I was off for the day because of a doctor's appointment in the morning so I decided to go to the lake in the afternoon. First trip of 2008. I arrived about 11.30 to find it very busy. Only about three of the prepared swims were available. It was a warm day with a light wind.

My favourite spots were, of course, already occupied so I went to the far side and slotted in between two other chaps, although I had a tree to my right so I was far from 'crowded in'.

The swim was somewhat featureless and my neighbours were casting far out into the lake. I stuck to my 'margin fishing' principles and dropped a loose-lined bread bait out a few yards, to my right, in front of the tree between me and the next chap.

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After about a half an hour I had a bite that I missed. About half an hour later I had a hard pull on the line (and rod top) and hooked something that rushed out into the lake. Unfortunately it slipped the hook after only a few seconds. Probably a carp; but who knows.

After quite a wait I had just one more bite and landed a nice tench. I didn't weigh it but comparing it with past photos I reckon it was between 2 and 3 pounds. I kept trying, including an attempt to tempt them on the surface, but that was it for the day. In fairness, most people were not catching, and quite a few left after lunch.

I had a chat with John, one of the 'twice a week' locals and picked up some useful tips, as well as striking up a friendship for future visits. He had apparently had a 5¼ lb tench in the morning - some fish.

It was a pleasant afternoon, despite the lack of fish, and I look forward to the next trip. Oh, and by the way, a grass snake swam across the lake and came ashore only a few feet from me - That's what I like about fishing; nature always obliges even if the fish don't.