Ian Russell’s Diary July 2024: Mill Lane Milestones

All the action from Ian Russell’s July of carp fishing – including some sneaky insight into his 2024 campaign so far on Farnham’s Angling’s Mill Lane Fishery.

Ian says…

My first Dynamite work commitment of July was attending the Horseshoe Carp Society event and what a great time was had by all.

The weather was glorious and I got to spend 24 hours with one of my absolute besties – John Flewin. An evening in the local village pub followed by a fish n chip supper then back to the lake for a lovely evening social with good friends like Frank Warwick and Sam James amongst many more.

The next day dawned and amongst my duties was a Q&A talk alongside two legends in my world – again namely Frank and Mark Holmes. Hosted by the equally as lovely friend Hassan.

We had a great laugh whilst engaging with the thousands in the crowded marquee ( lol ).  A quick late afternoon lap of the stands to say my goodbyes and I was homebound. Dynamite defo need a stronger representation next year!

Next I had a tutorial on Linear’s B2 with a repeat client of mine called Richard but also this time, his Father Martin and nephew Ollie, with the main concentration being Ollie and Martin.

We covered all that was required and all the lads banked carp so all was good. I even managed a few to low 30s myself!

The lads stayed on after I had left and a few more carp were banked.

Total Carp’s Trouble Shooter was next up and again, a repeat client of mine called Barry attended a session at the lovely Doddington Lane Pits.

Barry arrived the night before and on my early morning arrival, he had caught sod all so I drove around the pit to find some carp and sure enough at the far end (as per) there were quite a few – so off back to Barry and on the move we were.

Within half an hour we were angling but classically, Steve the fishery manager rang me to say the swims back where Barry had moved from had come alive with carp along the far reed line…

So off we set again and moved back to peg 2 from which we could cover pegs 1 and 2 whilst doubled up.

With the use of my Ridgemonkey boat, the 150 yards to the area was made easier and before long Barry was attached to a very large and very angry carp which once landed, was not only a 30-plus Common but a PB for him.

To catch up with the rest of the trip, check out the next Total Carp mag.

The following Saturday saw Debbie and myself attend a BBQ at one of my closest Friend’s houses – that being Barry Hearne. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent laughing with Barry and Terry Hearne along with many other friends.

Now my own angling this year had been a proper eye opener with my main chosen venue being Farnham Angling’s Mill Lane Fishery.

You see I have a Frimley pit 4 ticket but as I at present only get 1x night a week to myself, I felt pit 4 required more attention so that can wait till autumn. Anyway, with Mill Lane being a relatively small venue but having 2x full timers on it and receiving more bait per acre than at my ripe old age I had ever witnessed, I would need a serious game plan to not only get into going areas but to catch a carp or two.

It took me a while and with several (Russell is struggling) conversations being heard, I had seen all I needed to start putting carp on the mat – oh as well as Tench to double figures!

I’ll not go into mine and close friend Michael Poulter’s plan of attack on here but at present, with us doing just 1x night trips, we have managed to date about 35 bites so the future looks bright for the winter ahead.

My best to date are Little Pac man at 37lb and the Golf Ball common at 35lb – both of which were completely spawned out!

I was then due a guest trip with another friend of mine Tony Bond to his syndicate on the Norfolk border and what a beautiful place St Genevieve Lakes is.

After a tour of the complex, Tony thought our best chances would be on the biggest pit on site so after spotting a few carp shows in the car park area, this is where we decided to pitch up.

Long story short is Tony nabbed six Carp from his right hand margin and I nabbed sod all!

On the second night the stock decided to start spawning in front of us so it was a no brainer to pack away and leave them to it but a great time was had and I will be back at some stage.

For now though I’m off to Gran Canaria for a well earned break with Deb and good friends Matty and Lisa.

So tight lines and I’ll tell you all about it next month.

PS – there are 2x travel rods in the case ssssssh!

-Ian Russell

The post Ian Russell’s Diary July 2024: Mill Lane Milestones first appeared on Dynamite Baits.

The post Ian Russell’s Diary July 2024: Mill Lane Milestones appeared first on Dynamite Baits.

Source: dynamitebaits