Thursday it was back to Burghfield with the intention of concentrating on my two going swims.

The first soon responded as the tip flew round and another big barbel headed of downstream, however once again when the fish was completely in control the hook pulled, yes l have changed the pattern of my hook, this time it was a barbed size 8 S3!

Completely gutted once more l moved downstream and soon began to get chub knocks. Holding the rod soon had me striking and a slow but different fight commenced. Soon l had a long lean chub in the net and at 6lb 2oz gave me some comfort after loosing the barbel. Dad was sitting with me and watching, l'm sure he’s learning loads and can’t wait to wet a line.

The following evening l was back with the same tactics in my head however the first swim, after an hour and a half failed to deliver so l dropped into my chub swim. It must have been no more than five minutes when a bite that was definitely not from a chub occurred. After a spirited fight a barbel of 7lb 8oz lay in the net. Moving back to my original swim l thought I’d give it another hour and forty minutes in once again became attached to a big fish. This time the S3 stayed put and my Kennet best of 12lb 15oz awaited my father to arrive to witness its weight and take the pictures. Who said my Loddon roving tactics wouldn’t work? All my fish are coming to Sonubaits 12mm Halibut Pellet O’s with Crushed halibut pellets pressed around the lead. Stop over complicating things, forget the leadcore, backleads and boilies, move around and give them the method lead!