24 July 2016 – Catch Report from: Mark & party

With very high temperatures & pressures, the fishing was tricky but carp to 31lbs and cats to 93lbs were banked.

This week we welcomed Mark and his 16 yr old son Mason along with friends Eddie and Karl for their first trip to the venue. With the weather forecast to be hot, and getting hotter, the lake’s temperature was bound to shoot through the roof and I knew that bites would be hard won this week. After 3 days with temperatures above 35C, they’d had 4 chances and been smashed, broken or cut off 3 times by both our carp and cats but had managed to bank one catfish. I knew it was very important for Mark that his son went home with a fish this holiday so it was a huge relief that it was Mason that banked the 60lb catfish. He played it from island point solo (with a little coaching from his dad). Mason was absolutely buzzing with his new PB and told me all about just how hard it fought.

With cooler temperatures forecast, I knew that they’d have more chances towards the end of the week and so Karl proved with a massive 93lb cat taken inches from the snake bank and a 31lb mirror taken very early on the last morning. Karl’s had carp to 49lbs before now but nothing can possibly prepare you for the battle that is hooking one of our big cats. Karl had the fight of his life with this catfish and despite the fact that he is a very fit and strong guy, his arms and back were totally shot afterwards. I was really impressed by Karl’s attitude to the session and his quiet, diligent and thorough approach paid off handsomely when the conditions eased. He created and converted two chances from very little which was great to see.

Unfortunately, Eddie and Mark got smashed up by the only fish they did hook and despite their best efforts couldn’t create second chances. Both guys are experienced anglers but Beausoleil is a challenging water in tough conditions and our carp and cats make quite a formidable team. It was a pleasure to meet them and spend some time on the bank with them.