Tuesday 16/09/2025 - Harescombe - Hobnob's - The Doughnut

The drive to Harescombe was, well …uneventful 😃.

A decent breakfast devoured and into the draw bag and peg 6 for me and 14 for Glenn. Found myself next to Pete Greenslade on peg 4.

Thirteen fishing today.

Set up the usual paste rig and margin maggot rig, then pondered on the wag and mag, but just felt the wind wasn't quite right, instead choosing to have a pre-start walk around - bad mistake me thinks.

Set up next to the platform as there was a "beach" in front which would have made it difficult to put the fish in the keep net. 

Had a plumb around and although the water level was up a tad found the depth 2 foot less than peg 15. The bottom was up and down - "No theodolite was used in the construction of the Lake". Settled on top set plus two barrels for paste and top set plus one barrel for the maggot rig at 45 degrees in 3 foot of water - deeper than I would have preferred.

Started on the paste over kindered micro whilst feeding up the margin with LR's. It was soon apparent that it was going to be harder for me today. During the first hour had just a few indications and relieved when I carefully landed my first Carp. Tried the margin early and had two quick Carp and  foul hooker before it died. Spent the match switching between the two lines adding the odd Carp, but nothing consistent that was going to threaten the frame. At halfway started to experiment with feeding etc... at this juncture should have set up the waggler but couldn't be assed. Should also have tried adding another barrel. Learnt that plumbing around is important here and should have spent more time on it.

Finished with 13 small Carp in great condition averaging just 2 1/4 lb for 30 lb 5 oz and no where. Still very enjoyable. Still to give the waggler a go, I need to know.

The match was won by Rob Pass (pictured with his catch) with 98 lb 14 oz from peg 22. Rob caught at half way using paste over micro. Well done matey.

Matey Glenn Bailey (pictured) fishing peg 14 was runner up with 75 lb 6 oz. Glenn fished his favoured paste over soaked 4's mostly fishing short.

Back to the Lamb for a pint with Glenn, John and Pete (up the GAS). Had a good few laughs. Great way to end a great days match fishing.

Weigh Sheet: