Good Evening.

I woke this morning and was welcomed by a cold and damp day. No sun has shone for two days but it does mean the temperature has remained fairly constant. On a positive note I did hear a few fish crash in my vicinity up until about midnight last night. I tend not to get too excited when I hear carp jump as I have fished at too many lakes where it happens and it rarely produces a take; it did get the excitement levels raised a little though as I sat by my fire making toast and hot chocolate on the hot embers!

I went out in the boat today for a look at the shallow area that the carp seemed to be showing over. There is the odd branch on the bottom and apart from that there is little to hold them for any length of time. The average depth is 4-5 foot and you can see to the bottom. I will listen tonight for any more activity and decide a plan of attack if any materialise. My baits are now into their third day/night in the water. I went out and sprinkled some Halibut pellet over my spots today to try to draw in some fish of any description. I don’t want to put in anymore boilies as I think they are still present apart from the odd one and I will probably leave the rods be till Sunday or Monday. I do know that the time of year is an important factor in the lack of action and it could be that the fish are sat up somewhere and not feeding with any intensity. There are three other anglers fishing on the island situated on the lake and they have also had no action to date. I tend not to take much notice of what others are up to anyway as it tends to affect your decisions. At this time of year I think it is important you try to stick to a system and see it out, if you have the nerve and willpower.

As you have all seen by now I am more than comfortable in my swim. My fire has now become the source of energy and motivation. Each day I discover a new thing I can do or get from my fire and I am now perfecting the art of toast using a grill I found in the bushes! I cooked jacket spuds today in aluminium foil and they went down a treat; after four though I was wiped out and had to go and have an afternoon nap! Tonight for a change I had some of my WCC emergency food. Yes, I still have some left and it just goes to show how little I eat packet food. I do use it in emergency situations and as my nice fresh food supplies are getting low they now serve a purpose. As I have been on the pasta diet for the past three weeks I tried a packet of Bachelors’ Pasta n’ Sauce this evening in the cheese, ham and leek flavour. Compared to the fine pasta I have prepared for myself since arriving, all I can honestly say is – it was different! I love the fact Bachelors actually suggest ways on the packet to make it taste better by adding butter or other ingredients!

A shopping run is definitely on the cards tomorrow evening and a battery swap is now also in order. My local friend Gerry is coming to assist and look after the dogs, whilst I attend to the necessary jobs. The dogs have behaved rather strangely the past two days. They seem on edge and slightly unsettled. Whether they know something is about to happen in the carp world remains to be seen, but Charley has this piercing whine that cuts through me like a knife. She has perfected the pitch over the years to greatest effect and I can take about three seconds worth before telling her to go and lie down on her bed! Bless her…

It is time to stoke the fire, make a brew and sit and watch and listen for Mr Carp.

Back tomorrow.

Jake and the dogs.