Well, summer is almost here, and it is time for me to target my favourite summer species, the Tench and Crucian Carp.
After many hours researching venues, I eventually stumbled across this little venue in Norfolk, about an hours drive for me. One of the few lakes in the UK, that still have a genuine head of Crucian Carp, no cross breeds, like some other venues. I have not caught one for a very long time and wanted to try for a specimen.
After buying the day ticket, I ventured down to the lake. Had a little scout around, and there was so many swims, I was spoilt for choice. Eventually I found one, right at the other end of the lake, situated in front of a lily bed and a bush. Looking around, there was fish everywhere, big carp. nice roach and even the odd pike.
For most of the day, I was using float tactics, I had a few very shy takes, which were probably crucians, but missed them. Very finicky bites. This was on luncheon meat.
The bites then dried up, so I moved over to the humble maggot.
On the maggot, I was catching mainly roach and rudd on the float. Eventually the bites started to dry up on the float, so I decided to tackle up the feeder rod, and cast just opposite a tree on the other side of the mere, as was hoping too pick up the better quality fish, this venue has to offer.
Within an hour of getting this out, I had a couple of nice roach and some good perch on the maggot, then the small rudd moved in.
I then decided to bait up with luncheon meat, and had a take, which was so strong that the rod got pulled of the rest! I sorted myself out, but whatever it was, had simply snapped the line. I am thinking it may of been a big tench, or even one of the few carp, this mere has to offer.
It went quite, then just as I was packing up, the feeder rod twitched and pulled round again, and I was into a something bigger. After a few minutes battling the fish through the lily beds, I was able to land the fish. A cracking Norfolk tench.
After a few photos, I released the tench, back into the depths. Typically, as I released the fish, a crucian literally rolled right in front of me. So I did a last ditch attempt at catching these, but to no avail on this occasion. I had been beaten!
After looking back at the results from this day, I think I should of stuck with the feeder rod, instead of the float. I think the water temperature was still quite cool, and the fish were still fairly lethargic and not really actively on the feed. The only fish that were really active that day, were the few pike that exist in this mere. Smashing into the small rudd and roach all day!
Not going to worry though, as still one of my favourite venues, and will be returning in July, when I am hoping the water temperature will hopefully be warmer, and the fish will be much more active.