Good Evening.

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