november-2026-free-line-part-2 - Flipbook - Page 49
FREE LINE / FIELD JOURNAL
SAM BUTLER
FIELD NOTES
March the 15th had finally come, which is the start of the season on Monks
Pit. The first session didn't go to plan, as the fish were holding up in the
deeper water, and with all swims taken at that end of the lake, I had to ride
it out in the shallower part in the hope that a straggler would break the
pack, but that didn't happen. It was a week later, and I was supposed to go
on the Friday, but lying in bed on the Thursday night talking to a mate, he
let me know that a swim where the fish had been holding up was empty.
Not wanting to risk the Friday morning race, I jumped into the van, getting
to the lake around 11.30pm.
I knew I had done the right thing, as there were fish boshing everywhere.
I flicked a few bright singles to try and nick a quick bite, but they didn't
seem as though they were feeding more having fun maybe. The water
temperature had jumped up a little, and they got excited, like we do when
we first see the sun again after a cold winter. With that in mind, I opted to
fish two zigs at 11ft in 18ft of water.
After searching the area, I finally got a take, which was a scaly mid-20
mirror. Rod back in the zone, and it was away again This time the carp
won, as she got away, but it wasn't long after putting the rod back out
again that I had a couple beeps As soon as I lifted the rod, I could tell
it felt heavier than the last. Gently bringing her home, I netted my second
UK 40, which beat my previous by a few ounces at 40lb 4oz my new PB
and a new 40lb fish for the lake.
Fast forward a few weeks, and I was now in my bivvy writing about the
previous night s events. I turned up to the lake around midday, and I knew
I wanted to be in the shallows before I even got to the lake. I know it goes
against the rules of carping, and I should chose once I'm there, but it just
made sense.
FREE LINE
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