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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Following the successes in the summer I returned to the Welland for some winter sport. A cold frosty morning following a period of wet weather. I arrived soon after 09.00.
As you would expect, the river was very different. There was much more water in it, the banks were more accessible as the profuse vegetation had died down and what weed there was in the river wasn't visible through the coloured water.
With a promised SW breeze the tree corner swim seemed an ideal choice. I arrived at 07.00 but found the breeze more southerly. However, I stuck it out on the expectation that the wind would probably shift. It did, but not until after lunch, making the morning something of a frustrating affair.
Back again to the Pump Pond at Block Fen. After a cold night it was a very still day; overcast but not too cold. I arrived earlier than on recent visits; at about 15.30.
Although the water looked very inviting I didn't get that 'fishy' feeling that I normally experience in this spot. The surface scum on the water had been cleared by high winds over the weekend and, unfortunately, some of the reeds had blown down making it difficult to drop a bait into the far end of the bay.
More photos in the full report
The weather was overcast following a brief period of sunny breaks during the morning but it felt quite mild because of the complete absence of any wind throughout the day. Conditions in fact seemed good, but nobody told the fish.
There were three of us on the lake, including Mick who was there last week and caught six good carp. On this occasion he caught nothing.
I've obviously a bit to learn about winter carp fishing. Following a couple of disappointing trips last October I decided to give the lake another try, having sat out the worst of the winter weather.
The very cold spell through January and early February meant that the water was still very cold and I didn't expect great sport.
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