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
Arrival time: 08.00
Swim: Reed-corner swim
Tackle: 13ft multi-float, waggler, 4lb line.
Baits: Bread flake, sweetcorn, luncheon meat
After freezing my what's its off in January, I waited until things warmed up a bit before making another trip to Fields End. The weather had recently shown a marked improvement, with March 14th, the last day of the river season, being really quite nice. By Tuesday 16th the wind has also relented; so I set off.
Having caught nothing at The Clay Pit on the Monday, I returned armed with pellets, biscuits and maggots. This time there was no sign of the carp (typical) so I persevered with bottom-fed maggot on a waggler. The water is deep off the fishing stage; about 6 feet just by the reeds.
More photos in the full report
I visited this fishery in July 2007, shortly after it opened. It was interesting to return two years later. The site is still very exposed but bank-side vegetation has increased and the swims have a more mature feel to them. On this occasion I had two evening sessions.
More photos in the full report
Another morning session: 07.30 to 10.00
Lost a fish after about 30 seconds, probably a tench. Missed some other pulls on free line. Ultimately I landed a bream of about 1lb. I returned in the evening (17.00 to 22.00), which was again warm and balmy.
More photos in the full report
Evening session from 18.00 to 21.40
A change of tactics. I bought some luncheon meat and upgraded to 6lb line with an 8 hook. The weather remained warm and still.
Tried a morning session today; 07.30 to 09.30.
Troubled by small fish and felt three larger ones, but didn’t hook any. A perfect tench morning came to nothing.
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