Sunday 03/09/2023 - Alcove AC - The Clamp

My search for the origins of why the Pool was named The Clamp continues, but have made some progress. It's common knowledge that The Clamp is believed to serve as overflow from Bitterwell lake both believed to be constructed to serve the mining industry in the area, specifically the Serrridge Mine. The Clamp was constructed at the same time as Bitterwell Lake circa 1862. Bitterwell was used to soak the wood for mine construction and most probably The Clamp was used to provide water to the mine engines. Due to this important role Bitterwell lake also served to maintained the water "head" of The Clamp. Guessing "The Clamp" was a mining slang term, slang was often used by the miners, for example the men that carried the explosives were called "Powder Monkeys". Still to get the bottom of the name though, beginning to think it's specific to this mine and it's operation.

Back to the fishing. Arrived to find the Pond completely covered in a thin green film. Most certainly caused by the pollen from the large Ash trees that surround the pool. The pollen is normally dispersed by wind however last few days it has been calm hence landing in the pool. However, it didn't affect the fishing, the pond skaters were finding it hard work though.

Pulled peg 5 which is a decent peg. which is under a large old Ash. Happy with this as it meant shade all day for me.

Fished it the same as last match except I left out the fish meal and just used Sensas Lake and Magic for the GB. Fed it loose as the pool is silted and wanted it to sit on top rather than be swallowed by the silt. Fished Pinkie all day double and single as it got harder and boy did it get hard primarily due to no wind. I caught 7 species of fish, lovely days fishing, suits me. No sign of the 5 lb carp which John Treasure informed me he has caught a few times down the LH margin.

As the weights would be close Tony weighed in kg's my silvers weighed 2.330 kg in Christian units 5 lb 2 oz for second overall being beaten by Tony by 3 oz (pictured with the silvers winner). Well done Matey, well run match, need to brush up on your smiling.

Weigh Sheet: