Another week and another session In Burton - On - Trent and Bears Lake the poor weather was still lingering over the country but myself and ( Nick ) were lucky enough on arrival to get a brief rest bite from the rain and enough time to pop up the bivvy's and get the rods out

We both Jumped In the same swims from the previous session having kept our bait going In over the past Three to Four Weeks In vast Qty’s and on the same spots so It made perfect sense!

All settled and watching the water by around 8.00pm the next Job was to pull out the menu and order the Chinese (Tea time treat)

Food arrived and not long after we’d both tucked In a quick retreat to the Bivvy was needed you guessed It party pooper mother nature was letting loose again and more rain

The first evening of the session was spent mainly listening to Carp crash and continual liners on all Three rods they were showing like Dolphins and all over us Like a rash time went by thinking any minute now and I’ll be In for a ripper proper edge of the bed chair stuff but sadly and puzzling how It seemed nothing developed and the night ended In a blank

Thursday morning and myself and ( Nick ) began the first conversation of the day with what happened last night ? And I’d of thought One of us would of got a take! With out further a do the sound of a delkim was bellowing out that distinctive tone not mine but ( Nick’s ) fish on

Not the Intended quarry but very welcome all the same!

A quick blog entry for the You Tube video and a few stills and wait for It another delkim singing proudly
( Nick ) was In again I ( Matt ) looked after the tinker whilst ( Nick ) bent Into which this time was a Carp this should of happened last night better late than never!

Tench returned safely then landing net In hand Just In time to net the first Carp of the session another falling victim to the ( Hot Fish ) , Another blog entry completed then In the sling pulling the avon scales around to a healthy 25lb 8oz’s ( Nick’s ) biggest Bears Lake capture so far top angling buddy!

Kettle’s on to celebrate the occasion Coffee cup and Carp

The rain was Increasing In more volume through out the afternoon persistent and very heavy at times bivvy bound again boring, boring, boring, We both wound the rods In to rest our spots ( Nick ) went over the other side of the lake to pay fishery manager ( Paul ) a visit  and I decided to catch a few more Zzzzzzzzzzzzz’s and It didn’t take long listening to the rain drops pelting the roof of my titan brolly

So evening was upon us once more, And being honest I ( Matt ) did consider a tactical change and the solid bag approach? But after long consideration I decided to continue using the same approach fishing Two rods on my ever faithful ( snowman ) presentations and my left hander on a Withy rig    
( Fizz ) 16mm washed out pop up and a 12mm Pink tipper

I still Intended Including the ( Hot Fish ) over the ( Withy rig ) so with the use of a throwing stick and catapult I Introduced a good helping of ( 16mm ) boilies, dumbells and chops on to the spot

Doing the same for the other Two rods the traps were set and the wait began again we retreated to the bivvy’s around 11.00pm what a contrast from the previous evening the lake was like a mill pond nil wind and all was quiet

 I lay on the bedchair listening out for potential water pigs but that did not last long and I was soon off to the land of nod once again

I awoke around 2.00am? And took a glance at my rods to see motionless bobbins I did feel a tad negative and despondent a few more hours and It would be daylight confidence was low indeed


I drifted off to sleep again for what I reckon was 30  / 40 minutes? Then out of the Blue without warning the receiver lit up like a Christmas tree due to the main road  behind my swim the volume was set on number Six the tone was pitched to say the least fish on


 I scrambled out of my bag and slipped Into my Crocs the rod was Piverting on top of the delkim a firm strike and the connection was made at last

I gave ( Nick ) a quick shout and he was soon on hand with the net a real plodder Is the only way of describing the encounter head up a big gulp of air and she was In the bag R E S U L T !!!

It was clearly a decent fish and easily a mid Twenty on Inspection me and ( Nick ) thought the capture was a fish known as the ( scar Mirror ) but we found out later In the morning It was not according to fishery manager ( Paul ) but certainly a fish I’ve seen before and I’m sure a fish I managed to capture on film a few weeks ago

On the scales It went 25lb we weighed the fish Three times to be totally assured, A proper old warrior my Third capture from Bears and my biggest capture to date If It wasn’t the ( scar Mirror )? It Is now the              ( Baby scar ) In which me and ( Nick ) both agreed to call It

What a fabulous end to a great session, Both of us nailing Two fish of 25lb a piece 

Until the next blog

Tight Lines and Happy Angling

                                                      Matt

This blog also comes with a video supplement

Myself ( Matt ) and angling buddy ( Nick Rudge ) are heading back to Burton - On - Trent and Bears Lake for a quick over night session

Were both putting ( No Wait On Baits ) latest creations the ( BF7 ) and ( Hot Fish ) through their paces once more

We arrived at the lake mid afternoon and were welcomed by fishery manager ( Paul Richardson ) In the car park, Then set off to do our traditional lap of the lake

For once the current bun was high and doing It’s bit In making It a very comfortable and enjoyable afternoon Indeed after stopping off In various swims and speaking to a few anglers who were already present and fishing we both decided to set up camp towards the furthest public access gate and In the final Two remaining swims which were at that end of the lake

As per usual he ( snowman rig ) was chosen but for a change the right hand rod ( Matt’s ) set up I decided to give the ( Withy Pool rig ) an outing this rod was being fished towards the central area of the lake after having a plumb about I found a lovely little spot a slight carpet of chod and weed covered the spot nothing of great concern and as this was also a field testing exercise as well as a session fishing a pop up over bottom baits would also give me a different option and presentation

Whilst rolling my bait for this session I took a slightly different approach regards shape I still brought along plenty of ( 16mm ) boilies to use whole and as chops but I also brought ( barrels ) and ( dumbells ) I thought this would bring something different to the dinner table I’m not sure If the Bears Lake Carp have seen many of these If any at all?

As 9.00pm set upon us the sunny afternoon we’d both enjoyed became a distant memory as the dreaded rain arrived again and Remained with us for the entire night. After a lengthly Carpy chat and a quick browse through Carp World I retreated to my bivvy Around 11.00pm

After an early start to the day It did not take me long to drift off In to a deep sleep, Two hours later I was awoken by a voice In the next swim screaming I’m In, First blood to ( Nick ) clutch tight and still taking line still Hmmmmmm any clues??? 

There’s only One fish that I know that does that! and that Is the Wels Catfish, Now ( Nick ) has never banked One of these fine specimens but that was soon to change

The typical fight eventally came to an end as the long black tail slowly sank Into the mesh of the 42” landing net. In the bag and Mr Rudge's wait Is over, The first Catfish he has ever banked and the first Catfish on a ( No Wait On Bait ) Product  '' CONGRATULATIONS ''

Delight all round what a fish we had special permission from fishery manager ( Paul ) to sack any early hour captures giving the fish plenty of time to recover and for us to hopefully get some decent photography

After the excitement of the monster Catfish and a few mugs of Coffee to celebrate
​( no expense spared ) we caught a few more Zzzzzzzzzzzz’s until day break

Another day ( Friday ) and yet more rain but fish activity was encouraging viewing numerous shows Carp head and shouldering and crashing with a late morning / lunch time departure planned the rods were staying put 

This paid off with another delkim singing proudly around noon the lads on a roll ( Nick ) was In again this time the target species obliged and a chunky Mirror In all It’s splender was soon on the mat

The Avon Scales Registered a shade under 20lb but looking at this stunning creature you’d have to agree It looked much bigger!

The variation and colours of the Bears Lake Carp are simply stunning !!!

That was that then, A dry net for ( Matt ) but seeing my old mucker ( Nick ) bank Two fine specimens was a treat Indeed good angling young man you deserve It !!!

Roll on the next session, Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed It

Tight Lines and Happy Angling
                                                       Matt

This blog also comes with a video supplement

It’s Wednesday ( 20. 6. 2012 ) myself ( Matt ) and angling buddy ( Nick Rudge ) are at last hitting the road again and heading off to Burton On Trent for a long awaited session on Bears Lake

I ( Matt ) have only fished this venue once which was way back In March ( Nick ) on the other hand has managed to get a few more sessions In and achieving some decent results we plan to stay until Friday afternoon giving us both some time and a good chance of winkling out a Carp or Two?

We both arrived at Bears Lake late afternoon with the weather conditions being very pleasant Indeed, But the forecast for Thursday and Friday looked totally the opposite waterproofs at the ready !!!

Most of our sessions this year have Involved field testing and this One was no different, This time putting
( No Wait On Bait's ) latest creation through It’s paces and on It's first outing

Introducing the (BF7)

After a good few laps around the lake and the wind constantly pushing down the One end we both decided to set up camp right In the teeth of It things looked very Carpy Indeed!

