A re-shoot of the TCF feature proved difficult due to hot clear conditions that seemed ideal for the carp but tough for roach. Tackling MBK Barons Pond the pellet waggler proved its effectiveness for carp with around twenty falling to a best of around 6lb. Unfortunately the weather kept the roach down and although l caught around 6lb of them, their were no monsters involved. It was a frustrating day but strangely enjoyable, however this only became apparent on the way home.

Wednesday l eventually found time to do some serious big fish hunting and headed to the river in the hope of reliving the night l caught a 6lb 11oz eel two years ago. My brother Kevin joined me and managed two runs which provided a small eel however all l got was a good night sleep. Monsters don’t come along every day!

Thursday l agreed to head off again to the River Loddon to hopefully catch a fish for a Tight Lines feature. Finding the river overgrown and all my spots un-fishable all l could do was keep dropping a lump of cheese flavoured flake in any spot l could and although l lost a fish and missed a good bite things were looking bad until a chance spotting of a chub proved the downfall of a good barbel.

Flicking flake out l managed to get the chub feeding, then out of the blue a big barbel drifted out from the undercut bank and took a piece in mid water. Slightly shocked l quickly removed the tiny feeder so l was free-lining and cast my offering to the far bank. A chub tried to take the bait but l managed to pull it away only for the barbel to shoot out and once again engulf the bait mid water. On six-pound line and a Korum 11ft Compact Float rod the fight was well enjoyable and everyone left happy.

Thursday l decided to start putting in a bit of time on the bank, but not with a rod, more preparing swims, as throughout these summer months just turning up, casting out isn’t going to catch you many fish. Today l headed for a weedy lake, home of few, but very big crucians and raked a swim for the coming weeks. Twice a week l will bait this, before increasing this to three times nearer the planned session, however l will cut back on the bait so they get used to a little and often approach.

Friday l was in two minds whether to head back to the river but drained of energy from my stomach-upset l dropped onto a lake that had produced a five-pound eel just before my holiday. The night past uneventfully but just on daybreak a run produced another good eel weighing 4lb 13oz so it seems that with fish averaging this size its got to do a big one sooner or later.