I am writing this from my bed! Not my bedchair, but my actual bed in my house. I am chilling whilst watching some programmes on Discovery Max, and suddenly remembered the message I received on my blog, whilst I was undertaking my last session at Sierra Brava. The request was would I write the occasional blog when I am not fishing, so here we go.

I have a session planned at Sierra Brava in the next few days, which will probably take me up till the end of the month, give or take a day or three. I am still living by my new rule with regards to my fishing these days, which is ‘I go when I want to, and not because I have to’.  I could be fishing right now, as I have no clients, and therefore have plenty of free time, but I have a few other things I am taking care of at the moment that are taking precedence.

My giving up cigarettes is going very well. I have not had one for over a month now, and I am really chuffed with my effort. I feel healthier, probably look healthier, and I want my new routine in life to continue. In addition, I have almost removed alcohol from my life. Not completely, as I still like to have the odd social drink with friends. However, I feel I am a much better person without alcohol in my day-to-day life. I can take it or leave it in truth, but it’s when I drink, that my naughty side appears, so I now avoid the odd lunchtime beer with my Spanish friends, and I am now throwing myself back into exercise instead.

Fitness is equally as important as fishing.

I have always loved exercise, in particular cycling, weights, swimming, and boxing. With the money I have saved from smoking in the last month I have added a punch-bag to my patio gym/workout space, and a new barbel with weights. I have also taken advantage of a few bargains on Spanish Ebay. After a very cheeky bid in the last two seconds, a second-hand carbon framed bike is now in the post, so I will be out climbing those hills in the next few weeks. At the moment I am slowly rebuilding my right pectoral muscle after an injury last year, so I am taking extra care, and avoiding the heavy stuff! I have added a few kilos to my body weight so I am happy with my progress.

I love cycling and I live in the right climate.

Life is all about balance really, and after all the fishing I crammed into such a short space of time, I need to ensure that when I go fishing these days, I will enjoy the experience. I still love my hobby but I can’t just sit at the lake enduring it any longer, and fortunately as Sierra Brava is close to my home, I can always pack up and go home if I have had enough. One of my dilemmas in life is my very low boredom threshold, and I feel I now have a few extra things to help with that. I would really like a female for company but I am working on that, and that is all I can say on the matter!

My aim over the next few months is to divide my summer time between fishing, fitness, friends, and fiestas! I have a trip planned back to the UK in July for a quick week, to catch up with my family, and my best friend and his wife, as they have had their first baby. I also have my friend Dan popping out to see me in July, so I will take him carp fishing for his first time which should be fun. Also, in July and August they open the municipal pool in my village called Zorita. My daily swimming training can begin once again, even if it is just for ten weeks!

With regards to my previous post about the cattle pond carp, I will update you on my progress. So far I have been observing their behaviour in their environment. Where they like to feed, and where they are generally found. The only cover is the reeds, so generally they are taking refuge in there, but I have also noticed one of them likes to take floaters from the rocky edge. I haven’t seen the larger fish since I last saw him, but I am sure he will appear when I am least expecting it.

An ongoing project!

The good thing about this little project is it can be a labour of love over a period of weeks. There is no rush, and I can fit it in between my dog walks, as I usually have a rod ready in my vehicle. One thing I have noticed is the fish seem to prefer the dog biscuit to bread! The other amusing observation is how many people appear whan I attempt to do any fishing. The other day I had a cheeky little carp taking biscuits at my feet. I was crouched down and out of view, and I was just about to have a go for him when a local appeared! He shouted hello, and then came and stood right at the water’s edge watching me. Not surprisingly the carp vanished!

That’s all for tonight.

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

I am sat eating my lunch having just returned from walking my dog! I often take Flash in my Navara to an area with a dusty track that leads out into the open countryside. It’s a three-minute drive, and then we can walk for an hour if need be, depending on the time of day, and the burning heat of course.

He loves his bed, but loves a walk too!

The Spanish have a rather unique and direct way of describing the weather. Different regions have different accents and language patterns, but in my village it is either said as: “Que calor!” or “Que frio!” They translate to: that heat, or that cold!

The Spanish really don’t beat around the bush when it comes to their language, whereas the English like to add extra, and quite often unnecessary words into their conversation. For example: “Isn’t is hot today?” Or “The party last night was very good!” The Spanish would simply describe a similar situation as “Que bueno!”

The longer I live in Spain, the more I begin to understand about their language, and it’s beginning to make much more sense in all honesty. Is there really any need for idle chit-chat after all? Just say what you mean in a few words and be done with it!

The temperature has really climbed in the last week. It was 37 C at Sierra Brava at the weekend and 41 C in Andalucia! This kind of heat can quickly reduce water levels, and on my walk there are a few small ponds, or man-made watering holes for grazing cattle. There are two just on the outskirts of my village, and amazingly they both hold carp. The fact the larger of the two holds carp is not so surprising, but the second tiny one beggars belief really! I don’t know if an angler added some from Sierra Brava, but I spotted a carp that must be upper-double size last year, and I spotted him again just yesterday, along with a few other scamps.

Low water levels at the drinking hole.

Normally the water level is a good metre higher than what it is now, and with the very hot weather that is imminent, I can see this watering hole drying up over the summer. I can see the carp perishing as oxygen levels decrease, so I have come up with a plan, to catch the carp in the watering hole, and then move them to the larger pond up the road.

Before anyone reads this post and screams that you can’t move carp – it’s illegal! Firstly, I am not doing this for financial gain, or to boost day ticket numbers. These are two stagnant holes in the ground that cattle drink from, and no one actually fishes. I am doing this mission solely for the welfare of the carp. They will no doubt flourish and grow larger in their new environment, and I am sure their lives will be richer and extended, rather than face a certain, grim and painful death later this summer.

Carp love them!

What is my plan? To catch them on floaters of course! I have a lovely little Sonik stalker rod – 9ft 2lb/tc which I will use, and I started the exercise off today, introducing  few handfuls of Flash’s dog biscuits (much to his disgust). They soon started eating them off the top, so I don’t think catching them will be that difficult. I will keep you posted on my progress and photograph the carp as they are caught and released into their new environment.

I spotted an upper-double carp in here yesterday!

I may have my first go for one this evening at dusk, as the sun sinks.

I am off for a siesta now. It is Spain after all!

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

Second fish of the day was a new PB common.

So, I’ve just got back from a long weekend on Sierra Brava with Jake and his dog Flash. I have enjoyed it enough to want to write about it, and to let anybody else out there who is thinking about booking, to stop thinking about it, and get yourself booked! You won’t regret it.

I live in Andalucia so it was just a case of getting in the car and doing a 4 hour drive to his house. The Tomtom took me right to his door and the drive is enjoyable in itself, a truly beautiful part of the world. I left work early on the Thursday and arrived around 9 pm. A few beers were in order to get to know each other and see a bit of Zorita, a nice little pueblo where everybody knows everybody.

It was hot weekend – Flash loved it!

Friday morning started with us loading up the 4by4 after a coffee and breakfast and off we go to get a good spot for the weekend. Jakes knowledge of the lake is as impressive as the size of it and we were soon in an idyllic spot that looked full of potential for the fishing ahead. It being May the carp were spawning amongst the trees about 60 yards or so in front of us so there was no doubt that there were fish in the area.

It seems Korda has produced another clanger of a product. Remember Hybrid Stiff – this isn’t any better for sudden breakages.

Jake helped me out with the tactics for the weekend and got to work on improving my casting accuracy and distance straight away. The first day was an ok start with a lower double as a first fish, and then a lovely looking common that just tipped over the 20lb mark. I had two savage takes during the night, one at 2 am and one around 4 am. The first got off and the second managed to snap my 25lb braid Korda Super Natural hook link! The power of the fish before it managed to snap me was extremely impressive and although I was disappointed it had got off it also got me excited with the potential of the fish that were clearly out in front of us.

Barry was treated to a new PB mirror too!

The fish spent most of Saturday spawning but the takes started again just as the sun was going down. I landed a beautiful mirror, just over 27lb, after a long and enjoyable fight and just had enough light left to get plenty of bait out for the night with the Spomb. A 23lb common woke me up at 4am and then around 6 am I was into what I knew was a good fish straight away. A little while later I was holding a PB common of 29.7lb with Jake taking the photos. A perfect start to the day.

Awesome fish to begin the day with – 29lbs 7oz.

I lost a few fish after runs that were hard to stop, the carp are amazingly strong, it’s like somebody has been putting steroids in the water and the carp love it. I am sure that I will top the 30lb mark on my next visit.

Jakes food was top notch and he was good company for what was a great fishing weekend. On top of that he is very knowledgeable and patient enough to work with you to get the most out of you and improve your fishing. I have come away from the weekend happy with some good fish netted, more knowledge, and a better angler for the tuition. I still have some things to work on…..Jake will see the difference when I am back in November.

Thanks Jake!

Barry A.

It always feels nice to return home from a successful session. It was also refreshing to walk into a clean and tidy house. Since giving up the cigarettes, and in particular during the first week, I went on a cleaning frenzy at home. I needed something to do with my hands after all! I sometimes woke at 5am unable to get back to sleep, so I would get up and clean! What strange creatures we are at times…

My final carp. A pretty mirror weighing 23lbs exactly.

All in all I had a really good session at Sierra Brava. I finished up with 19 fish in total from 24 takes, losing five to hook pulls – two during the fight, and three immediately after doing the hard work and stopping the fish in its tracks. It’s always nice when you can let a fish run, but when you are fishing two yards from danger – the brakes need to be applied. These are the rules of engagement. Winning the struggle is half the battle, and getting them in from there, is the other part of the equation. No-one likes to suffer from a hook pull, especially after waiting hours for a take, but they happen. You just have to imagine it was a small fish, and get back on the horse, so to speak.

My eighteenth carp was caught not long after finishing last night’s blog. A really spectacular common was caught on my right hand rod,   its colour and shape being the reason why. The fish probably weighed no more than 15lbs but I really wish I took a picture now. A Spanish lad showed me a picture of a common last week, and it was the same strain. Almost tench like in colour, perfectly formed scales, dark fins, and heavy shoulders with a deep frame. If I catch another, I will definately photograph it for the blog.

Take time – certainly works for me.

At 3am as the moon rose to the take position, I received a take! After a good fight a pretty mirror could be seen on the surface, and shortly afterwards it was looking at me from my landing net. I got the rod back out, spombed some more bait to the cast, and then took some self takes of the 23lb fish. I also photographed the moon to show you its position. I have had takes on three nights running when the moon has been at the same height. I have also heard other people having takes at the same time, whilst I have been playing my fish, so something certainly makes them go on the feed.

At 7am Craig appeared in my doorway. He took his stove and coffee, asked me if I wanted a cup, to which I replied no, and then rolled over to return to sleep. Minutes later my right hand rod was away, so I leapt out of bed and was on it in seconds. Could this be carp number twenty? After a short tussle I turned the fish, and disengaged the baitrunner, then the hook pulled – better luck next time!

I have had my big-bait offerings on all the rods for the last three nights, and suffered three hook pulls in that time, but I have also caught some better sized fish than average. From my own point of view, I would rather have fewer runs, and bigger fish, than get pestered by smaller fish throughout the day and night. What’s a small fish in my eyes – anything under twenty pounds. When you use bigger baits, you sometimes get a knock on the rod tip as the line tightens, then falls back, which I am convinced are smaller fish trying to get the baits into their mouth, bolting, the bait comes free, and they aren’t hooked. I have caught smaller fish using the big-bait theory, so it isn’t completely foolproof, but I am sure the majority of the hook-pulls are smaller fish that just aren’t hooked properly.

To finish with three 17kg+ fish, a 14kg+, 13kg+, three 12kg+ fish and two 11kg+ fish in the session, plus eight smaller fish is an excellent result from Sierra Brava. Stupidly I forgot to print out my TOKS sheet before leaving the house last week, and had I entered my four biggest fish from this session, I would currently be the World Leader overall with a weight of 66.65kg. I must remember to take my sheet next time!

I am now home for a day or so and then I am heading back to the lake on Friday with a client for the weekend. This is a specially tailored package I have put together for my client at his request. He is English, and lives in Malaga. He is driving up to my village and we are heading off on Friday morning for two nights fishing. Not only will he get tuition and full guidance, but I will be fishing with him, so he will also learn from watching me. I don’t generally fish with clients as a rule, but this weekend, as I said, is a specially tailored package which I happy to do for anyone interested.

I will be back with the blog soon. Thanks for reading.

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

I have had some great mirrors this session and I already mentioned that Craig caught a 36lb common yesterday evening. I have also been after a well sized common this session,but in fishing it doesn’t always work like that! I love fishing when the moon is in the waxing/full/waning stages, and this session has been no different. I find the time when takes arrive can be quite dependent on where the moon is in the sky, and I have noted this on several occasions.

On the eve of the full moon I caught a 25lb common. This fish was caught at approximately 2am and the moon was a quarter of the way across the sky. I find this a good time to start receiving action. Last night I was hoping for more action and it arrived, bang on cue at approximately 2am again. The moon appears in a different position in the sky every night. Once the moon is full it appears from the east after it gets dark. This appearance happens later and later each night, until the moon becomes a new moon and the phase begins all over again. Obviously I have fished more moon phases, than most other anglers on this planet, so I have noticed patterns emerging over the years.

Last night’s take was savage. The power felt from the fish was extreme to say the least, and I had to move to my left and apply side-strain to get the carp to kite away from danger. I was huffing and puffing as the fish pulled harder and harder, with my hand on the spool, and occasionally a small burst of line was pulled off the tightened baitrunner. Only when I felt the carp had eased did I disengage the baitrunner, and gradually reeled line onto the spool. It was intense!

The fish started to come towards me but not without a stubborn show of defiance. Now the fish was in front and away from danger, I allowed the fish to take line off the drag, and it did this on several occasions. I drew the fish closer, and it aggressively pulled the rod tip repeatedly down. I felt in control as I watched the rod tip from the glow of the moon, and then I caught a glimpse of the carp. I could see it was long, and I knew it was powerful, and I was pretty sure it was big too!

The fight seemed to go on for an eternity, and I estimate the battle lasted a good fifteen minutes. I finally drew the fish into the net, and let out a sigh of relief. Most other folk were asleep, or out at late night drinking dens, or in some countries with different time-zones, people were having their lunch. I was stood in the margins of Sierra Brava, looking down at my second largest common carp, I have so far caught at Sierra Brava.

My second largest common carp from Sierra Brava.

The thing I am enjoying so much about my fishing at Sierra Brava is the way I am slowly achieving my goals and bettering my weights. I certainly did it differently at Cassien when my second carp caught was 55lbs. I think a 55lb+ carp will be caught by myself, one day from here, but I am working jolly hard for them. That’s how it should be, certainly in my book. Paso a paso!

I had a proper fight on my hands with this one.

37lb 8oz was the weight of the fish and as Craig was sleeping and his rods were out of the water, I let him sleep and put the fish in a retainer. At 6am I had a take on another rod, and after dealing with a small common, Craig and I did the pictures of the large common. A cracking looking fish, I am sure you will all agree.

Craig’s 36lb common yesterday evening, was also a fine-looking carp. His carp however, was literally bursting at the seams, unlike mine; so the pictures were done very quickly, and the carp was released. Craig rarely smiles in his fish pictures by the way!

36lb common from Sierra Brava.

I have had another common today which was around the mid-double mark, and apart from that, my rods sporting the big-bait offerings have remained untouched. The thing I like about fishing with a large offering, is it means many of the smaller fish, can’t actually get the bait in their mouths, so you don’t get so many takes, but avoid the smaller fish. My plan certainly seems to be working with the number of better sized carp I have caught during this session.

I will write tomorrow’s final account from my house, as tonight is the final night of the session.

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

It is all kicking off at Sierra Brava! The fish have started spawning in and around the bay I am set up in, but fish are still feeding I am glad to say. Last night saw the full moon and what a big moon it turned out to be! I caught a welcome 25lb common at 3am and that was all the action that came my way during the night.

A morning run arrived at 9am as I read my book. A good scrap was put up by a mid double common, so after releasing him back to the water, I set about getting some breakfast. I am starting to run low on food supplies so tinned fish and tinned fruit was the order of the day; followed by two fried egg sandwiches!!

Craig Reed (a guide at Orellana) informed me he was coming down to Brava and wanted to fish alongside me. “Get yourself down here mate,” I replied on the telephone. Just before 4am I had a take as Craig was due to arrive. I had started to hear fish sounds that resembled the sound of spawning carp; on the other side of the bay. I was wondering if this was going to put them off feeding, when the take came on my nearest rod.

I was on it like a shot and like this morning’s smaller common, it quickly kited to my right. I watched the fish as it kited all the way into the margin, and boiled on the surface in shallow water. I could see it was another smallish sized carp, so I thought I would enjoy the ensuing fight as it unfolded. I could hear a vehicle approaching which I presumed would be Craig, as the carp then decided to kite back into deeper water. I was just watching my rod tip, and wasn’t forcing the issue or applying unnecessary pressure, when the hook just pulled. Nevermind!

Craig arrived and got about setting up. He was to fish to my right. It wasn’t long after I had cooked dinner for both of us (after my earlier bacon sandwich, and steak for lunch!), when he had a take within seconds of casting out. He was literally just allowing the line to sink when the rod was literally wrenched from his grasp. It wasn’t long before a good common lay in the net, after first being determined to tangle one of Craig’s other lines! Turning up and catching a 36lb common within a couple of hours can’t be bad going, and I will post the pictures tomorrow as they are on Craig’s camera.

Fish were absolutely everywhere. Hurling themselves clean from the water, head and shouldering, rolling, all over mine and Craig’s spots too, as well as being all over the bay area. It looked like carp broth! I tried to read but the anticipation was too much. I looked at Craig and we both just laughed at the activity going on in front of us. I was about to say that it wasn’t looking like they were interested in feeding, only chasing each other, when Craig’s other rod was away. He played a small common to the net which confirmed they still were on the munch, albeit slightly distracted by spawning rituals.

A rod I had put out at 11am this morning with a generous sized bait offering was suddenly away. The take was slow and the fish hadn’t even taken line off the baitrunner. I picked the rod up and it just felt like a dead weight. It was moving but felt lifeless at the same time. Not once did it turn left or right but instead just came closer and closer. I was still unsure whether I was playing a good fish or a crafty carp, and then I saw the carp break the surface. “I think this one might need a picture mate,” I said to Craig watching from his swim.

Finally I got the creature in the net after what ended up being a slow and protracted fight. I guessed it was upper thirties once I saw its frame, and this was confirmed when I carried her to the mat. Craig did the honours with the camera, after the scales had confirmed a weight of 38lb 8oz. My fourth 30lb+ mirror of the session, out of fourteen carp landed (including the repeat capture), with two more nights to go!

38lb 8oz – an absolute brute of a carp!

Stunning scale pattern and typical of the Sierra Brava mirrors.

I will leave you with the pictures and will be back tomorrow with another post from Sierra Brava.

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

I have just consumed what can only be described as a very good breakfast. The black pudding in Spain is called Morcilla and the most famous in Spain is ‘Morcilla de Burgos’. This delicacy actually has rice in it, along with pig’s blood, fat, spices, etc. The more common black pudding is made using onion, fat, and pig’s blood. Offal isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I love the stuff; liver, kidney, you name it! I tend to vary my breakfasts, enjoying cereal, toast, fruit, and pastries, but I do think I enjoy a cooked breakfast more when I am fishing, especially after some pretty wet weather.

Here comes a big big storm!

Since my last run on Thursday evening, I was slightly disappointed that the action had dried up, despite the weather getting wetter. I have seen this before on many lakes after some pretty dreadful weather. The strong winds probably moved most of the fish out of this huge bay and into the narrower river section further to my left. I did notice throughout yesterday however, that the fish seemed to be returning to their holding area, out in front of me amongst lots of trees. The fish seem to enjoy this area as it is relatively safe, the water is slightly deeper, and the fish have plenty of features to enjoy. To fish to this area is possible with a long cast, but it would be totally irresponsible as there are so many trees in between you and the fish. If the fish kites one way or the other, then you have lost it, and the fish are not stupid here. I do occasionally see bad practices being done, with people using boats, and fishing too close to snags, or in places they shouldn’t be, but then they lose most of their fish. It’s simple really! You either fish for takes or you fish for carp – I fish for carp.

“Where’s my Kindle? I could read about Lassie!”

The waiting since Thursday evening, for the action to resume, has certainly been eased by my Kindle. I am reading the third book in the trilogy by Stieg Larson with the infallible character Lisbeth Salander. I am pleased to say that the non-smoking is not bothering me at all anymore. Once you get the ridiculous associations that you place with cigarettes and activities, out of your head, then it all becomes much easier. I am lucky that I do have a very high metabolism, so the fact eating has become a scapegoat for nicotine won’t cause me too many problems. I am spombing every two hours for starters, so that is exercise enough. I also have some light dumbbells with me, because as I mentioned in my first post of this series, I have to do physiotherapy for my chest. It is all in a day’s fishing for me!

He’s back – the friendly unhooking mat viper!

I am pleased to say that the action did resume this morning. Even though the fish had seemed to disappear, I kept the bait trickling in, since it had slowed up. I did make one change yesterday and I switched all of my rods to the 360 rig with two yellow pop-ups on each. I know I didn’t need to change anything but sometimes it makes us feel better if we try a different line of attack.

A long, lean, dark machine!

The first take arrived and a good fight took place to begin with. The fish then kited into the edge and was quickly netted. I recast the rod, but put out a rig and bait presentation I had already made up on the spare rod. This time the snowman on a blow-back rig was cast back to my landscape marker. As I attended to the other fish the 26mm bottom bait and a 20mm pop-up was picked up and another solid battle began. The fish pulled extremely hard to begin with but I managed to turn the carp’s head and brought it back towards me. I stood in the water watching the line, as the fish then ripped line of the spool at regular intervals. The powerful runs finally ebbed and I slipped the net under the second carp in the early dawn hours.

And the mirror to make up a terrific brace of dawn carp.

I weighed each fish in turn and slipped them into the recovery slings, and then prepared my camera on the tripod. The common weighed 27lb 12oz and the mirror weighed 31lb 4oz. I noticed the scale pattern on the mirror and suddenly recognised it as the mirror I caught on Thursday morning when he weighed 30lb 4oz. He probably had a pound of my spomb mix inside of him! I never get surprised with repeat captures anymore. I have had so many in my career, and I enjoy the captures as if it was the first time we met. However, it is slightly against the odds to have a repeat capture quite so soon at Sierra Brava, considering the vast numbers of carp that swim in here; but then I have been here for 5 nights, he probably likes my bait, and he probably likes the area I am fishing to!

Haven’t I see you recently?

After the self-take pictures were done, and each fish was released; I then sorted out all of my equipment. I thought about topping up my other two spots but decided against it, as I never like to disturb the swim in the morning till at least 11am. It was a wise decision as whilst I waited for my kettle to boil, my left hand rod beeped. I watched as the tip bounced, bounced once more, then the tip started to slowly pull forwards. I had my Wellington’s on and was on the rod before the fish took any line whatsoever.

I managed to stop this fish in its tracks quite easily and then it came in quickly. I presumed it was a pasty but then the fight began in the margins. It put up a really good show of courage as it swished its tail and shook its head in an attempt to dislodge the metal in its mouth. To no avail however, as I guided him into the folds of my outstretched net.

I have been playing all of my fish on the Sonik SK3 2.5lb/tc rods. They really are a lovely rod to play fish with, especially when you are trying to stop a fish at close range. I am fishing at approximately 55 yards and when a 20lb+ Spanish carp wants to show you his strength, you certainly feel it on the other end. They also go off with such speed, and with a stiffer rod you will suffer from lots of hook pulls. I can probably allow the fish a few yards but I begin to try to stop them moving immediately, as if you don’t let them get their heads down, they can’t build up their speed. This is another reason I fish with the baitrunner tight and the rod tips high. I see the tip bending before the fish takes any line.

