I have many return clients but the Bristol lads were the first group to return for trip three. Their first trip was March 2012. They came back in October last year, and re-booked during that time to do a ten day trip in May of this year. In fact they like the holiday I provide so much, they have re-booked another ten day trip in November later this year.

I will be taking bookings from the begininning of October up until the middle of December this year. I caught my 46lb common in late December and it does fish really well all year round.

I took the Bristol lads to a spot I know is good when the water level is high – a nice secluded bay. It already had anglers present – a rarity on a Monday morning, so we moved further round to the entrance to the bay and found a great stretch that looked even better. I had fished here in March of this year in fact.

I kitted the boys out with the usual kit but new SKS landing nets from Sonik were given to each angler. They were soon in their swim of choice and the Uber trailer was soon set up and the first ‘big sandwich’ lunch was being prepared. I gave the lads 15kg of Vitalbaits Krill-am boilies to start with in three sizes from 14-24mm. They also were given a large 15kg bucket of freshly prepared particle.

After they had picked their fishing spots, some recommended by myself, I left them to decide on their distance and to walk out the rods to the same distances. I did also suggest they try a long range rod in the daytime too as the fish do often move or pass through, in deeper water.

The boys decided to have a little competition amongst themselves. I wasn’t fishing as I have more than enough to do with three clients on the bank. There were six prizes up for grabs all worth 10 euros each, so henry was pleased when he had the first carp of the trip which was a 22lb 14oz common. No-one could take that prize away from him.

Over the next few days Henry and Paul B had a few more fish with Paul taking a lovely mirror of 23lbs. Paul H was having a little difficulty keeping his carp on his hook though and his first four carp were sadly dropped. Fortunately his luck was to change as he changed his tactics slightly. Using a hinge rig with a bright orange tutti pop-up, and a larger hook, he soon had his first fish on the bank. His third fish was the first thirty of the trip and a beautiful mirror weighing 30lb 11oz.

Paul H was soon catching Henry who had gone into a healthy lead. Henry’s swim seemed to temporarily go off the boil, and Paul took full advantage.

The fish kept coming, but the lads did lose a lot of fish. They know it, and they know I know it. Some were down to being too slow to react to the fish, some were from being too slow to get to the take, and some were down to inexperience. When a fish wants line and there are no dangers or snags, you let the fish have line. Having clutches set properly, and using your legs to walk as you play the carp, are all important factors in the winning the battle.

Needless to say – the boys do come to Brava for a holiday, and the fishing is the bonus aspect of that holiday.  Paul H took five of the prizes including total weight, most fish, biggest mirror, biggest common, and smallest carp.  Paul H had been leading the total weight competition for three days up until the final morning, when Henry caught a precious 20lb 10oz mirror. Henry was now only 4oz’s ahead of Paul H with four minutes to go.Paul H then had a drop back from his long range spot and landed a 16lb 8oz common taking back the title.

Their final tally of fish was 37 fish to 35lbs. They should really have caught about 50 fish but maybe they will redeem their losses when they return in November for their fourth holiday with Sierra Brava Dreams.

The lads opted for the chauffeur (complete with cold lager onboard) transfer option, from and to Madrid airport. They stayed in my house on night one, as they arrived very late, and we were on the lake by 10am the next morning. Most of the fish were caught in the morning or throughout the daytime. None of the fish were caught in the hours of darkness. We fished the final night and stopped fishing at 11.30am and were off the lake by 12pm.

Back soon with another report.

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

Introducing "Sierra Brava Dreams" - Guided Fishing Trips with Jake Langley-Hobbs. Jake was 42 years old yesterday and to celebrate is offering this amazing offer to anglers for the last remaining week in May.
16th-23th of May (Thurs-Thurs) is still available for up to four anglers in May on a first come, first served basis.
Take advantage of Jake's very special birthday deal ** available for this remaining week only, for groups of two or more anglers. 

ONLY 550 pounds per person. 

Take advantage of my crazy birthday offer deal worth £££££ off per angler. Package includes everything stated on website PLUS 42% off boilies, 42% off particle blend, and 42% off all cold drinks. 

5kg of Vitalbaits normally 50 euros. With offer  - 5kg is 29 Euros
Particle Blend normally 2 euros a kilo. With offer - 1kg is 1.16 Euros
Cold drinks normally 1 euro each. With offer - 1 drink is 0.58 Euros

A 175 pounds deposit per angler secures booking. (non-refundable)

Remaining balance must be paid 4 wks before arrival date. 

**Angler responsible for flight/transfer costs (4 transfer options available). Flights from Gatwick with EasyJet are very convenient.


Just turn up with your terminal tackle and a sleeping bag!!

Go to Make Contact page for bookings/enquiries. 

OFFER ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL END OF THIS WEEK 21/04/2013

Barry Aldridge from Marbella returned to Sierra Brava for his second visit. Barry visited Brava last May for a weekend trip, and time permitting was always keen on a return visit. 
In May of last year Barry was met by active carp, and fine weather. This time however, things were a little different for the salesman. 
The plan was to start on Friday morning but as more bad weather was planned, I instructed Barry to arrive as early as possible on Thursday evening. As soon as he arrived we ate a quick meal in my house and then made our way to the lake.
Travelling to the lake in the dark is not a practice I opt for, but as Barry was only here for the weekend, and the weather forecast was really terrible, I was keen to get to the lake, and eager to get set up. We managed to find a break in the weather, and by 1am the rods were out, shelters were erected, and we had made it safely to the intended destination. 

The lake had risen considerably since I had last been at the lake which was only a few days. The ground was incredibly wet and we now had a new bay to fish - an area I fished heavily in 2011 with very good results. I got Barry to fish close in as I know the slope is a good area for the fish to feed on.
The rain fell most of the night and most of Friday. The lake kept rising and the fishing remained slow. The fishing has been badly affected by the rising water levels throughout March, with the fish occasionally switching on, and switching off again, just as quickly. 
Despite difficult cross winds I got Barry to get his rods sorted, and in position for the coming night. Barry was using a throwing stick for the first time, but he developed his own unique style, and soon got to grips with it. The rods were set and dinner was on.
Barry had a take during the night and we were soon weighing the first fish of the session. I told Barry from the off that we were going to have to work hard for any fish. I was delighted that Barry was off the mark and with a 27lb common too. A fine fish to start. Barry then had a take at 9am and landed carp number two - a very plumb 19.5lb common - pictured above. The fish are fairly spawn bound at present so once the water reaches the right temperature the fish will be busy spawning.

Barry then had take number three. This powerful fish took off with great power but sadly after coming to the surface, some sixty yards out, the hook then pulled. Barry had opted to bring his new reels with him and being slightly unfamiliar with them, the clutch was set too tight. A lesson learned for Barry though. It is never pleasant to lose a strong fish, but as long as one learns from the experience, then the loss isn't in vain.
The action then slowed as the rain started again the following morning. We packed up in the pouring rain and only just managed to get off the lake. The muddy track we passed to get to the swim on Thursday, was now completely hidden under water. I had to tackle the submerged and treacherous ground in my 4x4 and fortunately the Navara pulled through.

After very difficult conditions Barry went home with three takes and two fish landed. It could quite easily have been a totally different ending. So we were both pleased with the end result. I think Barry may return in the summer for a long weekend in the sunshine with some cold beers and lean hard fighting carp. If the equipment has dried out by then - I will give you a shout Barry!

Cheers
Jake Langley-Hobbs

Customer Brian, from Denmark, had a Sierra Brava Dreams holiday to remember when he returned to Sierra Brava for his second trip in seven months. His first trip last September saw him return home with a new PB common carp. On the plane over from Denmark, Brian set himself three goals. To catch a Brava mirror carp, a 30lb common, and hopefully a lifetime personal best. Brian wasn't leaving anything to chance!!
Brian hired a car from Madrid airport and was at my house on time. Immediately we set off, just taking the 4x4, which allowed us to be more mobile, without the trailer.
The first hurdle became obvious as the water had risen about one metre in height since I had left the lake, just days earlier. The route I wanted to take was now impassable. The second issue was there was a competition on. My second swim of choice was pegged for the competition. I now had to raise my game if Brian was to get the result he was after.

I decided to venture back to the other side of the lake. We had now driven almost 40 kilometres and we had two and a half hours of light left. I headed for an area known as Casa Torres. I suggested areas to Brian and we were soon set up. Dinner was on, and the rods were in place as darkness fell. What would night one bring?

The next morning we were met by Jack Frost. The guys fishing to our left had not had much joy since they had arrived. Three days for one fish. The lake it seemed had not quite resumed normal service, after heavy rainfall and rising levels.Suddenly Brian was in. His rod placed in deeper water took off with no warning and he was soon posing for a photo with the pretty common to the left. It was the start we were after. A fish!
Normally Casa Torres is a good area but something did seem amiss, despite our one fish. I was already contemplating a move and suggested to Brian that we gave it till the following morning.

I have never had a visit from the Guardia when I have been with clients. I have only seen them once in fact, in three years. It was no surprise then, that they arrived during a nice sunny Friday afternoon, on trial bikes. What better way to spend a few hours, than riding around a lake, checking licenses, in the sunshine. No fines were issued for the bivvies and all was in place. In fact the only issue was the fact I didn't have my dogs passport with me!!! In future I will carry it your honour...

The following morning we packed up and I drove to an area known as the finish. News here was grim. Hardly a soul had caught. In fact it seemed the lake was fishing poorly all over. Brian and I walked around the bay. I checked we could cross the river in the 4x4 and I decided we should head for a swim on part of the river section of the lake with the hope of picking up passing fish. The plan was set.
Within two hours the rods were out and food was being prepared for the night. I had done a quick bit of depth plumbing before we chose some spots, and once Brian was happy - I left him to it.

Things suddenly seemed to switch on, as our neighbours were into a fish. Then the anglers over the other side of the river section were in. Fish suddenly starting showing. Brian was looking more confident. I was waiting for the inevitable take. And it came - bang on cue. 

After a good fight and after being skillfully played out by Brian I netted the carp above. 16kg was the weight which was the personal best he was hoping for. There was more to come though for Brian. He made the effort, travelling all the way from Denmark, and he really deserved his results. Later that night he had two more fish. A 12.2kg mirror, which was then followed by a new Sierra Brava Dreams client common carp record weighing 17.15kg. To top it off Brian had two more commons with his last fish weighing 15.45kg. 

All the fish were caught on Vitalbaits Krillam boilies fished about 50-60 yards from the bank in depths ranging from 12-35 ft. 
It just leaves me to say well done to Brian. I had to raise my game to get you your results but it worked out in the end. That is what good guiding is all about I guess!

Cheers

Jake Langley-Hobbs

NOW IN STOCK!!!

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These cool t-shirts are available in the carrot and olive green colour, in sizes M, L, and XL. 

Obsessive Carp Disorder only use the finest quality for their garments. 100% pre-shrunk heavy guildan cotton products. 

Priced at 17.50 euros plus postage. 
Order yours now, through the Make Contact page, or call 0034618669188 for full details.

Jo Green and Mike Whitford made the journey from Reading last week to Extremadura in Spain, for a week's guided carp fishing to remember. 
Mike and Jo are experienced anglers and well travelled, regularly venturing to destinations as far away as Thailand and Canada. This would be there first trip to Extremadura so I was delighted that Jo kept me in mind when she booked with SBD at the end of last year.

They have experienced some fantastic fishing on their many holidays. And although their holiday at Sierra Brava got off to a flying start, the carp won't be the only reason this holiday will stick in their minds, till they return at the end of October, for another week's fishing with Sierra Brava Dreams. They were both treated to some pretty spectacular weather!!

We started off fishing where I knew there would be plenty of fish passing through, and held up. The weather forecast was accurate and we were certainly in for a drop of rain, or three! Mike and Jo wasted no time getting set up and the rods were soon cast to areas I recommended to the duo. Sadly Jo Green had a slight handicap and her left eye was playing up, giving her problems with her sight, but she never complained and soldiered on regardless.
Just after we had finished the first hot meal of the trip, Mike was in, and the first carp was already in the net. What a promising and expected start.

After twenty four hours had passed the deadly duo had banked ten fish. It is fair to say that the lake was fishing well, but coupled with the pair's obvious talent, they were making the most of the situation. After each capture the rod was soon back on the spot, and more bait was put out. This is how you need to fish in these conditions to take advantage of the volume of passing carp. 
As night two approached, I commented to Mike that I thought we would be in for a very busy night as the conditions looked so favourable. Imagine our surprise in the morning when no more chances had come our way.

The weather seemed to be on the turn but the change was taking its time. The previous day was blowing an easterly with heavy rain, but the wind was swinging round and we were in for some rough weather. Perfect weather if anything, however, the influx of water that was entering the lake was to be the spanner in the works. The water temperature dropped and the water rose - quickly.

Mike and Jo were still plugging away and trying new tactics, and even tried casting two rods to new areas. However, when the lake is fishing, generally these tactics are not necessary, and both anglers knew it. The following day we did manage two more fish from the regular spots, but with cold water still entering the lake, and more bad weather on its way - I decided on the Thursday morning that a move was in order.
Mike and Jo wasted no time and within 90 minutes we were on our way. We had some wet terrain to tackle in the 4x4 and it would have been an impassible journey without my Navara pulling away. The loaded trailer is heavy and in some places, deep and treacherous gullies had formed. We even had to cross through two raging torrents of water - impossible in a car.
As soon as we had decided on the new swim, breakfast was on the way. Mike and Jo were so easy to get on with, and we were all enjoying each others company immensely. The wind turned as expected as we got everything set up, but none of us were really prepared for what was about to happen.

After lunch we were hit by a bad storm. We all survived and afterwards the sun shone through. Fish had started to show in the area we were set up in, so confidence was high. The move had been a good move.

As we chatted away and the kettle went on for another cup of tea, another storm could be seen, making its way rapidly across the lake towards us. A white wall of water was fast approaching. We were hit by storm number two, yet this one made the first one look like its baby brother. Eighty kilometre per hour winds and driving rain smashed into the camp and all we could do was hold on for dear life. Some equipment took a proper battering!

We all survived and once we had put everything back together, and Flash my dog, had stopped hiding behind Mike, fishing resumed. Three chances came their way over the next twelve hours and apart from the first one that took Mike by surprise, the other two were successfully landed. 
The BlackHawk Gore-Tex jackets that I kitted Mike and Jo out with, were certainly put to good use, and kept the couple dry. There is nothing worse than being wet and miserable. If you are dry - you can put up with most things.

Sunday was soon upon us and it was sadly time to begin packing up. In spite of the horrendous weather, the hardy couple really enjoyed the week, and certainly saw the potential of Sierra Brava. So much so, that they are both returning at the end of October to feature in the promotional film, being directed and shot by Mike Salisbury. Hopefully they will also be accompanied by their friend Paul.

The photo to the left shows how quickly the water rose during our stay in the second swim we fished. When we arrived the water was at least 15 feet away from the trailer wheels! Once again my 4x4 saved the day as we were able to pull it out of the soft mud created by the rising lake levels.

Mike and Jo did bring some of their own bait with them, but half of their fish were also caught on the Vitalbaits Krillam boilies. I have been using these since the beginning of February, so I knew they would work well.
Mike and Jo ended the week with fifteen takes and fourteen carp landed to 28.5lbs. It could have been such a different result but in both ways. They could have caught more, they could have caught less. That ladies and gentlemen is why it is called fishing. The one thing I will say about the pair, is they never stopped trying, and never once did they look like they wanted to throw in the towel. I think the picture below sums up the week perfectly!

All that remains me to say is well done Mike and Jo. You braved the storm and you both came out shining!
See you both in October for round two.

Cheers Jake Langley-Hobbs and Flash.

There has been much going on since my return to Spain after my overdue Christmas break in the UK. With a gap before my first clients arriving, I knew I had plenty of time to try out a few new ideas - all with my clients in mind.
I never forget the simple fact that my clients are coming on a holiday, and I am always keen to give them 'a holiday to remember.' I am upping the stakes a little this year by adding a few new items to the list of things clients will get to use during their stay. 

I bought back new rods from the UK. Sonik Sports have launched a new range - the XTR. This is available in SK4 and SK3 models, in various test curves, with two different butt ring sizes, and 13ft rods available. I chose the SK4 XTR 3.5lb/tc 13ft model. I am very happy I did as it is turning out to be a brilliant choice. 
Part of my reason for trying this model is to see what the rods are like at playing fish at close range. You might think a 3.5lb/tc rod would be too stiff, but in this case - you would be wrong. Sonik have got these rods spot on. They are very soft in the tip, and having the extra foot to play with, gives me the confidence to stop a fish trying to bury its head in the trees! Don't be fooled into thinking they are just for playing fish though. The power from these rods comes from the butt section, and the two sections together, work in harmony with each other beautifully. Later in the year I will be buying the SK3 XTR range in the 3lb version, to replace the current SK3 2.75lb/tc rods that I currently supply my clients with.

At the beginning of last season I began using a new boilie from Vitalbaits. The Banana GLM boilie accounted for many of my clients carp last year, but banana is a flavour of boilie that gets used in various forms at Sierra Brava, and there is that popular saying. "You can have too much of a good thing!"
I decided this year to get on a new bait that Nicky Hedin of Vitalbaits has started producing. The Krillam boilie is the new creation and after Nicky started selling Krillam liquid last year, he took it one stage further and came up with the new boilie. On my first session using it I had incredible results for the time of year. Over a three night session I racked up thirteen takes, landing eleven carp to 24lb 12oz. Nine of the fish were over 20lbs in weight.

