I was gagging to get down to my Syndicate lake in Reading for another session. I got to the lake for around 10am and managed to get set up before the heavy rain started. So while I was sat in my bivvy waiting for the kettle to boil, I was watching the water, particularly had my eyes on this area which was 120yards out with a band of lily pads behind it. This seemed like an area that would hold some fish, so I decided to fish one rod to this area over a spread of boilies. The lilies were beginning to die back as the water temperature reduced and so I reasoned that the fish would be investigating this area for any natural food that was left. I was keen to use a rig that wouldn't tangle on the cast and would settle over any debris. In the summer the lake was full of weed so i was keen to ensure that my rigs would be sitting proud of any blanket weed out in the lake. When fishing at this range it is harder to feel the lead down due to the amount of stretch in the line so I wanted my rig to be primed no matter how it landed. My decision settled on using  a couple of chod rigs with Carp Company's Yellow pop ups. 25lb Mouthtrap, size 6 Kaptor Choddy, Micro rig swivel were the main components. Finally I used the and using the Krimp tool to attach a size 11 ring swivel. A weed coloured safe zone leader and 3oz distance lead completed the set-up. The rain slowed down slightly giving me the opportunity to get some freebies into the swim. On my other spot I was fishing towards an island which was very shallow, and was able to walk out a lower my rig on the spot, allowing me to mend the line giving me the utmost control of the rig. A few hours went by and nothing materialised. Soon it was time to get the rods sorted for the evening. Instead of winding my rig back to the bank, I decided to walk up to the rig to see if the was any sign of fish activity. As I was approaching my area I could see this one fish on its own. I was making a bee-line for my hookbait I held my breath in anticipation as it dropped down to feed, it must  have been half a second later when the fish took the bait and rose off the bottom as it bolted off! A crazy battle ensued, and I had to clamp down to prevemt it reaching the safety of the snags. As soon as I got it clear of the snags I just kept walking back towards the bank. My mate chucked me the net. And i slid the net under a pukka 30lb mirror, what a result. It was a capture that i will always remember, I mean what are the chances of me walking out the same time the fish was taking my hook bait, just unbelievable.

The night was drawing in, so I got the rods were on their night spots and I enjoyed a social with my good mate. We reminisced about the years fishing on the Syndicate and talked of previous captures. The following morning I was up early, before it got light, I always like to get up at this time, because you can see areas where the carp are and where there happy to feed. The rods were on there spots and was feeling very confident. Just as it got light I had bites from two cracking 20's. As the mist was rising above the lake, we got some stunning photographs of some beautiful looking carp.

The sun didn't really show throughout the day, it stayed pretty overcast. I still kept the bait going in little and often so the carp will always have something to feed on, and so there was a constant fresh smell in the area. I could see some fish show over the spots as the evening was approaching, I recast the rods and settled down in the hope of bagging another fish. It was a very productive evening and i managed another few 20's from the area during the night. They were clearly on the feed so I kept scattering a few freebies after every fish to keep them in the area. Not long after I put the rods back out, I had a cracking 35lb 4oz Mirror in the net, this was a proper stunner. Did the same again with the baiting approach, and just before light I had another 20lb mirror. We waited for the mist to clear so we could get some stunning photographs. After having the photographs taken it was time to pack up and bring the rods in. Not going to hang them up for winter though, still going to keep working at it and try to catch the big one when she's in all her winter colours.

Tight Lines

Harvey Chamberlain