On arriving at the lake early on the Monday morning things looked bang on. Fish crashing everywhere and with no one else on the lake I was spoilt for choice on where to fish for them.

30lbs 4oz

The swim that I opted for is half way down the lake with a massive weed raft in front of it, about 50 yards out. The swim also has nice clean gravel in the margins which have produced fish for me in the past.

After finding the spots and getting the leads out I spodded out a bag of Hemp and Hali Crush , 6mm halibut pellets and a handful of Hali Hookers (which were my chosen hookbait).
 
Over the next 2 days I had fish in the swim all day and night but nothing, not even a liner. The fish were in the weed all day on the naturals and would only come out in the safety of darkness. Even then they would not get there heads down for anything. Floaters, zigs, pop ups and bottom baits were all tried but not a sausage, and with only 1 night left I decided on a move.
 
I hadn't made it half way round the lake, when I found 2 fish in close ripping up the lake bed just behind a weed bed. That was all that was needed and the gear was on the barrow in record time.
 
A Hali Hooker was hair rigged and a small stick of Hemp and Hali Crush was attached, this was gently swung into position and placed on the alarm.  I hadn't even clipped on the bobbin when the clutch started screaming, I was in already. Result!  After a quick fight and a lot of praying the fish didn't weed me up, it was in the bag.  30lb 04oz common and one happy camper.
 
I decided to give the swim a go that night so I got the brolly up and the kettle on.  A few fish passed through the swim and things looked good for another take. Just before dark I got my wish, another belter from the margin rod.  Again the battle was short but thankfully this one went in the net as well, a cracking dark common which sent the scales round to 33lb 12oz.
 
It just shows that when times are hard you have to keep giving 100% and eventually it will come good.
 
3 weeks at work then back on a new venue, watch this space and tight lines.

33lbs 12oz