Good Evening.

As promised I have managed to get back on the lake and the rods are out. Waking early, I was soon showered; so after loading up my car, and then fueling myself with coffee and  donuts from Toni’s coffee-house; I set off with a short drive ahead of me, accompanied by Flash fidgeting on the back seat.

The cold front has still not passed and the weather forecast should just read “Carp anglers stay at home!” Carp don’t get caught sat at home though so after some consideration and a look at the lake on google I  plumped for a swim on the far east side of the lake so I am essentially out of the frosty wind. I have five clothing layers on and I still need to sit out of the wind as it has quite a bite to it. It almost rained earlier this afternoon which I prayed for when dark clouds smothered the blue skies but it sadly didn’t materialise.I have just checked the weather forecast again and I am positive there is a snowflake icon showing. There has been loads of snow in Barcelona, so it is hardly surprising really.

Despite the cold, I am in high spirits, I am glad to report! I have opted to bring some additional glugs/dips/liquids with me on this trip. I have crushed my baits and got them really soaked in whichever concoction I have chosen, and then accurately spodded a few token loads out. I am fishing two marginal rods in this fashion – one with a bright pop-up, and the other with a snowman offering. My roving rod has been whacked out with a single hookbait to an area where I often see fish bosh, early in the morning, but I could never reach the distance before. However, I loaded up my personal spools with Pro-Clear line yesterday evening and now I can!

My big LC runners got the 12lb treatment, and for my close range chuckers – the double handled Aero 8000 GTE’s(old school but I love em’); they were filled with 16lb. The diameter of this line is quite frightening to be honest. It is true test meaning it should break at the specified breaking strain. The 12lb has a diameter of 0.29mm and it reminds me of 4lb match line I used to use as a kid. Combined with a shockleader, my 4oz lead literally disappeared into the distance, and I think I can safely say that I achieved my longest ever cast a few hours ago! I am using a reliable lead-release method and should a take occur, the fish should come to the surface fairly quickly. After landing many carp with ‘no-stretch’ braid, and thicker 18-20lb mono, this range of line will certainly bring a new meaning to playing fish.

I have got all my lines marked up should I get a take in the night, and I have made a mental note of landmarks and casting points, which I check again as it gets dark to ensure I can still see them. On a positive note I have seen the odd fish crash in the distance, and in the large bay I am set up in, so in the next few hours I will find out if they are actually in the mood for some food!

Back tomorrow morning with an update.

Cheers

Jake & Flash.