This diary dates back to a holiday in 2003 when I think the urge to get back into fishing took off.
From around 2007 the trips became more frequent with 2010/11 probably being the peak of activity.
Things again pick up in 2020 - a sort of rebirth!
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Only one photo today.
Larger light-box version in the full report
I had had a raging toothache over the weekend so went down to London to see my dentist on the Monday morning. He saw me very quickly (root canal treatment!) so I was able to get back to Chatteris around 14.00, and decided to go over to the lake.
The south-west corner spot under the trees was free, where I had the 17lb fish on 23 May, so I thought I would give it another go.
More photos in the full report
Afternoon visits are becoming the norm, this time after having my windscreen changed following a stone impact last week from an impatient biker as he accelerated past me. I arrived at 13.30 this time. It had been a nice morning but rain threatened.
My 'favourite' spots were all taken so I tried the swim in the south west corner. It's under trees and in fact very secluded. It also has reed beds either side which suits my margin fishing preference.
More photos in the full report
Another afternoon visit. Arrived at noon and only four people on the lake. It had been raining and still threatened more rain, which probably kept people away.
Went to the tree swim again, although the light (and cold) north easterly wind was blowing right in my face; which was even more unpleasant when it rained later in the afternoon.
More photos in the full report
Second trip of 2008; again just an afternoon.
The trouble with arriving in the afternoon is that all my favourite spots are taken. However, on this occasion a chap left soon after I arrived, so I quickly moved into the spot where I had the big carp last year; let's call it the tree swim; because I sit under a small tree.
Only one photo today.
Larger light-box version in the full report
I was off for the day because of a doctor's appointment in the morning so I decided to go to the lake in the afternoon. First trip of 2008. I arrived about 11.30 to find it very busy. Only about three of the prepared swims were available. It was a warm day with a light wind.
My favourite spots were, of course, already occupied so I went to the far side and slotted in between two other chaps, although I had a tree to my right so I was far from 'crowded in'.
More photos in the full report
Weather looked good, so off to the lake again.
Another beautiful September day; warm, bright but with a nuisance breeze that made free-lining tricky. See the early morning picture in the full report.
Fished the same place as on the 7th. Very slow! Nobody seemed to be catching. Got a 10lb fish just before lunch but it was foul-hooked in the pectoral fin. Missed a few tentative bites on the surface, but fish weren't feeding convincingly.
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