Thursday 28/12/2023 - Kev Winstone Silvers Knock up - Windmill Fishery - Silvers Top Lake.

Having been under the weather with a heavy cold (aka man flu) most people I know have either had the bug or are currently suffering. I was looking forward to getting out fishing, so booked into Kev's knock up on the Top Lake - silvers only. Ten booked in with Jeff Grant dropping out once he tested the walk - you did right you wouldn't have made it mate with your short legs. 

Walked the gear up (I mean up) to the lake which was physically challenging due mainly to the water logged fields. Helped Kev peg it out and as we were told by Andy "misinformation" Gard that Paul Barnfield had switched to the Match Lake match suggested we leave out peg 1 which was full on in the wind. Luckily Kev didn't listen because Paul arrived last. Kev admitted that fishing this Lake today wasn't his best decision of the year! Andy Misinformation had to sit in peg 1 - did feel for him.

Picked peg 2 (pictured) in the form of a scrunched up tiny piece of paper from Kev's shovel like hand. Slightly in the wind but thought would be OK. Only one rig a 4 x16 Winter Titan. Plumbed around and found it sloped off from 3 foot to I'm nor sure but deeper that 8 foot at 6 metres. Decided to fish 5 foot at top set plus one barrel with GB and Pinkie. Started reasonably well catching small Skimmers and Ronnie's. The issue was the tow and presentation. There appeared to be plenty of small Skimmers in the peg but  was towing into them foul hooking and coming off, very frustrating. The peg died until after I foul hooked a Carp which came off. Had a few more small fish but it gradually got worse. With 3/4 hour to go I could see a very very dark cloud heading our way and with thinking a still bait might be the answer set up a small cage feeder. The wind and rain that followed was horrendous. Had two small Skimmers on the feeder. Judging by the time the feeder was sinking gave the impression that the lake shallowed at 20 metres or so. We were all glad to hear the all out.

The digital  scales arrived which weren't working right, not zeroing or showing any weight when loaded. After pressing a few buttons got it to read a weight albeit still not fully zeroing. So my weight had 2 oz deducted. Why I mention this, there has been a number of occasions when these type of digital scales have had issues. I am sure my weight was about right, but these episodes always leave you wondering though. Don't think you can beat dial scales.

I weighed 3 lb 12 oz for last but one in what was a tight match and with reasonable weights considering the conditions and how other fisheries are fishing for silvers at the moment.

Paul Barnfield won the match with weight of 8 lb 9 oz. Paul caught short on either caster of maggot over GB. I think with him nearly walking around the complete lake to find his peg helped him focus - lol. He wasn't happy. Character building I say. Well done matey well deserved.

I thought going back down hill would be better but only just, still had to push hard. Glad to get back to the car and home for a pint in the garage.

Would be a decent silvers knock up venue during the dry season!

Will be keeping out of crowded pubs for a while, don't want to catch anything else.

Weigh Sheet: