June 11th - Private Pond

It was the end of the flexi period and as I had completed my time by 11:20 I headed home with the intention of a good afternoon and evening session at the pond.

On the way home I got a tin of sweetcorn and a loaf of bread. The plan was to go with these only, no hemp, meat or maggots this time.

I've only ever fished peg 1 here but I've been told that the bigger tench reside at the other end so on the way I prayed that there were some spaces availabale up there. The pond only has 11 swims.

Luck was on my side, there were other anglers there but they were all on the near side around the middle of the pond. I quickly got my gear and made my way to the far side, top end swim peg 11.

Directly in front of me was a large bed of lily pads. To the left was the island but that was really out of range for float tackle so didn't figure in my plans. There was however a set of reeds/lilys both sides of the platform.

The first task was to mix the groundbait - 75% brown crumb and the rest carp/tench red attractor. I fed the swim about 2 rod lengths out.

As I was setting up my float rod I could see the swim bubbling away almost immediately. I hoped they would be crucians or even some of the larger tench.

As soon as the first cast went in (about 14:00) the corn was attacked. I struck and in came one of the ponds smaller carp (4 - 6 ounces).

This was the pattern for most of the session. A non stop array of small carp, all of which bent the rod but none were actually "rod benders".

In amongst the small carp were some tench but they were no bigger than a pound. I was, however pleased with the roach below:

Whilst fishing the swim in front of me I had also been feeding, with a couple of pieces of corn every 10 minutes or so the 2 margin swims either side of me. Around 5pm I dropped the float in to have a look. The carp below was the result.

I packed up at 9:30 or so having had over 40 fish. I was disappointed that I didn't get one of the bigger tench or any of the crucians but there's always the next tiime.