Sunday 24/03/2024 - Alcove Club - Rover - White House Farm

Looking forward to this match, not done many rover matches. Good turn out with 19 fishing. I'm a novice on this venue, so thought it important to have a walk around to see where I fancied. Didn't fancy Margret's which appeared to be of colour. Got to Georges which looked good. The wind put me off the low numbers. Pegs 18, 10, 8 and 7 would be my choice. 10, 8 and 7 are the longest walks which would put some off going there and is around Chub Island.

Didn't want to be in the early one to pick my peg as wanted some space so happy with 13th to pick. My turn came and only 2 before me had selected Georges so peg 10 it was. I did have great company with Steve Brown on 11. Peg 10 is opposite a very small island with plenty of over hangs, plus it's under a tree which necessitates casting over the left shoulder, both obstacles to keep me on my toes.

Set up a 7" bodied waggler on 3 lb Maxima and 0.14 GLine hook length to 18 - 808. Can't see face on how much the bushes overhang so had a few casts without the hook to find the best ares. The long Ronnie rig which would be first to try.

Loose fed some LR's over to the island. The wind was perfect for feeding and casting. Fed the Ronnie line with GB laced with LP's. Soon catching small Ronnie's and a couple of bonus Skimmers on double Pinkie. The line went quite and pulling pack to re cast pricked a Carp which bow waved out of the peg towards peg 8. Refed so time to try the Waggler with single LR on the hook. Had an immediate response from Chub to 3 lb landing five loosing one which hooked up on my keepnet. It went quiet so came off the island a couple of metres and had some Ronnie's to 6 oz and a couple of hard fighting 8 oz Hybrid's. I had been loose feeding the Ronnie line with LR's on the Ronnie rig line and went over that to rest the island line and had some nice Ronnie's. Back out on the island and had some small Chub and more Ronnie's. As the match progress kept switching between the two lines to keep the Ronnie's and small Chub coming.

My silvers weighed 32 lb 7 oz for surprising first overall. Very enjoyable day's fishing at a well managed fishery.

Thanks to Tony Welsby for the well organised match, guess rover matches are harder to run.

Weigh Sheet:

Saturday 12/06/2021 - 17/06/2021 - Viaductors Holiday 2021

This year we were back to our usual June Viaduct Holiday slot, which came round quick because we were there last September due to the Kung Flu. All the usual suspects plus this year Gary "Junior" Bowden, so eleven of us (pictured). Couldn't wish to socialise with a better bunch of lads, plus very knowledgeable anglers all having been through a tough apprenticeship through the early days on both canal and river, none of these new "manufactured" anglers here. A great thanks to Woody and Glenn for the organisation. Slot already booked for next year.

Martin Rayet brought some of his range of MR floats with him "only a few left" the new Topper? MR puts a lot of time into each float and is happy to make floats to your pattern, so if you can no longer get your favourite pattern contact him.

Once again Mandy at M&M café in the Somerton precinct did our breakfast to order and was on the table at 08:00 sharp. Highly recommended. We had dinner at the Unicorn the food was indifferent, however, they were accommodating for the after dinner dinking sessions. We had the usual Indian which is a must do every year and  was OK, but lacked some spices - luckily I was sat next to Lee. A visit to Weatherspoon's and a fight with their bloody App, hate the place everything is wrong about it, hope it's not the future. The best place we ate was the Globe, limited menu but good food and sociable service - recommended. The rest - well - what went on in Somerton stays in Somerton. Then there was three pairs of shoes stayed and one pair of trainers in the bin!!

Saturday 12/06/2021: Viaductors Open - 13 metres Pole Only - Campbell

Our first match and I was handed peg 125 which meant I would be in the hot sun all day. I found Tim Ford who was to have a torrid time with foul hookers and pole breakage on peg 124 and Stu White on peg 126. Had a chat with Stu and agreed that due to the far side pegs being shaded and a light wind blowing into it we were probably on the wrong side. Both of us would be fishing for Silvers Stu for the Skimmers long and me close in with the Ronnie rig and caster. As it happened we were wrong Stu won the the Silvers with 40lb 3oz. Perhaps Stu will give us a few words on how he approached his match. I was second with 24lb 15oz with my catch consisting of five Tench with three of them foul hooked, but did lose two hooked proper in the edge reeds.

The match was won by Glenn Bailey (pictured with the Silvers winner) with 137lb 7oz from peg 127. Glenn caught Carp with his two pots rig and paste.

Weigh Sheet:

Sunday 13/06/2021: Viaduct Open: Lodge Lake:

After the usual first night drinking madness I certainly was jaded found Glenn on the couch in the morning appeared to have ate (or drank) something that disagreed with him!

Matt long handed me peg 62 a peg I've have previously struggled on, but would be in the shade until late into the match. Peg 61 was occupied by Junior. I decided to have an easy day fishing the Ronnie rig with caster. I had a good first hour catching small Skimmers, Ronnie's and one Tench for about 10 lb, so all going well. The peg then completely died replaced with foul hooking Carp who appeared to like my GB. I scratched around the margins adding the odd silver and two Carp. With half hour to go and with the umbrella no longer shading me I was so hot I had to wave the white hanky and stand in the shade. I weighed 12lb of Silvers and 27lb 1 oz of Carp for second in the Silvers, but no pay day.

The match and the Silvers was won by Gary Bowden (pictured wrestling with a flipper) with 15ln 1 oz of Silvers and a total of 109lb. Gary caught mainly on paste at 13 metres and unfortunately for me had a couple of accidental Skimmers late on whilst fishing for Carp. well done matey. Double bubble.

Looks like another scorcher tomorrow.

Weigh Sheet:

Monday 14/06/2021: Viaductors Residents Match: Match Lake:

After a night of abstinence I felt good and was looking forward to fishing this Lake as I have not failed to enjoy the fishing albeit it being difficult at times due to it being a very shallow lake circa 3 foot. 

I was handed peg 43 a good F1 peg on the waggler or feeder. However, I was on holiday and decided against both in favour of fishing for Silvers short at either top set, top set plus one barrel or two barrels with maggot over loose GB. Started on the longer line and after feeding loose GB and a six maggots through the kinder pot got lots of fizzing and pestered by big Carp. I did have two small Skimmers before I relised I was on a hiding to nothing loosing a couple of rigs with one right beast of a Carp breaking the main line and the elastic hitting my arm which pissed me right off and my neighbours will testify - some anger management to follow. I fed the shorter line with the same and would watch for any "don't go there fizzing" whilst I fished the top set to the left, again with maggot and GB. I had a good run of Rudd and Ronnie's including another Tench. After catching a small Carp I switch to the short line where no fizzing was showing and had a a very enjoyable remainder of the match catching hand size Skimmers and one big Carp. My Silvers weighed 21lb 9oz for a Silvers win.

The match was won by Martyn "Woody" Woodington (pictured with the Silvers winner) with 105lb 7oz from next peg 42. Woody caught mainly long down to his RH margin with paste over soaked 4's. Well done matey nice to watch.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 15/06/2021: Viaductors Open - Avalon -  Match Lake:

Vic Bush has done a lot of work adding parking behind the far bank pegs which was very welcome by match and pleasure anglers alike. A reasonable turn out for a Tuesday with 15 fishing. I had a plan to fish for Silvers worked out. However, when I drew far end peg 24 all plans went out the window as its really a Carp peg especially now that the tree has been removed and the bank modified to be like a beach with the bank sloping off for about 3 metres to full depth from the end bank. There was a lot of floating flotsam and jetsam along the end bank which Carp were slurping at. So one paste rig set up set to two foot deep to fish the margin pole at the full length of 9.5 metres. Th slope was such that that it necessitated at times some holding back the paste. The upshot was I lost three Carp hooked fairly losing one and a rig in a snag and two for bad rushing angling. Then there were al the foulers which I'm not discussing as it's the fishes fault for coming down the slope and not up!! The sun was again relentless with no shade whatsoever and nearly threw the towel in again. 

I weighed 58lb 10 oz for a match par.

The match was won by Lee Masey (pictured with the Silvers winner) with 75lb from peg 40. Lee caught primarily on the waggler and feeder with pellet.

Chris Ollis won the Silvers with 7lb 4 oz which comprised on two Skimmers (on meat) and 4 lb of whitebait and Motherless. Chris's shoes soles had melted in the car necessitating going to Wetherspoons in his wellies. Glenn as usual came to his rescue loaning him a pair, not that the wellies would be out of place in this establishment.

Back to the Lodges for a debrief and team talk by chip shop Martin "Boris" Rayet.

Weigh Sheet:

Wednesday 16/06/2021: Viaductors Short Pole Open - Viaduct -  Campbell:

This is match limited to top set plus three barrels. Matt long draws me peg 131, which has been winning recent matches on the lead towards the aerator. No concern about this as I would have only fished for Carp if I had drawn a corner peg. So Silvers it would be on the Ronnie rig with casters for the duration - nice and easy. Drawn next to Paul Faiers on 132 and Boris on 130 who would get Chip shopped again.

Caught on and off all match losing the only Tench I hooked. Only a few Skimmers in my net of mainly Ronnie's. very enjoyable for me. I did have a small Carp and a 19 lb Common on single caster which I landed eventually and was scale perfect and looked if it was rarely caught. My Silvers weighed 24lb 12oz for 3rd Silvers and the two Carp 23lb 1oz.

The match was won by Dave Willmott (pictured) with 235lb 5oz from corner peg 119. Dave caught from his RH margin using meat hook bait over potted meat. Dave fed about two tins.

Ryan Jordan (pictured) won the Silvers with 32lb 4oz from peg 111. Ryan caught on hard pellet both 6's and 4's over 4mm feed.

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 17/06/2021: Viaductors Away Day - Todber Manor - Homegroundl:

A bad start for us all as the A303 was closed so flying by wire which meant arriving late for the draw so match pushed our for half hour. The match was limited to our group plus Tony Rixon and not just because he had the scales, draw cards and provide us a quick weigh in!!

We decided that all Silver fish would be returned so no Silvers pools and provides that extra keep net which will probably be needed. So a fish race it would be - not my cup of tea but OK for once a year.

Martin Rayet had been chip shopped all week and promised if he happened today he would give his tackle away, I had already made a list. So all would put extra effort in to today match, that is until he drew the best peg in Europe peg 90. For me it was 87. Happy enough with this as there was a bit of wind cover our side. I was sandwiched between Tim Ford and Glenn Bailey.

Two rigs both paste one at top set plus one Barrel set half way up the shelf and a margin rig set to between 12 and 18 inches deep.

Started on the one barrel over potted micro and wetted 4's and caught first put in after a few carp decided to come in on the top set to speed up the catch rate and stop the wetted 4's in favour of hard 4's feed because the Carp were coming up intercepting the particles coming of the wetted. Again caught well but did have a rig break due to pulling too hard and another the elastic pulling thought the stop bead because it slipped out of my wet hands banging on the top set a couple of times. Been lose feeding maggot and micro in the margin until I saw some tails waving at me. So went in there with the 25 elastic on the top set and basically I got caught by the Carp if I held the paste off bottom they would rip the elastic out. I had changed to potting maggots and micro and managed to get too many Carp in the margins which ended in too many liners/false bites. With 30 minutes to go I had enough but managed to hang on to the end playing fish after fish.

I weighed 275lb 14oz for second overall. This is not match fishing.

The match was won by Boris (pictured with some of his catch) with 384lb from peg 90. Martin caught on maggot feeding copious amounts of the same. However, he did have a slow start and after an hour he was looking worried when I started to passing his tackle list along the bank

A well done to Geoff Francis on a personal best of 166lb 9oz. I think he enjoyed himself.

Weigh Sheet:

And finally the picture of the week with all suspects present. It's debatable whether there were more cans of cider drank or fish caught.

Saturday 19/09/2020 to Thursday 24/09/2020 - Viaduct Holiday - Viaduct Fishery and Avalon

19/09/2020: Viaduct: Glenn Bailey Open - Carey Lake

First match of our annual weeks visit to Viaduct which is normally in June but delayed until September for obvious reasons. To comply with the current Covid19 rule of not exceeding a gathering of 6 or less we had two 6 berth Lodges with 5 in one and 4 in the other so that the more vulnerable could have a room of their own.

Didn't realise there was a rule wrt NOT throwing in bait in after the match!! Thought it was encouraged.

I had a walk around the Carey Lake meeting up with Steve Long on peg 109. I said it is one of the few pegs on the fishery that I have yet to draw and wouldn't mind having it today. Well I couldn't believe it when Matt drew me this peg.

Short walk to the peg and was anticipating catching some lumps down by the pipe on paste. The upshot was all I could catch was Perch and Roach. Didn't have one Skimmer of any size. Nonetheless I enjoyed it especially as I did have some decent Roach and Perch, nice to see them growing on. All caught on my long Ronnie rig with single caster over loose fed caster. I weighed 25 lb 5 oz which was well of the pace without the Skimmer content.

The match was won by Joe McMahon (pictured with the Silvers winner) with 111 lb 4 oz from peg 77. Joe caught a few early shallow, catching the Lion's share on the straight lead using 10 mm banded pellet over loose fed 10 mm.

The Silvers was won by Dave Willmott with 59 lb 2 oz from spit peg 80. Dave caught at top-set plus two sections using caster over caster.

Weigh Sheet:

Sunday 20/09/2020: Viaduct Open Match - Lodge Lake:

Well I add the only peg I haven't fished on Lodge Lake to my list and another corner peg 53. Another short walk albeit it a bit bumpy for the trolley. Opposite I had Lumber Jack Paul Elms who took a definite dislike to the willow tree on peg 73. Good company though.

I knew it would have to be a Carp match for me if to get near some coin. However, as per usual I tested the peg for Slivers. However, on a Skimmer line I didn't have a bite or any signs of fish. So I started down the LH side with the short Ronnie rig catching the odd Silver - Perch and Ronnie's on caster over caster. With a 1 hour and 50 minutes left the line completely died. Expected the Carp had arrived and so it was, first drop in with paste I had a 10 lb Carp. So switched the feed to hard 4's and by the end I had added nine more big Carp.

My Silvers weighed 10 lb 14 oz and my 10 Carp 116 lb 2 oz for a match winning weight of 127 lb qualifying for the all winners, beating matey Tim Ford for by 13 ounces of Silvers.

The Silvers was won by Martin Rayet (pictured right with the match winner) with 34 lb 2 oz from peg 68. Martin caught on his favorite bait of meat expecting to catch Carp but found some accidentals. Well done matey also qualifying for the Silvers final.

Weigh Sheet:

Monday 21/09/2020 - Residents Match - Match Lake:

Two Lodges knock up and I was drawn another corner peg 49. Matches are often won and lost at the draw - say no more.

Had good company with Chris Ollis on peg 50. As I had an end of island chuck I set up the waggler which unfortunately didn't get used because there was no way I could feed it because of the facing wind. So I had a both the short and long Ronnie rig set up and caught some small Skimmers and two F1's on the Long line with caster over GB and Ronnie's on the short line using caster over caster. I was expecting Carp to move in at some time but 15 minutes from the end was far too late hooking four landing two. They needed to arrive an hour earlier. 

My Carp weighed 18 lb 2 oz and my Silvers 22 lb 10 oz for a Silvers win. With my total weight leaving me last!

The match was won by Tim Ford (pictured right with the Silvers winner) with 122 lb 14 from peg 42. Tim caught small Carp on the straight lead tight to the island using banded pellet. See Tim's blog for more details.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 22/09/2020 - Viaduct open Match - Campbell Lake

The morning sky was a telling of the rain to come. Luckily it wasn't so heavy as forecast, but I could feel the Autumn nip.

