This weekend saw me fishing a little Mad Baits social on the Metz lake, part of the Thorney Weir complex of day ticket waters. With one of the main Farlow’s lakes closed it seemed everyone had descended on the complex. My swim choice was either something miles away from the guys or to double up with Nick, one of the Mad Baits lads, so double up we did, after all this was a social.
Even with a move on the second night to open water it didn't produce a fish. Nick did manage to bag two stunning Commons from the fallen tree to his right. The one just shy of 29lb gave him the best fight I think I’ve watched, as once it cleared the snag it stripped 70 yards of line before he could turn it.
Sunday morning gave us the most beautiful start to the day, we packed down early with lots to do and I headed off to my mecca, Willow Park Fishery for my breakfast. I also wanted to see how the guys on the UK CARP CHAMPS had done on the Big Lake. It looked like another close competition, following it on my phone over the weekend. Brian Byford and Danny Smith banked 291lb 10oz (Mad Baits man) and won in the dying hours! With Damon Rides and Jordan Upfold totalling 257lb 7oz keeping it close in the top bay called Darryll’s Swim (Yes I fished it a lot a few years ago).
On a walk round after the competition it was clear that the fish were spawning on the road bank with the sun beating across the lake. The top corner past the Bungalow bank was sheltered and they were clearly feeding, so it was back to the car to save a weekend blank – not easy stalking with a 12ft rod I can tell you! The plan was a small Dispersion 14mm pop up just off the shelf close in. Within 10 minutes the reel was clicking away and a fish was heading to open water. After a dogged fight, she was in the net. With a very quick photo she was put back to produce lots of little stunners for the future.
A target I've been after for some time.
