Keynsham AA held their annual double-header match at Boyd Valley lake, Bitton, nr Keynsham.
Despite the overnight drop in temperature, the conditions on the day were reasonable and dry.
I drew peg 6 in the first match, fishing from 9am til 1pm. I had the choice of a chuck to the end of the island in front of me, deep water at 5+ metres or the margins with no reeds.
With no rigs set up for deep water I started off on the method feeder tight to the island with meat, corn and hemp going into the left-hand margin to get that line ready for later.
After 30 minutes with no joy on the method I switched to the pole line.
I managed to hook a few small roach but with a double 6 elastic and 5lb Maxima line straight through to a 14 hook, I was lucky not to bump more than I did.
Then the float dipped and this time it moved off with a thud. I knew it was a good fish but had no idea how good until it tore off into the middle of the lake and a few sections of pole had to be added.
After a 20 minute battle and a lot of fingernail-biting moments I was able to bring the head of the fish up to the surface and slipped the net under a nice mirror carp. My Preston landing net was only just big enough to scoop the fish out but it did the job.
That was to be the only carp I managed to land as I missed out on another later on, this time switching to a lighter set-up on the pole.
A single 6 elastic, Drennan tuff-eye float, on a 4lb mainline and 2.2lb bottom finished with a size 20 hook and single red maggot. The roach were on the feed until a solid take stretched the elastic once more.
With time ticking I made the silly mistake of giving it a bit more welly than it needed and the hook length snapped.
With nothing coming from the method line all day and no other large fish showing, the "All-out" cry sounded the end of the first match.
My silvers came to just 1lb 5 1/2 oz, meaning my carp had to make up the weight. It certainly did, tipping the scales round to 13lb 9oz and setting a new personal best fish to date.
Even more rewarding was landing it on the pole!
Unfortunately the fish got returned before a photo opportunity could be taken but it was enough to get me 3rd place, narrowly missing out on 2nd by 6 1/2oz,
A lesson learned on being more patient even with light tackle.
The winner bagging 25lb 11oz two pegs round from me on peg 8, catching consistently on the method/feeder between the islands.
I wasn't able to fish the afternoon match but the weight improved and the same angler who won the first match showed his good form and improved on his total.
My peg produced a further 22lb in the afternoon for the angler who drew it.
Whilst the weights were not of the usual size, some good fish were landed and the weather held up well.
To fish this lake, see their website: http://www.boydvalleylake.co.uk/
For the full results from both matches, go to http://www.keynsham-angling.co.uk/matches.htm
