Sunday 12/03/2023 - Windmill Open (knock up) - Match Lake

Decided to fish this one for insight for the up and coming Ray's Rip-off's. With the silvers now starting to show and even though there was no silvers pool decided to target them. But expected some accidental carp. Low turn out probably because the fish are still "balled up" down the far end.

The wind was nasty so was hoping for peg 25 with the wind off the back would push the waggler up the far slope. Wishful thinking pulling peg 3 with the wind howling right to left.

Set up two silvers rigs - one for down the RH side up to some reeds and one for top set plus three barrels both to fish GB and Pinkie. Due to the wind didn't bother with the waggler. The upshot after three hours had one lost carp (fouled?) and one skimmer. Set up the waggler to take on the wind with a 8" small bodied Drake. Needless to say had to lay some line on the bottom which isn't what I wanted. Nonetheless, the float was bombing through. Three small reds on the hook and no initial feed and amazed had a 3 lb carp. Started to feed which so far has stopped the carp going for hook bait. More surprise as had four nice skimmers. The wind didn't quite beat me but buggered up what would had been a much more productive day.

Weighed 9 lb 6 oz - 5 Skimmers, 3 Ronnie's, 1 Rudd and one micro Perch and one carp for last but one with 12 lb 4 oz.

The match was one by Nick Saunders (pictured with the runner ups) with 71 lb 9 oz from peg 14. Nick caught on the lead fishing maggot.

If there had been a silvers pool it would have been won by Andy Gard (pictured) with 33 lb 6 oz of big skimmers from peg 1. Best weigh for some time. Well done matey.

Result:

1. Nick Saunders 71-09-0 peg 14

2. Kev Winstone 69-12-0 peg 10 (close)

3. Shaun Townsend 61-13-0 peg 25 (bread dobbing down his margins)

Weigh Sheet: