Tuesday 16/09/2025 - Harescombe - Hobnob's - The Doughnut

The drive to Harescombe was, well …uneventful 😃.

A decent breakfast devoured and into the draw bag and peg 6 for me and 14 for Glenn. Found myself next to Pete Greenslade on peg 4.

Thirteen fishing today.

Set up the usual paste rig and margin maggot rig, then pondered on the wag and mag, but just felt the wind wasn't quite right, instead choosing to have a pre-start walk around - bad mistake me thinks.

Set up next to the platform as there was a "beach" in front which would have made it difficult to put the fish in the keep net. 

Had a plumb around and although the water level was up a tad found the depth 2 foot less than peg 15. The bottom was up and down - "No theodolite was used in the construction of the Lake". Settled on top set plus two barrels for paste and top set plus one barrel for the maggot rig at 45 degrees in 3 foot of water - deeper than I would have preferred.

Started on the paste over kindered micro whilst feeding up the margin with LR's. It was soon apparent that it was going to be harder for me today. During the first hour had just a few indications and relieved when I carefully landed my first Carp. Tried the margin early and had two quick Carp and  foul hooker before it died. Spent the match switching between the two lines adding the odd Carp, but nothing consistent that was going to threaten the frame. At halfway started to experiment with feeding etc... at this juncture should have set up the waggler but couldn't be assed. Should also have tried adding another barrel. Learnt that plumbing around is important here and should have spent more time on it.

Finished with 13 small Carp in great condition averaging just 2 1/4 lb for 30 lb 5 oz and no where. Still very enjoyable. Still to give the waggler a go, I need to know.

The match was won by Rob Pass (pictured with his catch) with 98 lb 14 oz from peg 22. Rob caught at half way using paste over micro. Well done matey.

Matey Glenn Bailey (pictured) fishing peg 14 was runner up with 75 lb 6 oz. Glenn fished his favoured paste over soaked 4's mostly fishing short.

Back to the Lamb for a pint with Glenn, John and Pete (up the GAS). Had a good few laughs. Great way to end a great days match fishing.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 09/09/2025 - Hobnobs's at Harescombe - Doughnut

Lets be clear Glenn's and my fraught travels to Harescombe today was the complete fault of Geoff Francis. Last match Geoff explained that he found it much quicker to go via Ring Road and M5 rather than the usual of country roads. So off we set to find the Ring road rammed, but that was OK as the traffic dribbled along. Got to the M32 to access the M4 then the M5, only for Glenn to think we were going up the M4 to London, luckily I caught him time so we had to go back to the Hambrook round about to try gain. Second attempt we managed to get on the M4 in the right direction only to miss the M5 turn off and found ourselves on the way to South Wales. The now distraught Glenn suggested we carry on to Redhill for a pleasure session. I got him to turn off at the last turning before the Bridge and weave our way to Thornbury and and onto the M5 North. We were now a tad late so decided to go straight to the Doughnut and a quick called Tony "Hobnob" who agreed to do the draw for us and arrange for Gary to bring us a Bacon and Egg roll (very nice) - thanks both. Phew!

Glenn and me were drawn next to each other peg 15 for me and 13 for Glenn. Water levels were up a tad but not sufficient enough to sit on the platform so set up in the margin again (pictured). Thought the fishing would be OK due to the wind blowing our way.

With no silvers in the Lake maggot would be my choice of bait once the paste slows down. When the conditions are right would be itching to try the waggler and maggot here. But today start with paste then try Maggot in the margin later.

So one 0.4 gram Paul Corbett (PC) paste rig (great for the deeper waters) to fish top set and two barrel in 6 foot of water, and a 0.3 gram Ryan Jordon (RJ) Slim for the margin on the top set.

Started by feeding some Micro - first mistake as the feed was falling too slow causing foul hooking loosing my first five fish - bugger. So for the rest of the match feed nothing just any dissolved paste. Had a steady couple of hours catching some better Carp until it just switched off. The penny dropped the wind had switched direction leaving me becalmed. Had a look in the RH margin with the maggot over loose fed same had a couple of Carp but it was slow, Unfortunately preserved too long on the paste line to no avail. Decided to fish the last 30 minutes out on the maggot but this time down the LH side and was wishing I had switched sides earlier as had a good 30 minutes with one Carp snagging me in something that I thought was my keep net, but was something on the bottom. Had a micro Perch and definitely seen an Eel blow so some silvers in the Lake!!

Weighed 81 lb for third overall. needing another 5 lb for the win and 4 lb for second to Alan Oram's 85 lb. So very close match again. Very enjoyable and can't wait until we see the lake at it's winter level.

Two Pots Glenn Bailey won the match with 86 lb 2 oz from peg 13. Glenn caught on his favourite paste method at various lengths - mainly three barrels. Well done matey. Thanks for the ride today!

Tony Cook had some bad luck arriving to find his car alternator had packed up luckily the AA came and charged his car sufficiently hopefully to get him home.

After a distraught day on the road we were glad to sip our first pint in the Lamb - Iron Acton with section winner John Smith and Pete Greenslade. Driving home Glenn and me had a right laugh over todays events. - lasting memories made.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 02/09/2025 - Harescombe Fishery - Hobnobs on Match Lake

Back to Harescombe with Glenn and Geoff Francis. On arrival noticed Geoff's clean plate that previously held a fat bastard breakfast. Glenn and me had the small breakfast which was excellent and good value.

Nice to see Jock again. Lovely man.

Seems that every year at the beginning of September there is a sudden change in temperature, as it was today, needed fleece and Gore-Tex jacket. Luckily only a few small showers of rain even though Gary and the rest of the fishery managers have been doing rain dances every day. Think their worse worries are over for another year.

As Glenn and Me travel together it would be helpful if we were on the same side of the lake. It hasn't happened yet, but we were opposite today (pictured Glenn and Barry packing up).

Into the draw bag and peg 9 for me and next to Dave peg 8 who years back ran the Bridgewater AA matches on the Huntspill and Sedgemoor Drain with  Geoff Francis on peg 11.

Just the usual set up of two paste rigs. However, with the water cooling down would it be as good? So all my eggs in the one basket. Choose to fish initially at top set plus two then back to one barrel then margin with the bullet rig in the last knockings. Cutting back on the feed was the order of the day. So just a few micros kindered with the paste on the long line and had my usual quick six Carp/F1's before it slowed. Came to the conclusion that it's mainly the F1's who cause the slowing rather than the Carp, this because of how hard they initially speed off scaring the other F1's off. So question of keep a bit of feed going and being patient today. Tried the short line and it felt as if wasn't going to produce so binned that, with the margin producing one F1. Only place producing was the long line and hadn't lost or foul hooked any fish. Five minutes from the end hooked a Carp which was the first fouler of about 2 lb plus which came off with Glenn shouting out that could have been a "Game changer". He was right cost me the match win.

Weighed 55 lb 8 oz for third place only  1 ln 5 oz from first!! Very enjoyable steady days fishing. Great match fishing when it's this close.

The match was won again by Richard Rogers (pictured with his catch) 56 lb 13 oz from peg 12. Richard is well known for setting up the one feeder rod and fishing the tea bag throughout his matches. Well done.

Unlucky Tony Hobnobber.

Now here's a thing. Richard frames most matches here, mostly winning. Other than the odd angler dabbling in the tea bag most fish the pole. So if the tea bag is the winning method why isn't everyone using it? My answer would be; It's not the winning that's the most important thing but having a good day fishing using the methods you enjoy the most - feeder fishing is not for me not busy enough, have never fished the Method.

Back to the White Harte for a pint and a Himalayan curry with Geoff and Glenn. Very nice first time for a Buttered Chicken very tasty.

Weigh Sheet:

Sunday 31/08/2025 - Alcove Club - Knock up - The Clamp

Adverts on my Blog have been going wild and driving me mad. Have half heartily tried to stop them, but was recently asked if I was sponsored by Temu which got me on the case. Well dealing with Google is an extraordinary experience, they talk in a language that likens to something from a far far Galaxy. Anyway the worse gone.

Today we were at The Clamp - silvers only match with a few crying off so down to a knock up number of 7. I like it here as it's probable one, if not the hardest venue around. A venue for improving discipline. As the numbers were down Julie changed it to a rover. I'm not keen on rovers, hearing this had a quick walk round to pick three pegs. Got back and drew number 5 to draw. The first peg I wanted was taken the second would have meant three of us in a row so went to third choice peg 12 "The Blackberry bush"  which would have plenty of room. Got to be some Chub under there munching Blackberries.

