Back again to the Pump Pond at Block Fen. After a cold night it was a very still day; overcast but not too cold. I arrived earlier than on recent visits; at about 15.30.

Although the water looked very inviting I didn't get that 'fishy' feeling that I normally experience in this spot. The surface scum on the water had been cleared by high winds over the weekend and, unfortunately, some of the reeds had blown down making it difficult to drop a bait into the far end of the bay.

Unlike on all previous occasions I didn't get an early run and my un-fishy feelings seemed to be warranted. Despite trying all parts of the reed margin I only got one half-hearted pull, and I didn't connect. Although there were signs of fish moving in the reeds on the far bank, the usual tell-tale signs of shaking reeds were not present around the bay I normally fish.

There was another angler at the other end of the lake and I think he may have been using floating bread judging by the way he kept shooing away the moorhens. I've never seen a fish rise to take surface food in this lake so if he was indeed using this approach it's worth noting. Largish fish were also breaking the surface in the middle of the lake. While I failed to catch on this occasion (my first blank here) he did land a carp. From where I was I would say it was probably in double figures.

So, it was a pleasant enough afternoon, enhanced by the sight of a kingfisher landing and perching in the tree opposite. It's surprising what you see when you stay still and quiet.