My first visit to Block Fen this year. I made up my mind quite in the day late to go.

When I arrived there were three anglers on the main bank, which surprised me considering it was early season and mid-week.

One was opposite where I usually fish and unfortunately he was casting over to my bank. I apologised but he said it wasn’t a problem. I must admit that I don’t understand why people fish the far bank when the option exists to fish under the rod top, so to speak.

Click image to view larger version.

I free-lined flake as I had done last season. After about three casts I had a twitch on the line followed by a positive pull. Tightening I was into a good fish. It sought sanctuary in the reeds and a few anxious moments ensued as I tried to extract it. Fortunately the tackle held and after a bit of commotion it ran into open water. Although there were no long runs it did make a number of strong short runs, some of which were towards the reeds to my right, and again I had to extract it. After a couple of attempts at netting, when it just ran off again, I finally managed to land a beautiful common of just over 15lbs (15lb 2oz on the scales). It looks very similar to the fish I caught last September, which weighed 16lb then.

At this stage I had only been there for half an hour. Unfortunately the breeze, which had not been affecting my corner, blew up a bit and made free-lining difficult. I tried using a stick indicator on the line but this was almost invisible because of the amount of scum that had blown into the corner. I also tried single swan shot legering, feeling for bites.

The wind later eased and I reverted to free-lining, both with and without a stick indicator, but only got nibbles from smaller fish. When I left at 20.30 the lake was almost calm. Isn’t it always the way!

Nevertheless, a good start at Block Fen. My largest carp so far this year.