Having checked out this new lake the previous day I decided to float-fish a bay containing quite a lot of lily pads. Absolutely delightful surroundings and very quiet. There was only one other angler on the lake.

Starting with loose feed maggots and a bunch on the hook I was soon catching small roach and rudd. A not unusual occurrence recently when fishing lakes. But in a way what I was catching hardly mattered as the ambiance was so pleasant and peaceful that I was just pleased to be there.

However, after a while I decided to try some flavoured luncheon meat. I bought a couple of packs of it a while ago and to be honest think I prefer the ordinary stuff from the grocers. But I need to use it up although on this occasion it didn't attract any attention.

There were signs of fish movement in the lily pads and later in the day I could see carp patrolling among them. There were also occasions when bubbles surfaced, a possible indication of fish nosing around. But I was still only catching roach and rudd.

I did however form some ideas for future visits. The guy opposite me was legering or feeder fishing and I noticed quite a lot of fish movement by a reed bed out in the lake. Next time I think I'll try putting a bait out there.

As the day wore on the carp movement became more pronounced and it would have been interesting to put a piece of bread crust out but I didn't have any. Fish were literally moving about just under my feet.

As I was soon to pack up I decided to chance putting the bait and float among the lily pads and nearer the bank. At first I got line bites and wasn't expecting much else. But after a while the float disappeared and I was into something bigger than a roach!

I wasn't sure if I had foul-hooked the fish as it sought refuge in the lily pads and I was at first doubtful I would get it in. But after one scary moment when everything seemed to lock up, I gradually made progress and eventually netted a beautiful looking fish that seemed more suited to an ornamental pond. I'm no expert on such things but I think it was a Koi. It was fairly hooked but had taken the bait well down.

I didn't weight it but it was probably around 4-5lb and provided a bonus ending to what was a very enjoyable few hours.