into it by work "mates". I got myself ready and waded through the snow towards my van all the while thinking that it was a pretty pointless attempt as I would never make it in the deteriorating weather conditions.
I did however make it to the venue, it took me 2 hours to do the usual 20 minute drive!
I was the first one there from the company and I thought I was late! I waited a further 2 hours for the rest of the company to arrive.
Now initially when everyone arrived it was great, everybody looked stunning and we had a quick chat and some banter before "attempting" to sit down.
Now I say it like that because when I did attempt to sit with my "friends", all I got from someone else on the table was "sorry that seat is taken", not wanting to cause a scene I just said "that's OK, I will go and sit on my own" and and went and sat with a couple of lads that I didn't really know that well. If I'm honest I knew they would have preferred it if I didn't sit with them, but they were nice enough about it and made me feel welcome.
I quickly ate my dinner, not wanting to overstay my welcome and then made a silent exit out of the door with a feel of rejection.
Lesson learnt though, and I certainly won't be attending another one.....wandering round like a spare part isn't really me.

So that brings us up to date........

I'm sat at the Laptop typing away, the boiler has broken, heavy snow outside and a sick 2 year old son - combined with last night's events it has been a "Wonderful" weekend. So presently it's just a case of thinking what to do next week, but for now I will attempt to get the van out and go down the lake (ice rink) to clear the away the cobwebs and have a good think.

So for now I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and New Year and here's looking forward to getting the rods out once the ice has thawed......

Until next time,

Smithy

Premature Return To The Beds Pit.........

2010-12-04T16:17:00.000Z

It's Saturday afternoon and I have just returned from yet another Saturday Shift at work. I called into the Syndicate on the way home hoping for the lake to miraculously be fishable, however I was sorely disappointed as a sheet of ice over an inch thick covers the whole expanse of water. Although it's now showing signs of being thinner in places I can see it being a while yet before I can grace it's banks.

Praying for Change......

It's been 4 weeks now since I've managed to get behind the rods and like every other Carp Angler in the country I have pulled the last few remaining hairs out of my head and worn a trench in the living room carpet as I pace up and down waiting for the thaw to begin.
However after a call to my mate "Pete" on Thursday, it appears all is not lost.......

Having mentioned about my dilemma and frustration Pete fully understood my needs to get out again, and being a seasoned Carper himself he is just as mad for it as I am.
It was whilst telling me about his recent Chubbing Session on the Ouse, when the Beds Pit was suddenly brought back into my head - "The Pit that never Freezes", how I had forgotten about it? I have no idea but foolishly I had.......a plan was soon hatched!

A Glorious Summers Morning on The Syndicate.....

Now the Beds Pit is a head banger at the best of times, hence why I pulled off for the winter but desperate times, desperate measures and all that! It does also have a track record of producing a few chunks in the colder months......
So the Plan is to head straight down to the Pit on Thursday Morning to do the night on its overgrown banks with Pete and hopefully Martin too, and with a bit of luck landing a unknown warrior on my 25th Birthday, but whatever happens I'm sure a good Birthday social will be had and I can be sure of a Bacon Roll with a candle in it on Friday Morning what ever happens!
So until then I shall bid you farewell and wish you the best of luck if you manage to find your own secret piece of wobbly water.....

Smithy

Snow Go.....

2010-11-27T13:50:00.001Z

Well as I sit here typing away I keep asking myself what I must have done to p%ss the Carp Gods off?

Let me explain....

I left work bang on 6 last night and called into the Syndicate on the way home just to get an idea on how many carpers were already on ready for the weekend. As I drove through the gate I noticed that the first car park was empty,"that's very unusual" I said to my boss who I was giving a lift home. I continued round the track to the top car park and on nearing it I looked out of the window and caught sight of the lake......I didn't like what I saw so I turned away and then looked back again hoping it would change and it was just my eyes playing tricks on me. But alas I had not been deceived......the lake was starting to freeze!
As I pulled into the top car park that too was unsurprisingly empty, I turned the van around and flew back down the track all the while trying to keep my emotions in until I was alone! [I wasn't sure my boss would fully understand my utter frustration at finding the lake frozen not having chucked a lead for 3 weeks]

Bloody Typical!

I got back on the dual carriage way and made the short sprint to where my boss lives and dropped her off, after she had gone I pulled over and let out an almighty roar that would have made William Wallace proud!!
I rolled a smoke and rang Martin to give him the bad news, we agreed that we would go anyway even if it was just for a few hours to wet the lines in a bucket sized area of wobbly water, desperate times indeed!
So this morning I jumped behind the wheel and made the short drive to the Syndicate. On arrival I was greeted by the same sore sight of the previous night, I drove round to the top car park hoping for a slight improvement but there was none, there was now snow sitting on top of the ice! Although the sun was beginning to show and there was a chance it would melt, the forecast temperature's for the night meant it would soon freeze over again as soon as the sun dropped out of the sky.
I had a quick walk round to assess the situation, then rang Martin to tell him not to bother getting out of bed!

Looks like it's another Weekend sat at home then!

After throwing a tantrum in the car park I accepted defeat and headed home with my tail firmly between my legs, that now means that so far I haven't managed to get behind the rods for 3 weeks and because I am working next weekend it's not looking likely that I will be able to get out again before my Birthday session on the 9th December!!!!
Right, I'm off to sulk, if you manage to find some wobbly water I hope all of your dreams come true!

Until next time,

Smithy

Withdrawal Symptoms!

2010-11-25T20:53:00.001Z

"The Long Mirror" at 35 lb+, landed last winter on Brownie's rods whilst he was "otherwise" engaged, I would love this cracker on my own terms!

Well as you can guess by the lack of posting activity this last week I never did manage to get on the bank after work last weekend, what with a few last minute "chores" that needed doing here and there it was too late to get behind the rods. In the end I just had a good sort out of the gear and threw a load of cr%p away, I couldn't believe how much of it I have been lugging around the lake this season!
I am however definitely getting on the bank this weekend, I've been a nightmare to live with this week (so the wife tells me!) and she is almost pushing me out of the door!
So tomorrow night will see me rig tying and doing all the usual rituals then I shall be behind the van wheel at dawn on Saturday Wellingborough bound!
I shall be joined by my brother in law "Martin", who has yet to do a winter on the bank.....and after just checking the temperatures forecast (-6 on Saturday night) it may well be his first and last!!!
I myself love getting behind the rods at this time of the year, the fish look immaculate and are at good weights plus the banks are starting to quieten down......If I catch then that's a bonus, if not I will just enjoy being out there taking on the elements.......

Until Sunday,

Smithy

Under The Thumb!

2010-11-15T18:04:00.000Z

Well, it's been a while since my last post so I will start where I left off.....

The plan was to get back on the Syndicate the following weekend to get my revenge on the inhabitants of the crystal clear water, and I did just that....nearly!
I arrived early and was met by my good friend Paul in the "Car Park Swim" and with a couple of stockies under his belt already and a lot of fish showing in front of him it looked promising. Martin was due down to do a guesty with me so he dropped in next to Paul in the "Social" and I went the other side in the "Boards".
It didn't take long to get sorted and before I knew it I had 3 baits out and the kettle was on.......lets be having you then!
The day passed quickly and darkness soon descended so we took this as a cue to get on the blower to the local Chinese and get some food delivered, Pete arrived at the vital point and offered to fetch it from the gate, Good Man!
We all sat in the social devouring our dinner and having a good chinwag when Martin pointed to his mat, it was white and frozen solid and it was only 18:45pm! It's going to be a long cold night I thought! As the night wore on we all started suffering from eating far too much and the freezing fog didn't make it anymore comfortable so by 21:00pm we called it a night and returned to our bivvies.

