World Carp Classic - Official Global Website
Lake Bolsena 2nd - 8th September 2012

I was on my crutches making slow progress across the pedestrian crossing when I heard a shout from the cab of a pick up telling me they needed a word so I hobbled back to the awaiting vehicle. Gideon, a long time friend of mine asked if I could give him some guidance on how to run and manage his new lake. The deal was still awaiting the paperwork so I waited hoping everything went to plan…

Those four weeks seemed to take an age but gave me plenty of time to think how the lake could work for him and ultimately for me as a place to angle and maybe even teach.

I met Gid and his brother-in-law Carl to talk about what may work for them and what value I could bring to the running of Oakwood Park Lakes. We discussed the different type of anglers along with what their expectations are from their fishing and surroundings. Everything just seemed to fall into place and I am now assisting as a bailiff and look forward to helping out as and when needed.

I was actually on my way to my new syndicate for the night but as time had moved on and with some fond memories of previous visits on this water I asked if it was ok to stay and do the night.

I was setup and angling like I hadn’t been away and within ten minutes of casting out I had my first run, I played that fish to an audience of eight or so of Gids family. I have to say it felt pretty damn good, I had only just cast out and I was already playing my first fish. Gids son kindly did the honours and landed a decent looking common. I set everything up ready for the weighing & photos and lifted the net from the water, I was surprised how heavy the fish felt - 28lb 08ozs of Common in awesome condition, what a start.

I have always found the Berkley Baits work extremely well on here and baited both rods ready for the night ahead with a couple of kilos of 16mm Tuna & Spice. I continued to catch steadily but at 1am I caught three bream in a row and decided to reel in for the night. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind catching a few bream, in fact I’ll happily catch them all night, I had a great welcome back to the venue and the amount of runs I was getting I was more than happy to sleep and start again in the morning. I was awoken the following morning by Gids wife Kate standing in the swim with a fried breakfast and coffee, I forgot I said yes to breakfast when she asked the previous day. Once consumed I was angling again and within the hour I had landed three grass carp but nothing of notable size. I had a couple more commons and lost a mirror before I needed to start packing away. 2pm was my deadline so I could get home and cleaned up ready to take Jake to cricket practice. I had everything packed away in the car and was almost ready to reel in when the left hand rod belted off. After a spirited battle I slipped the net under another common which weighed in at 21lbs. I got a couple of quick snaps and I was away all in time for Jakes cricket and with a couple of twenties for my trouble. Looking forward to returning soon…….