Vegetation was In full swing much different from the scene set In early March the lake looked stunning

A prime example we both Jumped Into a double peg not so much of a problem for ( Nick ) regards line lay, But for me ( Matt ) I took a leaf out of Jim Shelley’s book rod tips to the sky line

If I ( Matt ) had decided to fish at range I’d of probably decided to of fished a different swim but I was only targeting the marginal areas so I was more than happy to fish In this manner

As previously mentioned In the blog myself and ( Nick ) were testing a new bait called ( BF7 ) but not on all rods fishery manager ( Paul Richardson ) has been using ( No Wait On Bait's ) ( Fizz ) boilies for a few months now and kept It going In so the right hander and left hander would also be donning that bait also there’s not many places If any? That  myself and ( Nick ) visit and don’t use this bait

The Rig Is The Same As Usual ( Snowman Rig ) If You’ve Read Our Recent Blog? You’ll No That I ( Matt ) Have total confidence In It and unless circumstances prevent? Will use It any where

 A slight tweek this time around with the addition of a ( PVA ) bag packed full of crushed ( Fizz ) and
( Rocksalt ) reason being there Is a slight carpet of silt In Bears Lake nothing to worry about but the
​( PVA ) bag will Just cushion the business end of the rig on top of the silt leaving the hook mass free and ready to do It’s Job If and when? Mr Carp arrives

The only high light of what was a very quiet night on the angling front was a delicious BBQ, But things sprung Into action early doors Thursday morning for ( Nick ) not the Intended quest but a fish and a bend In the rod all the same

We never weighed It but A good 6 Or 7 Pound?

The rain as predicted did arrive and boy did It rain but being bivvy bound was never an option so we both Just braved the elements and ( Nick ) decided to go stalking

Me ( Matt ) also tagged along and keen to observe

( Nick ) loves this style of angling and being honest It was a pleasure and an education to watch him

Just as the light was fading and both of us were thinking of heading back to the main swims for dinner the stalking rod sprung Into action a free lined ( BF7 ) bottom bait fished tight to an overhanging bush was away

Real hit and hold stuff I can tell you with the braided mainline and gentle encouragement ( Nick ) guided his quarry away from danger and over the net cord

Result the first Carp of the session and the first ever Carp on the ( BF7 )

 ( Nick ) was delighted to say the least and I ( Matt ) was also pleased to see a Carp grace the bank and witness a capture on a new bait

Chinese for tea yum yum, Traps set and In the bivvy to see what the night would bring?

Sadly the only thing the night produced was yet more rain Is It really mid June ???

I ( Matt ) awoke early to the sight of rain drops dripping from motionless bobbins but what I didn’t know was that Mr Rudge had already braved the elements again and set out again with his stalking rod

Not long after the sound of heavy foot steps were heading my way

They were the footsteps of ( Nick ) clutching the mesh of his landing net and another prize In the bottom of It

Fish number Two on the ( BF7 ) excellent stuff my friend, Again we never weighed It but with out question another double

I don’t know If you can make out the slight Orange blemish under the chin on this fish? We both decided for these reasons to name this capture ( Tango ) quite fitting we thought

There you go another session and another blog, Were both hoping to do It all again next week ? Lets hope the weather Improves If we do manage to get out?

Thanks for reading Tight Lines and Happy Angling
                                                                                         Matt

This blog also comes with a video supplement

You know when you have One of those days, When every thing goes wrong and the stress levels sore, Well Saturday ( 24. 3 . 12 ) was One of those days

An early start was planned with arrival at the lake expected around 8.00 AM  when getting up Saturday morning I discovered that visibility  was very poor due to thick fog to make matters even worse a serious accident had been reported to have taken place on the M5 between Junctions 3 And 4

Which Is only a few minutes away from me the accident was very serious Indeed resulting In the motorway being closed so sitting tight was all me and fishing buddy ( Nick Rudge ) could do until the fog lifted

At last It did and we managed to get the Jeep loaded up and on the road to our destination not long Into our Journey and yet more bad luck the Jeep was making a right noise and struggling to maintain any power after pulling over we both tried to resolve the problem but couldn't cutting a long story short One of the callipers had stuck on the rear wheel

U turn and we were heading home we both started to think that something was trying to tell us not to go angling this weekend defeat was never an option though so not long after arriving back at home we unloaded the Jeep Into another vehicle and we were off again

Finally we had arrived  It was 6.30 pm by now  and we were greeted by fishery manager
​( Paul Richardson ) after a brief chat myself and ( Nick ) opted  to set up camp on the road side of the lake Which Is only a short walk from the car park by 8.00 pm we were both set up and fishing                                                           

The left and right hand rods were fished In the margins near over hanging trees using the ever faithful
( Fizz ) bottom baits and ( Appretite ) pop ups rigged up snowman style  I also chopped up a few boilies and peppered  them around both hook baits the middle rod was fished around 60 Yards Into open water hinged stiff rig was the rig choice for this rod using a bait which Is on It’s first outing It’s that new It has not even got a name yet

 The lake has a slight carpet of silt In It so after tweeking the pop up bait and getting It to slowly sink when cast to the chosen spot It will sit perfectly on top of the weed also on this rod I'd chosen to use the single hook bait approach I’m a big fan of this!

All rods out time to sit back and see what Saturday night brings?

Sunday morning had arrived and after a cool and damp night the night session had resulted for me
( Matt )  In a blank saying this I did experience plenty of bleeps through out the night on all of my rods liners? More so on the margin rods ( Nick ) was In the next swim to me on my right so time to get up and pay him a visit to see how his first night had gone? 

 I’d Just got to his swim and Mr Rudge was pulling out  A Carp sack from his margin 
( result mate? ) answer ( ” YES ” ) ( Nick ) explained he’d had a screamer of a run on his right hand rod which was fished In a marginal area pretty much the same as mine this all took place around 5.30 am and after a lively battle he slipped the net under his first Bears Lake Carp  It was very misty In the early hours he said so he sacked the fish up to get better quality stills In the morning


I must add we both have had permission to do this from ( Paul ) always check the Rules or ask the owner even more so If your fishing a new water for the first time!

I think all of you reading this would have to agree that Is a lovely looking Carp I must mention that the water clarity at Bears Lake Is excellent, And I think this Is a major factor In the Reason why all It’s residents look like this top result mate!

After consuming a delicious fried breakfast I soon switched my attention back to the Job at hand and that was trying to catch my first Bears Lake Carp

I didn’t change anything  much really leaving the left and right hand rods on the margin spots and the middle rod also on the same spot, But this time adding a few free offerings with the use of my Cobra throwing stick over my middle rod I sprayed 30 / 40 ( Fizz ) bottoms baits around my hinged stiff rig

The sun was high In the sky and after a cool start the temperature was rapidly Increasing, Scanning the water for signs of activity like I always do I spotted the odd patch of bubbles on the surface and even the odd show this always gives me  boost In confidence especially In late March

It's around 2.00pm  now and again I'm thinking of my stomach the old current bun Is still doing It's bit and the air temperature Is very pleasant Indeed now I was Just thinking of doing myself a nice bank side snack when bleep bleep bleeeeeeeeeep the delkim receiver lit up like a Christmas Tree I’m away on my right hand rod after a few strides I’m on It and I’m In!

What a fight fishing close In things were fast and furious but with the help of ( Nick ) my first Bears Lake capture Is over the net cord and In the bag!

I’m delighted to say the least the colours and condition of my prize were Just like ( Nick's  ) capture excellent

These fish In my opinion haven’t been caught many times, Like all captures It was checked over antiseptic used on the mouth / hook hold and returned back to It’s watery home

The weather stayed the same for the remainder of the day and with British summer time now beginning and clocks changing day light was still upon us come 8.00pm  I popped around to speak to ( Paul ) must of been around 7.00pm he was fishing opposite me on the other side of the lake

after a lengthly chat we both agreed It looked good for another bite and we both wondered what the night would bring? Tea finished around 8.30pm and come 9.00pm I was back In my bag I felt shattered must be all the fresh air and excitement of catching my first Bears Lake Carp?  After such a lovely day the temperature dropped considerably and we had another visitor on the lake    (JACK FROST)

 After a bite less night I was up at first light and was greeted to this

I was quite surprised to say the least how much the temperature had dropped on the Saturday night  
​ ( Paul  ) who was doing the Sunday night also said to me via text message It was that cold Sunday night the water In his kettle froze 

 After a slow pack away we were both ready to hit the road again for home around midday 

Myself and ( Nick ) really enjoyed our first session on Bears Lake and have another One planned very soon

Until the next blog Tight Lines and Happy Angling
                                                                                         Matt

This blog also comes with a video supplement