I had previously made a rig up for the match a Drennan Chop that took just 3 number 12 shot to fish out at two barrels, plus the long and short Ronnie Rigs.

Started on the short Ronnie rig with single LR over loose fed LR's down to the BB Bush which needed careful casting as didn't want a Blackberry gate! Had a variation of small fish before it slowed. Tried the long rig down to the left again with maggot very slow just a few small Ronnie's. Picked up my very light rig and fished it with single LR over loose dampened GB. Had a interesting few hours messing around with presentation catching small Hybrids, Skimmers, Rudd and Ronnie's. I hooked what looked like a big Skimmer only to see my number 4 elastic break so lost the lot, bit surprised as felt like not much pressure on it. We all now we should make up at least two rigs duh. Anyway got out a 4x12 Winter and adjusted the shotting which was OK but not the same as the one lost (never is). Spent the last 30 minutes down to the bush with the short Ronnie rig and had 3 small Chub and a Hybrid was wishing I returned to the BB Bush earlier.

Weighed 7 lb 5 oz which comprised of 7 deferent species for second. Even though we had thunder and rain really enjoyed the day.

The match was won by Tony Welsby (pictured) with 13 lb 12 oz from peg 6. Tony caught at 6 metres using single maggot over sloppy GB. 

Weigh Sheet:

My Catch:

Tuesday 26/08/2025 - Hobnobs at Harescombe - Match Lake

Another glorious day for fishing. Glenn and me off to Harescombe Match Lake again with the Hobnobs. Another nice breakfast with Pete Greenslade, John Smith and Pete Turner joining us.

If Carlsberg did match organisers.

Into the draw bag and peg 6 for me. Good company with Pete Turner on 5 and Tony Welsby on 8.

Two paste rigs - at top set plus three barrels, the other for right hand margin to see if I catch there this time!

Started on the long line with kindered paste and micro and had six quick Carp feeding a small amount of micro every fish and started to think I was going to empty it, nope, it was clear these were the fish that had missed yesterday's dinner. Kept going on the line nicking the odd now F1's. The wind picked up and although the wind was forecast to from in the SE the valley decides which way it's going to hit the Match Lake, blowing in every direction of the compass which can catch you out. A change now required so had a plumb around and decided to have a go at top set plus one which was about 6 inch shallower and anticipated it would take me out of the worse of the silt. Changed the feeding to minimum loose fed wet 4's. This worked for a while adding F1's and a few decent Skimmers. Started loose feeding wetted 4's in the margin and kept testing with the paste for the millions of nibbler's if present went back to the short line nicking the odd fish but had slowed considerably. At last went in the margin and the float sat still and had a run of Carp and F1's that was until I had a period of foul hooking - bugger.

Weighed 58 lb 10 oz for 5th. Felt that I haven't got the feeding right but got some clues for the next match. Very enjoyable day with the highlight seeing the delight on Pete Turners face when I retrieved his  number 7 and 8 that had blown in the lake - pleasure matey.

Glenn won his section again (pictured) pegged next to the winner Phil Auger (pictured with his catch) on peg 19 who won with 93 lb 7 oz. Not sure how he caught as my assistant Sports Journalist didn't know, only he caught mainly long tight over, but couldn't identify hook baits etc..."YOUR FIRED"

Runner up was worth a mention Rich Rogers who sat on the Tea Bag all match for 84 lb 10 oz. This method seems to be following me everywhere.

John Smith invited us for a pint on the way home but failed tell us which pub he was going to - apparently cider pickles brains. Glenn and me stopped again in the White Harte - No Geoff Francis stuffing himself this time.

Weigh Sheet:

Sunday 24/08/2025 - Alcove Club Match - Whitehouse Farm - George's

I have been concerned as of late as to what the dry, warm weather is/will have on our still waters and fish. With water levels well down and water warming up and reducing the dissolved oxygen both adding to the stress of fish especially if kept in keepnets for long periods. Fish are habitual and will get confused and stressed with their margin haunts no longer available to them. Be watchful everyone. So, it was good to see our club match this Sunday switched from "all in" to Silvers only and them being spread over two keep nets. I have found that silver fish won't feed if the oxygen is too low and of course are not susceptible to the dreaded KHV.

Jonny Amato pictured with his club loan wheel barrow fully loaded including his trusted peg guard dog - prevents sky lining plus new dog house.

Wasn't sure if the Skimmers would feed so decided to forget skimmers and only take maggot and GB.

Into the draw bag and peg 3 for me. First time for this bank. walking around pegs 1 to 5 looked very Carpy, especially 1 obvious signs of bring popular with the Carp Anglers. I was delight to find I would be sitting under a large Willow all day with the Sun behind me. Set up the Waggler as a back up if struggling for bites, long and short Ronnie rigs both to fish in the shade of the Mr Willow. The short was set at half depth and the long full depth at 3 1/2 feet. After feeding a pot of loose GB and red unconscious Maggots

started on the long Ronnie rig with single LR and had a Rudd off the top first put in, so a quick change to the short rig and for an hour caught small Rudd. Ronnie's and Perch off the top by just loose feeding now LR's. When it slowed had a quick go on the Waggler and Maggot had one Ronnie and far slower, that was binned. Switch to the long rig on the bottom and started to introduce GB and caught small fish steady to the end. Did have two better perch, one 8 oz Skimmer and two 6 oz Hybrids. Although I didn't hook a Carp had suspicions one might have come in and had a look.

Weighed 17 lb 14 oz which I was very happy with. I love catching small
Silvers. Very enjoyable day. However, Could see Kev Murch opposite catching Skimmers on paste! As it happened I was wrong about the Skimmers with a few caught on worm and caster too. I did sneak my section though plus another tub of Blackberries.

The match was won by  club Treasurer Tony Welsby (pictured) from my favourite peg 10 with 24 lb 9 oz. Tony caught mainly Chub to 3 lb short on Maggot. Well done matey.

Took all my remaining Maggots home to be looked after now they're £4 a pint. Wonder if the price will go down once the weather issues are over - remains to be seen.

Weight Sheet:

Tuesday 19/08.2025 - Hobnobs - Harescombe - Doughnut

When the Doughnut was first mentioned I went and had a look which was just after it had been dug and partly filled and pre-platforms (pictured bottom centre). It was to be a Silvers only pool. However, as history tell us it didn't work out. It has since been restocked with 2 tons of Carp no silvers remaining. As I hadn't fished it Glenn and me decided to give it a go with the Hobnobbers.

Was told the water level was down as you would expect with the dry spell we are going through which may require setting-up down in front of the platforms.

After another nice breakfast drew peg 11 which meant nothing to me. Got to the peg and yep had to set-up in the dry margin. The advantage was wont have to do my joints exercises today! Once set up it felt safe but didn't look it. Glenn was on peg 5 and able to sit on his platform. There was plenty of fish on the end of the island on the mud bank. Too far for me - waggler and Mag? - wind too bad.

Just two paste rigs one for top set plus two barrels in 5 foot and one for the margin to the right in 30 inches. Hopes were high.

Started on the long line with paste over micro. A very slow start for most. Finally had a few small Carp both Mirror's and Common's which fought well above their average 2 1/2 lb weight. Kept feeding the margin with hard 4's but only manged one better Carp losing a fouler after repeated attempts. The fish seemed to be a bit scatty which might be due to the lower water levels. Spent most of the match on the long line but found the as soon as the paste started to fall would get liners. Subsequently had a few foulers. Found it was a case of fishing the feed out which resulted in a couple of Carp prepared to get their heads down. Swapped from micro to feeding hard 4's which had the same result. Swapped to really soft paste which helped hold the float still in the wind. Had a walk down to Glenn who had just started catching after a long slow start, the walk helped ease my stiff back.

Finished with 20 Carp for 54 lb 15 oz for no where but a decent enjoyable days fishing. Must say the fish are in excellent condition.

The match was won my Glenn Bailey (pictured with his catch and collecting his winnings from head Hobnob) with 97 lb from peg 5. Glenn caught on paste at two barrels. Well done matey.

Very close contest two 90's, two 80's and three 70's that's proper match fishing which makes it feel like a fairish venue.

Back to the White Harte for a pint where we found Geoff France's with his Wife and Daughter having a meal. He was feeding up on his main stay food - Asian curry's. No Lemon in his cider - did check.

Weigh Sheet: