Fishy Tales & Stories

Trip 22 Carp Fishing Welcome back to another fishing adventure. The weather looked absolutely perfect – strong south-westerly winds, heavy rain showers, and plenty of carp showing. Yet, after arriving at the lake full of confidence, I found myself facing one of the toughest questions in carp fishing: do I stay put, move swims, or simply accept that June can be brutally hard? Over three days, I searched for answers, adjusted spots, followed showing fish, and questioned everything I thought I knew. Join me as I share another honest session on the bank, where sometimes the challenge is just as rewarding as the capture.

Trip 9 Carp Fishing - 2026Welcome back to another fishing adventure. After a few quiet and chilly days on the bank, persistence finally paid off. Fishing a small bay that I felt had to produce, I stuck with the plan despite cold easterly winds, disappearing sunshine, and very little sign of carp. Three nights later, at 04:03 in the morning, the left-hand rod finally came alive… resulting in a stunning 37lb 2oz common carp. A session that proves sometimes it's all about trusting your gut and staying patient.Tight lines and be lucky!

Trip 18 Carp Fishing - 2026Welcome back to another fishing adventure. Three nights on Airfield Lake in tricky, easterly conditions — persistence, baiting strategy, and a last-minute move paid off with a stunning 31lb 1oz common. A proper insight into adapting on the bank, reading the water, and learning a new swim.

Trip 14 Carp Fishing - 2026Welcome back to another fishing adventure. With Airfield Lake under heavy Bank Holiday pressure and three nights of bait already in the water, I took a calculated approach—arriving late and keeping things tight with Godman Angling 25mm mesh bags. In tricky, ever-changing conditions, it turned into a patience game, with bites coming under the cover of darkness. A session full of lessons, lost chances, and a couple of quality commons on the bank—this is real carp fishing when the odds are stacked against you.

Trip 7 Carp Fishing - 2026Welcome back to another fishing adventure. My original plan had been to arrive on Monday morning and settle in for four uninterrupted nights. But with my wife due at the dentist on Wednesday afternoon — and knowing how much she dislikes those appointments — it felt only right to be there for support. Add in the need to squeeze a day's work in, and with a settled spell of sunshine forecast all week, the decision became straightforward. I'd fish early in the week and reassess from there.Atmospheric pressure had been fluctuating, nothing dramatic but certainly unsettled enough to make you think. Still, four consecutive days of sunshine at this time of year should, in theory, stimulate a bit of movement. The wind, however, couldn't make its mind up — swinging around from one quarter to another — which made location less obvious.

Trip 13 Carp FishingWelcome back to another fishing adventure. The clock is ticking on Meadow Lake, and with just two nights left before closure, I set out to make it count. Faced with brutal high pressure, cold northerly winds, and a lake that had all but switched off, this was never going to be easy. With a simple but proven baiting approach and plenty of watercraft, it became a test of patience, decision-making, and belief. Would a last-minute bite save the session, or was this one destined to be a blank? Join me as I grind it out to the very end.Tight lines and be lucky!

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. After a less-than-successful trip earlier in the week — largely due to factors beyond my control — I felt the need to get myself back down to the lake and reset things a bit. This time, though, I decided to avoid the syndicate water and head to the club lake instead.The plan was simple. Arrive at 0700 hrs, the earliest time you're allowed on the water, have a good look around, hopefully spot a carp or two, and get set up quickly. Ideally, I wanted to nick a bite before 1100 hrs, as that seems to be the window when the fish are most active. After that they often appear to switch off until mid-afternoon, usually somewhere around 1430 hrs.There's a handy vantage point on arrival where you can stand and scan most of the lake before committing to pushing the barrow in either direction. I'd barely been there a minute when two carp crashed out in open water. That was enough confirmation for me — I grabbed the barrow and headed straight for a swim that had already produced on a couple of my recent day sessions.Tight lines and be lucky!

Trip 1 Carp Fishing - 2026This session was meant to take place last week, but a sick child put a stop to that. After spending two hours looking for signs of carp and finding nothing, I decided to settle into a swim I have confidence in and enjoy a bit of comfort. Starting that way puts you in the right mindset and gives you something solid to build on.The conditions looked very encouraging: 10°C during the day, 8°C at night, overcast with patchy sunshine, and a nice drop in pressure. Unfortunately, I would be home by the time it reached 983mb. For the next three nights it was forecast to sit consistently around 1012mb, which I actually prefer. I like consistency rather than sharp rises and drops over a short period. My own head doesn't enjoy those fluctuations, and it does make me wonder how they affect carp individually—because, like us, they must all respond differently.I settled on a swim called Gap. I had spent some time the previous week looking for potential new winter spots and had marked a few out, including rediscovering this one, which had produced a good few carp for me many years ago.Tight lines and be lucky!

Trip 10 Carp Fishing - 2026Welcome back to another fishing adventure. Back on the syndicate water for a short two-night session, I went in with a plan based on past experience and recent signs. With the lake empty and conditions far from perfect, it was all about location, baiting strategy, and staying patient. After a frustrating run of tench and bream, the session turned on its head at first light on the final morning… proving once again that sticking it out can make all the difference.

After last year's camping trip was plagued by bad weather, flu, and a tyre blowout on the journey home, we headed back to beautiful Pembrokeshire hoping for a much better experience.With a week of sunshine, temperatures over 30°C, evenings around the fire pit, visits from old friends, and trips to Narberth, Carmarthen, Llansteffan Castle, and the stunning River Towy, this year's adventure certainly delivered.One of the highlights of the week was catching up with long-time camping friends who arrived on their Harley-Davidson, sharing stories and laughter late into the evening. We also witnessed one of the most spectacular thunderstorms I've seen in years, lighting up the Welsh sky while the rest of the campsite watched in amazement.From open-fire cooking and family time to exploring some of West Wales' most beautiful locations, this was a camping trip full of memories that will last a lifetime.Thanks for watching, and if you enjoy camping, outdoor adventures, family travel, and life in the great outdoors, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

Trip 3 Carp Fishing - 2026The weather threw everything at me this week — rain, frost, bright sunshine, and strong easterly winds — making it a real challenge to pick the right three days for a winter session.In this video, I head back to a swim I've been wanting to properly test after spotting carp there on a previous trip. With light rain moving in Sunday afternoon and an overnight frost forecast, I felt there was a narrow feeding window to capitalise on.The margins proved their worth once again, producing a stunning 29lb 6oz mirror in torrential rain, followed by a hard-fighting 25lb 6oz common at first light. I also worked hard to crack an open-water baited area using small PVA mesh bags and subtle presentations — resulting in additional action and valuable information for future sessions.Not every night went to plan, and the carp reminded me who's really in charge, but three fish from four bites in tough, fluctuating winter conditions is a result I'm more than happy with.This session was all about:Reading changing weather patternsAdjusting to strong easterly windsMargin fishing tactics in cold waterUsing small PVA bags for precisionObserving fish movement before committing to spotsWinter carp fishing can be brutal, but when it comes together, it makes every damp, cold hour worthwhile.Until next time,Richard

With one of my gardening jobs cancelled, and it being a quieter Monday than usual, I switched my Wednesday work over and started early both days. By Tuesday afternoon, I was finally on the road down to the lake, although I honestly hadn't got the slightest clue where I was going to set up. The weather had barely changed all week either — it's been that cold I've even had the heating on for a few hours during a couple of evenings over the last seven days.I was slightly put off by the bottom lake after last week's effort. There wasn't another soul down there, and, truthfully, it was very tempting to give it a go, but the conditions pushed me towards settling on my favourite island instead. Westerly winds were gusting close to 40mph, and there was absolutely no chance I was pitching up on the east bank. It just felt far too cold and exposed. The south bank swim on the first island, however, looked absolutely spot on.

Trip 11 Carp FishingWelcome back to another fishing adventure. With Meadow Lake only producing at night, I took a chance on a quick overnighter at Airfield Lake—despite it not being known for fishing well in March. Armed with a simple but proven baiting approach using quality boilies, pellets, oils, and solid PVA bag mixes, this session was all about building confidence in daylight bites and reading the water. Sometimes it's not just about catching—it's about trusting your instincts, refining your tactics, and reconnecting with a venue that just feels right.Tight lines and be lucky!

Trip 2 Carp Fishing - 2026I wasn't sure I'd even make it out this week. With a house full of sick people, I was convinced it was only a matter of time before I went down with it myself. Thankfully, I stayed well enough to take a chance and load the car.With Monday night forecast as a washout, I had to think carefully about venue choice. Meadow Lake was ruled out straight away, leaving the club lake as the best option—despite fallen trees, closed swims, and water levels sitting right on the edge of flooding. As it turned out, those closed swims worked in my favour, giving me more space and less pressure.In this session I talk through my approach on a shallow, bait-boat-dominated lake, why I avoid spombing here, and how my simple “chuck-and-dump” baiting strategy helps keep the carp confident. Three spots, three hookbaits, steady pressure, and classic winter conditions set the scene.Mid-afternoon, the right-hand rod tore off and resulted in a hard-fighting 21lb 3oz common—a result I genuinely didn't expect given how quiet the lake felt afterward. Silent nights, dropping temperatures, and tricky conditions followed, making that early bite feel even more special.A realistic winter session: one chance, one fish, and plenty of lessons. With February approaching and daylight stretching out, I'm hopeful things will soon start to turn.Until next time,Be luckyRichard

“Effort equals reward” is a phrase that should be ingrained in every angler's mindset. But I believe it goes beyond just putting in work and expecting results. The real key is understanding that the effort you put in should be measured by what you personally want to achieve—not by someone else's standards. Fishing is an individual pursuit, and comparing yourself to others can not only be pointless but can also harm your enjoyment of the sport.Understanding Effort and RewardFor some anglers, just getting to the bank is a reward in itself. The time and effort required to pack up, drive to the lake, set up, and enjoy a session is their goal. Whether or not they catch is secondary; they've already won by simply being there and unwinding in nature. Others won't understand this mindset because their own version of “effort equals reward” is completely different.Some anglers are obsessed with catching, which is fine if that's what motivates them. However, falling into the trap of fixating only on catching can lead down a dark path—a pit of frustration that's hard to escape. This can suck the joy out of fishing, leaving you feeling like every session is a failure unless you land a fish. I've seen people quit fishing altogether because their obsession with results destroyed their love for the process. Some even sell their gear, completely disillusioned.

Boosting Your Baits for an Edge Over Other AnglersFishing is all about small edges, and one of the most overlooked aspects is bait preparation. Over the years, I've refined my approach to bait enhancement, ensuring my boilies are primed and ready before each session. I don't believe in drowning baits in excessive amounts of flavour or liquid, as that can sometimes have the opposite effect. Instead, I take a measured and consistent approach, allowing my baits to absorb attractants gradually over time.I like to keep my bait supply constantly rolling, so I always have well-prepared boilies on hand. My process is simple but effective. I start with several 3kg tubs of my chosen boilie and a larger 10kg bucket. Into each 3kg tub, I add 10ml of Classic Corn or Catalyst food dip, depending on what I'm favouring at the time, along with a tablespoon of Berrocel. Once these additions are made, I give the tubs a good shake every day for a week. This ensures an even distribution and helps the liquid penetrate deeply into the bait. After a week, I transfer everything into the larger 10kg bucket, where it will sit until needed.When I'm preparing for a session, I take a portion of these enhanced boilies and place them into two small RidgeMonkey buckets, ready for my next trip. As soon as I return from a session, I repeat the process to maintain my bait supply. This rolling preparation ensures I always have top-quality, fully-boosted bait on hand.

Im back down at Airfield Lake for another three-night session. The conditions are almost identical to last week's, but the pressure has dropped slightly, and a few more carp have been coming out. That's always a positive sign, so I arrived quietly optimistic that things might just fall into place over the next few days.Pulling into the complex, there were plenty of day anglers spread around, but still enough water to work with. After last week's success on the bottom lake, I headed straight there for a proper look. Only two anglers were set up, both at one end, which left the rest of the lake open.After a slow walk and a good period of observation, I settled on the last point. The wind was hacking hard onto the south bank, and this swim gave me good access to that area while allowing me to avoid the worst of the snags dotted along the margin.It also dawned on me that I'd never actually caught from this swim before — always nice to have a little target like that in mind. Time to break the duck.I found three potential spots with the lead, all slightly different in nature, which made it a difficult choice, narrowing it down to two rods. My baiting approach stayed exactly the same as last week — no need to change something that's working.

Catching up on this week's news from my website, richardhanded.com

More RamblingsI certainly believe there is such a thing as a nutritional edge in carp fishing, although I think it tends to be specific to individual waters. The reality is that there is something in every good bait company's range capable of catching carp.The real challenge is identifying what nutritional deficiencies exist within a lake and determining which essential nutrients the carp are not receiving from either natural food sources or the boilies being introduced by anglers.From a carp angling perspective, solving this puzzle is extremely difficult because we rarely know exactly what carp are eating throughout the year, let alone the nutritional value of those food items.However, there are several ways we can get closer to the answer.

Chilly Winds, One Chance and Lots of QuestionsI arrived at the lake earlier than normal this week, having decided to load the car before heading off to my gardening job. Thankfully, it was in a quiet area, and I was only working on the front garden, so the car and all my kit would be safe enough while I worked. It saved me the usual trip home to reload everything afterwards, and with the house on my route to the lake anyway, it felt like a proper win-win situation.With that cold northerly wind still hanging around and absolutely no signs of spawning carp yet, I headed straight back down to the bottom section of the lake again. I'm really growing to love this area of the water. It just feels right down there — quiet, tucked away and full of potential.

Trip 42 Carp Fishing - 2025I managed to squeeze in a two-nighter just before Christmas, with conditions looking very promising on paper. Air pressure was rising steadily from 1005mb to 1016mb during the session, with a big jump forecast for Christmas Day itself. Temperatures were set to drop, rain was pushing through early on, and the main concern was a persistent NE, E, and SE wind.After walking the lake twice and seeing very little, I trusted my instincts and settled on the north bank after spotting a couple of carp show. I kept disturbance to a minimum, fishing small PVA mesh bags paired with pop-ups and wafters, rotating hookbaits to see what the carp preferred over the 48 hours.The first bite came mid-afternoon with a welcome 17lb 5oz mirror, followed the next evening by a proper winter reward—a stunning 24lb mirror carp after a tense battle around dead lilies and marginal snags.With fish showing across different areas of the lake, a swim move became necessary, reinforcing how important observation and mobility can be in winter. Despite active carp and near-perfect overnight conditions, it wasn't to be for another bite—but that's winter carp fishing.A challenging but rewarding pre-Christmas session, and one I thoroughly enjoyed.Thanks for watching.Until next time,RichardHappy New Year.

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. Trip 41 Carp Fishing - Back down on the club lake for what could be my last carp session before Christmas. This was planned as a relaxed two-night social with a mate, but despite textbook winter conditions—mild temperatures, stable pressure, cloud cover, and a steady south-westerly—we couldn't buy a bite.In this video, I talk through my thinking, the decisions made on the bank, and why I chose to stick with a proven approach rather than chopping and changing. I also question the pop-up versus wafter debate on this particular lake, make a mid-session tactical switch from solid bags to mesh, and reflect on how rising water levels may be influencing the carp's behaviour.Another blank, but plenty to learn. The winter campaign continues.Tight lines and be lucky!

Trip 40 Carp Fishing - 2025With December settling in, I returned to the club lake to find the pads dying back and the banks virtually empty—perfect winter conditions for a quiet, low-pressure session. I kept things simple with catapulted bait and large PVA bags, sticking to my usual mix and fishing tight to the pads and margins.Carp finally started showing around mid-afternoon, crashing on the far side of the pads and even out in open water. Despite the promising activity, the heavy cold rain pouring in all day made conditions tricky, and the carp were clearly cautious and hard to pin down.I explored different tactics, including two rods on white Blank Saver PVA bag setups and one rod with a big 24mm hardened hooker to stand out. Signs of fish kept me in the area, especially near the small island, but they still weren't settling on their usual winter spots.It ended up looking like another blank, but that's the true reality of winter carp fishing. Still, it was great to be back on this water, and I'll be returning soon.Until next time,RichardTight lines and be lucky!

Trip 39 Carp Fishing - 2025This week's session looked absolutely spot-on. I arrived just as the frost was fading and the sunshine pushed temperatures from a brutal -3°C up towards a spring-like +13°C. Dropping pressure, a gentle southerly breeze, warmer conditions ahead… everything screamed perfect winter carp fishing weather.But carp fishing rarely follows the script.With only two anglers on when I arrived, both of my preferred swims were already taken. I trusted my gut and settled in the Duck swim, positioned to intercept any carp drifting out of the sanctuary after the cold snap. After hours of groundwork on my Fish Deeper app, I found a lovely winter spot, spombed out 3kg of Nutrabaits and Jurassic Particles, and fished solid bags with white Blank Saver hookbaits.The signs looked good… but the carp had other ideas.A couple of knocks, a rogue bream, rising and falling pressure, heavier-than-forecast rain, and a sharp increase in angling pressure all combined to make this session a tough one. Despite the effort and optimism, it ended in another blank — part of the real story of winter carp fishing.Thanks for watching, and as always, I'll be back out next week chasing that first proper winter bite.Until next time,Richard

Trip 38 Carp Fishing - 2025The weather this week was completely different from last week—northerly winds, minus temperatures at night, and daytime highs of only six degrees. With that in mind, I really didn't fancy being exposed to the full force of the wind. The tricky part was that the wind was blowing from the north and north-west, which affects a lot of the swims on this lake. Realistically, I needed to be up at the north end, but there's only one proper swim there, and I already knew it was occupied. Another angler was set up on the south bank as well. You can definitely tell the weather is starting to put people off coming out.Tight lines and be lucky!

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. I wasn't originally due out until Wednesday afternoon this week, and even then, it was only going to be a quick one-nighter because of family commitments. Over the weekend, I'd glanced at the weather forecast, but these days I've lost all faith in their ability to get it right beyond 12 hours. So, I didn't pay it much attention.By mid-afternoon on Sunday, I'd already cancelled my Monday gardening job, and it soon became apparent that rain was on the cards pretty much every day until Friday. After lunch on Monday, I had another good look through all my weather apps, comparing each one to try and gauge what was actually going to happen. That's when the idea hit me — maybe I should just go after all.The wife was happy for me to get out for a couple of nights, and it actually suited things better if I was back home from Thursday onwards. I'd already started sorting my gear on Sunday evening anyway — the rain was hammering down outside, and with the wife out with a friend, there wasn't much else to do until the F1 started at 5pm. So, the session started taking shape, even if it wasn't exactly planned.Tight lines and be lucky!

The weather's been playing havoc with my gardening jobs this week. Monday was a complete washout — I got rained on everywhere I went. Tuesday turned out better though, and as I'd managed to move a job forward, I suddenly had a free afternoon. Perfect timing, because the forecast showed a good blow coming in from the south — rain from noon onwards. These carp love a proper wind pushing down the lake, and it looked ideal for the next few days.I'd already spent Saturday morning going through my Fish Deeper app on the computer, marking out a handful of potential winter spots. I wanted to familiarise myself with the lake again and explore a few new areas, so I'd dropped several pins on the map as possible targets.When I arrived, there were only two swims available from the shortlist I'd picked out — one near the top of my list and one right at the bottom. Luckily, the better option was free, so I slipped straight in. First thing I always do is boot up the weather forecast again to get the most up-to-date information. As luck would have it, the rain had been pushed back by a few hours — which turned into about six — giving me plenty of dry time to set up properly and get everything sorted before the heavens opened.

This trip didn't get off to the best start. Before I'd even wet a line, one of the back wheels on my barrow had a puncture. Then, as I started unloading, I realised my bank sticks were still at home in the fishing cupboard — the very cupboard I'm meant to empty completely before every trip to avoid this exact situation. Clearly, a bit of fine-tuning is still needed in my system.Thankfully, things soon took a turn for the better. Ian, ever the legend, brought down his pike pod to save the day, and to my relief, the swim I'd been baiting up all month was free. You guessed it — the same one as last week. History tells me this swim produces well at this time of year, and I'd have been daft not to fish it again.

My original plan was to spend a few nights up in Suffolk with my oldest friend, Rob, but unfortunately, things didn't quite line up. Instead, I found myself with four nights on Airfield Lake. The conditions weren't looking great, with heavy rain forecast — though apparently, we still need it. As far as I know, there's still a hosepipe ban in place.I'd been up in Rutland last week, visiting family, staying in one of the lodges at the Rutland Hotel — absolutely fabulous spot. The water levels there were low, but not quite as bad as I expected.Regardless of the weather, I decided to get set up today. Getting the rods out early gives me an extra chance of nicking a carp or two.I had a couple of swims in mind, but in truth, when I arrived, it was easiest to set up near the car park. As luck would have it, that spot turned out to be one of my planned options — the double gravel swim I fished last time. The other option was the swim I'd used previously when the wind was pushing hard onto that bank.Lately, I've been thinking more about fishing on the back of the wind. With a strong south-westerly due to blow through all week, the double gravel swim felt like the better choice. The low pressure, however, had me slightly concerned — I'm convinced it's been putting the carp off feeding. Oddly enough, the so-called perfect carp-catching conditions don't always seem to be the best ones.

Sometimes, the best sessions happen when you least expect them. As luck would have it, I managed to squeeze in a couple of unexpected nights on the bank this week. After finishing my gardening jobs for the day — plenty of lawns cut and borders trimmed — I packed up the tools, swapped the mower for the rods, and made my way down to the lake.I nearly drove to Meadow Lake out of interest, but deep down I knew I had to stick to my October plan: make the most of Airfield Lake before it closes for the winter. By 1:30 p.m., I was pulling into The Tower car park, which, to my delight, was completely empty. That sense of peace and opportunity you get when a lake lies still before you never gets old. I'd been on the same swim for my last few sessions, but I fancied a change of scenery — something to refresh my perspective before the gates shut until March.Spotting Something Special

It's now the first of October, and the countdown to the Airfield Lake closure has begun. With the end in sight, Ian and I had agreed this would be our last social of the year. Once November rolls around, Ian switches over to day sessions when the weather suits him. I must admit, every winter I get that little bit closer to following suit, but I've yet to decide if I'd actually be happier sticking to daylight hours. There's something about a night on the bank — the stillness, the waiting — that's hard to give up.As usual, our late-Tuesday chat stretched into Wednesday afternoon. We went over the forecast, our swim options, and broke it all down into first, second, and third choices, just as we always do. After last week's session, where the sudden weather change completely knocked the carp off feeding until Ian's final night, we both felt the same swim made the most sense. Without even discussing it at first, we'd both come to the same conclusion — Tower Point, fishing back into the big lake again.By mid-morning Wednesday, I arrived at the lake to find it still and quiet. A cool northeasterly breeze brushed across the surface, pushing the early autumn leaves against the margins. The swim was free — perfect. Ian rolled in shortly after, and we both set about getting camp sorted. 

elcome back to another fishing adventure. There are weeks in carp fishing when everything seems to line up, and others where nothing goes to plan no matter how hard you try. This session fell somewhere in between—full of excitement, a few golden moments, and some lessons that will stay with me for the next time I return to Airfield Lake.The Build-UpThe week before, I'd wrapped up a slow-going trip with not much to show for my efforts. My mate Ian, though, had managed a couple of nice carp after I'd left, and he'd also spotted a few milling about in my water. That gave me some confidence—I clearly hadn't been far off.Still, what really concerned me as I prepped for this session was the weather. The wind had swung round to the north, which usually spells trouble at this time of year. A cold northerly can kill sport dead, and with autumn knocking on the door, I wasn't sure how the carp would react. On the flip side, the sun was shining, and with it came a surprising warmth, even with the chill of the breeze.After a good chat with Ian, weighing up our options, I decided to give the same swim another go before trying the island again. We'd seen a very good fish show over there the previous morning, a big carp that looked to be every big, even from 300 yards away. I knew the fish were here—it was just a case of proving it by getting one on the bank.Tight lines and be lucky!

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. Trip 30 Carp Fishing - The Double Gravel Swim – September SessionAfter a good look around the lake earlier in the week, backed up by studying my old records, I decided the Double Gravel swim was my best bet. It wasn't an easy decision, but with no other clear signs of carp activity elsewhere, it stood out as the most logical option. This swim has produced for me in the past, often with a bit of patience, and it's one I've built confidence in over the years.The first thing I always do when settling into a swim is to get the marker rod out. Even though I know the area well, I like to double-check that everything is still as it should be. Weed shifts about, silt builds up, and there's nothing worse than assuming a spot is as clean as you remember only to find it's changed. The rod whistled out into the wind, clipped at the right distance, and the lead hit down with that firm, reassuring thud of clean gravel. A couple of drags confirmed it. Perfect. The long-range gravel bar was still there, sharp and defined, while the closer line I've favoured before was equally inviting.This time, though, I wanted to tweak things. Normally, I'd fish further out, but my gut told me to bring one rod shorter. It felt like a gamble, but sometimes carp fishing is about breaking habits. The plan was simple: one rod fished closer with solid PVA bags, the other at long range on a proven spot that has a knack for throwing up the bigger carp every so often. That second rod, however, would be fished with single hookbaits only.Tight lines and be lucky!

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. With the weather all over the place from midweek onwards, I found myself juggling gardening jobs and studying forecasts more than I'd like. The plan had been to head to the lake on Wednesday morning, but after a closer look at the charts, Tuesday afternoon was clearly the better choice. Rain was due to sweep in around 5 p.m., and I needed to be set up well before then.I hit the deadline perfectly, rods out and camp sorted, only for the weather to delay its entrance until much later that night. For once, the timing worked in my favour. With just six weeks left before Airfield Lake closes for the winter, I've committed myself to focus here. Time has flown this year, and while I'm not exactly looking forward to the coming cold, a recent change in medication will hopefully help with my perennial issue of frozen hands.Tight lines and be lucky!

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. With heavy showers forecast over the next few days, I shuffled around my gardening work, pushing jobs to the end of the week. That gave me a chance I couldn't ignore—two nights on the bank. The car was already loaded before I had time to second-guess myself, and by mid-afternoon I was crunching down the familiar track toward the lakes.I was surprised to see a couple of good swims still free. For a moment, I nearly swung the car around and headed straight to Airfield Lake. The southwesterly was tearing across its wide waters, piling into the big island swim—a spot that's hard to walk past when the conditions line up.But something made me pause. I've always had a soft spot for Meadow Lake, even if it doesn't always produce. Less angling pressure, fewer distractions, and a kind of quiet character all its own. It's the sort of place that tests your patience but rewards effort in its own way. In the end, I couldn't resist the temptation.Tight lines and be lucky!

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. West Stow Country Park Carp SessionFishing sessions often carry a strange sense of anticipation, as though every trip holds the possibility of something special—something unforgettable. This week's trip was one of those rare occasions when the excitement had been building steadily for days. Not only was I heading back up to West Stow Country Park, a place that carries its own quiet charm and challenge, but I was also fishing alongside my oldest friend, Rob. We've shared countless hours bankside together over the years, and whenever we plan a session, it always seems to take on an extra layer of importance.The Journey NorthMonday morning started early—brutally early. I was up at 04:00, the kind of hour where the world outside is silent, and only the occasional fox or owl breaks the stillness. By 04:30 I had the car loaded, rods stacked neatly, bait buckets wedged into the boot, and the kettle washed up from the night before. The air was cool, fresh, and full of promise.The roads were surprisingly clear. No roadworks on the M3, no speed restrictions, and even the dreaded M25—a road that can easily turn a good mood into frustration—was running without issue. I took this as a good omen. Heading north via the A414, the old Northern Orbital Road, then pushing on to the A1(M), I felt the tension ease out of me. By the time I merged onto the A14, the sun was climbing, lighting up the fields with a golden haze.Of course, the A14 wouldn't be the A14 without drama. I nearly witnessed a couple of accidents, careless drivers cutting across lanes and others forced into evasive action. Fortunately, the sensible heads among us kept it safe, and I pressed on, shaking my head at the madness.At 07:10, I rolled into the West Stow Country Park car park, the familiar landscape unfolding around me. There's always a strange mixture of calm and excitement on arrival. Part of me just wanted to rush to a swim, set up, and get lines in the water. Another part of me knew the importance of slowing down—taking the time to look, listen, and read the water.Tight lines and be lucky!

I must admit, I nearly didn't bother going this week. After a run of scorching hot days, the thought of sitting lakeside in 30-degree heat with the carp sulking in the margins wasn't overly appealing. Yesterday had hit 30°C, and the forecast promised the same for the end of the week, but today was a different story altogether—just 22°C, overcast, with a welcome breeze moving across the lake. A short break in the relentless heatwave. That alone convinced me it was worth a go.Ideally, I'd have liked to fish Tuesday into Wednesday night, as the conditions then looked even more promising, but work and commitments meant that wasn't an option. So I settled for Wednesday into Thursday. Sometimes you just have to make do with the window you've got.I rolled up around 1:30pm, gardening jobs done and dusted, and immediately felt a lift in mood compared to the past few stifling days. To my surprise, the lake was almost empty—only three other anglers dotted around. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I'd seen it so quiet, probably not since the winter months.

Three Choices, One Bay, and an Eighteen-PounderIt's not often you walk onto a carp lake and find yourself with options — real options. Not the “one free swim nobody wants” kind of choice, but the sort where you actually stop and think for a moment, weighing up which peg might put you in front of the fish.This week, luck was on my side. Meadow Lake, usually busy at the best of times, had space. Three swims stood empty, all of them with potential.The wind was the deciding factor. A stiff south-westerly was pushing across the lake and piling straight into one of the bays. This wasn't just a lazy breeze — it had that warm, pushing quality that can transform a swim. In my head, the picture formed instantly: coloured water pushing into the margins, food drifting in on the current, and carp using the cover of wind-chopped water to feed without fear. 

After missing out on the lakes entirely last week—bar a few fleeting, frustrating hours by the river—I was itching for a proper session. The river had been enjoyable in its own way, but watching Chub ignore my hookbait for five hours tested my patience more than usual. You can catch up on all the drama from my last blog or video, but suffice to say, I was ready to return to somewhere with a proper bedchair, bivvy, and the solid thump of a big carp.This week, I'd cleared the decks: three nights at my disposal. I'd planned to arrive at the lake around 2pm on day one, but the weather forecast looked atrocious. Every radar I checked showed a deluge sweeping across the South. So, I took the gamble—called off my gardening jobs and pointed the van towards Ringwood. Looking back now, I probably jumped the gun. The rain just didn't show up near the lakes. Classic.