Looking out from the Boards, Magic!

I was soon in the land of nod and slept like a baby until my blackberry woke me up at 05:45am, I fired up the Coleman and rolled a smoke. As I sat on the edge of the bedchair looking out across the lake I couldn't help but think how dead it looked, completely different to the previous morning but with the plummeting over night temperature's and heavy frost I couldn't expect anymore I suppose.
By 10am I had the barrow loaded and was heading back to the van, I was getting used to the walk of shame so another blank really didn't bother me!
When I arrived home I was just figuring out how to tell the wife that I would be spending the following weekend on the bank when I noticed a unusual silence in the house, she knew what was coming and I could tell she didn't approve! So doing my best to avoid a divorce I bit my lip and said "Fancy a night away next weekend darling? Nice Hotel, Dinner.....The Works!" Her face lit up, 'Well Played Smithy' I thought, a few brownie points in the bag there!
So the following Saturday morning I was flying round the M25 heading to Deepest Darkest Kent, we had a great night and met up with Paul and his wife Tina for a lovely meal and before we knew it, Sunday morning arrived and we had to get back to reality.
So that brings us pretty much up to date, so with a few brownie points on my side I shall be heading down to the Syndicate for some more therapy straight from work on Saturday for a quick overnighter......It will be nice to be back on the bank, it's only been 8 days and I look like someone who has gone cold turkey!
As I sit here writing this I am like a kid at Christmas, being the tart that I am and liking shiny new things I am awaiting the arrival of my new Aqua Luggage (Thanks go to my Sister!) so hopefully that shall be accompanying me on Saturday too!
Time to stop boring you now and get the dinner on the go, hopefully I shall report back on Sunday with some good news!

Until then,

Smithy

One Step Closer.......

2010-10-31T17:00:00.002Z

Well I've just returned from my local syndicate after trying something different, the end result was a blank.....but it's better to have had a take and lost than to never have had a take at all I suppose.

I left the office slightly before 4pm yesterday and was in the syndicate car park in 30 seconds flat, the barrow was soon loaded and I jogged round the bank. I knew where I wanted to be courtesy of "Dumpy" keeping me informed during the day about the carpy activity.
It didn't take me long to get all 3 rods positioned at the bottom of a shelf on the far margin, I sat back with the first brew of the session with a new found confidence.
After having a good chat with "Dumpy" my wife arrived with some welcoming warm baguettes and a bottle of Shiraz firmly in her grasp. All 3 of us had been sat in "Dumpy's" swim talking about anything and everything for about an hour when "Dumpy's" middles rod went into melt down and after a few of what I shall describe as "entertaining" moments we soon had the fish in the net, which turned out to be a stunning 23 lb+ Mirror.

"Dumpy" with his stunning 23 lb+ Mirror......

After doing the photos we returned her to her watery home and celebrated with a brew (Trudi chose to drink the Wine!). At about 11pm me and Trudi returned to my swim a few yards away and got in the sleeping bag or shall I say squeezed in the bag together but I have to admit it was cosy after we had shuffled about abit!
I struggled to sleep, I could hear fish rolling in front of me all night and by 4am I decided to get up, have a smoke and see what they were up to!
I squeezed back into the bag at about 5am and slowly drifted off to sleep. Before I knew it was 6:45am and I was being screamed at by the shrill of my Neville!
I flew out of the bivvy and lifted into a good fish that was kiting to the left on a tight line, at this point I was wondering why my Neville was still screaming at me (obviously a fault looking back now) I lent down to switch it off and at that exact same time the fish turned and flew towards me, with one hand still on the alarm and one on the rod the fish was soon on a slack line and by the time I had attempted to get back in contact the hook had pulled.......my heart sank, I was gutted.
A complete school boy error which I shall never forget, I launched the "Torrix" down the margin into the reeds and had a paddy, Trudi went and hid in the bivvy whilst I "sorted" myself out.

After 10 Min's and a cup of coffee with a smoke I was almost back in a normal (ish) state of mind and retrieved the rod from the reeds, rebaited it then put it back on the spot but unfortunately the moment had passed and the lake looked lifeless.
After demolishing two packs of Bacon and several gallons of coffee I decided to pack up before the rain arrived and typically just as I had put the bivvy in its bag the heaven's opened and I mean Opened!
So with all the gear completely sodden I pushed the barrow back to the van all the whilst swearing that I will have my revenge next weekend...........

Until then,

Smithy

Not Feeling The Love.......

2010-10-26T20:06:00.001+01:00

Due to me having to work on the Saturday, I never managed to get behind the rods on Friday night as planned.
After work on Friday I popped down the syndicate for a mooch and upon arriving my worst fears were confirmed as I was greeted by a full car park.
Never the less I parked up and walked the bank in the dark, passing a bivvy in almost every swim. By the time I was half way round I recognised "Tones" laugh from the back of a bivvy so popped my head in for a chin wag, after putting the Carpy world to rights for a good hour I bid him farewell set off to find "Russ" further up the bank. We had a good chat and I told him my intention was to be back down by 4pm the following day and I asked him to keep me informed on bank space - which as always he agreed....I then set off home via the kebab shop to get the kit sorted ready for the pursuit.

Russ with the "Big Common" last winter.....

I arrived at work the following morning on edge, all the while wondering if a) I could get on and b) would they be feeding in this freezing northerly? The day past slowly, I was constantly checking my phone for updates and then it happened at a little after 2:30pm.....I got the text I really didn't want. Somebody was hovering around the "3rd middles" [my No1 choice swim] and one of the only free swims on the lake, this knocked me for six! At 3pm due to a few technical issues the boss gave us the go ahead to leave early so I was out of the door in a flash! I jumped straight in the van and made the very short hop from the office to the lake in seconds, almost forgetting to stop and open the gate!

I arrived in the car park to be greeted by a member saying, "you fishing then, I'm going in 3rds!" and that was that, I put my tail between my legs and walked round the lake to Russ and had a sulk, Russ put the kettle on and we had a chat for a while, by this point I decided I wasn't feeling the love and after a brew said my good byes and headed home without wetting a line.

Last winter under the Oval......

That night whilst sulking on the laptop I decided to purchase a bivvy, I fished through the whole of last winter under my oval but after suffering from several bouts of flu and enduring temperature's down to -9c I decided I would be a little wiser this winter.

I have been looking for a new one for a while but it needed to tick 2 main boxes, it needed to be light and also able to be stripped back to just a shelter for the summer months and after being impressed by Russ`s latest purchase I opted for the Chub S Plus Max and got one at a bargain price too!

Hopefully my new purchase will make life a little more comfortable on the bank!

I've also managed to convince the wife to do her first night on the bank this weekend, very brave of her to do her first one at the end of October!
That bring us pretty much up to date, as I'm working again on Saturday Trudi & I shall be heading down the syndicate at about 4pm on Saturday, I've promised her a bottle of mulled wine and a Chinese so it should be a pleasant evening on the bank and if one of the "Jewels of the lake" makes an appearance.........well it would be rude to knock it off!

Until next time,

Smithy

Feeling The Pressure....

