Friday, June 29, 2007
Lac Chateaux Cavagnac aka Nash Resorts- Rignac France 9th-16th June 2007
Saturday 9th June
Having had a nice lie –in and last second packing, my daughter Emily picked me up and dropped me of at Stansted Airport at 1105. The quickest check-in I have every had with Ryanair and just as quick through security I was sat in the Lounge having a Beer by 1135.
A on time departure and a pleasant flight we made a fast & bumpy arrival at Rodez 5 minutes ahead of schedule (Apparently the fast bump landing is standard - not the early arrival). With no fuss at this small regional airport, we were met by The lake Bailiff David.
David was expecting 7 of us but only four had arrived – Myself, Chris from Stevenage and Ed & Michelle from Harwich. Bags loaded into the van we made our way on the short journey to the lake through picturesque countryside. The weather was hot 26c as forecasted.
David said he had some good news & bad news. The good news that there would only be 6 of us fishing this week with three Austrians there awaiting our arrival but the bad news was that a 59lb Common had been caught on the last cast this morning.
David confirmed that spawning had finished over a week ago and the fish were coming out this week. We all discussed our own personal targets for the week, Both Chris & Ed wanted to improve their Personal bests of 34 & 35lb respectively, ‘Chelle’ was not fishing. Mine was to catch a 20lb Common with a stretch target of 30lb Carp of any type.
We caught our 1st glimpse of this massive water as we came down the adjacent hill, looked beautiful.
On arrival were greeted by Tom the other bailiff and Chris our chef for the week was busy preparing Shepherd’s Pie for Dinner. With a beer easily drunk - introductions were made with the Austrians, David took us on a tour of the lake by boat pointing out all the key spots as we went. Given that there was only 6 of us and the Austrians wanting to stay together down the south bank we dispensed with the draw and Ed fancied Steps swim, Chris wanted The Boards so I plumped for Sanctuary swim even though it was not in area of the recent wed treatment, but Tom had advised that it was fish for the 1st time in ages last week and fish were coming out regularly. This would be a challenge as I have never fished in a weedy lake before.
We returned to the Lodge and eat Dinner – Chris had prepared for 10 so we all had seconds of this delicious dish. Selected my inclusive Bait of 4kg of 20mm Scopex Boilies and 1kg Of Scopex pellets, and purchased (added to the slate that runs for the week) 20mm Banana Pop ups. Loaded up my boat that will be mine for the week with my bags and Tom Towed it to my Sanctuary swim
Where I set about getting established and set up. As I had the pontoon to myself I decided to use one Bivvie as store room and the other as living accommodation.
2030: That’s it set up for the night even the Spider has set up home on the RH Rod – Does he know something I don’t? All we are waiting for is the Frog Chorus to start up.
0625: Awoke to bright but misty day. The lake looked a picture though the Bivvy door
New PB at the time of 24lb 8oz
X marks the spot to where my baits where placed
I Learned so much that I can use in the UK - I found the Triggalink/Ultrasilk combo and the Limpet Camelion - Lead Core - the latter taking on the colour of the lake bed over the week and Triggalink works when wet like a piece of elastic giving you that extra bolt effect.
Having had a nice lie –in and last second packing, my daughter Emily picked me up and dropped me of at Stansted Airport at 1105. The quickest check-in I have every had with Ryanair and just as quick through security I was sat in the Lounge having a Beer by 1135.
A on time departure and a pleasant flight we made a fast & bumpy arrival at Rodez 5 minutes ahead of schedule (Apparently the fast bump landing is standard - not the early arrival). With no fuss at this small regional airport, we were met by The lake Bailiff David.
David was expecting 7 of us but only four had arrived – Myself, Chris from Stevenage and Ed & Michelle from Harwich. Bags loaded into the van we made our way on the short journey to the lake through picturesque countryside. The weather was hot 26c as forecasted.
David said he had some good news & bad news. The good news that there would only be 6 of us fishing this week with three Austrians there awaiting our arrival but the bad news was that a 59lb Common had been caught on the last cast this morning.
David confirmed that spawning had finished over a week ago and the fish were coming out this week. We all discussed our own personal targets for the week, Both Chris & Ed wanted to improve their Personal bests of 34 & 35lb respectively, ‘Chelle’ was not fishing. Mine was to catch a 20lb Common with a stretch target of 30lb Carp of any type.
We caught our 1st glimpse of this massive water as we came down the adjacent hill, looked beautiful.
On arrival were greeted by Tom the other bailiff and Chris our chef for the week was busy preparing Shepherd’s Pie for Dinner. With a beer easily drunk - introductions were made with the Austrians, David took us on a tour of the lake by boat pointing out all the key spots as we went. Given that there was only 6 of us and the Austrians wanting to stay together down the south bank we dispensed with the draw and Ed fancied Steps swim, Chris wanted The Boards so I plumped for Sanctuary swim even though it was not in area of the recent wed treatment, but Tom had advised that it was fish for the 1st time in ages last week and fish were coming out regularly. This would be a challenge as I have never fished in a weedy lake before.
We returned to the Lodge and eat Dinner – Chris had prepared for 10 so we all had seconds of this delicious dish. Selected my inclusive Bait of 4kg of 20mm Scopex Boilies and 1kg Of Scopex pellets, and purchased (added to the slate that runs for the week) 20mm Banana Pop ups. Loaded up my boat that will be mine for the week with my bags and Tom Towed it to my Sanctuary swim
Where I set about getting established and set up. As I had the pontoon to myself I decided to use one Bivvie as store room and the other as living accommodation.Having just decided to cast to three places on Rigs I made up the night before with, this was very much hit and hope for the night, I would a more detailed examination of the swim with Tom’s help tomorrow. Time for a brew – oops No lighter – unable to use the supplied gas burner and ‘grocery pack’ supplied. Oh well just have to do with a beer or two. It had just got dusk and the Frogs started – Like a Mexican Wave around the Lake the only difference they kept in going until dawn the following morning – so no quality sleep.
Sunday 10th June
I was awoken ( I did eventually get to sleep) by the Left Hand (LH) Rod alarm at 0630 – a small run but nothing there.
0800: Reeled in and rowed back to the Lodge for shower , shave etc and a superb Full English (with French Sausage). Arranged for Tom to come out after breakfast to show me some of the best spots to fish.
I returned to my swim and then rowed around some of the pre defined marks in the swim with a rod and weight to find hard spots where fish potentially have been feeding. I found one a rod’s length in front of a hot spot marker directly centre of the swim some 250 yards out. It was clear tome that this was going to be boating holiday as well – All baits would have to placed using the boat with rod in the boat and rowing back with the line release on the bait runner. I found spots close to the end of the lilies on the LH and RH side of the pontoon at 25 yards.
1030: I had just set up the RH rod when Tom arrived as we were discussing the Rigs I was using and where I was intending on fishing the RH alarm went – I immediately lifted into it the fish had gone into the lilies I gently pulled and it came out to be greeted by the tell tale thump of a Tench. Landed a 3lb Tench that looked a bit lost in the supplied 42” Landing Net., Hey but I have not blanked. Tom advised to sack the Tech I catch and they will be given to a Local farmer to stock his Lake.
Tom took me out to a spot further to the right from the spot I found, that he indicated that David have found and had good sport recently – I searched around and found this small hole which measured roughly 2 feet square close to a small lily patch. He also advised me to fish in the small inlet of the lilies to the left of the swim and at the end (where I had the run earlier in the morning). He thought my rigs were OK.
1105: Had another lift and small run on the RH rod again – another Trench a superb looking female of 3 1/2lb. – Sacked with the other.
Baited Up & everything in position time for a cup of coffee.
1115: Noticed that Ed has an fish on down in the Steps swim, A good fight ensues which I watched through binoculars which he safely nets. Looks big – 30lb plus (At Dinner – Ed confirm 34lb 8oz Common 4ozs short of his personal best – Good start.
1245: Run on LH rod (2nd Lily Inlet) Feels big but has gone into the lilies after a short fight it came through the point at the end of the lilies and felt distinctly lighter and kited away to the left making for the fallen branches snag to the left of the swim. Perching precariously on the edge of the pontoon I successfully guide it away and into the waiting landing net. Not all that big but a perfectly proportioned long slim common which went 9lb 14oz. I said to it thank for coming to the party go tell your mum and dad to put in an appearance please and gently placed back into the lake. A Cool beer from the cooler box celebrates the 1st one and hopefully not the last but hopefully the smallest fish.
1420: Run again on the LH rod this time the fish Kites straight out into the channel – Comes easily and can see it is a double Mirror. Tried five times to net it could not get the net low enough in the weed in front of the pontoon. The 1st time I thought I’d lost it as it saw the net turned and surged away. Landed it though and weighed 17lb 8 ozs.
1645: Reeled in and rowed back to the lodge for Dinner – Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, The Austrians had theirs delivered. That had spent the day stood up in the lilies digging out areas to fish in.
1800: Ice packs refreshed rowed back to the swim and rebaited,
2000: Rumbles of thunder coming from the South and the sky advancing from the South turns that tell tale dark purple colour – A storm is coming our way. Then rumbles from the East coming our way as well, what followed was the most ferocious Thunderstorm I have been in, lasted 4 hours and so noisy – it even shut the frogs up. No way was I going out in that if I had a run.
Monday 11th June
Nothing doing during the night had Breakfast at the lodge. I spoke with David on what rigs worked here as not being an out & out carper my knowledge was pretty limited. He precede to get out his ‘demo’ kit and showed me how to make the rig that he finds the best. The rig was 7” in length, 25lb Amourbraid and hair set for a 20mm with top 1/8 sliced off and replaced by a ¼ slice of 15mm Pop up Snowman style using a small piece of stick to hold the two together as the boilie expands. David gives me the rig which on return to the pontoon I set about copying and baiting up accordingly. The 1st fish was a Tench from the RH Lily pad of 3lb.at 1045. The rest of the day was quiet just a small run from the LH rod lost in lilies. Made my way back to the Lodge for Dinner and watched the last day highlights from the 3rd Cricket Test (Eng v West Indies) which was tight but England made it just,
1945: The Austrians had a run from the Woods Swim but they were on The Field swim – a slow walk two in the boat and used the reel / Fish to pull themselves along to the lilies once there put the net under the fish and rowed back. I called this Agricultural Angling. This was the tactic they used all week. Whilst this was going on I had a small drop bacon the LH Rod Lifted into it and a spirited fight from a 3lb Tench resulted – Sacked with the others. I re-rigged using a Limpet Leader rather than rig tubing.
Sunday 10th June
I was awoken ( I did eventually get to sleep) by the Left Hand (LH) Rod alarm at 0630 – a small run but nothing there.
0800: Reeled in and rowed back to the Lodge for shower , shave etc and a superb Full English (with French Sausage). Arranged for Tom to come out after breakfast to show me some of the best spots to fish.
I returned to my swim and then rowed around some of the pre defined marks in the swim with a rod and weight to find hard spots where fish potentially have been feeding. I found one a rod’s length in front of a hot spot marker directly centre of the swim some 250 yards out. It was clear tome that this was going to be boating holiday as well – All baits would have to placed using the boat with rod in the boat and rowing back with the line release on the bait runner. I found spots close to the end of the lilies on the LH and RH side of the pontoon at 25 yards.
1030: I had just set up the RH rod when Tom arrived as we were discussing the Rigs I was using and where I was intending on fishing the RH alarm went – I immediately lifted into it the fish had gone into the lilies I gently pulled and it came out to be greeted by the tell tale thump of a Tench. Landed a 3lb Tench that looked a bit lost in the supplied 42” Landing Net., Hey but I have not blanked. Tom advised to sack the Tech I catch and they will be given to a Local farmer to stock his Lake.
Tom took me out to a spot further to the right from the spot I found, that he indicated that David have found and had good sport recently – I searched around and found this small hole which measured roughly 2 feet square close to a small lily patch. He also advised me to fish in the small inlet of the lilies to the left of the swim and at the end (where I had the run earlier in the morning). He thought my rigs were OK.
1105: Had another lift and small run on the RH rod again – another Trench a superb looking female of 3 1/2lb. – Sacked with the other.
Baited Up & everything in position time for a cup of coffee.
1115: Noticed that Ed has an fish on down in the Steps swim, A good fight ensues which I watched through binoculars which he safely nets. Looks big – 30lb plus (At Dinner – Ed confirm 34lb 8oz Common 4ozs short of his personal best – Good start.
1245: Run on LH rod (2nd Lily Inlet) Feels big but has gone into the lilies after a short fight it came through the point at the end of the lilies and felt distinctly lighter and kited away to the left making for the fallen branches snag to the left of the swim. Perching precariously on the edge of the pontoon I successfully guide it away and into the waiting landing net. Not all that big but a perfectly proportioned long slim common which went 9lb 14oz. I said to it thank for coming to the party go tell your mum and dad to put in an appearance please and gently placed back into the lake. A Cool beer from the cooler box celebrates the 1st one and hopefully not the last but hopefully the smallest fish.
1420: Run again on the LH rod this time the fish Kites straight out into the channel – Comes easily and can see it is a double Mirror. Tried five times to net it could not get the net low enough in the weed in front of the pontoon. The 1st time I thought I’d lost it as it saw the net turned and surged away. Landed it though and weighed 17lb 8 ozs.
1645: Reeled in and rowed back to the lodge for Dinner – Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, The Austrians had theirs delivered. That had spent the day stood up in the lilies digging out areas to fish in.
1800: Ice packs refreshed rowed back to the swim and rebaited,
2000: Rumbles of thunder coming from the South and the sky advancing from the South turns that tell tale dark purple colour – A storm is coming our way. Then rumbles from the East coming our way as well, what followed was the most ferocious Thunderstorm I have been in, lasted 4 hours and so noisy – it even shut the frogs up. No way was I going out in that if I had a run.
Monday 11th June
Nothing doing during the night had Breakfast at the lodge. I spoke with David on what rigs worked here as not being an out & out carper my knowledge was pretty limited. He precede to get out his ‘demo’ kit and showed me how to make the rig that he finds the best. The rig was 7” in length, 25lb Amourbraid and hair set for a 20mm with top 1/8 sliced off and replaced by a ¼ slice of 15mm Pop up Snowman style using a small piece of stick to hold the two together as the boilie expands. David gives me the rig which on return to the pontoon I set about copying and baiting up accordingly. The 1st fish was a Tench from the RH Lily pad of 3lb.at 1045. The rest of the day was quiet just a small run from the LH rod lost in lilies. Made my way back to the Lodge for Dinner and watched the last day highlights from the 3rd Cricket Test (Eng v West Indies) which was tight but England made it just,
1945: The Austrians had a run from the Woods Swim but they were on The Field swim – a slow walk two in the boat and used the reel / Fish to pull themselves along to the lilies once there put the net under the fish and rowed back. I called this Agricultural Angling. This was the tactic they used all week. Whilst this was going on I had a small drop bacon the LH Rod Lifted into it and a spirited fight from a 3lb Tench resulted – Sacked with the others. I re-rigged using a Limpet Leader rather than rig tubing.
2030: That’s it set up for the night even the Spider has set up home on the RH Rod – Does he know something I don’t? All we are waiting for is the Frog Chorus to start up.
2115: Slight lift & tap of LH rod, left for a few seconds – another tap perhaps another Tench me thinks. Decided to lift into it and connected to a carp which went straight into the lilies? I walked back across the platform to apply some steady pressure it came out and went through the point then a dart to my left going straight for the snags. But I knew it was not that big once free. But still a good fight – Safely netted a 13lb Mirror. Whilst rebaiting in the boat on the LH the centre long line beep and indicator dropped off – nothing there though – suspect I missed that completely – one of the drawbacks of being on your own here. Rebaited, set back with a couple of beers and took in the last of the day’s sun, which had burnt me. I need to sort out some shelter.
Tuesday 12th June
0100: Slight indication on Centre Long line – Got out of the bed and checked out, Rod Tip swung round the drag clutch was working, lifted in Resulted massive solid feeling but occasional thump so fish was still on. Getting no joy I decided to get into the boat – found an paced the landing net into the boat, (I need to have this ready in the boat an extra thing to look for and do in the dark is not a good idea). I started to reel in but all came loose – Fish Off! Rowed back an found the platform in dark. Reeled in the rig – what a mess – sorted it out with a new hook link and rowed back out to find my 2 foot square spot 250 yards out in the dark – Found it 1st time. I was just about to lay the bait on the spot when I heard my LH alarm going. Immediately I turned and rowed back like I could a place in the British team for the next Olympics. It went quiet but as I neared the platform it went again. I scrambled onto the platform and picked up the rod – but was a solid mess. So back into the boat and reeled in once in the pads took me 5 minutes to retrieve the rig. Sorted it all out and repositioned all this took one &half hours it was now 0230. The frogs were relatively quiet as well – perhaps all the activity in 7 around my swim. Back to Bed an a little sleep.
Scores on the Doors – 4 Tench, 3 carp, and 3 lost carp.
Tuesday 12th June
0100: Slight indication on Centre Long line – Got out of the bed and checked out, Rod Tip swung round the drag clutch was working, lifted in Resulted massive solid feeling but occasional thump so fish was still on. Getting no joy I decided to get into the boat – found an paced the landing net into the boat, (I need to have this ready in the boat an extra thing to look for and do in the dark is not a good idea). I started to reel in but all came loose – Fish Off! Rowed back an found the platform in dark. Reeled in the rig – what a mess – sorted it out with a new hook link and rowed back out to find my 2 foot square spot 250 yards out in the dark – Found it 1st time. I was just about to lay the bait on the spot when I heard my LH alarm going. Immediately I turned and rowed back like I could a place in the British team for the next Olympics. It went quiet but as I neared the platform it went again. I scrambled onto the platform and picked up the rod – but was a solid mess. So back into the boat and reeled in once in the pads took me 5 minutes to retrieve the rig. Sorted it all out and repositioned all this took one &half hours it was now 0230. The frogs were relatively quiet as well – perhaps all the activity in 7 around my swim. Back to Bed an a little sleep.
Scores on the Doors – 4 Tench, 3 carp, and 3 lost carp.
0625: Awoke to bright but misty day. The lake looked a picture though the Bivvy door
I’d just turnt over to grab another hour or s when a single beep on the centre long line. I’ve learned to look rather than wait for any further audio indication as the bait runner drag was working the rod tip was arched round. Ran out and lifted in fish on but felt like a Tench then came off! Rebaited/Repositioned and brewed a nice cup of Tea. The PG Tips and UHT milk supplied make a good cuppa.
Made up some more rigs – 1 Combined TriggaLink/Ultrasilk and 1 Amourbraid straight through to replace the rigs on the Centre & LH Rods respectively – both using David’s Snowman set up.
0810 Reeled In and went for Breakfast. Enquired with Tom if there was an umbrella I could borrow / rent to provide some shade for me. Tom laid his hands on an old broken Homebase garden brolly. – No pin to hold it up. I had a solution see picture
Topped up with Ice packs for the cooler box, new landing net – the original I had was broken at the ‘Y’ and most importantly another crate of beer.
Back to Sanctuary, baited up, a brew set up the brolly and a change of underway all is well with the world.
1100: The daily Tench arrives from the RH rod this one went quite well and was 5 12/lb. I change this rig to Korda IQ.
1600: After a couple of false starts, the constant tap /tap which I thought was Rudd, Tench playing with the bait it finally resulted in a run with the rod arching round against the drag. Being stood over the rod I was straight into it. It went into the lilies but thankfully turned into open water and felt a good size then went all limp as it rushed towards me – a frantic winding of the reel and I re-established contact. Once in closer ran off like a steam train but not before I caught my 1st glimpse of a golden scales along the long sides of a gorgeous Common> it just has to be my target fish – the adrenaline and heartbeat start to race as it makes it attempted get away. But Blakey wins the fight and slips the net under and onto the unhooking mat. A dip of the weigh sling and zeroing on the scales place her in the sling and lift up goes past the twenty – but how much by – 4lb 8oz by that’s what! - Yippee went the cry but nobody else noticed. Gently put her in the 2nd sack ready for someone to take some photos after dinner. A new PB carp. Rebaited & positioned.
1650: Reeled in and rowed proudly in for Dinner which tonight was a barbeque.
Made up some more rigs – 1 Combined TriggaLink/Ultrasilk and 1 Amourbraid straight through to replace the rigs on the Centre & LH Rods respectively – both using David’s Snowman set up.
0810 Reeled In and went for Breakfast. Enquired with Tom if there was an umbrella I could borrow / rent to provide some shade for me. Tom laid his hands on an old broken Homebase garden brolly. – No pin to hold it up. I had a solution see picture
Topped up with Ice packs for the cooler box, new landing net – the original I had was broken at the ‘Y’ and most importantly another crate of beer.
Back to Sanctuary, baited up, a brew set up the brolly and a change of underway all is well with the world.
1100: The daily Tench arrives from the RH rod this one went quite well and was 5 12/lb. I change this rig to Korda IQ.
1600: After a couple of false starts, the constant tap /tap which I thought was Rudd, Tench playing with the bait it finally resulted in a run with the rod arching round against the drag. Being stood over the rod I was straight into it. It went into the lilies but thankfully turned into open water and felt a good size then went all limp as it rushed towards me – a frantic winding of the reel and I re-established contact. Once in closer ran off like a steam train but not before I caught my 1st glimpse of a golden scales along the long sides of a gorgeous Common> it just has to be my target fish – the adrenaline and heartbeat start to race as it makes it attempted get away. But Blakey wins the fight and slips the net under and onto the unhooking mat. A dip of the weigh sling and zeroing on the scales place her in the sling and lift up goes past the twenty – but how much by – 4lb 8oz by that’s what! - Yippee went the cry but nobody else noticed. Gently put her in the 2nd sack ready for someone to take some photos after dinner. A new PB carp. Rebaited & positioned.
1650: Reeled in and rowed proudly in for Dinner which tonight was a barbeque.
New PB at the time of 24lb 8oz
Tom came with me and took some photos & the sacked Tench back for Farmer Joe.
2010 Getting positive Tench enquires on the LH rod – result- another 5lb Tench
2100 After another couple of Tench interruptions the farmers (Austrians) had another ‘trawling’ session resulting in 30lb Liner / 34lb commons.
2300: Just got comfortable in the bag, a beep on the LH rod – Got out the tell tale twitching of Tench, lifted in an was treated to a spirited fight from what turned out to be a 7 1/2 Pounder, A New Personal best.
Wednesday 13th June
0100: Just off to sleep again, the frogs were making up for being quiet the night before and awoke by a single beep off the long centre rod. Immediately looked through the Bivvy door with the torch to see the Rod tip arched round against - Lifted in solid - another in the weed but detected the slight thump – Applying gentle pressure until slowly comes out, certainly felt weird stood in the middle of nowhere dressed just in underpants in pitch darkness pulling what seemed like ½ ton of weed and perhaps a fish out of the lake towards me.. There is an occasional knock so the fish is still there. 50 yards it goes relatively light as either the weed or the fish comes off – luckily it is the former as the fight begins. Having managed to my headlight on by hook by crook I catch a glimpse of the fish in blue LED light – looks like a Leather, But after netting and safely on the unhooking mat is a Linear – going 21lb 8 oz on the scales another PB – that makes 3 PB’s in a 24 hour period.
After gently slipping back rebaited in the mist on the same spot. And hit the sack again – checking before hand that no intruders have sneaked in the warm bag whilst I’ve been away.
0300: Single beep on centre road again Rod arched round again Lifted in an felt the twang- twang of leader round lilies- It extricated itself from the lilies and kited out in open water to the left. No weed on this one and now that I am getting use to the bend on the Nash outlaw 3lb TC rod – I guess this one goes high Double / Low Twenty. This is a more portly looking Common and goes 8ozs over the twenty. I re-rigged and reposition in 20 minutes – getting the hang of this now.
0500: Lots of bleeps – hey a run!! on the Centre rod again. This ones flying what a good scrap not big but good fun in the dawn light. Hopefully everyone else is asleep and not watching this underpant duel.. This fish really is wild does not want to come in but finally I win and a beautiful long Wild Common – Wild in more than name.
The Austrians call Wednesday big fish day as they normally catch their biggest fish of the week on this day – plus it is Christian’s birthday today and they will join us for Dinner tonight, the 1st time since Saturday.
I decided to weighed the Tench from the night before – but they were a bit lively – the 7 Pounder escapes after weighing and before I can take a picture by jumping off the mat and over the edge of the pontoon to live another day. Perhaps I will get him next year when he is 10lb?
The rest of the day was Quiet in terms of Fish and I was able to catch up on some ZZZZ’s only interrupted by the occasional Tench 3 in all. I made up some more rigs Triggalink/Ultrasilk Combo’s but with Korda Size Micro-Barb’s – I hadn’t noticed this when I purchased them – Good job Kevin had given his blessing to be able to use them – My eye sight is not all that good is it.
We all had dinner with the Austrians and Chris produced a smashing birthday cake for Christian.
2100 After another couple of Tench interruptions the farmers (Austrians) had another ‘trawling’ session resulting in 30lb Liner / 34lb commons.
2300: Just got comfortable in the bag, a beep on the LH rod – Got out the tell tale twitching of Tench, lifted in an was treated to a spirited fight from what turned out to be a 7 1/2 Pounder, A New Personal best.
Wednesday 13th June
0100: Just off to sleep again, the frogs were making up for being quiet the night before and awoke by a single beep off the long centre rod. Immediately looked through the Bivvy door with the torch to see the Rod tip arched round against - Lifted in solid - another in the weed but detected the slight thump – Applying gentle pressure until slowly comes out, certainly felt weird stood in the middle of nowhere dressed just in underpants in pitch darkness pulling what seemed like ½ ton of weed and perhaps a fish out of the lake towards me.. There is an occasional knock so the fish is still there. 50 yards it goes relatively light as either the weed or the fish comes off – luckily it is the former as the fight begins. Having managed to my headlight on by hook by crook I catch a glimpse of the fish in blue LED light – looks like a Leather, But after netting and safely on the unhooking mat is a Linear – going 21lb 8 oz on the scales another PB – that makes 3 PB’s in a 24 hour period.
After gently slipping back rebaited in the mist on the same spot. And hit the sack again – checking before hand that no intruders have sneaked in the warm bag whilst I’ve been away.
0300: Single beep on centre road again Rod arched round again Lifted in an felt the twang- twang of leader round lilies- It extricated itself from the lilies and kited out in open water to the left. No weed on this one and now that I am getting use to the bend on the Nash outlaw 3lb TC rod – I guess this one goes high Double / Low Twenty. This is a more portly looking Common and goes 8ozs over the twenty. I re-rigged and reposition in 20 minutes – getting the hang of this now.
0500: Lots of bleeps – hey a run!! on the Centre rod again. This ones flying what a good scrap not big but good fun in the dawn light. Hopefully everyone else is asleep and not watching this underpant duel.. This fish really is wild does not want to come in but finally I win and a beautiful long Wild Common – Wild in more than name.
The Austrians call Wednesday big fish day as they normally catch their biggest fish of the week on this day – plus it is Christian’s birthday today and they will join us for Dinner tonight, the 1st time since Saturday.
I decided to weighed the Tench from the night before – but they were a bit lively – the 7 Pounder escapes after weighing and before I can take a picture by jumping off the mat and over the edge of the pontoon to live another day. Perhaps I will get him next year when he is 10lb?
The rest of the day was Quiet in terms of Fish and I was able to catch up on some ZZZZ’s only interrupted by the occasional Tench 3 in all. I made up some more rigs Triggalink/Ultrasilk Combo’s but with Korda Size Micro-Barb’s – I hadn’t noticed this when I purchased them – Good job Kevin had given his blessing to be able to use them – My eye sight is not all that good is it.
We all had dinner with the Austrians and Chris produced a smashing birthday cake for Christian.
David's Dog wishes Christian Happy Birthday
We left them to it – looked like they wee going to party hard. Strange that whilst hey were partying Ed, Chris and I had a mad hour & a half. Started off at 8pm – I had a Tench from the LF Lille pad – Ed had a run / landed a Large carp and so did Chris I lost a good run on the LH rod not 5 mins after repositioning, no sooner had I reeled in and inspecting the rig the centre rod bent round I lifted in even before the alarm sounded – Big Heavy lump – in the weed again –
It comes with gently pressure but no signs of a thump from a fish. That what is was – just weed. I changed over onto the rigs I made earlier in the day. Amourbraid straight though on the LH and TriggaLink/Ultasilk combo on the centre – left the RH where it was. It was now dark. No sooner had I place the LH bait and got back to pontoon the alarm went off. This one made for the other side of the lilies I was able to guide back through the small gap it had gone though but it goes for the snags on the left, they all seem to know where to go. I was running out of angle and was bending out over the front of the pontoon luckily this provides enough leverage to get to steer it away but almost went in the drink in the process... This was a 21lb 8oz hump back mirror. Took some photo’s using the Cooler box as a makeshift tripod.
I was just sorting out the mess on deck when the Centre Rod went round, got straight into it and was greeted again by the twang twang of leader against lily’s but was not coming – so put the Landing net into the boat and unhook the mooring rope. I was just about to step into the boat when the fish came free and into open water, and getting regular thumps which would indicate no weed and a sizable fish. Slowly made headway even though the fish was fighting harder. As it neared the pontoon I caught a glimpse in my headlamp – could it be a thirty? It is a Common as long as the one yesterday but a bigger girth.
It comes with gently pressure but no signs of a thump from a fish. That what is was – just weed. I changed over onto the rigs I made earlier in the day. Amourbraid straight though on the LH and TriggaLink/Ultasilk combo on the centre – left the RH where it was. It was now dark. No sooner had I place the LH bait and got back to pontoon the alarm went off. This one made for the other side of the lilies I was able to guide back through the small gap it had gone though but it goes for the snags on the left, they all seem to know where to go. I was running out of angle and was bending out over the front of the pontoon luckily this provides enough leverage to get to steer it away but almost went in the drink in the process... This was a 21lb 8oz hump back mirror. Took some photo’s using the Cooler box as a makeshift tripod.
I was just sorting out the mess on deck when the Centre Rod went round, got straight into it and was greeted again by the twang twang of leader against lily’s but was not coming – so put the Landing net into the boat and unhook the mooring rope. I was just about to step into the boat when the fish came free and into open water, and getting regular thumps which would indicate no weed and a sizable fish. Slowly made headway even though the fish was fighting harder. As it neared the pontoon I caught a glimpse in my headlamp – could it be a thirty? It is a Common as long as the one yesterday but a bigger girth.
Once close in I went for the landing net – oh no! Its in the boat and that is drifting away, so I had to conduct a balancing act Rod in right hand Right foot on the edge of the platform and reaching out with my left foot I captured the boat with my Big Toe ! Good job I did not have any shoes on – I would have never done it. Fish is landed- on the unhooking mat then the weigh sling – Will it go 30lb – No it won’t 26lb 8oz – Another New PB. Again struggled to get some pictures then released. Time to sort out – What a mess the platform was in Rods weed, line mats strewn everywhere. Have a tidy up and Mr Spider has set up his trap on the RH rod. And the Frogs are off.
2300: I thought this carping lark was supposed to be laid back – I’m Exhausted. I get another run on the LH rod – I had no real idea where this one ran to but it was free I just pulled in against the strong fight and another Common graces the net and weighs in at 26LB on the nail. The Austrians were right it was big fish day! Especially as they were still partying down at the Lodge we were making hay.
