It was the end of October, and a cold wintery night was upon me. I decided to walk the dogs while taking a look at the lakes. The dogs were restless and it became awfully quiet in seconds. Fortunately, it was broken with a large carp breaking the surface. I turned around to only see the aftermath.
For weeks I had been beaten by this lake, but not today. A warm, westerly wind blew strong. Fishing was on. Previously, I had blamed rigs, bait, weather and gear. After much revision of tactics, I was ready.
Rod 1: A PVA bag of liquidised Vitalin and breadcrumb, with a drizzle of cream liquor. To top it off, a KD rigged plastic corn for hookbait.
Rod 2: A combi-rigged bottom bait with the PVA bag mix in a stick form.
The Plan. An early morning session would make the most of the short days. I would fish the deeper water where fish should hold up to keep warm and light baiting would be a must.
The day. 05:30am was the awakening of a tired yet determined young carper. Packing the car or barrow the night before is a good idea if you want to start fishing as quickly as possible.
After much coffee I was on my way, it's only a short walk, but it's awfully tiring when it's 1 degree above freezing at 6 o'clock in the morning!
As I arrived at the lake, I surveyed the area, looking for any signs of fish activity. Oddly, another large carp jumped in the same spot where I saw one the night before. Without doubt, always cast to showing fish if you can. Rod 1 was on top of the large Commons's nose, under an overhanging tree, in seconds.
Having my rods made-up allowed me to get Rod 1 out to the tree, with a sprinkling of particles over it quickly.
A gentle lift of the bobbin indicated a cautious pick-up. After much time, the carp made up it's mind and ran. The drag of my baitrunners was louder than the alarms. Fish on!
I struck into it strongly, the powerful fish kited hard left to some dieing lilies. To get on top of the situation I walked around to get the upper hand. This fish was a veteran at this game! It swam towards me, reeling desperately I caught up with the fish. After about 7 minutes of good sport, I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally felt the fish tire. I was grateful to slip the large net under the fish.
Thankful was and understatement of how I felt!
Unhooking the fish from it's giant bottom lip and checking the mouth and rig, all was fine.
After zeroing the scales, the calmed fish was placed in the sack and weighed. It read 17 Lb 8 oz. A new PB, and a beautiful common carp at that!
After many photos of my new prize, it was released to swim and fight - hard! - another day.
Don't forget to read my Carper's tip of the week.
