My first '30' was caught in March 2004. The session was a particularly good one.

The weather was cold and windy as I settled in for a three night stay, I had got a ticket for this particular syndicate lake at the start of the year and so far had managed to catch fish of 29-04 and 29-05 and a couple of mid twenties. Things looked good for the late season trip, it started of better than I had hoped for as within 30 minutes of casting out I was in to the first fish, this turned the scales to a very pleasing 28-08. Out with the bait again and wait for the 'Ginger Gnome' to come and take some photo's.  Gingers arrival was even more appreciated as he brought one of his reels for me to borrow as one of mine had packed up , these reels have since been disposed of and Shimano big pits have taken their place, but more of these excellent reels later. After the photo's were taken the kettle was on and we settled down for a chat, bleeeeeeeeeeeeeeep, the MX was into melt down.  After a spirited fight the fish known  as 'ugly' was netted and returned. This fish seems to follow me about as I have to date caught it five times since the beginning of the year including twice in the same afternoon.

Once again the bait was cast back to the same spot and we settled down to see whether there would be anymore action.  A short time later the same rod was off again, this time the fight was different, very powerful with the fish keeping low in the water. Ginge netted at the first attempt and immediately said that my first thirty was had arrived. Sure enough at 32-06 I was more than happy. I went on to catch two more fish that same day, both of them  mid double commons. The rest of the session was uneventful apart from losing a fish after having moved swims.

I packed up, very happy with the results and eager to get back again.