The wind's back; a stiff breeze this time, but a pain none the less. Stuck to the reed swim although with the breeze it was a bit challenging.

First cast I lost my leger striking on a half bite, which wasn't a very auspicious start. Usually I can rely on an early fish but on this occasion I had to wait until just after 09.00 and then it was a nice crucian of 2lb taken on float-fished flake, followed quickly by another of 1lb 14oz. I then lost a fish in the reeds before taking another crucian of 1½lbs.

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About an hour later having switched to luncheon meat I took a 3¾lb common and then lost another fish, which took my hook. After another crucian of 1¾lb on flake a really good fish broke me on its initial run. It moved off so fast I didn't release the pressure on the reel rim quickly enough (I was using a centre pin). These big fish catch you out when they come in between crucians, and as if to prove the point the next fish was a crucian of 1½lb.

Things then went quiet until about 18.30 when I caught an 8lb 2oz leather on float fished flake.

Then, at about 7.30pm I spotted fish coming to the surface. At this point the breeze had dropped and the late afternoon and evening were to provide ideal surface fishing conditions.

I took four fish off the surface using floating pellets in the space of about an hour. There were three mirrors of 9½lb, 9lb (photo) and 8½lb followed by a common of 9lb that was in superb condition. At this point I had to pack up due to failing light, which was a pity as the fish were still feeding.