This diary dates back to a holiday in 2003 when I think the urge to get back into fishing took off.
From around 2007 the trips became more frequent with 2010/11 probably being the peak of activity.
Things again pick up in 2020 - a sort of rebirth!
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More photos in the full report
The wind was forecast south westerly, which meant blowing right into my favourite reed corner spot. I took the gamble, the lake being as calm as a mill-pond when I arrived. Also, wisdom has it that one should fish into the wind.
More photos in the full report
Despite vowing that I would limit myself to afternoon visits after the last trip, I went for the day again and this time things worked out a bit better. I wasn't first on site this time but had decided to fish the (north-east) reed corner having not done too well on the west bank the previous week. I rather like the reed corner but it tends to produce smaller fish.
More photos in the full report
Well, first week of retirement so first full day over the lake. Got there just before 07.00 and was first on the water. Took the tree swim as it was sheltered from the westerly wind.
As I was there for the day I tried a bit of float fishing in the margins, but despite lots of bites I hooked very little (one small roach), suggesting that they were mainly small fish. I resorted to free-lining the margin as this has proven to be a reliable technique on all previous visits.
More photos in the full report
After a follow-up trip to the Dentist I went over the lake, getting there about 14.30 pm. There was a stiff SW breeze and all the good spots on the sheltered west bank were taken.
I therefore went to the swim in the north-east corner (the reed swim), the first one I ever fished on the lake. It's between reed beds so is a bit tricky.
Only one photo today.
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I had had a raging toothache over the weekend so went down to London to see my dentist on the Monday morning. He saw me very quickly (root canal treatment!) so I was able to get back to Chatteris around 14.00, and decided to go over to the lake.
The south-west corner spot under the trees was free, where I had the 17lb fish on 23 May, so I thought I would give it another go.
More photos in the full report
Afternoon visits are becoming the norm, this time after having my windscreen changed following a stone impact last week from an impatient biker as he accelerated past me. I arrived at 13.30 this time. It had been a nice morning but rain threatened.
My 'favourite' spots were all taken so I tried the swim in the south west corner. It's under trees and in fact very secluded. It also has reed beds either side which suits my margin fishing preference.
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