Carp Catchers Blog

It’s that time of the year again and if you are like me and spend much of your spare time on the bankside, then you’ll realise that everything becomes that little bit more of an effort.� Long dark nights, freezing conditions and torrential rain, all contribute to that extra effort and commitment required during the winter months.� However, don’t let this put you off!

Although I would like to consider myself an all seasons angler, the months of December and January tend to be the period which I would usually put�my X-Flite Plus �rods to rest!!� This allows me to re-charge, re-tool and reflect on my year, and also plan the season ahead.� However, the recent mild weather conditions and south-westerly winds, have inspired me to continue fishing.� Continuing to do so has proved successful, following a recent session, the rewards proved that the extra effort is more than worthwhile.

I awoke to the dreaded sound of my alarm clock�and the even more familar sound of wind and rain, perfect!� I arrived�at the lake in�darkness to an empty car park, which isn’t uncommon given the time of year.� Knowing the lake well and where the south-westerly would be pushing, I knew exactly where I wanted to be situated.

The area in which I had settled to fish, ranged from 9-12 feet in depth, however some areas go too as deep as 30ft.� I rigged my rods with my trusty bait and 2 bait stringers and flicked them out to carefully chosen spots.

With 5 -�6 long cold hours without so much as a single bleep, my confidence began to decrease, as did the light levels and temperture.� I was certain that if I was receive a take it would have happened by now, the thoughts of a blank and packing up were drawing ever nearer.

However, my persistance proved successful! Completely out of the blue my right hand rod gave a series of bleeps, I was out of my chair and on the rod within seconds and leant into what felt like a decent fish.�My�Big Bait Runner LC �reels gave line on more than one occasion and after a heartstopping fight I was soon netting my prize, and what was an absolute stunner.� Although it wasn’t the biggest of fish at 18lb 4oz it was a pristine linear from head to tale.� Little did I know that this was to be the first of three!� With the biggest being at just over 21lb and the other at a respectful 19lb 10oz.� I called it a day and made the journey home with a big fat smile and eager to revisit the lake sooner rather than later.

Until next time be lucky and tight lines.��� James Kirk

John (tea, two sugars) had a trip on the River Frome for Grayling and had this lovely 2lb 9oz specimen.

Paul took my advice and tried Lamprey sections and caught this lovely 20lb pike just as the sun was setting, lovely fish and a great photo, well done.

Saturday was really awful weather wise, how many of you went fishing? James (featured earlier) and a friend went for the day and had four fish between them (full report to follow). It just goes to show that if you put the time and effort in those crafty carp can still be caught no matter how cold it is.

this is a better picture of Martin and Benson, the biggest common carp in the country.