I arrived at the pool just after dawn. The air was fresh, cold and the frost crunched under my feet. I arrived at my chosen
pitch and looked across the 8 acre lake. Around 20 yards from the bank, just behind a well known gravel bar, a large mirror
carp popped its head out of the water. Moments later a fury of bubbles confirmed this fish was indeed feeding hard.
I quickly assembled the pod, and removed two Ashford Tackle Delux Carp Rods from my Daiwa Infinity 12ft Holdall. They were
already set up from the previous session, where I had used my new Super Shimano Aero XTE-A 10000 Baitrunners for the first time. What a quality reel they are, with that golden polished finish and amazing smoothness. The Ashford Tackle Deal for these reels was fantastic and even included 1000 yards of free TFG Gunsmoke Carp Mono with each reel!
I had opted for 12lb breaking strain, and the reels loaded the line effortlessly and the line lay was truly professional and
the best I have ever seen and I have used plenty of different reels during my angling career.
I removed the Korda Hybrid Longshank Hook from the butt eye, and quickly put on one of the new ATS Winter Specials. As an
Ashford Tackle Field Tester I am able to obtain bait from Ashford Tackle at significantly reduced prices.
I was pleasantly surprised when I received delivery of 5 kilos of the new Ashford Tackle Shops Winter Specials. The base mix
seems to be a mixture of fish meals and seeds, with a flavour that reminded me of the old Rod Hutchinson Maltrex from many
years ago. A flavour I had incredible success on during Winter Months.
I stood solid, and aimed the 1.5oz Fox Flat Pear Bomb around 5 yards from the continuing stream of bubbles. Plop, I ht my
intended target spot on. I pulled the lead back until I felt the scraping of the gravel bar, then tightened up and placed
the rod onto the rest.
A few minutes later the second rod again with a 16mm ATS Winter Special and a four bait stringer was cast around 50 yards
towards the main island. I had attached the four boilies to Kryston Meltdown as I find this does offer a total dissolve
even in the coldest of weather. It does not leave a residue on the bait, which I have noticed with some of the cheaper
PVA products on the market today. The bait actually fell around 15 yards from the island, into a channel that has
produced many specimens in the past.
I quickly set up my PrologicWilderness Light Weight Bed, poured a hot black coffee from the Thermos and relaxed back and
enjoyed the wonderful dawn chorus.
Even though it was cold, I felt warm and comfortable in my new Ron Thompson System 7 Carp Suit which I had purchased a few
days ago from the Ashford Tackle Website.
The bubbles continued behind the gravel bar and I fully expected a take from the close in rod any moment. I was therefore
Very surprised, when a few minutes later, the other rod which I had cast towards the island, literally screamed.
The Delkim Alarm must have surprised a small animal as I heard a commotion in the bush next to my swim, as I lifted the
rod from the Pod.
I pulled into the fish, and felt the satisfying thump of a large Carp. The fish headed towards the island so I applied
side pressure to bring it back into the main section of the lake. Here it moved left to right for five minutes or so,
and I was happy to tire the fish in an area I knew to be snag free.
Gradually I pulled this fish towards the gravel bar and was pleased the fish came over without any problems. The
depth above the bar is just over a foot and can be tricky at times.
As I drew the Carp towards the bank I lowered my JRC Defender 42” Landing Net into the water. The fish surfaced and
I caught sight of a fantastic Common Carp which looked well over thirty pounds in weight. The fish panicked when it
saw the net, but gradual pressure and a very secure hook hold, ensured the fish finally entered the safety of the mesh.
I laid the specimen onto my Wychwood Beanie Mat and removed the hook. After weighing the beauty, taking some
photographs and admiring here once again I returned her to her watery home.
At just over thirty pounds she was not the largest fish I have taken from the Pool, but certainly the prettiest.
A fresh bait was cast towards the island and the indicator set into place once again.
I then sat back onto my Bedchair, relaxed and reflected upon the previous half an hour, which was indeed
An Early Surprise.
