Bela and I stopped in the old Little Chef hoping for one of their breakfasts. We were disappointed to find that they were closing down that night and reopening as Greggs, and were only offering breakfast sandwiches. We both had two sandwiches and a cup of tea/coffee. The sandwiches were nice until I got the bill £24.84!! Needless to say it would be our last visit here. The McMahons bill came to £50, they did have two big scoffers with them!
After a look around Jon's fully stocked tackle shop it was into the draw box with peg 60 selected I was hoping it would have some wind on it and luckily it did, but only just as the wind was blowing right to left into peg 54 where Two Pots was pegged. For company I had grinner Gordon Cannings on end section peg 61 and match organiser Tony Rixon on 59. So what was the best way to recoup the cost of breakfast? Two choices Carp with paste or Silvers with caster and GB. Set up a 6 x 11 shot Stu Barnett paste float to fish top-set plus one at 11 o'clock in three foot of water. The Ronnie rig and a 4x12 winter in case the wind was too difficult for the Ronnie rig. Bait table hard 4's, paste, GB, casters, micro and live maggots.
Tony and I thought the Carp would have a go today, so I decided initially to "test pot" the paste and hard fours it I caught Carp I would stay with, but if the paste was Silvered out I would switch to the Silvers. First put in the float shot under due to a liner that wasn't a Silver. With the toss pot recharged, in again and this time I caught a 3 lb Mirror. Next put-in repeat. However, the small amount of feed brought the Carp up in the water, which resulted in lots of liners. It was obvious that there were loads of feeding Carp in the swim. The Silvers wouldn't get a serious look in today. I decided to come shorter in shallower water by going to top-set only allowing me to take 6 inches off the depth. This helped but wasn't the whole story as I was still getting frustrated by liners and foulers. So decided to put big pots of caster/maggot/micro mix in. This again wasn't the whole story but it was the best I could come up with, but did improve things immensely. I caught the fishery stamp fish of around 3 lb regularly. I started to loose feed the margin with caster to see if I could attract Carp in the very shallow water. Within minutes there were very large tails waving catch me if you can. I quickly Set up a 0.2 SB paste float set at 6 inches, which was even so over depth. First try I had a 10 lb Carp followed by two smaller ones before I started foul hooking them. The bigger Carp are certainly crafty in the margins by keeping their heads against the bank whist the circle the feed. As Tony pointed out I was catching more out on the top-set so switched back and caught Carp to the end regularly and as the end came nearer the fish got bigger. I can say the Carp here really like the caster.
My fish weighed in at 197 lb 1 oz for a section win and fourth overall. A great venue however, fish racing doesn't appeal to me, much prefer the winter Carp fishing on such venues like it's name's sake in Tewkesbury. Bela and I are fishing the winter series pairs at Todber again this year - can't wait. The lowest weight in my section was 107 lb!
The match was won by "Stretch" Joe Mcmahon (pictured right collecting just enough to pay for the breakfast from hold your breath in - Tony Rixon) with 268 lb 10 oz from inform peg 43. Joe fished down his RH edge for most of the match at top-set plus one in 10 inches of water on corn. Joe fed four tins and 2 kg of GB.
The Silvers was won by Ryan Shipp (pictured right with silvers runner up young Freddie Wojtyla) with 26 lb 8 oz from peg 37. Ryan caught mostly on caster. And a big well done to Freddie for his first pick-up of many I hope.
Twenty seven fished today and there was twenty ton weights?
At last the first double bubble for Bela's new van as bela picked up second in section by double defaut!!
Result:
Weigh Sheets:
After a decent breakfast in Lilliput Cafe Geoff and I arrived at the fishery in plenty of time. I was looking forward to catching some Skimmers today as I had my appetite wetted with Alan Jones catching 57 lb of them from peg 15 on Sunday using corn.
So into the draw tub and out comes peg 1. One of the top two sought after pegs on the Lake - for Carp! Umm, my plans scuppered? I wasn't going to give up the Silvers that easy, so set a plan of the first two hours on the Silvers and then decided the plan for the next four.
For the Silvers - this end of the Lake is shallow a 4x12 Winter was more than enough for the four foot of water, the deepest I could find at top-set plus three, and the Ronnie Roach rig. For the Carp a 3x11 shotted PC paste float for the RH margin at top-set plus a bit of the three. As corn appears to be the in bait for Silvers at the moment I thought I would give it a try to start with. So fed a line at two o'clock with some micro and corn. This brought plenty of interest from small Skimmers to about one pound. I was foul hooking some on the drop, so was expecting a decent day. I then hooked a small carp about 3 lb which slowed the swim somewhat subsequently getting pestered by Ronnies. So refed and tried the Ronnie rig with caster over caster out in front. Found plenty willing to feed, but they were on the small side but thought I could do a high twenty of them. This slowed so put the paste over the caster and had two quick Carp before the Ronnies reappeared. I decided to switch to the 4 mm Sonubait expander over micro replacing the corn. I had three quick Tench and a decent Skimmer again thinking of a good Silvers day lay ahead. I then foul hooked a Carp which put an end of the swim.
Two hours up and with 13 lb in the Silvers net I could have carried on catching the willing Ronnies or go into the margin for the Carp. To aid the decision I would try the margin and see how willing the Carp were. I got out a Malteser and placed it on the bit tray. With a piece of paste in the kinder pot with some hard fours in it went into "Catastrophe corner" - pictured right. The float sailed away and was soon running down the bank chasing the Carp along the bank as they disappeared around the corner. I like this sort of fishing with my Drennan margin pole and their 25 hollow elastic. I finally retrieve this fish but it was a lucky one off!. This decided me to reluctantly give up on the Silvers and concentrate on the margin Carp. The trick was to make sure the line from the float is ALL behind the float which prevented the Carp dashing for the corner. However, easier said than done it only took a bit of wind and bang off I was on my run. The problem is you can't see where the fish have gone as it's a blind corner. I lost a few here but in my defence some were foul hooked!! All good fun if a bit of a bum squeaker!! I hooked a very long Common Carp which after a lengthy battle and four attempts to net it I was glad to see the hook pull - fair play to it. I managed to land 18 decent Carp with one a near twenty before the all out.
My Silvers weighed in at 13 lb 6 oz and my Carp 143 lb 6 oz for a second overall of 156 lb 12 oz. This peg is definitelt a double bubble as I could have added another 8 lb of Ronnie's and still would have had time for Catastrophe corner. The best part was beating Tony Rixon by 1 lb AGAIN!! It's not about the money.
The match was won by Tich Williams (pictured right with the also rans) with 195 lb 8 oz from peg 3. Tich caught mostly on a short chuck method feeder fished to the end of the opposite island.
The Silvers was won my Ron Stark from peg 14B with 29 lb 12 oz of decent Skimmers. Ron had to get away quickly so not sure what baits he used but all caught on the pole at 11.5 metres. Well done to him.
Geoff Francis drew peg 9 which isn't the best. Geoff just can't draw on this Lake, but what goes round comes round. However, on the way home we stopped in our local curry house to round off another day of living.
Result:
1. Tich Williams 195-8-0 peg 3
2. Mike Nicholls 156-12-0 peg 1
3. Tony Rixon 155-10-0 peg 11
Silvers:
1. Ron Stark 29-12-0 peg 14B
2. Dave Wride 22-08-0 peg 6
3. Lee Waller 21-06-0 peg 12
Weigh Sheet:
Due to a change in the fishery management. Dave Haines was running today's match (pictured right) Apparently Brad is taking over the management. I think Dave runs a decent match, so hopefully Brad will let him get on with it. However, Dave announced recently on Facebook that he was in a "Relationship", none that know Dave was surprised to find out it was a beef steak!! Mind boggles.
Twenty three fishing today so only two pegs empty - 5 and 13. Brad kindly waived today's peg fee and also treated us to a mid match cold cider. Dave ran it 50/50 Carp and Silvers with both up for grabs, which I agree with - if you win both you should pick up both. He also ran blind pairs and the heaviest fish - again no defaults.
I drew birthday boy Chris Davis in the pairs, so I might have to try for some Carp. Into the draw box and out comes peg 2. Wrong side, wrong end. The peg is hidden amongst high sedges with the left side unfishable as they are so close to the platform. Apparently Brad is planning to remove some of them. There were signs of Carp in the margin, but by the time is was nets in they had gone. For company I had Magician Dave Willmott on peg 1, so good company that I couldn't see only hear.
I set up allsorts today, which proved sensible because I could switch around with some anticipation and while away the time.
I thought I would initially try for Carp upto the Sedges with the float set at four foot (It's about 8 foot deep at the bottom of the shelf, shelving off quickly). First try with 6mm meat over potted micro and meat I hooked a Carp and as half anticipated I ended up playing Sedges.I did have a few Ronnies and a couple of small Skimmers on this before it died. It was clear it was going to be a hard match for most. The only rig I hadn't set up was the Ronnies rig so decided to set it up try and catch anything that swam with live reds. Again it was proving hard to catch even on this bait. I added a few Ronnies and small Perch. I upped the maggot feed and had a welcombe Crucian and some more Perch, I then hooked a Carp of about 3 lb which I just about managed to get out of the reeds. Followed soon after a large Carp which I thought had snagged me in open water so I was pulling for a break when I relised it was still hooked. It decided to go into the reeds to my left where I thought I had lost it so again pulling for a break and to my surprise it came out. It tried the reeds trick a few more times before I netted it. I thought it might have got me the biggest fish judging by the size of it's tail and head, but unfortunately it only weighed 11 lb 4 oz so a few pounds light. The last three hours was purgatory for most with the heat not helping matters. I plugged away for the odd small Ronnies and Perch to the welcombe all out. I hooked another Carp which might have been fouled with the rig coming back and twanging on the bib and brace - not having time to sink the pole tip!
My Silvers weighed 4 lb 12 oz for a joint third in the Silvers pick-up. My total weight was 19 lb which was only good enough for Chris and I to finish fourth in the pairs. I now wish I had fished the latter part of the match in the deep water with GB and maggot, I wasn't thinking straight after the free cider!
The match was won by Paul Elmes (pictured upper right with the Silvers winner) with 112 lb 6 oz from peg 15. Paul caught at 16 metres over to the island using banded pellet over kindered 6's.
The silvers was won by John Fuidge with a lowly 8 lb 1 oz from peg 12. John struggled like most for most of the match catching a few Skimmers late on using double maggot over GB.
Paul's weight was well ahead of second place so with pairs partner Gerry Welsh's 45 lb 10 oz they were well out in front with 158 lb (both pictured right).
The biggest fish was 14 lb 8 oz caught by Shaun Townsend from end bank peg 11.
A great day out with friends in the sunshine. Beer on the way home finished it all off nicely.
Result:
Pairs:
Weigh Sheets:
With the kids home from school it was an easy drive to and from today - back in the local by 16-45.
Into Andy's Cafe for breakfast which to be fair was good - except no butter for the toast. A quick look around the bring and buy tackle shop, then into the book shop where I picked up the book pictured opposite. I had the usual comments "your going to need that today", etc... How true these comments were to be, I wish I hadn't left it in the car!
Geoff and I had a walk round the Match Lake and were subsequently hoping to draw on the far side. Back for the draw and out comes peg 3. Not very enamoured with this one wrong side wrong end, but a peg for winter. For company I had Roy "Jock" Liddell on peg 5. I like a shelf to pull the bait up and it's difficult on this peg because the margin is flat out to about 1 1/2 metres. However, there is some cover from rushes, sorry was some cover, as for some inexplicable reason I decided to chop some of it back looking for something that wasn't there. I set up two 4 x 10 Speedy's one with a 16 Tubertini 808 and the other a banded Drennan pre-tied. I like these hooks because they have a double twisseled line to the band which keeps the hair rig straight for much longer than a single piece of line. Bait table - corn, meat, pellet 4' and 6's. I started on the left side with corn and caught reasonably well for the first hour. I subsequently hooked a Skimmer which flew landing on the rushes and dropping through them which meant I had to go down the bank to get the rig back, which included some poking about with the landing net. The fishing subsequently became very hard. I tried the RH side with banded 6's over loose fed 4's but only got indications from small fish. I switched back to LH side changing to meat to try and catch some Skimmers, which I did for a while during which I had my usual one Barbel. I then hooked a better Barbel which went like hell snagging me on peg 2 - another walk then. I lost another two barbel in similar circumstances. I switched back to corn upping the corn feed only to make things worse finding I only managed to bring them up into fouling territory. I like five hours matches!
My Skimmers weighed 9 lb and my F1's and one small Carp 23 lb 7 oz for a last but two total of 32 lb 7 oz.
Whilst weighing in we had a visit from Paul Dicks whom we agreed hadn't met for some three years. Paul had been fishing the top Lake and now lives near the Gloucester Canal.
The match was won by Rob Turley (pictured right) with 82 lb 2 oz from peg 9. Rob caught on the method with banded pellet over micro pellet. Well done to him.
Result:
1. Rob Turley 82-02-0 peg 9
2. Brian Dix 66-0-0 peg 19
3. Terry Girdlestone 60-02-0 peg 11
4. Phil Auger 51-01-0 peg 15
Weigh Sheet:
Todays match was for an important charity close the family's heart - Bristol Children's Hospital - Oncology. All the money raised is to go to making the poorly children lifes more bearable. Having spent some time in this environment you really have to be a special person to work as a Children's nurse. It was Donna Taylor an Oncology Nurse organising today's event along with partner Mark Jones. Any charity that involves Children's hospitals I'm there if possible.
The match format of one payout per sections of 5 or 6 would not suit me, but it was about the Children today. However, at the last moment Gordon's Garden Services sponsored the Silvers winner to the tune of £50.
A break in the hot weather today with high winds and rain all day forecasted. Fortunately we only had a couple of light showers that didn't wet the ground, the wind wasn't too bad either, the fishery appears to be sheltered from southerly winds. After breakfast at Lillypool with Geoff Francis it was on to the fishery where The Gamekeeper had planned on 50 entrants, but was let down by some, reducing the attendance to 38. It's not wise to frustrate a Gamekeeper. After paying the pools to Goldilocks and purchasing some raffle tickets it was time to hopefully draw the Main Lake because it was in my opinion sure to win the one off Silvers prize. Alas not, ended up on peg 11 Hawthornes (my second choice of Lakes) so Carp it would be then.
Two paste rigs one for the margins and the other for top-set plus two and as back-up a 4x10 for the margin for maggot over maggot. Started on the paste long over a mix of micro and hard 4's for the float to sit there until the paste melted off the hook. Paste is usually an instant bait so after 45 minutes of too much perseverance with it I binned it. I decided to set up a 4x14 Winter to fish the same length but down the peg to the Left with corn over corn and Micro. One Roach resulted from this. I was struggling. Switched to catch anything than swims, setting up the Ronnie rig. A few Rudd, Roach, a Skimmer, four bootlace Eels and a 4 lb Carp came from this. Tom Thick came down from end peg 15 who was yet to catch, Tom had a walk around and everywhere appeared to be fishing hard - probably due the the sudden drop of the air pressure. Switched to the shallow margin rig with single maggot over loose fed maggot. However, realising that I was fishing in a submerged jungle I had to accept the odd snag-ups but caught four small Chub, three Crucians, another Eel and a few Ronnies. During this period I hooked and landed 8 small Carp and 2 better ones but lost too many to record - some were foul hooked whilst others it was a case of jungle warfare at its fearces. I must say I did enjoy the challenge today.
My managery of Silvers weighed 8 lb 8 oz and my Carp 39 lb 2 oz for a second in section by a long way weight of 47 lb 10 oz . Unbelievably this weight put me third on Hawthornes!!
The match was won by Kurtis Pinkett (pictured right with the Silvers winner) with his PB weight of 176 lb 14 oz from Main Lake peg 15. Kurtis caught on the Method with Micro and 8 mm banded on the hook casting down to the Lawns. Well done to him.
The Silver prize was won by Glenn Bailey with 25 lb 2 oz of accidental Skimmers from peg 14. Glenn caught - well on the paste at 13 metres fished over wetted 4's.
The section winners today are pictured below centre with Donna the real winner today.
Back for the raffle with plenty of prizes up for grabs (pictured lower right). Unfortunately none went home in Geoff's car.
A big thank you to Steve and Carol for their organisation and providing the great fishing.
Result:
1. Kurtis Pinkett 176-14-0 peg 15 ML
2. Dave Romaine 105-14-0 peg 3 ML
3. Steve Howell 101-15-0 peg 15 WP
Silvers:
Glenn Bailey 25-02-0 peg 14 ML
Weigh Sheets: You will notice an angler with a FOE by his name - meaning F-Off-Early
With the schools now on summer holidays the twin Granddaughters wanted to go fishing again, so with a picnic packed it was off to Boyd Valley Lake where we set up camp (pictured right) to keep the "Special One" out of the sun. It was very hot but the Girls stuck at it all day catching Roach regularly on Ronnie rigs. The Ronnies were very obliging with no need to feed the caster, if they did chances were they would hook a very angry Carp. This fishery is stuffed with fish. The next day I decided to get out Dads old pole; a Maver Abyss and relasticate it for the Girls use. I inspected the pole for damage - there was none. I did notice it was dirty so decided to give it a clean. During this I noticed some of Dads hand prints on it and got emotional, questioning if I might be wiping some of him away.
With Geoff working today I travelled with Two Pots Glenn Bailey. Luckily he has got his Aircon working. The match was switched from the Main Lake to Hawthornes and Westpool. The forecast was for the hottest day of the year at 30 plus, so was hoping to draw a short walk, so peg 1 on Hawthorne's would do nicely. Into the draw tub and out comes the furthest walk Westpool 15 - bugger. Arriving at peg 1 looking down the Canal I could see a build up of surface sludge - Umm. Arriving at the peg I found 15 Canadian Geese sat on my platform, which I soon persuaded to move on (pictured right). Indeed there was a build up of sludge covering most of my peg. I was
hoping for some wind, but it was to remain flat calm all day. Tony Rixon had drawn it Sunday so had a quick chat with him to discover he doesn't know the difference between 13 metres and 15 metres! He persuaded me to fish for Silvers! Which was the right decision as most of the fish are on the far bank and with plenty of Methodists about I couldn't compete with Carp. However, the sludge would prove difficult to get through with a light hook bait (pictured right).
Just two rigs a 4 x 12 F1 and the Ronnie rig. I started on the F1 with 4 mm expander hook bait over wetted micro and with little choice on where to fish choosing top-set plus one to my right where the sludge was the thinnest. Missed a bite first try followed by a 1 lb Skimmer followed quickly by two small Tench and a Ronnie. I then hooked a 3 lb Carp which appeared to kill the swim. I tried re-feeding but most probably wasn't patient enough to stick with it. So armed with the Ronnie rig and red live maggot started over the same swim and catch a few Ronnies before that died. I switched to fishing along the LH margin and managed to keep the ronnie coming to the end, interrupted occasionally by the odd Carp, two found the keep net whilst others were quitely poked away with the cupping set. With 30 minutes to go I was aware of things crawling up my leg. On inspection I realised I was sat on a flying Ant's nest, the air around me was full of flying Ants for about 10 minutes. Packing up I noticed a large group of Ants carrying a dead Maggot away.
My three Carp weighed 7 lb 2 oz and my Silvers 18 lb which gave me second Silvers pick up. Mission accomplished.
The match was won Two Pots Bailey (pictured right with the Silvers winner) with 206 lb 6 oz from Hawthorns peg 9. Glenn fished top-set plus two using paste over wetted 4's. Glenn did struggle with presentation due to the aerator running all match, a double edge sword.
The Silvers was won by Nigel Wickham with 28 lb from Westpool peg 6. Nigel caught maily Skimmers using worm heads or corn over chopped worm feed.
All I can say it was bloody hot in this peg with no escape from the sun. I nearly packed up early. However, I did challenge myself to walk back without stopping.
Although a very very hot day it was very memorable and another double bubble for the Renault.
Result:
1. Glenn Bailey 206 -06 -0 peg 6 (HT)
2. Gary "Methodist" Flinders 164-04-0 peg 12 (WP) - New Lake Record
3. Steve "Happy Birthday" Segar 153-14-0 peg 2 (WP)
4. Andy Fry 146-11-0 peg 2 (HT)
Silvers:
1. Nigel Wickham 28-0-0 peg 6 (WP)
2. Mike Nicholls 18-0-0 peg 15 (WP)
3. Ray Wickham 16-0-0 peg 14 (HT)
4. Glenn Bailey 14-04-0 peg 6 (HT) Accidental Skimmers
Weigh Sheets:
Back to Harecombe with Geoff Francis and one of Andy,s Breakfast. Not sure whether it's a Cafe, a tackle shop, a bring and buy shop, Charity shop, book shop, but settled on Steptoes shed. I helped Andy out buying a book. I did enjoy the breakfast.
The talk was to be on the far side, I've not been over there for a while and it wasn't to be today, drawing instead in my usual area peg 13. As can be seen from the picture the far bank piles are collapsing, so no far bank shallows for me.
Only two rigs - a 4x12 Winter and a 4x10 Speedy. Bait tray - Micro, 6mm meat and corn. I Plumbed the Speedy rig at top-set to my left margin and the same rig at same depth at top-set plus two and a bit to the right. The left for meat and the right for corn. Started on the Winter at top-set plus two out in front with meat over meat and micro. As per usual I catch an F1 first drop in followed by a few flying Skimmers. Again as usual the swim died. After a big feed it was into the LH margin with meat after a couple of Skimmers Roach and F1's I was absolutely pestered by Gudgeon. So out again on the Winter which produced some flying Skimmers and one more F1 on the meat. Swapped to the RH with corn and after a slow start I caught F1's and the odd Skimmer steady to the end. However, The last twenty minutes was a tad frustrating due to losing a few foul hookers due to more F1's arriving. Each time the result was a rig tangled which happened three times slowing things down.
My Skimmers weighed 11 lb 1 oz and mt F1's 49 lb for fourth overall 60 lb 1 oz and last in the coin.
My Bib and Brace has suffered a slime out over the last few matches - see picture upper right. Time to throw out and buy new me thinks.
The match was won by Ian Sutton (pictured right) with 72 lb 5 oz from peg 23. Ian caught mostly in his margins using banded 6 mm pellet over lose fed hard 4's. Nice to see he caught conventionally on the pole - no Methodist.
As can be seen it was again a close match.
Geoff Francis drew peg 1 and spent most of the day on the phone to his estate agent fingers crossed he has sold his house. So a better excuse for a beer on the way back home.
Result:
1. Ian Sutton 72-05-0 peg 23
2. Brian Dix 70-07-0 peg 15
3. Phil Auger 61-03-0 peg 19
4. Mike Nicholls 60-01-0 peg 13
Weigh Sheet:
