Pairs drawn and Johnny Wintle for me again. However, he was AWOL today apparently gone to his clubs Christmas match. Don't blame him. I do miss them, great day out no matter the fishing with prize giving for everyone in the pub afterwards. Back in the day use to fish two Christmas matches every weekend through December followed by the Upper Avon Champs on New Years day no matter the state of the weather or river.
My turn on Shipp's. Into the draw bag and peg 6 for me. I ran to it but as I got closer the enthusiasm started to wain. This Pool is effected by the wind and with the wind blowing from the SE my peg was flat calm. Told Paul Elms on peg 8 thought we would struggle with pegs 1 to 4 and 11 to 10 being favoured. Told Glenn who had dawn peg 1 again which has been iffy for some time might catch.
Put the landing net handle in the water to check the water clarity which looked a lot clearer than usual - bloody weather.
My thinking was to target Carp rather than silvers but set up a Ronnie rig in case. Margin rig and a 4x12 Winter for top set plus three barrels to fish towards peg 7.
Decided on loose GB and DR attacked. Started on the long line with Single LR on the hook over kindered GB and DR's. Expected to catch a few Ronnie's initially but not the case and wasn't long before I had a F1. First hour netted seven decent F1's before it died. So down the RH margin to the tree fishing double LR on the hook over the same feed and had a small Perch and after a long wait had a 2 lb Carp. Spent most of the time out long adding just another small F1. With 30 minutes to go and the light going started to get pestered by Ronnie's, and because Lee next peg 5 said they had caught well down the other end picked up the Ronnie rig and caught small fish one a bung on single Pinkie. During which was thinking the margin might also start producing.
Weighed 20 lb 3 oz which included 2 lb 11 oz of tiny silvers for last but one in section - another dropper!!
Now here's a thing - When wanting a pee NEVER say to yourself wait until after the next fish, especially when dressed for winter.
Shipp's was won by fishery manager - Mark Taylor (pictured) with 70 lb 1 oz from peg 2. Mark fished top set plus two barrels out in front fish meat over meat. Well done matey.
Taylor's was won by Vince Shipp (pictured - last to get back) with 69 lb 11 oz from end peg 19. Vince caught at top set plus one barrel fishing soft pellet over micro. Well done matey.
Back to the pub with the usual suspects plus one ringer - Martin Rayett. Great laugh.
Weigh Sheets:
