NAA Stillwater - Thatcham

1800 - 0300

Warm, still overcast evening - giving way to a chilly clear night after 2300 - temp down to 6ºC when I packed up.

5 Carp; 14lb 3oz, 9lb 14oz, 9lb 5oz, 8lb 8oz, 8lb 3oz. 2 Perch.

Failed attempt at an autumn crucian - though I did have a couple roll in the swim in the first hour or so as it got dark. All carp came to float tactics meant for the crus so took an age to land on 16s to 4lb bottoms (also lost 2 to hook pulls after lengthy battles). So spent most of the first 3 or so hours playing fish! Only one fish after 2230 - and that was the 14 at a little before midnight- but clearing skies and plummeting temps seemed to put the fish down - had no interest at all on floating crust in the margins which is MOST unusual for here. Had intended to stay until day break - but a total lack of action coupled with trouble staying awake made a warm bed a more preferred option.

Ugly looking leather!