So Matt drew me my fourth corner of the week peg 123. For company I had Martin Woodington on peg 124. I was told this end of the Lake hasn't been fishing that well for some months, but planned to fish paste on top-set plus one out in front and top-set plus three down the left hand side. Potted in some micro to cover both options of Carp and Skimmers. First put in I had a 16 lb 6 oz Carp and was winning the match. Unfortunately I slowed to not getting another Carp, but did have four Skimmers with a few flying off with half of them flying without being hooked. The last 15 minutes went in the margin and caught a few small Perch to stop the boredom. It was dire.

We did have some entertainment from Mark Tanner who was opposite on peg 119. He snapped his pole playing a foul hooker and fell in trying to retrieve his top six. I jumped up off my box with anglers expecting to run round and help - but no, it was to get the camera - picture right - He lost the fish!

The match was won by The Dude - Dan Squires with 164 lb 5 oz from peg 116. Dan caught most of his fish slapping at a ridiculous length of pole, managing to snap a butt section in the process.

The Silvers was won by Magic elastic - Dave Willmott (pictured right) with 41 lb 13 oz from peg 116. Dave caught on his usual of fishing short feeding copious amounts of caster with caster on the hook. Check out his range of elastics.

Weigh Sheets:

Wednesday 23/09/2020: Glenn Bailey's Short Pole - Campbell Lake:

The match limited to top-set plus three barrels which has proven a productive range on this Lake. Hoping not to be drawn a corner today so hung back and was drawn the next best thing to a corner, peg 118. Wrong end of Campbell again. For company I had Martin Woodington again, always a laugh.

I decided to forget the Carp and concentrate on the Silvers with caster.  One line at top-set plus one barrel out in front and a short Ronnie rig and a 4x10 Speedy for the left side/ behind margin. Fed some GB laced with caster out in front and fed some caster down in the behind me margin. I think it was second put in over he GB that I hooked and landed a Carp on single caster. After this I had a few small Perch and one decent Skimmer, it was slow with the fish apparently not wanting to feed on the bottom. So switched to the behind swim (me pictured right in my gnome position view from Martin's peg). Switched to loose feed caster over caster and had a run of Perch with one around 2 lb which cut my finger unhooking it. I had one more decent Skimmer but lost another flying Skimmer that went so high it touched the tree and a decent Tench in the brambles. Oh yes, I hooked six Carp in the process which all broke me charging toward the tree in peg 17.

My one Carp weighed 9 lb 6 oz and my Silvers 20 lb 13 oz. Apparently since the second aerator has been installed at the far end of Campbell the  fish have been reluctant to feed on the bottom, highly likely due to the silt being washed up to these end pegs. I could only catch silvers up the margin. Hopefully once the silt settles the fishing may improve. Out in front I did hook the bottom twice, third time landed a dust bin liner full of crap breaking a number three in the process.

The match was won by Gordon Cannings (upper pictured right) with 120 lb 1 oz from peg 111. Gordon caught at full length using both meat and pellet and a few later in his margin on meat.

The Silvers was won by Paul Faiers (pictured right with his catch) with 45 lb 7 oz from peg 112. Paul caught short both out in front and down his right hand side into peg 113 bay using caster and GB.

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 24/09/2020 - Glenn Bailey's Float Only - Avalon Fishery:

The forecast wasn't good with heavy rain showers and wind gusting to 40 mph. Luckily it wasn't they got it wrong with Avalon staying dry all day.

Vic Bush drew me peg 6 which was between Martin Rayet and Alex Leonard on end peg 5.

My peg cried out for the waggler but the wind wasn't right for it (at the start anyway). Decided to fish for the big Skimmers which are in the Lake, but had cleared out the RH margin for paste later. So decided to fish GB laced with micro with worm hook bait. As I was expecting the wind to pick up I used a 4x18 Jolly with a triple bulk shotting to fish top-set plus three barrels. I also set up the long Ronnie rig. So started on the worm and had a small Skimmer and one about 1 1/2 lb before all I got was tugs from micro Perch, so gave up on this line and had a go in the margin with paste which I had been feeding with hard 4's, the margin felt right but didn't get any indications not even any nibblers. Having tried the Ronnie rig out in front with caster I got pestered by Motherless Minnows. So came in on the top-set with the 4 x18 and changed to maggot over potted maggot and started to put some decent Ronnie's in the net.

Martin next door tried his margin with meat and had a Carp with the match fishing poorly with only a few Carp caught so far I also went in the margin the paste and had a Carp first try. This proved to be unproductive and distracted me for a while from catching the Silvers as I never had another Carp. Back on the short line with maggot I kept a few more Ronnie's coming to the end in and out of catching Ronnie's.

My one Carp weighed 7 lb 2 oz and my Silvers 15 lb 2 oz which did get me second silvers but the Carp distraction cost me first I think. Nonetheless, a good day's fishing and nice to see the Ronnie's growing. The match was won by Mike West (pictured right with the Silvers winner) with 66 lb 6 oz from peg 14. Mike caught on paste at 13 metres, no doubt lacing in the feed.

The Silvers was won by John Fuidge with 20 lb 13 oz. John caught on the waggler using corn over corn. Apparently a method sorted from the league a week before. A closely guarded secret apparently!! Well done both.

Weigh Sheet:

A  big thanks to Mandy (pictured with my green tea) at M&M café in Somerton Precinct for our morning very tasty breakfast, highly recommended.

Well done to Tim Ford for man of the week picking up in 5 of the 6 matches missing the first one on Carey. A good result considering his initial concerns on how he would catch Carp. Didn't have to worry they catch you.

We did have a regular visitor to our Lodge and this day it came in to watch the news!

I've not mentioned any of the social side of the week. I will leave that for others, as I was very antisocial and in in bed by 21:30 - mainly to avoid the mayhem of drunkenness'.

Sunday 21/06/2020 - Tony Rixon - Float Only - Avalon Match Lake

This was to be the first of Tony Rixon's float only league but due to the Covid was changed this year to opens. Hence it was nice to fish a match with nearly every peg in with 46 fishing and 48 pegs available. Also nice was to see Mark Cook a returnee today whom I last saw on the ferry returning form Denmark. It sounds as if we will see more of him - hope so.

Paid the pools and Vic Bush drew me peg 41. Told it was an open water peg and should be good for Silvers - good news. For company I had Martin Lenaghan who is more likely these days to be catching Carp over 30 lb but hidden by a tree. On the other side Glenn Calvert a good all round angler. With all the pegs in the bank looked like pole alley - picture right.

Looking at the weather forecast it was likely to be windy and from my experience pole fishing can be difficult once the tow starts so in preparation made up a 2 gram and 4 gram rigs. Luckily I was able to easily get a way with a 4x16. The short Ronnie rig was set up and a margin paste rig attached to the Drennan 25 elastic - no prisoners today - my margin was nearly 5 foot deep! So just the three rigs. I nearly set up a normal waggler to fish for Silvers but the wind put me off.

In case the wind did get up I decided to fish the 4x16 at top-set plus two barrels to fish worm over GB laced with caster and a bit of chopped worm - "the messy business" which on the "all in" I fed three balls of at the start. I left this to start on the Ronnie rig with single caster over loose fed same. Thankfully this worked and started to catch Ronnie's to 3 oz and Golden Rudd. I Hooked a Carp which I lost in the overhanging branches of the tree. So decided to give this a rest and tried the long line with worm and didn't have any indications. So a change of plan I switch to feeding micro, caster and worm leaving off the GB. Whilst this settled I went back on the Ronnie, keeping an eye on the long line for any signs. Kept the Silvers coming until I hooked another Carp which I lost in the tree roots. Decided to clear out any Carp with the paste rig and had two Carp before I spied some blow over the long line so out again and this time I had two decent Skimmers. Fed again and on to the Ronnie rig and a few more Silvers, it slowed again so on the paste and another two Carp owiked out. Back out on the long line and two more Skimmers. By following this cycle I finished with six decent Skimmers and six Carp. I'm embarrassed to say I got platformed by a big Hybrid!! With an hour to go I had to make the decision whether to stay with the Silvers or go all out for the Carp. Glenn suggest he would stay with the Silvers which I did.

Along came the scales which looked like a mobile Guillotine (pictured above right) designed and manufactured by Vic Bush - very effective - ("that's the way to do it").

My Silvers (pictured right) weighed 29 lb 9 oz comprising 20 lb of Skimmers and 10 lb of Ronnie's for a Silvers win. My six Carp weighed 25 lb 9 oz for a 7th overall 55 lb 2 oz. Hindsight tells me I should have switched to Carp as I was clearly ahead on the Silvers - but you can never be sure.

The Match was won by the venue paste expert Glenn Bailey aka Two Pots (pictured below with his catch and the Silvers winner) with 88 lb 9 oz from peg 36. Glenn caught six Carp on the first hour on paste, five more in the middle four hours on the waggler and five more on the paste at 13 metres. He explained how he landed a 12 lb Carp on 12 inches of top-set which was the only bit remaining after being smashed against the platform.

Result:

1. Glenn Bailey 88-09-0 peg 36
2. Neil Mercer 75-10-0 peg 5
3. Martyn McMahon 76-02-0 peg 23
4. Russ Peck 68-05-0 peg 29

Silvers:

1. Mike Nicholls 29-09-0 peg 41
2. John Dursley 18-09-0 peg 18
3. Paul Faiers 16-09-0 peg 22

Weigh Sheets:

Saturday 08/06/2019 - Thursday 14/06/2019 - Viaduct, Landsend and Avalon Fisheries

Time for our annual pilgrimage to Viaduct. This year ten of us shared two 6 berth lodges, myself, Son Steve, Geoff Francis, Mark Tanner Martyn Woodington, Glenn Bailey, Tim Ford, Martin Rayet, Gordon Cannings and Chris Ollis. Six matches in six days. If the fishing doesn't kill you the terrible diet and lots of alcohol might. Not one vegetable or piece of fruit all week! I had a take-away call a Kebab which ended up in the bin after two mouthfuls. The weather wasn't set for the sun worshipper and those that like wearing Budgie smugglers whist fishing - rain all week and torrential at times, BUT very little wind, which would be great conditions for the fishing. Pictured "The Inbetweeners" outside one of the Lodges.

Saturday 08/06/2019 - Viaduct - Silverfox 13 metre Pole only - Campbell

Twenty fishing the max for this match. It doesn't matter which peg I drew as I had intended to fish for the Silvers. Into the coffee tin and pulled peg 121 on the end bank. Umm, the last time I fished this peg I framed with Carp, so felt I had to abandon the thoughts of Silvers. So set-up two paste rigs - one 0.3 gram to fish top-set plus three and a 0.2 gram to fish the left and right hand margins. Started on the long line in front with paste and a few hard 4's in the kinder cup and hooked a Carp within seconds which came off (not fouled). Out again and within seconds I landed an 8 lb Carp. Next put in a fouler. No more Carp for a while instead started to catch decent Skimmers. After I had about 10 lb of Skimmers and with no Carp interested in my paste I thought I should change to fishing for them and nearly got up off the box but decided to stay with the paste anticipating catching late. I carried on catching the odd Skimmer. I tried down both margins and had one small Tench. I did have another three Carp. Unfortunately the decision to stay with the paste and Carp was the wrong wishing I had changed.

My four Carp weighed 35 lb and my Silver 21 lb 4 oz just 3 lb out of the Silvers coin. My total of 56 lb 4 oz was only good enough for midway.

The match was won by Phil Hardwick (pictured right) with 176 lb 1 oz from peg 111. Phil caught some shallow but primarily on 8 mm pellet on the deck.

The Silvers was won by Tim Ford (pictured) with 33 lb 2 oz from peg 116. Tim caught on hard pellet - see his blog for further details. Nice to see Tim qualify for the Silvers final.

Son Steve drew peg 119 and struggled but did manage to land a decent Carp - pictured right. 

No doubt there are lots of fish around the Aerator.

