november-2026-free-line-part-2 - Flipbook - Page 43
FREE LINE / FIELD JOURNAL
PAUL OXENHAM
FIELD NOTES
A few minutes later, Andy arrived in the swim. He d not quite got to the
phone in time but had guessed I had one on. We stood on the bank as
the unseen lump stayed deep, circling until slowly but surely, I gained
the upper hand. Over the cord she came, and we flicked the torches on
to see what on Earth had given me so much trouble. We were greeted by
massive thick grey shoulders and the bulk of what was plainly another
very large fish. I don t recall what was said, but as we hobbled up the
bank with the net between us and laid her on the mat, we just giggled
like girls. The fish was bloody enormous!
The shout went out to Phill and Will: Hey, PB on the bank! and they
wound in and popped round for the photos. At 41lb 4oz, she was in
top condition with a massive frame and huge rudder. I went in again to
return her and was totally soaked to the skin. Did I mind? Did I hell! I
was on cloud nine. Two forties in less than twenty-four hours this is
the sort of stuff I d read about but never imagined it could happen to me.
Sleep didn t come easily after that with so many thoughts and emotions
to process. I didn t recast my banker rod . I d obviously found a little
hotspot so wanted Will to have a chance of a fish off it after all the guy
had travelled 3500 miles for an English carp, and I think I d had more
than my fair share.
As a calm, misty dawn broke over the lakes, I could see a fair amount
of activity against the peninsula bank. I wandered round, and there
were large patches of bubbles breaking out in several areas. Andy had
obviously seen the same through his bins and was back round with
barrow and rods from his overnight home on the opposite side. As the
morning passed, we gathered in Andy s swim to proffer our helpful
tips and watch events unfold we were all convinced he was going to
get a run. After a bit of discussion, we thought a running lead and stiff
rig on a light setup may trip up one of the feeding fish. I nipped back
round to my swim and unsheathed the secret weapon an original Rod
Hutchinson Spirolite Mk2 12ft 2lb rod and Abu Cardinal 55 reel.
FREE LINE
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