Sunday 11/01/2009 - A week back in the Ice Age

Thursday 08/01/09:

Bela Bacos and I had booked in to guest in the Landsend Fishery Individual League. However, Tony Rixon rang today explaining that the ice was so thick (2 inches plus) that the league was cancelled. But, Tony intended to run a “break-your-own-ice” open on the third and fourth Lakes (Tony does have a whopper – ice breaker that is)!

Tony also explained that he had been down to the Avalon Fishery on Wednesday pleasure fishing! It took him 2 hours to break the ice out to 13 metres. The result, one bite, no fish.

I also had a call from Terry Bruton. He had been out walking the Huntstrete complex, reporting Bridge Lake was completely frozen with no clear areas. However, Withy had signs of anglers breaking the ice and expected there to be some clear swims by Sunday when he and Bob Warren planned a practice session. But what delighted Tel most, was that he didn't spot one Seagull. Don’t worry Tel, they will be back!

Friday 09/01/09:

Whilst the Lakes are completely frozen the Management at the Viaduct Fishery has started a new sport. Apparently, you chose a Lake, then decide whether you walk slowly across from one side to the other, or run! Well, Steve Long (pictured right) chose Campbell and walked and Paul Greenwood chose Lodge and ran. Both survived, with Steve taking the pools money by the fact that walking was considered more risky (time at risk and all that) plus Campbell being wider. I wonder who is the heaviest; not much in it is my guess. As with most commercial fisheries matches are cancelled for this weekend.

Saturday 10/01/09:

I decided against fishing Landsend Fishery due to the weather and chesty cold which everyone seems to have. So Man U v Chelsea on the TV appears favourite.

An e-mail from Darren Gillman with pictures (see right) of his recent draw (some say flyer – Tim Ford thinks so, who is laid up with a virus - staring at four walls apparently) on the K&A at The George section, Bathampton. He was one of only three to weigh, in his ten peg section (third in section). As the ATWL semi final is being fished on the K&A on the Bathampton Waters this year, there are a number of teams practicing. My money’s on Bathampton specially if Lee Trivett (pictured right) can catch 2lb Roach like the one he caught in the 2006 SWWL match at Newton St Loe (Newbridge, that is; three below the railway bridge).

Sunday 11/01/09:

I decided to walk the K&A where the BCHL was being fished. I arrived 30 minutes before the “all in” only to witness many anglers still breaking the ice. The ice was approximately 30mm thick in most swims. The first angler I met was Lee Trivett (pictured bottom right). I had to take this photo; look at his head gear; I wish I had hair like his. Before I left, he had managed, one tiny Perch on Joker. From what I could see most anglers were catching, mainly Roach on punch with the odd 8 oz Skimmer or Perch and Roach on B&J. Went round to the Brambles just before the bay at Bathampton where Glenn Bailey was catching the odd Perch, Roach plus he had two bonus 12 oz Skimmers on big Blood Worm over Joker. I notice Richard Chave (I nick named him Rigsby some years back - when he was making up and selling canal rigs) had drawn the turning bay, which was also end peg on the day, but was struggling when I left him.

The Tubetini Stix floats carbon/wire (bottom right) were proving very dominant for fishing the punch, with the Sensas Desque Erics wire/wire popular for the 
BandJ.