Thursday 04/01/2024 - Bathampton Over 55's - Silver League - Round One - Withy Pool

The penny has dropped wrt weather forecasting. They get the weather right, but they have yet to learn to tell the time and with some not knowing what day it is!

First round today of the silvers pairs. I was drawn with Phil Morgan, happy with this.

With the incessant rain the lakes have most probably by now have had a complete change of water, so can expect some really harder fishing. Had a quick look at the pool and was surprised to see some colour - probably due to the gale force winds. We need a period of dry cold weather.

Into the draw bag and out comes peg 50 - behind the island again! Can't believe it. For company on 49 Paul Haines and on 51 Tony Rixon so there will be a few laughs to keep us entertained. We knew we wouldn't have much chance of winning the section with pegs 45 and 46 in our section.

Arrived at the peg and thankful the leaves had gone but only 5 foot down. However, some twat had decided to tie a fresh bail of hay in front of the platform which was sheading pieces of straw which was going to make shipping out difficult without hooking a piece.

As I expected the water to be gin clear had prepared some very light GB to create a cloud (can no longer buy the Sensas Cloud GB which was perfect for such occasions). One pole rig a 4x14 winter to fish two lines at the same distance of top set plus three barrels. I had set up a small feeder rod at home only to find I had wrapped around the rod between eyes -bugger - set up again - why did I bother.

Started by feeding the two lines with the light GB laced with some Pinkie and with single Pinkie on the 22 hook tried the LH line with no bites, switched to the RH line and had two small Perch and a tiny Ronnie. I kept topping up but had a long wait before catching more tiny fish. Although I kept switching between the lines I only caught to the right. Half way through had a bonus Skimmer of about 12 oz. Everyone I could see was struggling for bites. Had a few chucks on the feeder but the straw was a problem moving the tip too much, might have had a knock on it but not sure.

Weighed 1 ln 9 oz for third in section which I would have settled for at the start. Tony weighed 2 oz from the same peg he had at the start of last years match winning with 17 lb 12 oz with lots of double figure back up weights - so is there a problem with this pool - over managed and over netted me thinks.

The match was won by Paul Clayton (pictured) with 7 lb 14 oz from peg 36. Paul caught short with double Pinkie over GB. Well done Matey.

Runner up was Dave Poole (also pictured) with 5 lb 6 oz from peg 66. Dave caught on the waggler and maggot. Well done Matey.

Back to the Compton for a pint for a well earned pint. - still raining.

Weigh Sheets: