19th August - Boulthurst Farm, Limpsfield, Surrey

Couldn't waste the good weather so decided to set off to the pond for another afternoon/evening session.

I suppose, because of the good weather it was no shock that I found that all of the swims that you can fish using two rods were all taken. Therefore I had to take the lily pads swim and fish one rod. See photo below:

I fished about five yards the other side of the lily pads using tutti fruitti boillies. The plan was to stay in the swim until someone went. The odds on me being the last out were good so I was confident that another swim would become available.

I set up my usual rig, 6lb main line to a size 14 hair rig on 5lb hook length. The bait was cast and the waiting began.

After half an hour in the intense heat I began to realise why this swim was the last one taken - it was completely barren of any shade! Now I was prepared as far as liquid refreashment went - I had a bottle of Coke plus there were several bottles of water in the car. What I didn't like was warm Coke!!!!

To my immediate left, separted by a tree and a bush that was overhanging the water was a father and young daughter. He was floating some bread on the surface and she had a buzzer rod set up. To be fair the rod was enormous compared to her. After an hour my buzzer went off and I struck - nothing happened and then a voice said "I think she's cast over you!". Anyway 5 minutes later I had sorted her (the tangle not the girl) and myself out and all was well. There was no harm done and everyone was ok about it.

Around 5pm the father and daughter left and I moved into their swim. I was still able to fish the original swim but now I could also fish the margins on the left with my second rod.

Within 20 minutes of having the far side of the pond to myself I began to catch. Choice of bait didn't seem to matter as they took everything I put in. The margin swim producing first and eventually the most fish however as the light began to fade my original swim started to produce.

A great way to spend a summers Sunday afternoon and evening.

Till the next time.

17th August Boulthurst Farm, Limpsfield, Surrey

This is another of my carping sessions at Boulthurst Farm.

Slight detour from the usual format I think is due this time. I think it's time to have a look at the progress I'm making in my carp fishing skills.

I believe, as with everything in life practise makes perfect. I started carping only 4 weeks previously and to be honest I've found it does bring a bit of variety to my fishing.

I like to float fish, as it is what I started off on. There is however something different about a Sunday afternoon sitting in the sun watching the wildlife going about their business while waiting for the rods to bend round that is really relaxing. For a full days fishing though I will always go for the 'traditional' method.

As far as the carp fishing goes, in terms of weight I'm no better off than when I float fish. The best fish I've had this season using both methods is about 7 pound. The difference being that because of the extra strength of the carp rods I can get the fish in easier (and more confidently).

Here's my opinion of where I am in my development:

I think I've got my set up sorted with the exception of the rod pod - to be honest it only cost a tenner and after 2 months use, 3 of the legs are super-glued on!!! They are not strong enough to go into the ground during the summer so when I do get a bite if I'm not quick enough everything heads towards the water.

I've also been experimenting with different boillie flavours. For this session I'd got some carp frenzy flavoured ones. On the first cast a carp took it while I was still putting the line through the buzzer! I did get it in once I'd got over the shock!

Anyway here is my favoured swim for the day:

I actually fish to the right and to the left of where the rods are pointing.

By the end of the session I'd bagged about 9 carp - no monsters but very satisifying all the same.

Till the next time.

Ken