River Kennet - Padworth

1630 - 2230

Warm (ish) and overcast becoming quite breezy and rather cool. River 'full' and looking in very fine fettle.

3 Barbel; 9lb 11oz, 9lb 0oz, 5lb 3oz. 21 Dace.

A game of 2 halves! Again I found myself introducing Paul to a new venue on his recently acquired TAA book. The plan was to have 3 hours trotting in order for Paul to have a good explore then fish into darkness on the lead. A plan that was nearly executed to perfection. We both found lots of silver fish - dace were of a good stamp and Paul's catch (he had an identical number of dace) was added to with a roach or 2, a couple of chublets and some gudgeon. The 2 swim's I'd earmarked for our more sedentary half of the evening were both gratifyingly free. These are both swims where I've done well in the past, are quite close together and I really couldn't decide which I wanted, so being the gentleman ( ) I let Paul have first dibs. Unfortunately for him it was an incorrect call! Withing 5 mins of casting out I was into a 9lb barbel - with Paul, still with trotting rod in hand, summoned to witness and assist. Another 9lber next cast, followed within the hour by the smaller fish - with still 2 hours before we were due to pack up (and - usually the best time) I was thinking I could be on for quite a haul - but I had no more bites. Paul, alas, had no bites at all!!