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Diary of an average angler

Who favours traditional methods & baits

fisherman

This diary dates back to a holiday in 2003 when I think the urge to get back into fishing took off. From around 2007 the trips became more frequent with 2010/11 probably being the peak of activity.
Things again pick up in 2020 - a sort of rebirth!

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Fields End (106)

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Arrival time: 09.00
Weather: Dry and overcast with a chilly NE breeze.
Tackle: 10ft Fishtec Compact Float, link leger/waggler, 6lb line.
14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 16/14 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed, sweet corn, cheese paste, luncheon meat.
Fish: Two carp, a barbel, a perch and two small roach

After my success with carp last week I went to Fields End today to target the carp. Of course, the carp didn't oblige, well not at first, so I switched to the match rod and then the carp woke up!

After a very tranquil session last week, today I found the car park full and more anglers around the lake. But the NE corner was free, where I fished last week. This suited me fine with the cold NE breeze being behind me.

Fields End (105)

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

Arrival time: 09.30
Weather: Dry and bright with a gentle westerly breeze.
Tackle: 14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 16 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Hemp seed, sweet corn, cheese paste.
Fish: Three carp and two small roach

After a near melt down at the Chubb Stream on my last outing, when my back was giving me hell, today I decided to go to Fields End for a 'quiet' day just sitting, with the intention of catching some roach.

With the caravan site not due to open until 12 April this was a rare opportunity to fish Fields End before it became too busy. There were three cars in the car park when I arrived and around four to five anglers already set up.

Fields End (104)

You can view the video on this page or open YouTube by clicking the YouTube icon above.

Arrival time: 08.30
Weather: Dry and bright start after a wet night with a strong freshening breeze.
Tackle: Hardy 11' 6" Specimen Avon, Shimano Exage 4000RC, link leger, 8lb line, 10 hook
14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Rapidex 2400 centre pin with 5lb line, 4lb bottom & 12 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Spam, bread paste.
Fish: Three small roach

I was hoping that Fields End would be quieter in October with the peak holiday season over, but anglers are a hardy bunch and there were quite a few around the lake. There were also some bivvies indicating some serious carp fishing in progress.

Fields End (103)

Crucian 1lb 10oz

More photos in the full report

Arrival time: 08.00
Weather: Overcast and mild with a light westerly breeze. Some light rain.
Swim: Reed corner
Tackle: 10ft Fishtec Compact Float, Shimano bait caster, 8lb line, 8 hook.
Baits: Bread flake and luncheon meat.
Fish: Four carp 5 - 8lb, roach and a crucian.

The holiday park has now reopened and the tranquility of the last couple of visits is now but a memory. Despite only three cars in the visitors' car park the lake was busy. My preferred spot was occupied and I settled in what I call the reed corner.

Fields End (101)

Rudd ?

More photos in the full report

Arrival time: 08.40
Weather: Sunny with a warm westerly breeze.
Swim: East bank 'Reed End'
Tackle: 10ft Fishtec Compact Float, Shimano bait caster, 8lb line, 8 hook.
14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Shimano Exage 1000RC reel with 5lb line, 12 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Bread flake and luncheon meat.
Fish: Six carp and quite a few roach/rudd

The easing of the coronavirus restrictions allowed me to make my first fishing trip of 2020.

With the caravan site and the holiday cabins closed the Lake was very quiet. A bit like when I first started fishing there in 2006. There were only three people when I arrived and nobody on the far (east) bank. I guess that was because it's further to walk and it meant fishing into the breeze.

Fields End (100)

Mirror 9lb 15oz

More photos in the full report

Arrival time: 13.30
Weather: Sunny with a chilly westerly wind.
Swim: East bank
Tackle: 10ft Fishtec Compact Float, Shimano bait caster, 8lb line, 8 hook.
14ft Shimano Speedmaster match rod, Shimano Exage 1000RC reel with 5lb line, 12 hook. Insert waggler.
Baits: Bread flake and luncheon meat.
Fish: Four carp and a few roach.

My 100th visit to Fields End! One could have hoped that the fishing gods would have rewarded me with a day to remember - but alas no.

My spot on the East bank a couple along from the reed end was again free but not as inviting as on recent visits. A westerly wind was blowing in my face and it had a chill to it. It also made free-lining virtually impossible as I couldn't watch for line movement.

© 2025 Robert Bassett

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