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.