I've combined three sessions, none of which really deserved a post in their own right. Everyone I've spoken to bankside say they've found catches sketchy of late. Well, I suppose the weather has been Spring-like (albeit we are a week from midsummer day), and let's face it, we've all had spawning on the mind. Maybe its a good argument for adhering to the traditional close season. On the other hand, it's been lovely to ditch the gloves and thermals and absorb the sun like the grass snake that swam a few feet from me at Dobsons. I would not have wanted to miss the cuckoo that has been calling for 6 weeks now nor the occasional sight of the kingfisher piercing air above the water.

My first trip to Willows for some weeks saw the carp on the surface. I snagged a 6lb-er on a zig before switching to a float in the margins for the evening. This brought no bites at all, but seeing a shoal of carp playing on the surface at twilight, I pinged a method feeder their way. Within minutes, the 8lb hook link proved no match for the power of a sudden violent take, the bolt from the angered fish causing four of its shoal mates to jump clear of the water. Note to self: maybe set the bait runner to reduce the potentially terminal effect of such an instant surge: the hook lins seemed good when tested, but that's a few that have snapped in the middle at the initial take.

Friday. A whole day at Dobsons. Having landed 2 Commons at just over 6lb each before 6am I anticipated a good day. But in strong sun and blustery winds I only managed a modest bream and a handful of roach in the rest leaving me bitter and twisted.

Saturday. A bonus day when the joyous Covid infection of a family member cancelled by planned trip. Two bites at Willows, one a hard fighting 12lb 14 Mirror, the other a 7lb 4 Common on a day where no one seemed to be catching much, and the wind buffeted my body and soul.