Completing the hat rick with a super looking common weighing 26lb 10oz..

The third carp of the morning period was a stunning and classic looking example of the Brava commons. My first common today was quite dark and an unusual shape for Brava, and I have to admit out of the two I prefer the darker one. I photographed the golden looking specimen and returned him back to his watery hole. Maybe we will meet again too, one day, but I think the fish will be much harder to identify!

The Brava half-pounder burger with cheese, served with fried potatoes!

I am now going to enjoy the rest of my Sunday. I am halfway through my book, I have already made a batch of spomb mix up, and of course I have some good food to enjoy.

Back tomorrow.

Jake Langley-Hobbs

The fish seem to have gone off the feed for a short while and I have received no action since my last run – a full twenty-four hours! I am not too concerned however, as I am sure the action will resume, and I have a feeling the fish are just getting used to the change in the weather. It started raining yesterday, and the rain may have lowered the water temperature slightly, which is possibly why the fish have  stopped eating. This period of year can be unpredictable when fish are spawning, as they can be feeding with gusto one minute, or trying to shag each other the next. Slight changes in water temperature can have a massive influence on the carp’s behaviour.

Nuevos amigos – Noelia, Raul, Pedro y Flash, pero donde es Manuel? jaja

I have been keeping myself busy though and enjoyed the night’s sleep I was given. I slept in my Wellington boots just in case I had to make a quick dash to the rods, but as it was a mild night I just lay on top of my sleeping bag with a cover on top. My neighbours to my left have now gone meaning I just have company to my right. I have been piggy in the middle to be honest, but it hasn’t affected my fishing, as I have been the only one receiving regular action up until yesterday evening.

Loving the rain!

The wind has been strong all day accompanied by regular patches of rain – sometimes torrential. I left my rods till I had an opportunity to recast them and likewise did my spombing when the wind had died somewhat. When the wind is strong and if your rods are in the right place you would be daft to recast them when the conditions are tricky. Likewise, leave the spombing till the conditions are more favourable so you don’t waste your bait.

Speaking of wasting things, how many of you recycle your terminal tackle? For example when you find some old rigs in your tackle box do you just chuck the whole lot in the bin or do you break the rig down and re-use some of the components? I am not tight, but with terminal tackle prices increasing, it seems silly to throw away items that can be used again.

Carefully use a splicing needle. Lubricate the sinkers with saliva first.

Then slide them back onto the wire meaning they are ready to be used again.

I have been using some tungsten sinkers by a well-known manufacturer for about two years now – the very same ones! I think I was given about five packets in 2010 and I still have about twenty little sinkers left. After removing from the old hook link, I then thread them onto a splicing needle and pop them back onto the wire, meaning they can be used again.

Discard hooks in a safe manner.

One other question? When you throw away your hooks do you just discard them or do you bend the point inwards with pliers? I carry a small pair of pliers in my tackle box and always make sure the point has been bent in fully, so animals or birds can’t get caught up in them, depending on where your rubbish bag ends up. In an incinerator or on a landfill site? It is worth thinking about.

Fresh chicken.

Cover with foil to ensure it cooks through properly, but also retaining the moisture.

A very tasty lunch! Chicken, tortellini, and asparagus, with a tomato and olive oil sauce.

I have been cooking up some fine food whilst I have been fishing this week. Today’s lunch has to go down as one of the tastiest I have cooked, whilst fishing. It was easy to make and just needed a little timing, some pots with lids, and a good non-stick frying pan. I normally carry tinfoil with me as this makes a great lid for frying pans and means you can steam things to cook food quicker. It is also a great way to ensure things like chicken and pork are cooked through properly.

The bellybuster breakfast! Bacon, egg, blackpudding sandwich!

Finally, the sharper ones among you, and longtime readers of my blog may notice that the formula one type list of sponsors has now gone from my header on my blog. They really were needed on my travels, it has to be said.  Apart from Sonik Sports Ltd whom I am still a consultant for, using their products for my business, and for my own rod requirements, I have decided to wave goodbye to my other roles. Last week I resigned from Trakker as it seemed the best/only thing to do. I live in Spain after all, so what good am I to them anyway! I don’t attend shows in the UK, and my fishing is a world away from zig rigs and small ponds. Although I do like a bit of munga mix from time to time!

That’s all for tonight folks. I’ll be back tomorrow, with hopefully a few scaly ones to show you!

Cheers

Jake & Flash

It was about two hours after I posted last night’s blog, when the second take of the evening occurred on one of my rods. The fish felt powerful right from the off, as I walked to my left to apply side-strain, without piling on too much pressure, nor allowing the fish to take too much line. You inevitably have to give a little, but I prefer to use my feet if possible, walking forwards and backwards, depending on what’s happening on the other end. This fish was probably a whisker away from safety, and although everything felt solid for a moment, this was just the weight of the fish as it decided on its next move.

The next fifteen minutes were carefully spent playing out the mirror. I got a glimpse of the fact it was a mirror early on, and then the carp decided to wake-up properly and really put the power on again. Occasionally the rod tip was bent over with the fish hardly moving on the bottom, but powerful surges could be felt as the fish moved its head left and right. It was still light as the time was around 9pm and my neighbours, a lovely group from Merida, watched me from my swim as I stood in the margins, patiently waiting for my turn to net the beast. Ever so slowly, as the fish turned and twisted on the surface, it inched closer and closer towards me. I knew this was a possible forty and therefore stayed calm and let nature take its course. My audience had gone silent behind me as the last agonising seconds closed. The fish was mine!

Chuffed to bits and a new PB at Sierra Brava.

The mirror carp in Brava, really are something to behold. There is nothing dull or bland about them whatsoever, and I can safely say that every one of them in Sierra Brava could be identified, unlike some carp that swim in British lakes. I am talking about Simmo carp of course! The carp in Sierra Brava are wild carp, most born and bred in these waters, with the exception of a few recent stockings. This fish is certainly one of the ‘originals’ and what a cracking fish it is. I did the pictures as the light faded, and sat back on my bedchair a very happy man. I would have liked to celebrate with a cheeky cigarette, but old habits will die-hard!

39lb 4oz of Brava determination.

The weather was certainly changeable last night and rain was followed by calm moments, then strong winds, then more peace and quiet. My alarm signalling a take broke my sleep at 3.30am, and a mid-double common was quickly dealt with. I topped up all of my spots after the recast just to keep the spots primed, and after a sly read and a cup of tea, I managed to sleep through till 8.30am.

Breakfast was soon on the go. It started drizzling so an impressive bacon sandwich was constructed, and after taking one bite, the rod I had recast at 3.30am was away. Another common, upper-double sized, was played and released, and then it was back to my sandwich. Whilst I played the fish, Flash sat on his bed, probably looking at my sandwich placed on my sleeping bag, salivating, and fantasising about polishing it off, but fortunately for him, he behaved himself!

“The bacon was just how I like it too!”

I mentioned yesterday that I have been spombing a lot. I made up a new batch to see me through the day, and was just mixing it with my hands, when I heard my alarm beeping away. The tip was pulling aggressively forwards, so I carefully plucked the rod from the rests, and knew immediately that I had another strong battle on my hands. My technique with this rod has to be done the same each time. If the fish gets to its right then it will be in the branches of a tree. I waited and watched, as the line cut across the surface, indicating that the carp was kiting away from danger. I quickly wound line onto the spool at every opportunity, and then slowly walked back to my starting place so I could assess the next course of action. A ten minute battle followed, and yet again, I knew a mirror was on the other end. I caught a glimpse of its orange underbody and tail, and immediately grinned, as I would rather have a mirror carp every time! Once the carp was landed, I left the fish in the net in the water’s edge and got the spare rod back out. Once the spombs had followed, I then dealt with the carp. The needle swung to 30lb 4oz and to have another thirty on the bank in such a short space of time, was a great way to start the day off.

An absolutely cracking looking mirror from Sierra Brava.

Turned out nice again – 30lb 4oz.

My tally of carp is now up to eight with ten takes so far. I had a take last night as I prepared my dinner, before the big mirror arrived, but the hook pulled. I don’t normally bully fish as I like to enjoy each fight and take my time, but with potatoes on the stove, a chicken breast in the frying pan, and green beans waiting to be cut – dinner seemed like more of a priority. I also knew the carp was a scamp, so I suppose it saved getting my net wet!

It pays to check your unhooking mat. This little viper was inside it this morning and could have given me a nasty bite requiring anti-venom.

My most recent fish arrived this evening at 7.00pm. A common around the upper-double mark was unhooked and released from the water’s edge, after a good solid fight from the fish. We have had plenty of rain today, and it has been grey and overcast, with a good southerly breeze; perfect fishing weather really!

The spots are baited, the rods are in place, it’s drizzling, and I am now going to try to cook dinner without any disturbances. I won’t complain if it happens, but it’s steak tonight, so I can’t over cook it – I like it rare!

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

The past twenty-four hours have flown by. I have been working/fishing hard, whilst managing to relax in between (when not stuffing my face with food)! My appetite has gone through the roof since quitting the fags, but I am definately not complaining. After March, and working all month with Sierra Brava Dreams clients, my weight had dropped significantly. I am happy to have the 7kgs back!

