Swan Lake

First light out the door and scraping the car minus 4 on the dashboard. I must be mad. Anyway off to Butters fearing the worst and as I passed eyes right confirmed a mass of ice. Pulled into the car park and took a stroll. At a distance a stretch of clear water and anglers could be seen long the rocks and up to the overflow in the corner. Many a madman ahead of me. Well dashing for the last remaining peg it was almost shoulder to shoulder 10 anglers in a row. Anyway 3 hours and not a touch. Baliff turned up and chased a swan and confirmed bloke on rocks had 4 carp. Won't give up and will get a pike this season, need my sidekick Nautilus. mad as ever for it. Robin kept popping in to say hello and shat in the peg - should have taken his advice. A few photos not much else to do. Worked out panoramic shots would opening up to have a look. Stil in shock at how popular the Butterley is even at this time of year. Glad I got myself a cool bag for bait! Bring on the summer bream.

2nd Jan 2015 - Who smelt it dealt it

3 hours at Butters. Fished next to the gap on Swanwick side then in corner by bridge on Ripley side. Had a take early doors on Swanwick side but it was like the North sea and very cold. Moved to Ripley side sheltered and warm. Nettle barked at everything but no fish. Very busy could not get on high bank or by car park. I'm not the only loon. Walked back to car park bloke in my original peg had a 7lb pike on Smelt. Felt as if it was the one that took my smelt. Typical. Conclusion ledgering might be the way forward as spent took much time plumbing up. Kit dusted off first time since Feb. Piking for the next few months might try Cudmore at some point.