Good Evening.

My friend is cooking on the bbq as I write tonight’s post; kebabs are the main attraction, we have already eaten pasta with red pesto. My carp count extends to four and the biggest was taken around 5pm today. Every take results in a hefty battle to get the carp out of the lilies, then it’s a gamble whether the fish goes right into open water, or left into the reeds. I prefer the open water route personally, and so far it has been 50/50!

The action started at approximately 4am. I had a few liners from 3am so I knew there were fish present and not surprisingly sleep was difficult to say the least. Finally the take came so I raced to the rod and after managing to successfully get the fish from the pads, it then kited straight into the reeds. After a few bumpy seconds the hook pulled. Judging from the speed it moved I was sure I hadn’t lost a monster, so I put on another lead and went out and dropped the rod back by the edge of the pads. After scattering a few handfuls of the red treats they seem to be enjoying, I returned to the swim, and climbed back into bed.

An hour later this rod took off again. The fish decided to take the open water route so I took to the boat and followed in hot pursuit. There is nothing like an early morning boat tussle. A twenty pound common was bought back to shore and similar to yesterday’s common, this carp had clear signs of recent spawn damage. Missing scales and abrasions were evident on each flank, but I guess the wounds were pleasureable for the carp to attain!

Fluro Monster Crab - another victim!

I released this carp after taking a quick head shot and then got the rod back out. At 9am it was off again and this time a small common put up a great display of strength all along the edge of the reeds – what a determined little fella! I got the rod back out but it seemed that was it for the day. I caught up on some sleep, started some writing that is pressing, and enjoyed the fine weather. I must admit my Trakker Armo is a joy to sleep in during the day as the four vented windows and door, really do help in air circulation; there is nothing worse than trying to catnap in a hot green oven!

Flash enjoys an afternoon nap too!

Around 4.45pm I reeled in the left hand rod. I was just about to flick the bait to my hand when the middle rod took off. I have the baitrunners on, but done up to the maximum and this carp was the first one to actually take some line. By the time I had gently (!) placed the other rod in my boat, and grabbed the rod in distress, the carp was already a few feet into the pads. A real bout took place as the rod was pulled forwards and I then slowly pulled it back. I am very aware that I am using braid and a 3.5lb test curve SK4 rod, so caution has to be taken to reduce hook pulls. After ten seconds things started moving and this kind soul then decided to kite right into open water – how considerate! I hopped in my boat and caught up with the carp which continued to strive for freedom. My determination got the better of him though and a tired yet wonderful looking common was guided into the net. Great tea-time action!

Bella!

At twenty five and a half pounds, a very empty looking carp was held up for the camera. Dispite his abrasions and the odd scale out of place, he looked super, and I watched as he glided off into the depths. The rods are all back out for what will hopefully turn out to be more action, but I have a feeling it might not be till the early hours of tomorrow morning. I may just get up and make a nice cup of tea and watch the sun rise.

That’s all for tonight.

Jake and the dogs.

Tags: Armo, jake langley-hobbs, SK4, trakker

This entry was posted on June 1, 2010 at 8:26 pm and is filed under The Italian Job!. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.