40.07 Oakwood Mirror for Dan
I had been getting used to all of the fine weather we have been enjoying of late and one evening I was indulging in a drink lakeside with the better half when I noticed a colossal back of a carp protrude between a large bed of lily pads and then swiftly up end on the edge of a weed bed. I glanced across at the Mrs and said “this could be the one I’m after!”.
I sent her up for a rod while I continued to observe the fish, the carp was indeed a very deep and wide looking mirror but I didn’t recognise her as one of the known carp in the lake over 40lb. The carp continued to feed stirring up the bottom with bubbles plinking on the surface indeed an inspiring sight.
I was soon joined by Cheryl who passed me the rod which I tackled up quickly exchanging my normal bottom set up for just a hook and two sliding swan shot to present the bait on the bottom. I threw a few handfuls of sweetcorn around the swim and under arm cast the bait to the desired spot.
I love this type of fishing there is nothing more exciting than being face to face with your quarry it certainly sent my heart racing when the carp approached my bait. Bubbles were flying up as the carp rooted around in the silt clearing up the sweet corn. I was gripping the rod with certain anticipation of a take when the fish came up from my baited spot and back to the surface “oh no” I thought, just then another big carp moved in at the back of the swim and in turn started feeding on the corn. Again it was another large one over 30lbs but not as wide across the back as the first.
This had distracted me and I had lost sight of the original fish but something was feeding near my bait I prayed it was the large carp and not another interloper to spoil my plan! I was watching the line on the surface when I noticed a slight pull, followed by some twitching, I held my nerve and didn’t strike until the line started kiting to the right, this was it the moment of truth.
What followed was a titanic battle lasting for almost 30 minutes, most of this time I was thinking “please let the hook stay in”
Thankfully it did and I slid the net under a truly stunning looking mirror with dark flanks. On the mat the carp was carefully unhooked and treated with the compulsory antiseptic all anglers should employ and I gave the mat a quick lift to check the weight. I smiled at the Mrs “it’s going to be close”. I also recognised the fish with her big apple sliced scales near her tail as one I had caught around 5 years before while test fishing the lake. I remember her being an upper 20 around 28 or 29lbs but had to check the records but she had certainly grown since. On the scales she recorded 40lb 7oz a new forty for the lake and a big beaming grin on my face!
Dan, Oakwood Bailiff
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