2010-10-17T19:08:00.000+01:00

I arrived on the Syndicate Thursday Morning and with the lake quiet I felt confident. I had a quick trot round the bank and found the fish showing half way round the lake at about 65 yds range, I dropped a bucket in the swim and jogged back to the van to fetch the rest of the gear.
It didn't take me long to get sorted and I soon had 3 rods cast onto showing fish so I sat back and enjoyed the first brew of the day, before I knew it dusk had arrived so I got the dinner on. I was fully expecting a take at any moment and just couldn't relax but by 10pm I called it a night and got in the bag.

I awoke at about 6am and looked at the rods, I could tell instantly that something was amiss. The middle bobbin was touching the roller and on a very tight line, I knew what had happened and I had never done it before until now and that is sleeping through a take. I fired up the Coleman and had a strong coffee before cooking up a few Bacon Rolls and a Cappuccino to wash them down. After breakfast I decided it was time to investigate the offending rod. My earlier thoughts were confirmed when I struggled to retrieve the rig ,the fish had obviously taken me through one of the big weed beds towards the far margin, to say I was gutted was a huge understatement.

At least I ate well during the Session....

By 11am I thought it may be a good idea to rest the swim for a few hours, so I did just that. I had a walk round the far bank and fired out a few baits over where the 3 rods were going to be placed before going back to the swim and reading for a few hours.
At 3pm I got all 3 rods back on the spots and with the occasional fish still showing I felt pretty confident, my old mate "Dumpy" arrived shortly after and set up next door.
After a good catch up we ordered a Chinese and sat up until about 10pm having a good chinwag before calling it a night, the cold that I had endured all week had really taken it out of me and I was soon in the land of nod.
After an uninterrupted sleep I woke up at 6:45am and looked out from under the Oval, the swim looked completely dead and I knew that it wasn't going to happen now. I had a brew and a couple of smokes all the while trying to tell myself that I had done everything right and it couldn't be helped, but it was frustrating that all that hard work hadn't paid off this time. By 10am I packed away and left the lake with that deflated feeling which I always try to avoid but I am sure that every Carp Angler has felt at some point in their career.

So here I am sat at home typing this up and looking towards my next session, I am hoping to manage 2 nights on the bank from Friday but it [as always] depends on work.

Surely it's only a matter of time before all the pieces of the puzzle come together, isn't it?

Until next time,

Smithy

Jolly Boys Outing - Returning To Hell!

2010-10-13T16:11:00.000+01:00

After you read the title of this post you may well be wondering what happened, so let me explain....

I left work bang on 4pm and headed straight to Devon as planned, I completed the Journey in a little over 4 hours which isn't too bad going for a Friday night and before I knew it I was in the pub and knocking back the first of many beers. The inevitable last orders bell was rung but the party continued onto the beach, unsuprisingly I can't remember the finer details!
This pretty much set the scene for the weekend and before I knew it, Sunday morning arrived and I pointed the van in the direction of Oxford and flew up the motorway.
On arrival I was greeted by a packed car park as well as a busy lake. Pete arrived shortly after me and after a bit of cursing we headed off to another water on the complex to see if we would have more luck there.
You see, we have one of these trips every year......just a couple of nights away from our target waters to have a social and a catch up, the end result is always the same though, the lakes are always completely stitched up and we can never get on the fish so just end up camping and moaning about the bloke next door who thinks he has the right to put a bait anywhere he likes, oh the joys of day ticket waters! You would have thought we would have learnt by now!
We did however eventually find a quieter lake and we were soon set up in the same swims we fished last year, with fish showing in front of us it looked promising.
The day passed quietly and before we knew it it was time to climb into the bag and call it a night not to mention recover from the previous few days escapades!
I was awake at 5 am as normal, I fired up the Coleman for the first brew of the day and rolled a smoke. It was a very cold morning and I was the only person awake on the whole lake, the peace was fantastic......but it didn't last long! By 6am the vans started arriving in the car park and hoards of anglers started doing circuits of the lake. At about this point I noticed the fish activity in front of me had moved to the swim to the left of Pete so I quickly moved into there before someone else beat me to it.

They were showing well at 100 -120 yards, but just wouldn't pick up a bait!

As the day wore on the lake filled up and by mid day every swim was taken, spods flying literally all over the place, mallets thumping the ground not to mention people casting where they like! However the fish didn't seem to mind and put in a fantastic acrobatic display for most of the day so I rattled off a few snaps with the SLR, it really did look good for a take and we just couldn't understand why it hadn't done a fish whilst we were there.....to anyone!
By mid afternoon I took a turn for the worst and started feeling a bit crappy and definitely felt that I had the flu coming. We took this as an excuse to have an Indian to try and shift it, as nice as it was it didn't manage to do a thing and by late evening I literally crawled into the bag all the while wishing someone would put me out of my misery. I got no sleep what so ever that night, I was struggling to breath, banging headache and muscles I didn't even know I had were aching!

By 5am I gave up trying to sleep and fired up the Coleman once again before rummaging through my ruck sack to see if I had any pain killers, all I found was an empty packet.....typical!
As soon as it was light I started packing up just wanting to get home, I was glad I did as well as by 8am the spod & marker brigade started their bombing.....my nerves couldn't take anymore so headed for home.
I can never understand why people get their spods and markers out between dawn and 10pm then redo all of their rods, in my opinion this is prime bite time and surely it's best to keep the disturbance down to a minimum and if you need to thrash the water to foam do it after mid-day??!
So here I am sat at the laptop at home typing this up, "Lemsip" in hand praying to wake up feeling fine in the morning, with only a few days holiday left before I head back to work I've already loaded the van and will be heading down to the syndicate in the morning, quite a few of the "Big Girls" are due out so I figured instead of laying in bed feeling sorry for myself, I could do it under the Oval with a chance of a chunk too, I've already been to the chemist to stock up on drugs, no pain no gain eh?!
Hopefully I shall return in a few days feeling like a new man and with some good news,

Until then be lucky,

Smithy

Sunday Blues......

2010-10-03T13:14:00.001+01:00

Normally a Sunday would see me writing about my latest session on the bank, however because of various going ons in both my private life and work life that hasn't happened this week.
Because I'm on odd shifts at work for the next 5 days, today will see me sorting the gear out, preparing particles etc ready for the off straight from work at the slightly earlier time of 4pm on Friday.

I shall be flying down the M5 Clovelly bound ready to spend the weekend in the pub at various engagements and then on the Sunday shall be heading back up country to Oxfordshire to spend a few days chasing the "Big Girls" that lurk in the carpy waters.

A normal Clovelly engagement, In the Pub!

The hemp is busy boiling away on the hob whilst I write this as I am preparing fresh batches of bait for the trip. I am always worried about particles going "off", I can't see it happening in this weather but being the over pre-cautious person that I am I have come up with a plan to keep them fresh whilst I am "busy" in Devon. The bait will be in the back of the van for two days before I even get to the lake, then will be on the bank for a further 3 days so I've decided to prepare the bait today and will keep it soaked in the hempy juices and put it into the freezer already bucketed. Then minutes before work on Friday will take it out and put it into the van with my theory being that the bait should be a solid block that will take at least 24 - 36 hours to thaw and still be cool, nice and fresh for my arrival in Oxfordshire.
I've taken no chances for this trip and have re-spooled my reels with the ever faithful krystonite. I absolutely love this line and to be honest I have no idea why I stopped using it at the end of last season, I'm guessing though as everybody who knows me personally will more than likely to tell you it's because I'm always looking for something better and a way to improve my presentation. Now I'm guessing a few of you are saying at this point "why use that? use ____?" Well I've tried them all and in my opinion this really does stand above the rest, it casts very well, sinks well although it states slow sinking..... it doesn't hang about and low visibility make it perfect for the angling situations I often find myself with anyway. I took all 3 reels up the "Beds Pit" last night and gave them a good chuck to bed the line in and it was fantastic, I'd forgotten just how good it really was and will be sticking with it from now on........and before you ask I have no ties with Krystonite whatsoever!

Active Bait Solutions Ninja!

Boilie wise, I've just taken delivery of the usual FBI & Garlic aswell as some "Ninja" courtesy of Active Bait Solutions to keep them guessing, the very dark colour should give me a edge over the wariest of fish that inhabit the water and should also help combat any bird problems that I may encounter.
So for now I will sign off and continue getting myself sorted, hopefully next time I shall report back with news of a Oxfordshire lump!

Be lucky and enjoy the best time of the Carp Calender!

Smithy

Times Of Change.....

2010-09-25T18:42:00.001+01:00

After an uneventful but still very enjoyable session on the "Beds Pit" last week I decided to have a break this weekend and spend some time with the wife, which just so happened to involve a walk around a stunning little water I shall be spending the Winter on which is located in the Nene Valley.
My mind is still firmly set on the "Beds Pit" for the autumn, however once the temperatures drop and the frosts arrive the "Beds Pit" will be put to one side and I shall be spending the winter on the intimate Nene Valley Pit, there is nothing of giant proportions lurking in the water but all of the inhabitants are stunning and will still push the scales round to the low 30's so you can't really grumble at that in the depths of winter. Although saying that it's not the easiest of waters anyway so will still provide a nice challenge in the coming colder months.
Me and Trudi had a good walk round this afternoon.....walking off the 3 course lunch which we had just indulged in at an Italian restaurant! The water is crystal clear and the margins drop away nicely which will certainly suit my favorite method so fingers crossed I will have some winter action this year.
Last winter was a complete failure, the weather conditions were the worst I've seen in years, my syndicate at the time was frozen solid for over a month which always seems to be the way when you have 2 weeks off work!

My Syndicate in artic conditons last winter, -10c that night!

Although when I did finally get on the bank I had it all to myself as most of the local lads had hung up the rods for the winter, I can never understand why people do that but then again laying under the oval in temperatures down to -10c is probably not everyones idea of fun, but I love it!

Sitting it out on another Nene Valley Water a few years ago in the middle of December....

As I look out of the window whilst I write this, the leaves have changed colour and it certainly looks like Autumn is nearly upon us, this has to be my favourite part of the year as the carp begin to feed up ready for their winter slumber, so with a week booked off work from the 8th of October I shall certainly be hoping to have a slice of the Autumn action.

A fantastic read!

Before I go I must mention how impressed I am with my latest book purchase "The Forgotten Chapters" the writing and illustrations are absolutely mind blowing. I'm looking forward to spending tonight sprawled out on the sofa with a chinese and then continuing reading this fantastic book!
I shall be doing a bit of work over the winter making a few changes to the graphics on this website as well as the forum, so hopefully it will all look nice and fresh ready for the spring. I've also got a few ideas I'm hoping to put into action over the next few months so keep your eyes open for the changes!

I shall be changing the banner too.......

That's all from me for now, if you're on the bank this week I wish you the best of luck and the hope the carp gods make your dreams come true.

Be lucky,

Smithy

Mind Games.......

2010-09-19T17:45:00.001+01:00

Yesterday morning saw me sat behind my desk at work clock watching, wishing all the while for it to be 4pm and god did it drag!
As soon as the clock struck 4pm I was out the door as if the fire alarm was sounding and before I knew it I had pulled into the "Beds Pit" car park, the whole journey was a blur as my mind went over the same questions...would I get in my baited swim? angling pressure? would the fish be on the end of the wind?
I jumped out the van and jogged the 400 yards round the path to the corner of the pit, I could just make out my baited swim on the far bank and it was empty, perfect!
I walked back to the van and loaded the barrow, before the 20 minute mission to the swim.......it seemed further than I remembered!
Once in the swim I got the Oval up as the sky was getting darker by the minute, I manged to get it up just in time as the heavens opened a few minutes later. I took this as sign from the carp gods telling me to relax a bit and have a brew, so I did just that.
Only 10 minutes later the rain stopped, so I donned the chest waders to clear the floating weed in front of the swim, it was solid about 3 rod lengths out and would have made landing a fish next to impossible, 25 minutes later the job was finished and I now had a weed free swim, perfect! I couldn't help but notice the huge amount of small crayfish in the weed, I can see them being a pain next season once they are a bit bigger!

Clearing the huge amount of floating weed was a nightmare!

I soon had the rods out on their spots and was fishing, the Coleman was fired up again and I had a brew with a few mates who had joined me for the night, as we sat in my swim we couldn't help but hear the tell tale sounds of a big fish rolling about 40 yards out, it looked good.....very good!
We all retired to our bedchairs shortly before 1am and I was soon in the land of nod, dreaming of a big common.

I awoke this morning at 7am, which is very late for me when I'm fishing although to be fair this week had taken its toll on me so I didn't mind a little lay in, I fired up the Coleman once more and rolled a smoke.......as I sat there taking in the atmosphere I started receiving aggressive liners on my margin rod, at one point I made the short hop down the bank to the rods fully expecting it to rattle off but unfortunately it never did.

Before I knew it, it was 10 am and time to have a slow pack up and do the jungle warfare journey back to the van, despite the blank I left a happy man it was great to be back on the "Beds Pit" and I'm looking forward to gracing her banks again very soon.

The seeds of the gods, a big part of my armory........

I shall keep trickling the bait in and keeping a very close eye on her.....its only a matter of time before she gives up one of her jewels and I want to make sure I am there when it happens.

Until next time,

Smithy

Priming The Beds Pit....

2010-09-16T22:47:00.002+01:00

Well I've just returned from a baiting up session over on the Beds Pit ready for Saturday night, Ive walked the Pit quite a few times of late which at over 65 acres takes some doing!

The ever faithful FBI & Garlic ready to be deposited into the swim.......

However a certain part of the lake keeps catching my eye and I know for a fact that the area does seem to produce some of the "Big Girls". Ive kept a close eye on the weather this week and the area looks perfect for the weekend with the wind forecast to be pushing very nicely straight into the swim not to mention the low pressure that is due, I'm certainly very hopeful to say the least!
But then again, its going to be nice just to sit under the oval and take in the atmosphere.

I spent a good hour tonight spreading a large amount of Active Bait Solutions FBI & Garlic into my chosen area with the aid of a throwing stick to ensure a good spread of bait and to keep the carp moving about.
So there we go, short and sweet tonight but hopefully I will have a lengthy report for you when I return home on Sunday.

Be lucky,

Smithy

The New Chapter......

2010-09-12T18:44:00.000+01:00

Well, where to start?

It's been a while since my last post, the last 2 weeks have been so hectic and I have found little time to grace the banks.
When I left you last time I was just preparing for a night on "Heron" so that will be as a good place as any to start from.
I arrived at Heron at about mid-morning, I was greeted by a strong South Westerly Wind pushing straight into the "Car Park" swim, as I stood and watched the water a good fish showed towards the far bank, ''that will do'' I said to myself.
I unloaded the van and quickly got the oval up as the sky was turning blacker by the minute, I took the opportunity in the light drizzle to relax a bit and tie up some fresh rigs and make a plan in my head for the next 24 hours.
Just as the sky started to clear Pete arrived and set up next door in the "Channel", so I roped him in to give me some assistance doing my first rod, I cast a lead over to the far bank and walked round with a bucket of goodies and a rig tied up ready to clip on.

Looking out from the "Car Park"

Once round the over side I waded out and found a nice clear spot in about 4 ft of water, I then attached the baited rig and gently lowered it onto the spot and put a good handful of hemp over the top - all the while Pete was standing in my swim keeping the line straight, Job Done!
I repeated the process for the other two rods put this time on the near margin, wading out two rod lengths until I found a suitable spot lowering the bait in and putting a handful of bait over the top then slowly making my way back to the bank.
That evening we were joined by a couple of mates for a social and ordered the biggest Chinese I have ever seen in my life, once finished we sat up late into the night talking about all things carpy and later putting the worlds to rights, at some stage we all dragged our now huge stomachs onto our our respective bed chairs and it didn't take me long to nod off.

A Chinese feast fit for Kings!

I awoke to a glorious sunrise, the kind that makes you glad you are a carp angler. We get to see these on a regular basis, where as alot of people have never seen one in their lives, when I think about it I do feel sorry for them.
It was a little after 5 am, I fired up the Coleman and rolled a smoke and enjoyed the Dawn Chorus. I was shocked that the morning passed very quickly without incident and it was soon getting towards packing up time, I was left scratching my head......I had fish on my spots throughout the session, I awoke a few times during the night by them rolling over my baits but yet couldn't get a sniff.
It was soon time to leave and I made the short journey home, all the while thinking about what I should have done differently.
Once home it was time to pack the bags as we were heading down to Devon for a few days, and the following morning we were flying down the M5, Clovelly bound!


Jack loved his grandad's boat!

We had a great few days and it was nice for my son 'Jack' to spend some time with his grandad, it was funny - all he said whilst we were down there was "Pub, Pub, Pub"... he's learning fast!
Once home again it was time to get myself ready for starting a new job on the Monday, now this job is better hours, money...everything in fact! However, it does mean that I am back with the weekend anglers now, I wish I had never taken my days off in the week for granted now.
My first week went well, everybody seems nice and its only 20 Min's from the "Beds Pit"......I can cope with that!
That pretty much brings us up to date, I've just returned from a baiting up session over on the "Beds Pit" and I look forward to starting my Autumn campaign on there Saturday.
I will be nipping over during the week to trickle some bait in.
So for now its time for me to go and and get the Oven warmed up and peeling some spuds ready for Sunday dinner!

Be lucky,

Smithy

Carpers On Tour......

2010-08-28T19:08:00.002+01:00

Well my visit to Yateley was an enjoyable one albeit slightly exhausting!

I left home at 6am to go and pick Aaron ''Lead Shed'' up from Colchester, the trip was an easy one and I arrived at Aaron's front door at 8am, after a "posh coffee" as Aaron called it, we hit the road to do battle with the M25 and M3.
After only a few delays we arrived at Yateley Angling Centre at about 11:30am, we picked up our pre-booked tickets and headed straight to the South Lake.
On our arrival we were greeted by a very busy lake and with only a handful of swims available we certainly had our work cut out, we did manage to find the fish, although as soon as the weather changed they soon drifted off and with no swims free to move to we just had to sit tight.

The Swims were well marked!

I set up in the "Ladders" and Aaron next door in the "Channel", we had a good number of fish in front of us so felt confident of a take, the rods were soon sorted and we sat back to enjoy a long awaited social and some fine cuisine not to mention some very heavy rain, Aaron cooked up an animal of a Curry......we both regretted it after though as we crawled to our bed chairs to rest our now stretched stomachs!

Carpy Cuisine!

It didn't take long for me to get into the land of nod and before I knew it the alarm on my phone was going off, that will be 5:30am then! I put the kettle on and rolled a smoke, it was still raining!
I received a few big liners at 7am, I was hovering over the rods expecting a take at anytime but unfortunately it never came. It was great to finally fulfil my lifelong ambition to fish The Yateley Complex after reading about it for so many years, I shall definitely be back to fish one of the other ''special'' waters.

By 8:30am the heavy rain had now turned to light drizzle and we took this opportunity to pack up before we hit the road again this time to drive to Kent to pick up some bait from Active Bait Solutions.
After being greeted by Paul and having a well deserved coffee and a catch up we got back on the road Colchester bound to drop Aaron off although we did have a slight detour to get some grub as we were both starving!
After dropping Aaron off, I got straight back on the road and headed home and walked through my front door a little after 8pm.
Whilst on the way home I noticed a lake situated right next to the A428, now I've always known about it but never really took any notice, but with the sun setting over its banks it looked very idyllic and once home I did a bit more research and found the info I wanted, definitely one to keep an eye on this one.

Heading back to familiar territory.....for now.

I intend on doing an overnighter on "Heron" tomorrow,that's if it isn't too busy we will see maybe its time to head back to the Beds Pit......I was going to leave that until the Autumn but may well have to get back on sooner.
Time to get the gear sorted again, if you're on the banks this weekend be lucky and I hope you have a fish that makes your dreams come true.

Until next time,

Smithy

One Hell Of A Week!

2010-08-25T22:46:00.000+01:00

Apologies for the lack of activity in the last week, its been pretty hectic to say the least!

Firstly, I decided at the last minute to chuck the gear in the van and fly down the M5 Clovelly bound to see my Dad and also have a dabble on a very attractive venue that I spent a bit of time on whilst living in the South West.
I had a great Journey down and completed it in a little over 4 hours which isn't bad for a Friday afternoon, on arrival it was the usual ritual of meeting Dad and jumping straight into the pub then stumbling out sometime early the following morning.
I awoke Saturday morning feeling a lot worse than when I went to bed, strange that I felt great the night before must of been the pillow!
I very slowly got myself organised and made my way to the lake, it was lovely to see the place again, its been years since I've graced those banks.
It didn't take me long to get sorted and soon enough two rods were dispatched to the far bank, very accurately as well considering my condition!
An a hour or so later, I was just tying up another rig ready when my hand slipped and I embedded a Size 7 Barbed Fox SSC straight into my finger, I then spent 30 Min's trying to tease it out......but had no joy so I just bit the bullet and gave it a big pull and out she popped, flesh and all!


Ouch!!!!

Following the incident I decided to move as not much was showing in front of me, so I loaded the up the barrow and went for a mooch.
It didn't take me long to find the fish, I located them doing circuits of a reed bed at the far end of the lake, two "Magic" PVA bags were put on their patrol routes, I sat back and rolled a smoke......by this point my head had got a little less hazy and I started to feel more like myself again, but for how long I didn't know....you can never tell once you are in the deepest darkest Devonshire country side!
Out of the blue my left hand rod melted off, I lifted into it and felt the solid pull of a good fish when all of a sudden the hook pulled, I was gutted! The rod was soon back on the spot and I awaited action.....I didn't have to wait long as the left hand rod was away again, this fish decided to go through every reed bed in the corner of the lake, I thought I had lost it a few times but after a bit of a struggle and having to wade out up to my waist in silt I had an immaculate upper double common in the net, photos were soon done and she was returned to her watery home.

A Stunning Upper Double From The South West Venue.....

I decided to call it a day, I had a great few hours fishing so headed back to the village to have a nice dinner and a pint or 2 before having an early night as I was driving home the following morning.
The drive home was great and I did it again in a little over 4 hours, I had a few website bits to do as well as catch up with some photographic work before an interview the following day on the Monday.
Which brings us pretty much up to date, I got the call today (Wednesday) saying that I got the job so took my wife and son out to have a joint celebration as its her birthday too!
Tomorrow will see me heading down to the Famous Yateley Complex in Hampshire with Aaron from the "Lead shed" to have a quick 24 hour session on the South Lake, to say I'm excited is a big understatement, having never set eyes on the historic complex before. I can't wait and will be sure to have the camera clicking away for the duration of my stay and will hopefully land a fish or two as well!
Before I go I must mention how saddened I was when I heard the terrible news about the death of all the fish in "The Mere" including The Black Mirror, its been an awful year for fish deaths lets just hope this is the last of it.
Right time to sign off and get the kit sorted, I will report back in a few days.

Be lucky,

Smithy

Taking The Biscuit......

2010-08-10T00:12:00.000+01:00

Well I did manage to grace the bank for a few hours today, I arrived in the Island car park at mid day.
I got a bucket of mixers out of the van and set off in hot pursuit of my prey, I decided to have a quick look in the "Fridge" on Heron lake as it's right next to "Island" and is the first swim you come to between the two lakes.
I was greeted by quite a few fish, the majority of which looked well over 20 lb, I fired out a few mixers and watched as one was slurped down straight away, perfect!
I fired out a few more handfuls then popped round "Island" to get an update on the latest captures from "Brownie" and to see if there was anything worth putting a bait to on "Island".
After a quick chat it was quite clear that there wasn't much occurring on "Island" other than Gav's capture of the stunning "Plastic Linear" at 28 lb+ well done Flex!
I trotted back round to the van and got the kit before make the very short journey back to the "Fridge", I sat on a log and continued to flick baits out but they didn't seem anywhere near as interested as they did when I first arrived.
I continued to flick out a few mixers at a time for over two hours, the fish were still there but only ever taking the odd mixer, "not having it" you might say.
After another 20 minutes or so they seemed to get a bit more confident, I would have preferred to wait a bit longer but was worried the right time might pass, so I gently cast out beyond them before slowly drawing the bait back to the hot area.
Just as I did this, the wind turned and the swim looked dead, completely devoid of fish and then to top it all off the flying rats got scent of the mixers and swarmed over the area, I reeled in and spat my dummy out.
I decided to have a quick look at Island, and spent about an hour in a secluded corner of the lake trying to get them going but they just didn't seem interested, I threw in the towel and went back to the fridge with my tail firmly between my legs.

A Stunning Little Mirror Falling To The Biscuit....

On my return to the fridge, it looked completely different to when I left, the flying rats had left and the fish had returned.
I started flicking mixers out again, just one or two at a time for about an hour, they seemed to be getting more confident by every pouchful, I could see a fish was taking very confidently down the right hand margin so I gently cast a bait onto it.
A minute or so later a pair of lips came up and engulfed the bait before causing an eruption as I lifted into it, after a short scrap in the heavily weeded corner of the lake she was soon in the net, I couldn't believe how easy it came in, I expected the weed to cause me much more trouble than it did.
I guessed she was about a low double but in reality the weight was immaterial to me, I had a quick picture before returning her to the crystal clear water of Heron Lake, I then left for home a happy man.
I spent all afternoon down the lake, but actually only fished for about 30 minutes, I've always known it's best to get them feeding confidently before putting a bait out, but have always struggled to sit on my hands for the right moment.
But since I realised the error of my ways, I've managed two fish on the bounce.......things are certainly coming together now.

Be Lucky,

Smithy

Lost Legends......

2010-08-08T22:00:00.001+01:00

It seems you can't pick up a magazine or surf the forums at the moment without reading about yet another one of the big girls going up to the great pond in the sky.
This last year has seen a huge amount of big fish including some of the most well known carp in the country passing away.
The Yateley Complex in Hampshire has lost arguably it's most famous fish "Heather The Leather" not to mention more old warriors including "Pearly" & "Chunky".
I've enjoyed reading about these old characters for virtually all of my angling career and had hoped one day in the not too distant future to try and outwit one myself. Many of the country's best anglers have put their wits against these old beasts, most failed but a handful did succeed and I'm sure these legendary fish will mean all the more to them now than ever before: "Lost but never forgotten".

The final resting place of Heather....

Another high profile water to lose some of it's bigger residents is the Bluebell lakes complex home of the now late "Benson". This fish more than often caused controversy when you mentioned its name but when regularly topping the scales to 60 lb+ you couldn't help but look on in awe at this huge framed big common.
Even after its passing "Benson" was still causing controversy, this time surrounding the cause of its death, alot of people blamed poorly prepared baits, I however have my own opinions...but I will keep them to myself.
It's not just the high profile waters that have lost their bigger residents, I have been hearing of a few syndicates in Colne Valley that have lost fish well in excess of 40 lb+.
Obviously at this time of the year spawning has a huge impact on carp and sometimes it can be the case that these older fish can't cope with the ritual anymore and the stress associated with it, what it does mean is that when we do catch them at this stressful time of year we must take every precaution to ensure the well being of the fish we love so much.
After all, this last year has proved the dreams we have long read about will not be around forever.

Moving on, I've got a chance to do a few hours floater fishing tomorrow so hopefully I will be able to repeat my success from last week, here's hoping!
The "Islands" big girl "Single Scale" hasn't graced the bank in quite a while and many believe it is just a matter of time before she slips up, I'm not sure if she has ever been out witted on a floater but there's always a first I suppose!

After being lucky enough last year to fish 4 - 5 nights a week, I'm now finding it very difficult to even fit in a night a week so I think there will be a few more of these short sessions, I've certainly got to make the most of the little time I have.

Hopefully I will report back with some news,

Until next time,

Smithy

Floater Success!

2010-08-03T19:25:00.003+01:00

Well I've just returned from "Island" and had a very enjoyable session, a bit frustrating at times though I must admit!
I got down the lake at 4pm and was soon set up in the "Trees", I placed one of my baits by hand with a good scattering of hemp over the top, the other two were put on proven areas with the ever faithful "Ninja Rigs".
I was soon sat on the bedchair enjoying a coffee watching fish roll over my bait when Pete arrived and set up next door, a social was on the cards, and a huge Chinese delivered to the lake.....Perfect!
We sat up late into the night discussing anything and everything Carp related, before moving on and moaning about life in general.......the mood soon lifted though when the liners started and the fish started rolling in huge numbers over both of our swims, we both felt that it wasn't a matter of if but when we will get a take!

A Proper Carpy Morning.........

The liners continued all night, I didn't get any sleep at all and a few times I jumped out of the bag and straight onto the rods thinking it was going to rattle off!
Dawn soon arrived and we was treated to a stunning sunrise, a proper Carpy morning if ever I saw one.....the fish thought so too, the area I had baited with hemp resembled a Jacuzzi! There was fish everywhere, I scratched my head wondering why I hadn't had a take, I just couldn't understand it.
Pete lost a good fish in the weed at about 7:30am, I felt absolutely gutted for him......so much so that I got him to make me a Bacon roll!
At about mid morning I noticed a few fish starting to mooch about on the surface, I didn't have any floater gear with me at all so begged all the bits and bobs I needed of Pete, including 3mm floaters.
I managed to get the smaller carp feeding quite confidently close in, then typically just before I was about to introduce a hook bait the seagulls turned up and spooked them off whilst smashing the water to foam.
I spat my dummy out and just chucked the hook bait out somewhere into the lake, just after I heard a voice "you floater fishing bud?" it was Ian "dirtydog" Brown, "I'm trying, but I've had enough the bloody seagulls have ruined any chance I had" I said. Ian said "Come on we will get them going".
Ian pulled out a tub of what he referred to as his "magic mixers",they were about 8mm the same size I normally use (if I had brought them!), these were perfect as they could be catapulted further to where the bigger fish were showing just past the Island, Ian flicked single mixers out one by one for probably an hour, we both sat eyes fixed to the water, they were certainly getting a taste for them so I introduced a hook bait, seconds later I had a decent take but pulled out of it, 3 1/4 TC Torrix`s are really not built for floater fishing!
Ian started flicking baits out again then I introduced a hook bait it didn't take long for the bait to disappear as I struck there was a huge explosion as what was obviously one of the better fish tried heading to the nearest weed bed, I applied as much pressure as I dared but it was soon stuck solid in the middle of the lake at about this point Pete appeared he had watched the fish take from up a tree, I didn't even need to ask him.....he just said "I will go and get my waders!".
Me and Pete were soon wading out to the Island all the whilst Brownie was documenting the fight with my SLR, Once on the Island I managed to get the fish moving before it weeded itself up again this continued for a good 20 minutes....the Torrix was at full battle curve and I honestly thought I was going to lose it but inch by inch I managed to get it towards the bank before the fish and half a tonne of weed was expertly netted by Pete, we both knew at this point that it was "The Snub Nose Mirror" as Pete had caught it a few months ago, I actually photographed it for him and said I would love to catch it at the time, now it was my turn and I was chuffed to bits!

Returning from Battle!

We both waded back to the bank, Pete kindly carried the fish as I was still sweating from the fight!
She behaved perfectly on the bank and we weighed her at 31.08, the photographs were soon done and she was returned to her watery home.

The Snub Nose Mirror at 31 lb 8oz

As soon as we had released her Pete's alarm went into melt down and he hooked into another powerful fish but again he lost it in the weed......I really felt gutted for him now, losing a fish is never nice but two on the bounce is awful!
We bid brownie farewell and both had a coffee before packing up, we had decided to go and have a look at another water close by.
In conclusion, it was a great 24 hours Carping with great company.....I just wish Pete could of been as happy as I was when we left, although the water we visited on the way home soon put a smile on his face! But I'm not going to say anymore than that.
And finally I just want to thank Brownie for giving me a kick up the bottom when I needed it and Pete for being an expert Gillie.

Until next time,

Smithy

So Little Time......

2010-07-30T00:35:00.001+01:00

Well normally I would be writing a brief article telling you about my planned session for the weekend, however since moving Jobs I will now be working every weekend.

Obviously this has its advantages like being able to fish when the lakes are at their quietest in the week but due to the split shifts I am working and with the late finishes an overnighter isn't always going to be possible......but a few sneaky stalking sessions will be on the cards I think, especially on the "Beds Pit".
I have managed to get Monday evening and all day Tuesday off so I plan to head straight to "Island" as soon as I finish work at 3pm on Monday, Ive got a few tricks up my sleeve that I hope will fool one of the venues bigger residents, if they work I will let you know what they are!
The venues big girl "Single Scale" is due out anytime, I wonder if I shall be one of the lucky ones that hold her up for the camera.......only time will tell, but I can dream!
You may of noticed that I have added "Chasing Myths TV" to this page, it currently has a video of Terry Hearn playing, however I shall be recording various videos on different subjects on a weekly basis so keep your eye out for those.
Well that's it for now, I apologise for this brief post but I really don't have much to write about at the moment, I will of course report back after my overnighter on Monday but until then I will leave you with this thought.......

Why do Carp Anglers bit*h more than women?

Take Care,

Smithy

Short Session Frustration

2010-07-21T18:19:00.002+01:00

I arrived at "Island" a little after mid-day, I had already been informed that it was very busy before I arrived so wasn't to shocked to see every swim taken.
I had a walk round to Kev who was set up at the top of "Island" he told me that a couple of guys were packing up soon and it just so happened that they would be vacating from my no1 & no2 choice swims......I smiled slightly, things were not so bad then!
I had a quick word with the guys leaving and they were more than happy for me to get my gear round and start setting up as they were doing the off very soon.
I went and loaded the barrow then pushed it round to the "Trees" swim before nipping over to Tesco to get a few bottles of cold drink as it was now roasting!
It didn't take me long to get set up and all the rods were on spots that I was more than happy with, I put out a scattering of bait with the stick then sat back in the shade and awaited events.
Kev kindly treated to me to a fish and chips supper and as I sat there scoffing it a few very big fish started rolling over my bait and this continued late into the night.

Waiting for something to give the game away.......

I went to bed confident of a take at any time, so it was no surprise when I was awoke at 5am by some voracious liners, fully expecting a take I sat next to rods with my eyes fixed on the baited spots, after an hour the liners stopped so I reluctantly got back in the bag for another hours kip.
I was wide awake at 7am, coffee in the hand fully expecting a take but unfortunately it never came.
By 9am the sun was high in the sky and the temperature soared! It was about this time that I noticed a large group of fish close in to the left of the swim, after climbing a tree I could see they ranged from the stockies to 35 lb+, it didn't take me long to get a Zig on them and fortunately managed not to spook them.
Cutting a long story short I spent the rest of the day climbing up the tree watching them almost play with the zig, it has to be one of the most frustrating sessions I have ever had, although it did get my brain working and I've got a few ideas ready to try next time.
I packed up just after 5pm, if I'm honest as I was glad to get away!
I'm not sure when I will manage to get back down I am going to have to juggle a few things to do it but I'm hoping Sunday evening for a very quick overnighter, after that I think it will be full steam ahead on the "Beds Pit"..........

Until next time,

Smithy

No Gold At The End Of The Rainbow

2010-07-18T19:13:00.004+01:00

Well I returned home last night from my session on "Island", but I've been for a mooch about the "Beds Pit" today, hence my slow entry......I've got to make the most of my free time whilst I have some!
I got down "Island" mid morning on Friday and had a quick walk round the lake before popping into Tones' swim for a coffee and a chat, whilst sitting with Tone we saw a few fish showing in front of the "Lawns" as well as the "Car Park", both swims are at the opposite ends of the lake.
Whilst watching I noticed the fish showing in front of the "Lawns" seemed much larger, so I thought sod it, that will do.
I quickly walked round to the van, loaded the barrow and had a slow jog round to the "Lawns" before someone else jumped in it.

The view from the "Lawns" before I moved to the "Car Park" swim.....

It didn't take long before all the rods were positioned exactly where I wanted them, so I sat back and took in the atmosphere which soon turned to rain and ever strengthening SW winds, blowing straight down into the "Car Park"! Great!.
My phone rang, It was Tone "stand up and look down the 'Car Park' mate" he said, so I did and couldn't believe what I was seeing, they were literally throwing themselves out of the water in huge numbers and not just the little-uns!, I said to Tone "you move onto them mate" he said he was happy where he was and if I wanted to I should go for it, before he had finished speaking my barrow was loaded ready for the move! Just as I was about to push the barrow at a very fast pace round the lake, the sky suddenly turned black and the heavens opened! Just what I needed, I got round to the "Car Park" in double quick time and chucked the rods out with the baits still attached from the last swim before getting the oval up and seeking some cover!
As soon as the rigs touched the surface the shows seemed to almost stop, although the liners continued.
It didn't take long for the sky to clear and we were greeted by a lovely evening, I took this opportunity to sort the rods out properly.

