I set up at the bottom end by the little bridge, and soon had a hard fighting tench on, from the float fished luncheon meat. Nothing was forthcoming on the ledger rod, which was my new Wychwood Signature 2.75 test curve rod, found at http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk.
After a while of no bites, and me beginning to dose off, I went for a walk, and tried the old faithful spot. Not much is left of it since the lake owner's butchery a year ago, but a little bit of cover still remains. A group of four lads nearby, saw me rock up, and plonk the float a few feet from the bank, and they must have thought me a loser or a bit wierd.
However, after a wait of about 10 minutes my secret spot did not let me down. Before I knew it, I was fighting to keep this monster carp out of the snags, It pulled so hard that I was using all of my strength with two arms to hold it back. It dove for every bit of snag in the vicinity, giving me a very stressful time. The sight of me struggling prompted the lads to ask if I needed any help, and one came over.
When I finally got it in the net, I could see that it was massive AND foul hooked, which explains why it was pulling so hard. Though I say so myself, it took quite a bit of skill and concentration to stop it snapping me.
Great end to a nice day in the sun. Didn't miss the fags much either.
