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Fab weekend on the syndi - chose the windward end on a easterly and felt confident but by dawn I'd only heard one fish crash through the night deep working the bay on my left. I sat it out until 9am but couldn't believe they weren't having it elsewhere so I reeled in and drove to the other end (back of the wind) to see if they had popped up on top after eating down there at first light. After a quick walk about and speaking to the one guy down there it seemed they weren't there so I hurried back vowing to make the most of the spot I had, they just had to be there at some point. Walking back in the swim late morning I see one straight away passing my rods along the margin going into the bay, then another going the other way, I'd made the right choice afterall. I shot up a climbing tree to be greeted by many fish - basking in the sun, some of them proper units - right down the end of the bay sitting in a 5 yard gap between overhanging trees. Over hours I fed mixers into the scum that had gathered up against the reeds and waiting for my chance to wade into the reeds and cast out my hookbaits but fake mixers and cut down boiles were either being rejected or just missed completely. At a loss I went back to the bivvy and got my bag of bagels, a size 4 hook and off for another go. The fish had all but gone by this point but I tried for one in the scum line but quickly lost sight of the bait and that fish drifted away, I felt gutted all those hours feeding and having little casts here and there have lead to nothing. I was about to get out the water when I see one more fish drift in and under the scum line so I put on some fresh bagel and make a cast a couple of feet from the scum. A head pops back out then moves at speed for the bait, smashes it so I guess he's got it, strike and hang on for dear life as it tries to power away but I can't let it go anywhere, it tore through the right tree line but thankfully I just pulled like a mad man and got it back somehow, was lucky as I could feel it crating on the branches several times, proper heart in mouth stuff. Epic battle 26.14 Common in the net, made up. The next day was a real slog waiting all day for that one chance, somehow after not getting it right several times I finally managed to hook one of the stragglers like the day before but sadly lost it to a hook pull just when I felt that I was getting on top of what had been an epic and scary battle. Gutting but loved the trip can't wait to get back - I'm having em FACT - so buzzing for it this year. Best thing of the trip I saw my target fish, must be 4ft long, jet black linear, old as the hills, he's alive and kicking, and he's got some very large friends, more than I knew about. 👀

So with all the talk about the possibility of seeing the northern lights, did anyone manage to catch site of them? I was fortunate enough to be fishing on the south coast and was treated to a nice sunset followed by the northern lights. Must admit I felt quite privileged to witness it. Excuse the pics, had to screenshot my photos or they wouldn't upload.

Got a few 👍 Catching my 1st ever park lake Carp & PB from my local HARD park lake, Sept 2020 Catching 1 of only 10 stocked Fish in a local lake, Feb 2022 1st ever overnighter with my Son & Pooch, my lad playing/Catching his 1st ever Carp June 2020 A 48hr and only having 1 bite and Catching the biggest fish in the lake, Sturgeon 31lb, July 2021 There have been 1 or 2 evening sessions were I've caught 20+ fish in about 4hrs but nothing massive.

Had a run and got soaked 🙄

Will be good to see you back out, you can always come to one of our nice socials, hope you find some more time soon 👍

It really depends what's in front of me, usually strong line, and look for where they are feeding, I've found some great clearer spots by locating bubblers, I've also then prebaited some of those spots with good results. I now try and let the fish guide me, raking can work a treat too, but try to be discreet with it other wise you are doing hard work for others to reap the rewards.

The ones that make you work for it are the most memorable mate. Very well done.

I think you mean when 😏

Jack likes the rear security window lol

Everytime I get to go is special 😏

Not sure of the cc of my bike … and defo it wouldn’t make it to the TT but I would like to experience the racing one day … here’s my green machine

Your eyes are your most important bit of tackle mate 👀