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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More photos in the full report
Tuesday's session was so successful I returned to the same spot with the same rig (float tackle).
I arrived at 07.00 and didn't have a touch on bread or sweetcorn. Changing to luncheon meat I got a bite first cast; a 10lb 6oz leather carp [09.00]. I then had to wait until 13.00 for my next bite, but again it was worth waiting for; a 10lb 12oz mirror carp on luncheon meat.
More photos in the full report
After some really disappointing trips in February, which were effectively blanks, I decided to forgo the perceived wisdom of fishing to the middle of the lake and revert to my preferred margin fishing. As the temperature had also increased a bit I was hopeful that this would prove more productive. I also decided to switch to conventional float fishing (waggler) and use lighter tackle; a carbon Avon style rod with centre-pin reel and and 4lb hook-length.
More photos in the full report
The wind was forecast south westerly, which meant blowing right into my favourite reed corner spot. I took the gamble, the lake being as calm as a mill-pond when I arrived. Also, wisdom has it that one should fish into the wind.
More photos in the full report
Despite vowing that I would limit myself to afternoon visits after the last trip, I went for the day again and this time things worked out a bit better. I wasn't first on site this time but had decided to fish the (north-east) reed corner having not done too well on the west bank the previous week. I rather like the reed corner but it tends to produce smaller fish.
More photos in the full report
After a follow-up trip to the Dentist I went over the lake, getting there about 14.30 pm. There was a stiff SW breeze and all the good spots on the sheltered west bank were taken.
I therefore went to the swim in the north-east corner (the reed swim), the first one I ever fished on the lake. It's between reed beds so is a bit tricky.
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.
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