Wednesday - The first non-frosty day for a couple of weeks, but with the ground bone hard, I was postponed from my gardening work. 1.5 hours lure fishing on the Kennet at Widmead. Looked lovely, at one point I did see the long body of a pike swim away from me near the bank, but despite swapping lures, speeds and swims, not a single knock. I could have moved on to the constant water temps of the Lambourn , but me being me I plumped for the canal at Hambridge where last year I found the roach holed up. This year, the water level is above the water spill, so the water was moving reasonably quickly and I managed no bites at all in 2 hours.

Tuesday - My usual 3pm work finish, so off to the syndicate with a ball of cheesepaste and roving tackle. Legered for a couple of hours into dark for brownies of 2lb 12, 2lb 14, 3lb 2, 4lb 8, 2lb 2, 1lb 15 and 2lb 4, along with a beautiful chub of 4lb 1. Having blanked last Wednesday, I had the first trout within a minute of casting out. Venue choice is everything  especially in winter. if only I'd listen to my own advice more.

One sad note: the rubber duck which has been lodged in the tree branches in my favorite swim for some months has gone. I'll miss you, ducky.