The kitchen ceiling got its annual coat of white eggshell and, to cap it all, we built a new television centre in the corner and put in a pukka HD 42" plasma rear projection telly; just for you lads who like to watch the football. Now we can watch the Arsenal in glorious colour!!!

The final job was to refill the hanging baskets around the main lodge. I left my brother, Matt and the lads to organise the dining area tables and chairs and prepare for the first anglers at the weekend. I left early to arrange the last minute details and to greet the anglers at the Jacksons coach park Friday evening.

There had been a few lads fishing the lakes prior to the start. Sean Fretwell and Andy Stobbs (who supplied our paint & rollers) spent 2 nights on 3 and the rest on Lake 1. They had a fair few fish out inc. the seasons 1st 50lb'er. The "Roll of Honour" of DreamLake 50's proved a hit last year. It's something that we shall continue this season. There can't be anywhere with that amount of 50lb+ commons than at our place!!!

What I intend to do in the "Guide" section is give you as much help and information as to what has been the successful methods, rigs or tactics of just a few of the lads who have done well, with either big fish or big hauls.