Good Evening.

I have been back in Spain since the 10th of January. I had a nice time back in the UK, but was pleased to get back to my house, my village, and my local lake in Extremadura. The do say that a man’s house is his castle and although I rent mine, it feels like home after living here for well over a year, and for more than two years in my village.

Two hares at Brava.

Just like the three kings, I returned to my village with gifts. It was pleasant to see my landlady and her daughter, and even more pleasant to see them unwrap some token gifts from the UK. I bought back some fishing tackle. New rods. A new shelter. A new bed. And better still – a new kindle to replace the one that broke last year. My dad kindly bought me a leather Kindle cover/case for Christmas, so hopefully this screen will last longer than eight months.

Within a few days I had planned to meet up with Craig. We planned to do a short session at Sierra Brava. The first one of the year. After we eventually got to the swim, after having to tow each other out of bother; we began to set up. There had been rain since I had been away but the levels weren’t much higher than when I left.

My new house let me down.

My Trakker Tempest bivvy and wrap is something I purchased over Christmas. I was keen to use it for the first time so imagine my dismay when one of the aluminium poles bent within a few minutes. It seems to have gone on a weak spot but for the price tag – should this bivvy have any weak spots? Anyway – I am pleased to say that Trakker are kindly swapping it for an Armo MK2 and wrap, in the two-man size but I now must wait for it to arrive in Spain (he says whilst twiddling his thumbs).

Needless to say – I had to carry on fishing, so I put the wrap up to give me more protection from the elements. My second personal moan about the Tempest is the size. This is a true one-man shelter. Small is the only word I can use to describe it. It isn’t big enough for my needs and a dog. Even with the wrap assembled it still doesn’t make much more space. The Aquatexx material is the bivvies strong point, and yes, it is quick to erect. However, I did find it very hard to peg down in 20km/ph winds. I had to get Craig to assist me, and I have never needed help to erect a bivvy before. It is because it is a brolly type shelter with ribs rather than the pram style of bivvy such as the Armo. I have put an Armo bivvy up in 40km/ph winds without any problems but that is solely due to the pram design. You can use the wind to your advantage in fact and peg the bivvy from the back whilst lying the shelter flat; before attempting to peg the front.

I love the Armo. Trakker’s best shelter in my eyes.

The Armo is the best bivvy out there in my opinion and I can’t wait to get my hands on my new one. The Tempest – sorry I wasn’t that impressed.

My new rods from Sonik on the other hand were fabulous to use. The SK4 XTR 13ft 3.5lb/tc versions were my choice and I love them. Much more ‘tippy’ than the NCT model, and certainly more of a ‘playing fish’ rod as well as still being able to chuck a lead a considerable distance, in the right hands.

New rods from Sonik. The SK4 XTR’s. They look and feel fantastic.

As far as the fishing went at Brava for the three night session – it was good fun. I am trying a slightly new technique this year and sticking to my guns, so as far as fish landed for myself, I had a stop start take at 5am on the second morning and that was all. The fish was probably unable to get my bait in its mouth, so the bait size did me a favour no doubt.

28lb 4oz for Craig.

Craig on the other hand had six carp to 28.4lb, using 20mm and 14mm size hookbaits, in double and triple bait presentations. We were both on Vital Baits boilies.

Moving with the times. Smart phone for working whilst fishing.

I am literally chomping on the bit to get back to Sierra Brava for another session, but unfortunately I have to wait for the new bivvy to arrive along with a few other essential items. I have decided this year to do away with my internet stick. I have been a big fan of these, for four years in fact; but I have decided to move with the times. I am converting to a smart phone so I can still function whilst on the bank without the need for a cumbersome laptop. I have to be able to access emails etc for my business, so a smart phone seems the best option. I have bought one off Ebay which is arriving next week.

I love my new bed!

One other item that I am pleased with is my new Nash bedchair. I am the proud owner of a new Indulgence Wideboy. Oh Boy! This is a serious piece of kit and I think it is probably more comfortable than the bed in my house! It really does bring comfort to a whole new level and I am now right at home, lying back and reading my kindle or having a good night’s sleep. Plus – there is now plenty of room for Flash to sneak on for a cuddle!

Continued rain and the levels keep rising

One great piece of news is the amount of rain we are having in Extremadura. For the farmers, livestock, and of course the lake levels. The levels are slowly creeping up and I would estimate that they are now where they were last June. I would love it if the lake filled completely and I will be keeping a close eye on the situation over the next month. I reckon it needs to climb another 5m in height to reach it’s capacity.

I am hoping to be fishing soon.

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs and Flash