Back on the RiverbankFor the first time in a good few years, I found myself back on the riverbank—rod in hand, heart quietly hopeful. I wasn't under any illusions of grandeur; this wasn't about hauling out a barbel first cast or breaking personal bests. This trip was more of a test run—to see if my kit setup was workable and to rediscover that old river rhythm.As it turned out, I wasn't burdened with as much gear as I feared. You know how it usually goes—too many bits, bags full of "just in case" items—but surprisingly, I'd only brought a touch more than necessary. A few tweaks here and there and it'll be bang on. It felt good just travelling light again, wandering down to the river with purpose but without pressure.1545 – A Glimmer of InterestI had a sudden, sharp take—well, sort of. It turned out to be an aborted one. Closer inspection showed the hook point had snagged a small twig, just enough to blunt it. Still, it told me something was down there, inspecting the bait and showing an interest in the swim. A glimmer of hope.I was fishing with 8mm Big Fish Mix pellets and matching boilies as hookbaits. Ideally, I'd have used small PVA bags to create a tighter attraction around the rig, but in true riverbank fashion, I forgot to pack the PVA. First lesson learned—or maybe just re-learned.The Case of the Vanishing ChubWhat puzzled me most was the complete lack of interest from the chub. This spot should have screamed chub holding territory, yet I hadn't even had a knock. Not a pluck, not a twitch. Nothing. I'd watched fish spook off the area earlier, but even that had slowed to a standstill. They weren't having it.I tied up two new rigs, making subtle adjustments in presentation, hoping a change might trip them up. Still, silence. The rigs looked spot on in the margins, but confidence alone wasn't enough today. It had me questioning the whole setup, especially the main line. It might be time to switch to something finer, more supple, or just less visible before the next trip. There's a niggling feeling it might be the final piece of the puzzle.Calling TimeI held out until just before 10pm, but my session ended slightly earlier than planned—thanks to my head torch batteries giving up the ghost. And yes, I'd tested them over the weekend. Clearly not well enough. Another lesson chalked up.Despite giving it my all, I left with a blank. Not even a nibble to show for my efforts. But honestly? It didn't sting like it used to. I'd already made peace with this trip being more about learning than catching. That said, the lack of action has me itching to go back to the drawing board—reassess the rigs, rethink the baiting approach, and maybe do a bit more late-night research online.The river's a different beast to the stillwaters I've spent so much time on. It moves, it changes, and it demands your full attention. But I'm in no rush. This was just the beginning.Until next time,Richard

I wasn't planning to arrive at the lake on a Monday night—not originally. But sometimes the stars align, or in this case, a shift in the weather, an open diary, and a nagging sense of timing all came together. I've learnt over the years not to ignore that instinct.A large southwesterly weather front was sweeping through, bringing cloud cover, warmth, and that rolling, humid air pressure that often gets the carp on the move. If that wind hadn't started hacking into the Airfield Lake, I probably would've stuck to the club water. Meadow hadn't been producing much lately, despite that recent capture of the 50lber that caused a frenzy of activity down there. But realistically, it was only the stockies that had been coming out, and I had my theories as to why.Some thought they hadn't spawned yet; I wasn't convinced. To me, it was more likely the lake was suffering from a nutritional imbalance—namely, a tidal wave of tiger nuts. Don't get me wrong, carp love them. Love them a bit too much. The trouble is, they're addictive but hard to digest. It can take three, even four cycles through a carp's gut before they actually break them down, and in the meantime, the lake becomes one big recycling bin of tiger nuts. They're being eaten, crapped out, and eaten again until eventually digested—if not by the same fish, then by another. While this is happening, the carp can end up losing condition. So no, Meadow wasn't for me right now.I needed somewhere I could build on something - a spot, a pattern, a little piece of rhythm with the lake. August was nearly upon us, and over the years, it had been a kind month on the Airfield. It was time to prep a couple of areas, see how the fish were behaving, and maybe carve out a session or two that could set me up for the rest of the summer.I arrived at the Airfield Lake just before 1900 hours. The drive in along the east bank offered early signs of promise: several carp topping mid-water, rolling just beneath the ripple. And to my relief, no one was in the southwest corner swim—the exact spot I had in mind.With four nights ahead of me, I had options. If it didn't pan out in 48 hours, I could up sticks and try elsewhere, but I felt quietly confident. Everything about the air, the lake, the light… it just had that feeling.

Session Journal – Early JulyWith the heatwave finally taking a break and a couple of free nights in the diary, I found myself back on the bank in early July. Reports from the lake weren't exactly encouraging—it had been fishing hard, and water levels were the lowest I'd seen in years. Still, it was all to play for.Ian had arrived the day before and mentioned that the lake was very busy. I messaged another member to check if he was doing his usual one-nighter, hoping I might be able to slide into his swim once he'd packed up. Fortunately, he was, though the timing wasn't ideal—I had to drop my youngest off at 4:00 a.m. for a school trip. The alternatives were trying to go back to sleep or sitting around at home, neither of which appealed in the slightest.

A Blowout, a Buzzer, and a Battle – A Session to RememberWith the weather nudging into the high twenties—26, maybe even 28 degrees—it was too hot for my liking. I knew sleep at home would be a restless affair, so the lake felt like the best escape. I wrapped up my last gardening job by 11, shot home to load the car, and just had one last task—drop the eldest off at her boyfriend's. From there, it was lake time.By 12:30, I was finally on the road… and right into a dose of classic British road rage. According to the red-faced man in the Audi A4, I was somehow in the wrong for not letting him dive into my lane, after he'd undertaken me in a long queue of traffic without so much as an indicator. A bit of polite signalling might've helped rather than waving his fists at me through the window. Ah, well—onto better things.I've been running a bit of a side plan lately: swing past Meadow Lake on the way to Airfield Lake, and if a decent swim is free, I drop in. This time, fortune looked to be smiling—my preferred shady spot was vacant. Perfect. Or so I thought.

