The first feeling of autumn. Despite a near 20-degree 3pm start and a stillness in the air, it was quite chilly and dewy as I packed up an hour after dark as the harvest moon was rising.

Anticipating fish on the surface, I aimed to repeat last Saturday's surprise catch with a foam zig rig. The carp weren't on show until I pinged in a few biscuits. Within two minutes I had 4 wheeling terns plus 3 moorhens and 2 coots in my swim waiting for the next ping. The carp were almost as quick on the scene, and a bird v fish battle commenced. Safe with the knowledge that my hook was 6 inches below bird-level, I pinged with impunity and had 2 commons of 6lb 12 and 7lb 12. Both very violent takes and massive fights for such comparatively small fish - maybe the sheer indignity of falling for half-inch stubs of foam drove them to greater strength. 

As if a switch had flicked, the carp stopped swirling and ignored any more biscuits, so I switched to method feeding on the bottom. The next two hours brought mirrors of 9lb, 11lb 10 and 8lb 15, plus a last cast common of 6lb 2.

A great fun evening.