28th March

Mirror carp

Fishing again at Brooms. Although colder than last time it felt warmer, as wind was light from E/S.

Fish very much on the feed and everyone catching.  I had 14 carp (5 mirrors) and one barbel, all but one on margin pole next to NW corner.  Most fish on meat, but worm also scored well when they got finicky.  Good run of mirrors mid-afternoon 3lb, 4lb, 5lb and 4lb with 3lb+ barbel around the same time.

Heard first chiffchaff of summer.  Blue tit stripping rush heads right next to me but not willing to pose for photo.

20th March

Good weather and so first fishing trip of the year to Broom's, although actually quite a chill wind there.

Barbel

Fished pole on meat in the margins on swim 79 of F1 pond.  Three small golden commons short of 2lb and two barbel between 3.5 and 4lb, confirmed by John as hen fish.  These two were in excellent nick and fought like crazy for several minutes.  Apparently a surprising number of barbel are being caught in matches for the time of year, but mainly on the tip.

Lots of carp splashing about in the middle but didn't get the feeling they were feeding.  Short walk to check for birdlife but no sign apart from a few magpies and calling buzzard.