John Claridge had a great start to his spring campaign on a pressured south west water. Moving into a previously productive spot paid off big time for the Swindon carper.
After a winter lay-off that was never ending, it was time to return to Doggy Park, the venue where I finished off my book, Beauties and the Beasts. The Big Common adorned the cover but now it was time to catch one of the big mirrors.
On my second trip, the fish were finally active and conditions were at last favorable with the wind coming from the south-west. With only one swim vacant at the windward corner that made up my mind for me. With a chance to move into the swim I caught The Common from the following day, I felt confident of action.
After a quiet night the wind picked up stronger and so at lunchtime I moved up a swim when Liam left. Knowing the spots I cast out Baitworks Scent from Heaven pop-ups on chod rigs consisting of 20lb Bristle filament, uni-link swivels on long lengths of 45lb original Camo Leadcore. The short rigs protected by brown Chod Sleeves.
With my tea in the pan the middle indicator kissed the alarm and I bent into the first one of the year. She plodded in and in the lapping waves a big orange mirror surfaced. She was soon in the net and with assistance I hoisted the fat beast out. At 35lb 12oz it was a great way to get off the mark and confidence my rig and bait was working well.
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