This week l was hoping to get a couple of whole day sessions in but this wasn’t the case.

A restless night saw me arriving at Cemex Boat Pool far later than expected on Tuesday morning, however with loads of weed and small fish visible in most swims l knew my timing was far to early for perch. After a couple of hours and one missed bite l knew l was wasting my time and left planning a return once the cold weather arrives and the perch pack the small fish into the corners.

Wednesday came and the planned overnighter on the roach lake was cancelled due to my fishing friend Steve cancelling due to a stomach upset late in the afternoon.

Feeling better the next morning we headed back to Old Bury Hill in the hope of a few zander, however the day dawned bright and chilly so we delayed our arrival till mid afternoon. A quick walk around revealed that no zander had been caught, not surprising due to the conditions. Just as darkness descended the zander arrived, showing their presence by the odd audible indication, however it wasn’t until a good hour into darkness that l hooked my first fish, a seven-pounder. Seven more followed, the best 8lb 6oz with Steve taking three including a personal best of 7lb 5oz. Normally the zander like sprats but l chopped and changed a finally started catching on hair rigged sardine!