Syndicate in Spring

By Ben Gosling

Spring is in full swing and it’s time to set some time aside for my final few days on my syndicate before I find pastures new.

It’s been a tough ride on the new syndicate, but it’s not deterred me from going to the lake with mates and trying to catch some lovely old fish.

The bluebells and daffodils are out in full bloom, the weather is becoming more mild, and the wildlife is now starting to wake up…the fish included.

Limited to day sessions, I have tried to make the most out of the time spent on here. With 3 rods out, small areas baited up, I knew I had the upper hand.

Tactics on the Bank

My left-hand rod was the first to go out. A small orange tutti frutti pop up, with a small PVA mesh bag full of micro pellet and tutti frutti bait spray to draw the fish in.

A small underarm chuck to the left-hand margin and next to a set of emerging lily pads is where I knew I had to be…and that’s exactly where it landed.

No further baiting was needed, and within minutes I had bubbles around the spot where my bait was. It was now just a waiting game.

The Take

I saw the tip of the Riot Recoil rod twitch. Once, twice… then nothing.

Without warning, five minutes later the rod takes off.

I knew I had to be quick, so my Epic compact recliner was inches away from my rods.

BOOM… it was on.

The fish dived straight into the pads, but I knew I had the confidence in my gear to allow me to play the fish safely.

The Fight

After a little back and forth, in and out of the pads, the fish was in open water and coming towards my net.

This bruised and battered little common had no chance. He was in my net.

After unhooking him and taking a few photos, I needed to treat his wounds with carp care.

Final Thoughts

This common was probably my last out of this gorgeous lake, and I won’t be forgetting him any time soon.

Spring has sprung