There is no doubt about it. This boilie gives off the right signals to the fish and on my first session I didn't use too much either.
I was soon back on the bank with a forecast of rain and mild overcast weather. I was into fish straight away and ended up having a really terrific three night session. I had eleven takes and landed ten of the fish. Five of the carp weighed over 30lbs in weight, with the last three carp being 30lb 1oz, 39lb 7oz, and 31lb 10oz. This in fact happens to be my most successful short stint at Sierra Brava for the average size of fish. It was so enjoyable. Krillam bait it is then for 2013! 

The Krillam bait will be available in 14, 20, 24 and 30mm sizes and priced at 50 euros for five kilos. There is a Krillam liquid but Nicky actually suggests not using it with this boilie as the attractor levels are already sufficient. It is very refreshing when a bait manufacturer is thinking about your catch results, rather than just making a profit. 

Keeping my clients content on their holiday is fairly easy. The fishing is generally consistent, their appetites are well catered for, and the scenery is always breathtaking. The weather though you can't predict, and even in the warmer months, the odd patch of wet weather can take people by surprise. I have been looking at supplying my clients with  waterproofs for a while now, but there isn't any point giving them a jacket, if it isn't better than there own one. Part of the reason I want to do this is to give them more space in their luggage for sun tan lotion on the way out, and duty free on the way home!
I have been researching products and think I have come up with the best possible solution. I recently bought a product in the US, had it shipped over, and tested it on my last wet session. I am chuffed to say the product passed with flying colours. My plan is now to buy four more in L and XL sizes, so all clients will have a Gore-Tex jacket to protect them from wet weather when it does occur. Next year I will extend the range and buy Gore-Tex trousers to match.

My other plan is to buy 4-piece sleeping bag systems for clients to use during their holiday. Again, this will mean not having to bring your own. These incredible sleeping bags have a Gore-Tex cover, two actual sleeping bags, and a drawstring stuff sack. They are military spec. and as they easily fit in my washing machine, you can be guaranteed a freshly laundered bag on your arrival.
I already use this fantastic sleeping system myself. It is incredibly warm, and does the job all year through, although you can just use one of the liners if so desired. There is a green bag for summer, a black bag for the winter, or the two can be combined for when its freezing. 
These are already being bought for my clients as they are a special order product and by the summer I will hold four in stock for clients to use, along with the Gore-Tex jackets already mentioned and pictured to the left.
Sierra Brava Dreams clients have got loads to look forward to in the coming months. New bait, new equipment, new food on the menu, and I am certain of more new personal bests. Please get in touch through the Make Contact page for bookings.

Finally I will leave you with the pictures of my recent carp from Sierra Brava. I have my first clients arriving this weekend so I am all prepared and eager to get started.

Jake has recently teamed up with car hire firm Sixt to enable clients who book a car at Madrid airport, to take advantage of preferential rates. In these tricky financial times, when we all have to watch the pennies, every little helps; and with so many car hire firms out there, Jake chose carefully to make sure his clients will get a good deal.

Clients wishing to book car hire should contact Jake first. He will give you all the details you need to take advantage of the preferential rates on offer from Sixt car hire.

Jake Langley-Hobbs

I have just had a fantastic couple of weeks at Sierra Brava. Firstly with returning clients, Ian and Roy Gowar; and then fishing with my pal Craig Reid. The scousers Ian and Roy, sadly could not be accompanied by Neil on this occasion. The three guys, father and two sons, fished really well in March, with Roy taking an impressive 36.5lb common setting a new client PB in the process. The lads were keen to return.

They chose this week deliberately for the fact it would be late in the year and a full-moon phase – on my recommendation. Once again they chose to hire a car with Sixt – who do a very good deal with fuel and damage waiver included for 150 euros for a week. The Gowars had opted to stay on another day with me and were beginning on Saturday. It is not the best time to start a session as the lake can be busy with weekend anglers, but the pair were aware of this. They arrived on cue just before midday, and after greetings and a quick discussion, we set off for the lake.

We had a decision to make before we set off. We could target the area I had been focusing on since October – or try another area. One slight niggling doubt was whether or not we would actually make it to the swim anyway, as the track has got ridiculously muddy. The combined weight of my trailer and 4 x 4 is about 6 tonnes. No easy object to push once stuck. We all decided to go for it.

