FIVE THIRTIES IN BLISTERING HEAT
Surface tactics pay off at Linch Hill
APATIENT approach to surface fishing helped Paul Hargreaves amass an enviable Linch Hill haul.
The Manchester angler caught the stunning George’s Lin at 39lb 10oz, plus the Baby Perch common at 37lb, off the top in the heat at Christchurch, on the Oxfordshire complex.
He also caught fish of 36lb, 34lb, 32lb and three twenties.
Arriving at the lake on the hottest day of the year so far, Paul thought his session could be a tough one.
He told Carpfeed: “We arrived at the lake to bright blue skies, intense sunlight, pollen scattered across the still surface and big dark brown backs that broke the glass lid.
“The fishing was going to be difficult.”
A bite at first light the next day from a margin spot baited with tigers and Impulse Apex boilies boosted Paul’s confidence – but he knew if he was to catch consistently it would have to be from the surface.
“By 9am it was red-hot, and any chance on the bottom baits had now gone.
“The floater rod came out, and for the next few hours I baited with dog biscuits, Spombing mixers at 60 yards and catapulting mixers at 30 yards.
“The fish slowly but eventually took a liking to the floating biscuits. My approach would be to fish long at the 60-yard spot then, if I thought a better chance of a take was on the short line, I would slowly retrieve to that zone.
“My plan worked and I managed six fish off the top and another the following morning off the bottom.
“Eight fish in total in 36 hours, I was more than happy!” added a delighted Paul.
“I managed six fish off the top and another next morning off the bottom. Eight fish in total in 36 hours – I was more than happy”