return to the free lake

[mithrandir]

I returned to the free lake I went to last weekend to give it a more concerted go.
I arrived at about 7-30am and found a swim at the opposite end of the lake from last week.
This was not my first choice but some guys had bivvied up on the spot I had wanted to try.
I had no maggots with me as I had been plagued by tiddlers last time I used them, I was going to try sweetcorn, luncheon meat, pellets and boilies this week.
You might be able to make out the expert anglers who were to scrutinize my efforts all day, they are the ones sat on the line of posts that run through this part of the lake.



The swim is small and secluded and gave me a good line to the reed island to my left, I baited the area between me and the reed island with 8mm trout pellet, and 15mm monster crab boilies, I then cast a light running leger rig with a hair rigged boilie about 6 feet short of the reeds.

I could see large carp cruising around in the main area between me and the posts ( and the sea gulls ) and for a bit of fun I decided to have the first few hours float fishing some corn in this general area.

After a couple of hours of unproductive fishing I switched to a second light leger mid way between me and the posts, an area that was weed free and seemed a good spot for fish feeding. I loaded this area with 8mm halibut pellets and the same 15 mm monster crab boilies. Because the bottom here seemed a bit more scrappy I used a pop up boilie about 3" of the bottom.

So now I settled into drinking coffee, eating my sarnies and watching nature, I had many sightings of fish, large shapes cruising past me, small fish swirls, jumps as the fry were chased by the predators. A couple of pick and drops but no runs. It continued like this all day, plenty of fish signs but no takers for my offerings.

About 5 pm I had what I thought was going to be another pick and drop, a small run of about 6" of line then stop, but this time after a pause it took off again so I lifted into it and felt the line go taught and watched as it kited off towards the reeds on my left. This was a classic tench run, I played the fish for a few minutes, being gentle to un-snag it from the reeds as I was only on 8lb line, finally I managed to steer it towards my landing net, luckily I was wearing wellies as I had to jump into the water to get close enough to net it.

Here is the tench that gave me the only action of the day, weighed in at 5 lb.



I stayed until 7-30pm, having given it 12 hours fishing, I will return another day with slightly different tactics and see what this lake will produce, it is not an easy water, but I like the challenge and I hope it will improve my fishing.

[fishypaul]

good effort mate,you deserved that tench, a lovely looking fish

[Greenheart]

Nice Tench Mike. That certainly looks an interesting water. I might have to join you there sometime.

[Fishing Forum Admin]

good read mate and nice tench

[perch_king]

well done mate nice tench

[Banana Steve]

Thats a nice fish there mike and a good sized male, Well done
as Ian said i have to come down there too.

Once again well done

[mithrandir]

the tench had the bumps just above the anal fins that I think make it a male, if that is so then the females in there must be a cracking size.

Steve and Ian, if you fancy a trip there we can organize something at the smut meet.

[pingu]

nice one mike

[Norfolkboy]

Well done Mike

[Devon Born & Dorset Bred]

Sorry if I'm being a little slow, but is this the lake at Bluepool? I would love to fish this lake, but dont have a clue how to get there!
I know its near Swanage!
Cracking Tinca, well done!