After one very sticky slow moment we eventually made it to the intended swim. There were anglers opposite but I told the lads they would no doubt leave the following day and it appeared there was a small competition happening. It wasn’t going to affect us though as they were being quiet and considerate and as it is a public lake – they have every right to be there. I also explained that the lines in the water would probably push the fish out to the middle so we all stood a chance of catching anyway.

I gave Ian and Roy their equipment and they got busy setting up. I advised them where to fish and at what distances and left them to it. Having repeat clients is always a joy as you already know their abilities. All they needed was their bait (VitalBaits OR-O boilies) and they were ready to cast out for their first night back at Brava.

The lads had invited me to fish alongside them. This is not something I do unless asked, so after sorting out their lunch, I got my own stall ready. I put myself in what I classed, as the least attractive swim, as I obviously want my clients to catch more than me!  We also decided to have a little wager! Most weight, biggest mirror, biggest common, and smallest fish.

Because the Gowars had rebooked – I gave them some free boilies, along with their bait for the week. They both started off with 15kg of OR-O boilies in 20 and 24mm, 15kg of particle mix, and some 15mm baits to add to their spomb mix. Because there were other anglers opposite, I told them to go easy on the baiting on night one. You never know how much other people have put in, and in all honesty I told the boys that the real session would begin the following day – once the other anglers had left. If we caught on night one, and on a Saturday night – it would be a bonus.

Not surprisingly it wasn’t till 4pm the following day when we had our first take. I told the lads to decide out of both of their two rods, one to put out long-range in the day. The wind started to hack into our swim and it looked prime for some action. Roy was off the mark!  The lads were happy!

Over the next 24 hours another five or six fish were landed. Roy started to get a good average size of fish and caught a stunning mirror on his long-range rod weighing 25lb+. I was picking the odd fish up and it was just Ian who needed to get in on the action after sadly losing his first fish to a snag. The fish very kindly deposited the hook into a branch. That’s fishing on a public lake!

I suggested Ian move his rods out another ten yards as I figured it might produce more action. It worked and he was soon off the mark with two carp in quick succession. The wind was continuing to lash the shoreline and it was turning into a good winter session.

Half-way through a week session I normally return home to pick up supplies and requested items for clients etc. On Tuesday evening after a good meal I got my head down for some sleep. Tomorrow would be a busy day. I was woken by Roy at 2.30am informing me that Ian had caught a 45lb carp. Normally I hear most runs and in fact I heard Roy’s earlier fish. Ian’s however I didn’t. With new clients I try to help as much as possible during the night, but I told the competent Gowars to work as a team on this trip as I knew it would make the whole experience more memorable for the pair, without the guide whinging advice in their ears!!

As it turned out – Ian had landed his new pb carp all on his own and I am sure he was pleased he did. When he noticed the tail was still hanging out of the net, he knew he had landed something big and with his previous pb being 31lbs – he was sure he had a new one in the net.

I was soon assisting and we weighed the fish to confirm and got it safely into a retainer in deep water. Ian and I shared a celebration cup of tea; then I left him with his thoughts for the rest of the morning. Not surprisingly he didn’t sleep at all, as he was checking his prize was safe and well!

After the photos were done at first light the fish was returned by the proud captor. Roy was the previous holder of the biggest fish for an SBD client; now his son holds the title, and I am sure father Roy is proud to keep the title in the family. The Gowars are returning for their third trip next year so maybe Neil will lift the crown in 2013?

I returned from my village with fresh supplies. The lads decided to go for an Iberica Paleta – a cured shoulder of the black pig – famous to Spain. This isn’t included in the package but it is an optional extra. I am fairly competent at preparing and cutting fine slices and it was enjoyed to say the least.

The action continued almost all the way to the end of the week. In total between the three of us – we caught 30 carp to 45lb 4oz. The biggest common was 27.5lb. The total weight was shy of 560lbs, and Ian had the smallest fish – a successfully spawned fin perfect fish weighing 4lbs odd. Don’t forget – Sierra Brava is a public lake and the fish spawn successfully each and every year. The number of fish in Brava reaches the tens of thousands. You can’t guarantee every fish is a stunning 45lb 4oz mirror and I would never print otherwise! I don’t sell my holidays on the size of fish…

Well done and see you next June - don't leave Neil behind this time!!

Jake Langley-Hobbs