The "Car Park Swim" after the sky had cleared......

Russ soon arrived and set up in the social swim next door, we talked late into the night talking about all things "Carpy" before retiring to the bedchairs at about 1am.
I was awake a little after 6am with a coffee in my hand scanning the water when my middle rod melted off, I lifted into what felt like a good fish, it was kiting from left to right at quite a pace then all of the sudden the hook pulled, I was gutted......the air was blue lets put it that way!.
I repositioned the rod and a few hours later I landed a stockie and shortly after that another which was a scrapper double, not exactly what I was after in terms of size, but they looked immaculate and will be stunning in a few years when they are 30 lb+.

Perfection in miniature, this will be stunning in a few years time......

The rest of the session passed with nothing to note and I left at 7pm to get home and spend the rest of the weekend with my wife and son.
I shall be back down to Island tomorrow for the night hoping to try and get amongst the big-uns this time, so I had better sign off and get the gear ready!

Watching and waiting but unfortunately nothing else occurred.......

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and I hope to report back with some news Tuesday evening.

Take Care,

Smithy

Relaxing On The Bank

2010-07-15T16:31:00.001+01:00

Well Tomorrow night will see me on the bank with a good friend on a local water, its always nice to have a catch up and put the world to rights! We like a good moan!
And hopefully a few chunks will grace the net too!

There is nothing better than a social with good friends to boost morale, as we all found out this winter, "Dumpy" can be seen here posing for the camera!

I shall then be venturing over to the "Beds Pit" at some point for a quick overnighter, I'm not sure when yet I shall see how things pan out in the next few days.
I'm certainly looking forward to relaxing by the water, its been a really difficult few weeks but for some reason as soon as the baits are on the spots all life's problems seems to disappear, for the length of the session at least anyway.
The weather is looking much more carpy, I'm so glad the temperature has finally dropped and the bit of rain we have had with a nice low pressure has certainly been a vast improvement on recent conditions.
I'm going to have a sort out of the gear now and tie up a few rigs, but before I go I just wanted to mention that the Forum Sponsor "Active Bait Solutions" has just launched its brand new website and it is definitely worth a visit! www.activebaitsolutions.co.uk

Time to sign off now, enjoy your time on the bank if you are out and I hope to report back with some news.

Tight lines & One toners!

Smithy

New Game Plan!

2010-07-10T18:43:00.003+01:00

I left work a little early last night and headed straight to the "Pit", I dropped straight into the same swim as I was in last weekend.
I stood and watched the water for a few minutes and saw a few tell tale signs of Carp, "this will do nicely" I thought!
It didn't take me long to get all 3 rods out and the house up, it was nice to relax for the first time in a week and as I sat watching the water........Pete turned up with a kebab, life doesn't get any better than this!
Shortly after Pete's arrival I got a call, Martin was on his way down to do a night as well. It was a lovely night to be on the bank and we chatted about all things carpy late into the night.
Soon after Pete left, me and Martin called it a night.
Although I don't know why I bothered to be honest, I was kept awake all night by liners which I was pretty certain was a shoal of Bream, my suspicions were confirmed at 3am when I landed a chunk of a Bream.

A view from the Swim soon after returning the Bream a little after 3am.......

I spent the next few hours Dozing in and out of consciousness before waking up at 6am, soaking in sweat.

It was like an oven under the Oval already, so I had a quick brew then had a slow back up.
Before I left I had a good look round, which I haven't had a chance to do as yet.
I stumbled across a very carpy looking area, with all the features you could possibly want, saw a chunk cruising too, I will be keeping a very close eye on it!

Until next time,

Smithy

Wishing Life Away!

2010-07-08T20:25:00.000+01:00

Well at last its that time of the week again, I'm in the middle of sorting the gear out and loading the van ready to rock down to the "Beds Pit" straight from work tomorrow!
I had planned on having a social with a good friend called "Paul" however we had to rearrange, I was really looking forward to it as its always nice to have a catch up and talk all things Carpy but a night on the "Beds Pit" instead is hardly a bad thing and with a little bit of luck I will manage to find the fish again.
Mind you it will only be a very quick over nighter, I checked the forecast today and they are giving out temps of 32*C for Saturday, I'm useless in the heat......in fact I hate it so will be packed up by 10am and heading home.
I will report back on Saturday and will hopefully have news of a chunk.
Right better finish off sorting the gear out!

Tight lines,

Smithy

Slime & Disappointment

2010-07-03T16:42:00.008+01:00

Ive just returned from the first night of my new campaign on the Bedfordshire Pit.

I arrived about 17:30pm and managed to drop straight in the swim I had seen some activity in a few days ago, I was all set up in double quick time and all 3 rods were dispatched with "Ninja" rigs on!
Martin set up in the swim next door, this give me the chance to show him a few rigs etc and more importantly the bonus of being right next to the BBQ that Martin and Emma had a arranged.
It wasn't long before the BBQ was fired up, Trudi & Jack (my wife and son) and Pete soon arrived, we all sat down and enjoyed way to much chicken wings, burgers and sausages whilst soaking in the atmosphere before calling it at night just before mid-night.
After our guests had left me and Martin sat up for a while discussing the season ahead and life in general, but it didn't take long for me to call it a night and grace the bedchair, after a terrible day at work I needed some kip!
I was awoken at 4am by my Neville screaming for attention, I jumped off the bedchair and ran to the rods and lifted into a fish that was stripping line off my spool faster than a greyhound chasing a rabbit! I just couldn't slow it down, then all of a sudden the hook pulled and that deflated feeling set in that Ive managed to go so long without feeling especially when in the back of my mind I knew it was a chunk.
I put the rod back out on the spot and fired up the stove for the first brew of the day, I looked at my phone it was only 04:15am, there wasn't anyway I was going to get any sleep now as the sun was getting brighter by the minute.
I sent Pete a text giving him the bad news and received a reply much quicker than I had expected, he knows how losing the first fish from a water feels and was genuinely gutted for me.
Just after 06:30am I had a slow take on the middle rod and there was soon a large bream in the waiting landing net, not exactly what I was after but I decided to have a picture for the blog.

Not what I was after but a nice bar of gold all the same....

I stayed until mid-day, as I was still getting liners but it started to get very warm and I decided to call it a day.
I will take some positives out of this session, I'm pleased to have hooked one on my first night I thought it would take much longer than that as its a far from an easy water.
I'm just waiting to hear about plans for next weekend from a good friend Paul, so I think it will be 2 weeks before I'm back behind the rods on the Pit again, I cant wait to get back!

Take Care,

Smithy

First Session Excitement!

2010-07-01T18:20:00.002+01:00

Well its the eve before my first session on my new target water and I will shortly be doing the usual ritual of sorting the kit out, tying up fresh rigs and loading the van.
I visited the Pit a few days ago and come across a stunning double figure Tench sat in the margins, Ive heard there are also some 17 lb+ Bream in the water so I'm hoping the Carp grow to the same huge proportions!

Imagine this 25 lb+ Starburst Mirror at 40 lb+, simply stunning!

Ive heard they go to 40 lb+ but who knows, a water with that amount of naturals they could just go a bit bigger!

Anyway, Martin (my trainee) will be joining me for my first night and I'm going to teach him a few more bits and pieces, including feature finding.
He has taken a huge jump in his angling, he is yet to fish a runs water! But at least he will know that waiting for days, weeks and in some cases months on end for a run is the norm!

Right, time to sign off and I hope (but not expecting) to report back with news of a Chunk!

Take Care,

Smithy