WINTER SOCIAL, DRAYTON RESERVOIR

October was the last time I ( Matt ) wet a line and that was over the channel In France

So when the chance of a day off work midweek popped up along with two other work friends a winter social was arranged and the venue chosen was Drayton


I hadn't visited Drayton for at least three years, Along with another good friend of mine ( Nick Rudge ) we purchased a winter ticket on that occasion and enjoyed some excellent sport!


Drayton has a superb track record during the winter and Is home to a large stock of Carp, Most of them being Mirror Carp and of mid double stamp


We left home around 5.30 am and set off on the forty minute to an long hour Journey depending on the traffic? with the hope of arriving Just as the gate had been unlocked, The traffic was not to bad at all and we arrived Just as the head bailiff Mark was leaving having opened up the lake for another day welcoming day ticket Carp anglers 

In traditional Drayton style the wind was blowing a proper hooligan and we began the session fishing on the left side of the reservoir, It was an area I ( Matt ) had caught well from before and I thought It was a good starting point, We were all travelling light so a move If needed? would not be a great deal of effort





Mark returned around 10.00 am to take our money and told me and the other lads to get ourselves over to the point ASAP,  He told us that the majority of the lakes stock were holding In that area at around 80 - 100 yards he'd fished It himself a few weeks ago In that area and had a very good days sport Indeed



Our approach rig wise were chod rigs, solid bags, and snowmans complemented with small stick mixes Mark said these presentations would be perfect no more encouragement was needed and we all started to get our kit together and make our way to the point



No sooner had we all settled In to our swims ( Tom ) one of the lads who Joined me on this social was Into the first Carp of the day and put the net under a small mirror of around six maybe seven pounds?



An added bonus to the day was having permission from Mark to angle Into the hours of darkness and It was Just as well as after ( Tom ) had bagged his early fish nothing else happened, But as darkness fell the bobbins began to rise and the alarms began to sing again with ( Dan ) the next to grab a piece of the action

DAN WITH THE BIGGEST OF THE SESSION

TOM'S SECOND OF THE SESSION

A lovely Carp In great condition, Shortly after and ( Tom ) was In again the Carp were beginning to become very active now

Another lovely scaley Mirror well done ( Tom )

BACK SHE GOES

Just before we all called It a day I ( Matt ) grabbed a piece of the action and bagged myself a Mirror of upper double stamp, It was a bit tatty around the mouth It had to be said, But It's body was In excellent condition!

MATT WITH A MID DOUBLE MIRROR

So their we have a very good day all round and It was so nice to be back behind the rods once again and Carp fishing

Until the next blog thanks for reading Tight Lines and Happy Angling
                                                                                                                                                             Matt

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