Welcome back to another fishing adventure. It's been a week longer than I originally planned, and to be honest, I'm still not 100% sure I should even be out fishing. But after surviving a couple of days back at work and feeling reasonably okay, I figured some bankside recovery time was just what the doctor ordered.The man flu struck hard while I was away camping in Wales. I ended up coming home three days earlier than planned—and truthfully, I probably should have cut the trip even shorter. Just to round things off, I had a tyre blowout going over the old Severn Bridge. Thankfully, the Highways Agency and the AA were absolutely brilliant. The whole situation was sorted in just over an hour—1 hour 15 minutes to be exact—and I was back on the road. A real credit to both services.Tight lines and be lucky!

There are moments in carp angling when instinct kicks in—when the changing sky and shifting pressure whisper that now is the time. After a prolonged spell of still, bright weather, a dramatic change had been forecast. A low-pressure front was moving in, bringing with it a band of rain followed by patchy showers. To any seasoned angler, this was a beacon—conditions that just scream feeding spell. I knew I had to act.With a few gardening jobs to wrap up first, I spent the morning moving soil and trimming hedges, watching the clock and keeping a close eye on the weather updates. The wind direction hadn't shifted dramatically, but the incoming rain was what had my attention. It was around 1400 hrs by the time I finally loaded up and headed out, tired but fired up for a proper 40-hour session.As I approached the lake, I already had a plan formulating in my mind. I was hoping the wind would gain strength and push directly into the bank I had in mind—a bank that had given up good fish in the past under similar conditions. To my surprise, as I crept along the tree-lined margin, I spotted a few carp moving. They hadn't been showing much lately, so this was an early sign that my hunch might just be spot on. It always pays to watch, and I took it as a quiet confirmation from the carp gods that I'd timed this right.Tight lines and be lucky!

There's a certain freedom that comes with two nights on the bank — a kind of rare permission that makes every cast, every move, that much more purposeful. I'd been granted that freedom once again, thanks to the understanding of my wife and family, and I wasn't about to waste it. After a couple of tricky sessions that ended in blanks, I was determined to get it right this time. If the carp were going to make me work for it, I was more than willing to put in the effort.I pulled through the gate just after 9 a.m., taking my time as I unpacked. There was no mad rush — the fish hadn't really been on the feed lately, and I knew the conditions still weren't ideal. We were enjoying a slight rise in temperature — the kind that gets you thinking spring might finally be here — but the wind was doing its best to convince me otherwise. That persistent easterly was still biting, bringing a chill that cut through layers. Forecasts predicted gusts up to 30 mph, and I'd experienced enough blank nights recently to know I didn't want to be sitting head-on into that wind again.Tight lines and be lucky!

July Update

With limited time available to me for the rest of May, I really need each trip to count.After a few hours of gardening this morning, I arrived at the lake in the early afternoon. The conditions weren't ideal—there was a fresh northeasterly wind blowing across the water, bringing a chill with it. Still, I'd seen no signs of spawning since Sunday, and that continued today. Unfortunately, visible signs of carp were scarce too, aside from a few indications in the area I've chosen—though not in any great numbers.Tight lines and be lucky!

After a false start on Wednesday, which saw me heading home just a couple of hours after I arrived, I found myself once again back at the lake. Somehow, I'd gravitated back to the same swim—tucked under the trees, shaded from the harsh sunlight, and blessed with a cool breeze that occasionally drifted across my face like nature's own sigh of relief. It felt familiar. Safe. A natural corner that always seemed to hold potential.The Fox Voyager tarp giving me shadeBut this session was already different.The carp were twitchy, moody—on the verge of spawning. You could feel it in the air. That thick, humid pressure before a storm. The kind of atmosphere that makes you sweat without moving and question every decision. I was praying that the forecasted weather change due on Friday or Saturday might delay the inevitable. It had originally been predicted for Thursday, but like everything in carp fishing, it had drifted—just like the carp, always unpredictable.I've always believed they know what's coming before we do. Some sixth sense about them. The kind that makes them vanish into snags or appear out of nowhere when you're least expecting them.I wasn't entirely sure how to approach this trip. With the temperature rising fast, I knew I had a narrow window before the day turned into a furnace. I flicked both rods out to obvious spots just to get something fishing while I set up camp, cracked open a drink, and let the place talk to me.Tight lines and be lucky!

Originally, the plan was simple. I was meant to meet up with my mate, who'd finally secured a place on my syndicate after being on the waiting list for what felt like forever. We'd been planning it for weeks, talking tactics, swim choices, and baiting strategies. You know how it is — the kind of excitement that builds up when two mates finally get the green light to fish together.Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately depending on how you look at it, life threw him a curveball. He got the call he had been waiting for even longer than his syndicate ticket: a hospital appointment. It was due the next afternoon. No brainer, really. Health always comes first, well above fishing. We both knew that. Still, it left me sitting there, rods in the garage, bait prepped, weekend plans suddenly wide open.After a quick cup of tea and a bit of pacing about, I decided to message the wife. I explained the situation — that I had a rare window opening up — and asked, as nicely as possible, if it was alright for me to slip out that afternoon and give myself a proper session. A couple of nights on the bank sounded like heaven, especially knowing that a couple of busy weeks in May would mean I wouldn't get another chance for a while.Tight lines and be lucky!

It's been a strange trip, full of highs and lows.