I arrived at about 08:45, to find out I was the third of the four anglers booked today. Two guys were along the bank where I fished on my last trip.  They were fishing across to the lily pads, which ruled out that end, but the other half of the lily bank was free, giving me three swims that I really fancied giving a go. It was the last of the three that took my fancy, as I'd seen carp in that area before.

With the holiday almost over, I headed out for a quick overnighter on Sunday.  The forecast had put paid to my gardening plans, which I've now moved to Wednesday when it will be a lot drier, so I can do a few lawns and hedges before heading out for a couple of nights.  This is before the wife is away working for 5 days in Corsica of all places!  Lucky for some.

UK carp fishing is a popular and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by anglers of all levels. Here is a simple step by step guide to get you started:
1. Purchase a rod licence from the government website or your local post office branch. You can choose between a one day, eight day, or 12-month licence, depending on how often you plan to fish. A rod licence allows you to use up to two rods for carp fishing, or three if you have a 12-month licence¹.

I’m back after going home yesterday for a family thing. Last night, I was back down at the lake around 07:30, knowing exactly where I was heading. After seeing a couple of nice carp show off Gate Island, that swim was my number one choice. It’s a bit of a pain to get to due to crossing a wooden bridge just wide enough for a barrow when it’s full of kit to get across. Well, half full, as I don’t fancy dumping it all in 3ft of silty water.

Introduction: In the vast and ever-evolving world of carp fishing, innovation often emerges from necessity and resourcefulness. Richard, in this captivating blog, takes us on a journey back to the 80s, sharing the humble beginnings of what later became known as the Combi Rig. Far from claiming invention, Richard sheds light on how anglers, driven by financial constraints and the desire to make the most of available materials, unknowingly contributed to the birth of a rig that would stand the test of time.