Monday – Most of the day was spent getting the standard paperwork out of the way then preparing tackle for the night ahead.  I really would like to get a big crucian this year, one bigger than my personal best of 4lb 3oz 8drams, a feat that some would say is impossible, but l have at least four venues close to my home that have the potential to do such a fish.

I had been trying to fish one of these venues for a while as it had produced the odd big crucian in matches over the last few months and although the fish had been hit by the critics, l felt that what l had seen from the photographs that it was worth investigating. The owner had allowed me to fish the venue at night so it was time to take up his offer and see what was awaiting my approach. I knew that it was going to be a numbers game and wanted to steer clear of the bream so fished scaled down bolt rigs right under the rod tips and as expected the action was frantic. Starting at 7-30pm the carp moved in, mopping up the Sonubaits Supercrush Green ground bait pressed around the lead and finding my tiny piece of corn within and come 12-30am l had to reel in order to get some sleep. Forty two carp had dropped in the net ranging from 3lb to 12lb along with the odd bream small barbel, but no crucians. Although  totally knackered after landing well over 200lb of fish  l will continue as eventually the needle in the haystack will be found.

Tuesday – Leaving the lake at 7-30am after a restless night in temperatures up to 19 degrees and mosquitoes buzzing around my head l headed home for breakfast before meeting good friend Steve Fantauzzi for a spot of floater fishing. It was to produce an Action Replay feature for Anglers Mail so watch out for this over the next few weeks as it has loads of tips and advice in it.

Wednesday – The day was spent manipulating photos of the Action Replay and key board tapping to try and complete the words before heading down to Torquay to spend some time with my family and hopefully some bass  fishing.
The rain came and trying to fish off the pier became intolerable and myself, brother and his two young sons returned home soaked, however we did catch a few mackerel, Pollack and skad mackerel.

Thursday – Another evening spent on the pier but the wind had changed to an offshore one and the conditions bought with it loads of floating weed so we called it a day after a couple of hours. 

Friday – With the weather looking far better we were back on the pier, this time float fishing and the action came straight away with plenty of mackerel along with the odd Pollock and skad mackerel.