Twenty Twenty Annus horibilous they named it twice. A year to forget, but will be talked about for years to come. Once the Kung Flu is done and dusted we need a full investigation of it's origin and lessons learnt, we don't want a reoccurrence too often. The Special One and me can't wait to get vaccinated, hopefully will be during January 21. Also, I would be first in the queue for a microchip if it could continuously monitor my wellbeing.
The upside to Kung Flu is that tackle shops have done really well with loads of Dads and Lads getting out fishing, which has knocked-on into the commercial fisheries having an exceptional year.
The good news Brexit is done. I have to confess, I wanted a clean break at the beginning of the year and negotiate from a position of independence in it's fullest sense. However, the deal Boris got is acceptable, including the fishing. It makes sense to allow the EU to fish our waters for 5 years whilst we build back up our fleets. Leaving fish in the seas that could feed many doesn't make any sense. However, I understand we can walk away from this agreement if we wish.
Do match angling need a governing body? A question I've asked myself a number of times this year. I think we do, but am concerned about the Angling Trust's (AT) behaviour during the lockdowns, calling the Police to a match was unacceptable. For a number of reasons I am sure they have a not so well hidden agenda for a full keepnet ban. Something to keep a close eye on.
Politics over. It's been a good year for "Juniors" making a come back now they reached the age of 55 - 😁. To be fair they haven't lost it, surprised how quickly they adapted to fishing commercials - trolleys were soon full of kit and developing their own styles of fishing. Lets hope we see more making a comeback.
During the lockdown I did fish a few bootleg matches (organisers and venues withheld). It didn't feel the same having to self distance, unable to socialise at the draws. Be glad to be back drawing my own pegs and have the close encounters of the strange kind. Matches post lockdown's were subjected to risk assessment and were very well run.
The Viaducters had booked our annual fishing weeks holiday at Viaduct for June and were hoping to get there, alas not, but did get a booking for September, but due to the Kung Flu restrictions had to limit the numbers so some could have separate bedrooms. Luckily all went well. Thanks to the Unicorn hotel that we got fed and watered most nights, with a bonus of still doing half price meals. Also thanks to Mandy at M&M café (pictured right) for a super breakfast every morning. Tim Ford was man of the week picking up every match he fished. As per most years we have a swimmer! We have booked again next year, hopefully a Kung flu free holiday and back to normal.
I aim to fish 100 matches a year, but because of the lockdown I was well behind the curve. To catch up I started to go three times a week, adding Acorn Tuesday's to the calendar. I must say I did enjoy these matches, especially the pub garden on the way home with the usual suspects. Fourteen visits - 9 tons and one double ton. The double was memorable not for drawing peg 11, but because of the horrendous wind. Self perseveration kicked in and back to the wind and head down on the top set in the margin for the entire match. I got off the box to get another keep net and the wind started to move the seat box! A proper sou'wester. However, the most memorable day at Acorn was drawing peg 40 and catching 50 lb of Tench and 85 lb of Carp.
Had a few trips to Shiplate for their Thursday matches. I did have my highest Silvers weight of the year from peg 14 - 82 lb 14 oz of Skimmers - pissed down all day. I've been bugged by this match as I still can't believe I went for a Banana walk and fished for Carp in the last hour adding 63 lb of lumps!! Why, just one fish off the Lake Silvers record? The fishery has changed ownership recently, it seems not much will change with regards to match fishing.
Not hard to guess where my biggest weight came from - The Prolific Todber Manor. Tony Rixon's floats only matches were changed to opens and it was at one of his matches at Todber that after fishing for Silvers for 30 minutes that 246 lb of Carp caught me. It's not my sort of fishing but nice to do a couple of times a year. I'm a great believer that if you get the Silvers feeding the Carp inquisitive Carp wont be far away.
Have to mention Bathampton AA Hunstrete Over 55's. We did mange to get back there after the lockdown for a few matches until Boris introduced tiers. I did well on a few matches fishing the waggler, would always be my first choice of weapon. Peg 11 pictured right crying F1's and waggler - pole rollers only out to dry. I do miss theses matches especially the great company. We are all waiting for B&NES to get into the same tier as the majority that fish it. I did go out on Withypool for a couple of rare short pleasure sessions catching some quality Roach with nets to 18 lb, not a Carp in sight.
Well that's it for 2020. My next match Westerleigh Winter League on Sunday 03/01/21. Looking forward to it.
Some 2020 - Facts and Figures:
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