Thursday 14th June
Thankfully no runs during the night and a reasonably lat night sleep after the Frogs had stopped.
The day was overcast and windy making bait placement difficult. And just a few Tench to show for the day – changed over rigs. What was occurring now was Line Twist resulting from the use of the Bait runner to let line out when placing the bait on the spot and rowing back with the rod in the boat. This was on the long Centre Rod so cast out 6 times with just a 6 oz weight and pulled in – helped a little.
After dinner and rebaiting I prepared my Boilies for the night the roach and Pumpkinseeds fighting over the shreds of boilie falling through the slats of the platform.
Had another Tench from the LH road at 8pm. Then the sky turnt that horrible purple blue and the sound of thunder starting rolling in from the West time to put everything away in the Bivvy’s At a quarter to nine it started – and went on for a further two hours. I took the opportunity to review and edit my Speech for daughters wedding In July, and then turned in after rebaiting all three rods at ten to midnight.
Friday 15th June
Was awoken by a single beep from the centre rod, for some reason in my disoriented state went to the wrong rod. Had a look round saw a slight twitch on the centre rod. Gaining my senses now! Lifted in and got the twang –twang and solid weight, not sure if there is anything there at all. Decide the boat maybe the best option just start to make for it when I detect some give. But just feels dead weight so start to pull in pausing along the way to try to find any murmurs of a fish – There is the smallest indication of something more than weed. As I make progress the thumps become stronger so the wed is coming off –
2300: I thought this carping lark was supposed to be laid back – I’m Exhausted. I get another run on the LH rod – I had no real idea where this one ran to but it was free I just pulled in against the strong fight and another Common graces the net and weighs in at 26LB on the nail. The Austrians were right it was big fish day! Especially as they were still partying down at the Lodge we were making hay.
Thursday 14th June
Thankfully no runs during the night and a reasonably lat night sleep after the Frogs had stopped.
The day was overcast and windy making bait placement difficult. And just a few Tench to show for the day – changed over rigs. What was occurring now was Line Twist resulting from the use of the Bait runner to let line out when placing the bait on the spot and rowing back with the rod in the boat. This was on the long Centre Rod so cast out 6 times with just a 6 oz weight and pulled in – helped a little.
After dinner and rebaiting I prepared my Boilies for the night the roach and Pumpkinseeds fighting over the shreds of boilie falling through the slats of the platform.
Had another Tench from the LH road at 8pm. Then the sky turnt that horrible purple blue and the sound of thunder starting rolling in from the West time to put everything away in the Bivvy’s At a quarter to nine it started – and went on for a further two hours. I took the opportunity to review and edit my Speech for daughters wedding In July, and then turned in after rebaiting all three rods at ten to midnight.
Friday 15th June
Was awoken by a single beep from the centre rod, for some reason in my disoriented state went to the wrong rod. Had a look round saw a slight twitch on the centre rod. Gaining my senses now! Lifted in and got the twang –twang and solid weight, not sure if there is anything there at all. Decide the boat maybe the best option just start to make for it when I detect some give. But just feels dead weight so start to pull in pausing along the way to try to find any murmurs of a fish – There is the smallest indication of something more than weed. As I make progress the thumps become stronger so the wed is coming off –
As the mass comes nearer I can just make out a fish shape looks like a fat mirror through the misty gloom– the heart starts to race. Definitely a bigger fish then just as I make a dash for the landing net the torch packs up. I tried to blindly guide the fish to which I have no idea what it is into the net – I think what if I bump it if now I’d never forgive myself it has to be a Thirty. Deep breaths I let out some line and holding the rod high I walk slowly backwards to the Bivvie and grovel around for my headlamp. A couple of blank sweeps later I find it.
Managed to somehow put it on my head and walk back to the front reeling as I go. Now I can see the lump and what a lump a long thick Common. One further attempt and she is in the net and onto the unhooking mat – I am now shaking in anticipation – The hook hold was tenuous to say at the least being the fleshy part of the scissors but no evidence it had been in there long. How lucky had I’d been I looked in the centre of the lower mouth and the hook had been in there so must have come out and re hooked in that period when I fanning around getting a light source.
So how much did it weigh? A struggle to hold it up in the weigh sling went 35lb 8oz. I allowed myself a little yelp then placed in the sack ready for some photos in the morning.
I reflected on this and the High Double Commons I have caught this trip and in the past, and was disappointed in the fight per pound of the respective fish – The smaller one definitely fight harder.
Back in the sack after rebaiting at 0345.
0535: Single beep on the centre rod had a run here against the drag but came straight out into open water. This one was in a hurry to get out coming straight at me no real fight – perhaps it’s a Tench. No it was a Mirror of 16lb.
0730: Went to the lodge early today and then went round to The Steps swim via the Pontoon to ask Ed to come and take some photos’ before Breakfast – taking him up on his offer to do so... had to wake him but he was more than pleased to do so.
Managed to somehow put it on my head and walk back to the front reeling as I go. Now I can see the lump and what a lump a long thick Common. One further attempt and she is in the net and onto the unhooking mat – I am now shaking in anticipation – The hook hold was tenuous to say at the least being the fleshy part of the scissors but no evidence it had been in there long. How lucky had I’d been I looked in the centre of the lower mouth and the hook had been in there so must have come out and re hooked in that period when I fanning around getting a light source.
So how much did it weigh? A struggle to hold it up in the weigh sling went 35lb 8oz. I allowed myself a little yelp then placed in the sack ready for some photos in the morning.
I reflected on this and the High Double Commons I have caught this trip and in the past, and was disappointed in the fight per pound of the respective fish – The smaller one definitely fight harder.
Back in the sack after rebaiting at 0345.
0535: Single beep on the centre rod had a run here against the drag but came straight out into open water. This one was in a hurry to get out coming straight at me no real fight – perhaps it’s a Tench. No it was a Mirror of 16lb.
0730: Went to the lodge early today and then went round to The Steps swim via the Pontoon to ask Ed to come and take some photos’ before Breakfast – taking him up on his offer to do so... had to wake him but he was more than pleased to do so.
Here's My new PB 35lb 4oz
Being in the sack she was a bit lively but had some expert coaching from Ed on how to handle these big fish. Lots of Photos in & out of the water me and all I reluctantly let here go.
Breakfast done set up for the day and made up some more rigs the ones I had been using are getting tired.
I decoded to change over at the lunch time rebait, but just as was the middle of the rebait I had Tench on the LH rod and forgot to re-rig that rod. You know what is coming next. Not 5minutes after rebaiting /positioning the LH rod and preparing to rebait the Centre Rod the LH rod arched round violently I lifted straight into it and a huge fish crashed on the surface were the bait was. It came like a surfacing submarine towards me it hump standing well clear of the water it had the hump in more ways than one. I reeled like mad was it still on – yes I get confirmation with violent thumping followed by slack again as it continued toward me I This time when it brightens up a three big thumps and then nothing. The rig had come undone at the knot on the swivel. !!!!!
If only I had the new rig on, If only I’d paid enough attention to clutch setting when setting the bait runner drag it was too tight. All valuable lessons learned but I’d lost the chance of a massive fish – I don’t think I’d get another this trip.
Had a busy last Night more Tench and Carp form the centre Rod at 0100, 0300 and 0500 the last two being of 27 1/2 and 22lb respectively a nice way to finish it off. The score on the doors was 15 carp, 14 Tench 10 lost. But the Tench had the last laugh on the centre rod Tap tap a drop back and off deposited my bait in the weed – Time to call it a day – packed up at 0900 and called for Tom to come and pick me up – back to the lodge - shower etc and fresh clothes – a nice fresh bacon egg sarnie we sort ourselves out – weigh up the bags to meet the 15kg weight allowance and David takes us to the airport, where we had an 1 1.2 delay. Steve my future son in law picked me up, and back home – a Quick sort out ready for the Match at Bury Hill the next day.
I decoded to change over at the lunch time rebait, but just as was the middle of the rebait I had Tench on the LH rod and forgot to re-rig that rod. You know what is coming next. Not 5minutes after rebaiting /positioning the LH rod and preparing to rebait the Centre Rod the LH rod arched round violently I lifted straight into it and a huge fish crashed on the surface were the bait was. It came like a surfacing submarine towards me it hump standing well clear of the water it had the hump in more ways than one. I reeled like mad was it still on – yes I get confirmation with violent thumping followed by slack again as it continued toward me I This time when it brightens up a three big thumps and then nothing. The rig had come undone at the knot on the swivel. !!!!!
If only I had the new rig on, If only I’d paid enough attention to clutch setting when setting the bait runner drag it was too tight. All valuable lessons learned but I’d lost the chance of a massive fish – I don’t think I’d get another this trip.
Had a busy last Night more Tench and Carp form the centre Rod at 0100, 0300 and 0500 the last two being of 27 1/2 and 22lb respectively a nice way to finish it off. The score on the doors was 15 carp, 14 Tench 10 lost. But the Tench had the last laugh on the centre rod Tap tap a drop back and off deposited my bait in the weed – Time to call it a day – packed up at 0900 and called for Tom to come and pick me up – back to the lodge - shower etc and fresh clothes – a nice fresh bacon egg sarnie we sort ourselves out – weigh up the bags to meet the 15kg weight allowance and David takes us to the airport, where we had an 1 1.2 delay. Steve my future son in law picked me up, and back home – a Quick sort out ready for the Match at Bury Hill the next day.
X marks the spot to where my baits where placedSo I am already planning my return trip next year -
A few lessons learned
1) Go with someone you get on with to be on the pontoon with you - will help with the baiting up and getting to those runs when you are out baiting up and searching for things in the dark.
2) If on your own make sure you have a tripod - handy for taking photos.
3) Listen to what the bailff's tell you.
4) Take some high factor Sun tan oil, the sun is vary agressive at this time of the year - you have to remember how far South You are.
5) Make sure you have transmitter alarms so you can hear runs the over the Frog Chorus at night.
6) Take a line twister lead
7) Use new line on a couple of sessions before you go
8) Remember to ask for a means of lighting your gas burner on the 1st night.
I Learned so much that I can use in the UK - I found the Triggalink/Ultrasilk combo and the Limpet Camelion - Lead Core - the latter taking on the colour of the lake bed over the week and Triggalink works when wet like a piece of elastic giving you that extra bolt effect.
The biggest thing I learned was thinking about bait & freebie placement in setting the trap - Something David taught me and has change my whole outlook
Role on next year
Role on next year
Look at the lake details here:
Labels: Pleasure Fish