Some of you may also remember back to October when I badly injured myself in the gym, and I blogged a painful session whilst fishing. This injury was actually very severe, and the knock-on effect of the injury caused some rather worrying problems. To cut a long story short, the muscle mass in my right pectoral muscle started vanishing – rapidly. In January of this year, and after X-rays, blood tests etc, it was confirmed that I had severely damaged the nerve that controls muscle mass in that area of my body. Oh dear! I am now doing physiotherapy to slowly try to rebuild that part of my body. I remember when I first did the injury and it wasn’t possible to spomb more than 50 yards as I just didn’t have the strength. At Orellana the other week I was spombing 120, so the strength is back, just not the mass. It will take time. I am sure the lack of cigarettes will speed up the recovery too, as the weight, as I mentioned above is coming back.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, fishing is a sport after all, and I do believe, the fitter you are, the better you will perform; especially over a long session. I had little sleep last night due to fish, yet I have been spombing every two hours during the day, and I intend on working extremely hard for the whole session.

After I posted last night’s blog, it wasn’t long before the familiar sound of rolling carp began over my spots. It was exactly the same with my clients. This was a case of deja-vu. I was expecting a take so therefore it was no surprise when the first one came. I was reading a book, so I tossed the kindle onto my sleeping bag, and raced to the rod. After a short tussle and the hard part won, the hook then just pulled – it happens!

My spare rod.

I am using a ‘spare’ rod this session. I have an identical rod, walked out to the same distance, made-up and ready to go. I have primarily done this for when I catch a fish, and I need to recast the rod quickly. It is a really good thing to do, when speed is of the essence. It means I can land a fish, leave it in the landing net in the water, and then recast the made-up rod quickly back to the spot. After a few spombs have quickly followed, only then is the fish unhooked, carefully weighed, photographed and finally returned. It is obviously during this period when another take can quickly follow, as you can be sure there will still be fish in the vicinity. If you were to unhook the carp and deal with it; by the time you have sorted out the rod, recast to the clip mark, changed hook baits, and cast it out, the fish may well have done one. I am not fishing in a competition this week, but I want to fish as efficiently as I can, and I am sure it will catch me more fish, and maybe one of the ones I am after. Sierra Brava is a numbers game. You need to be catching consistently in order to land a big one, as all my clients know, and most fortunately capitalised on.

Spare rod terminal tackle is all made up and ready to go when a quick recast is required. I keep it in a tub to stop everything drying out.

A close up of a rig I am using. Blow-back with a 26mm bottom bait and small pop-up. Two bait stringer is added for attraction near the hook bait. Old Skool!

My next take came at 3.30am. A smallish common weighing somewhere between 16-18lbs was unhooked and released. My spare rod had already been cast back to the spot, so I made this rod back up and hopped back into the bag. I noticed how bright the sky was as the half-moon was still visible in the sky. Now fully awake, I read for a while, had some food, made some tea, and lay there watching the rod tips. In the end, I set my camera up on a tripod and took a picture of the moon, just before it disappeared for the night.

5am in the morning. Taken using delayed shutter speed, and no flash; set-up on a tripod.

Around 6am I was finally dropping off again when another rod was away. This fish pulled very hard, then came in like a dog on a lead; the dog being a greyhound! I had to wind very quickly to keep up with it, then I heard my shockleader knot rattle through the rings. The fish was literally at my feet! Fortunately my clutch was set correctly as all of a sudden the fish turned and went absolutely ballistic. In the shallow water it took off like a missile and I could see its shoulders as the line screamed off my clutch. I don’t know if this fish had a game plan, but I bet he has caught a few anglers out before if he uses this technique often! After more dramatic displays of power, the fish was finally subdued and I slipped her into the net. What a set of shoulders!

A lovely looking fish from Sierra Brava aka ‘the shallow water scrapper!’

I weighed the carp and the needle swung to 12.5kgs or 27.5lbs. I did a quick self-take and released the fish. This fish still had plenty left and literally planed across the surface as it disappeared into the depths. It was time to get the kettle on!

A simple spomb mix which works.

Throughout the day I kept topping up my spots. I like to do my recast at 11am at Sierra Brava. Once they are in position I leave them be, until they produce a take. You often find 11am is calm so everything can be done with more accuracy, and if everything is spot on, then there is no need to reel them in at 7pm, just to recast them back to the same spot. There are no nuisance species to worry about. It is a case of being confident in your rig, hook bait, and the fact that nothing is tangled etc.

Eat well – fish well!

By lunchtime I was zapped. I made a good lunch to knock me out and then had a siesta for two hours. I spombed just before sleeping, and then after a power-coffee after waking up, I topped up the spots with two more spomb loads over each spot. Little and often works very well at Brava, but you must try to be consistent. My consistency paid off when at 5.30pm the first day-time carp put in an appearance. Another 18lb’er but they are all gratefully accepted, as I treat each carp equally, and look forward to what the next one might be. That is how the numbers game works! In a public water, where the stock is not known completely, these waters do throw up surprises from time to time, and that is the reason why I love public waters so much.

Expecting rain!

I am confident of a good night so tune in tomorrow to find out what happens.

Thanks very much for reading my blog – it means a great deal after all these months of writing it, that I still have a following and it is enjoyed and greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Jake & Flash!