Result:

1. Phil Hardwick 176-10-0 peg 111
2. Bob Gullick 119-02-0 peg 112
3. Tim Ford 104-0-0 peg 116

Silvers:

1. Tim Ford 33-02-0 peg 116
2. Gordon Cannings 24-07-0 peg 125
3. Chris Ollis 24-01-0 peg 126

Weigh Sheet:

Sunday 09/06/2019 - Tony Rixon Float Only - Round Two - Landsend - Specimen, Match and Walters Lakes:

With Landsend stopping breakfast we stopped at the Bear Hotel in Street for a continental breakfast - all feeling a bit bloated after a night out at the Unicorn Hotel the food I gave a 3 out of ten and not to return.

Forty fishing over the three Lakes. One ticket left in the tin when I got there so broke a golden rule and let Tony draw for me - peg 21 on Match Lake. Arriving at my peg I found Martin Rayet on end peg 24, Clint Wojtyle (and Son) peg 23, Gary O'Shea peg 19 and Joe McMahon peg 17 I wasn't thinking a section win nor a framing then, so the only way to coin was Silvers my peg can throw up some decent Skimmers.

So set up a 4 x12 Winter Titan to fish top-set plus four which is just about half way across. I also set up a 0.2 margin paste rig for the LH side for later in the match when the Silvers tend to fade.

Started on 4 mm expander over a few kindered micro and started to catch small Ronnie's - missing a few bites, as you do on expander's. I had a Skimmer of about 1 1/2 lb then one of 3 oz before the line appeared to die. I upped the feed and got some fizz from presumably Carp  but couldn't catch anything - meanwhile all the other section members were catching Carp. The rain started and was torrential and over the course of the match raised the water level by an inch!  Well behind and with the Silvers being figment of imagination I switched to the margin with paste at top-set plus one (margin pole) and  the Drennan 25 elastic (I love using this stuff). I had been feeding the odd hard 4 but now switch to kindering them over the paste. I had a Carp first put-in. Subsequently I caught some better Carp steady over the rest of the match, losing only one in a snag, not sure how it managed to stretch my elastic that far. I must say the Carp are in good condition.

My disappointing Silvers weighed 2 lb 9 oz and my Carp 116 lb 7 oz and to my surprise my total of 119 lb was enough to win the section got me fourth overall.

The match was won by Neil Mercer (pictured upper right with the Silvers winner) with 159 lb 10 oz from fancied peg Specimen peg.

The Silvers was won by Clayton Hudson with 16 lb 15 oz from Specimen peg 33. I understand that they were mainly accidental!!

Definitely no where near as many Silvers in Match Lake and no signs of any follow-on small Skimmers.

Result:

Weigh Sheets:

Monday 10/06/2019 - Viaduct Residents Match - Lodge Lake:

We arrange with Mandy at M&M's cafe in the precinct to open early every morning for breakfast which she is very happy to do which is served in double quick time very useful. 

Twelve of us fishing and I was left with peg 62. Not a Carp flyer so chose to fish for Silvers. So set up the Ronnie rig and a 4x12 Winter Titan which could be fished anywhere. Bait wise it was GB and caster with single on the hook. Started on the Ronnie rig by feeding lose GB with loose casters. The upshot was I caught Skimmers and Ronnie steady all match - perfect plus only three accidental Carp.

My Silvers weighed 28 lb 13 oz for the Silvers win the Carp took my total to 67 lb 5 oz.

The match was won by Martin Rayet (pictured right)  with 117 lb 12 oz from peg 60. Martin fished meat short for most of the match and qualified for the all winner final.

Son Steve had drawn peg 66 and had a torrid time losing Carp in a snag fishing long down his LH margin towards the tree branch, it wasn't until he switched to his top-set down under the recently trimmed bush to his right that he started to catch and land Carp.

However, the highlight of the day was Geoff Francis, who provided great entertainment. A Carp pulled out his top five and the only option was to strip off and go in after it. He did get it back and land the fish. Apparently we discovered that Helen Long keeps a pair of binoculars in the office and intently observed Geoff stripping off to dry himself. I'm blowed if Geoff didn't lose a top-set this time by a Skimmer pulling it off! Geoff pictured right swimming out and in. Couldn't help noticing that Chris Ollis didn't flinch from his concentration. No one caught after this escapade for at least 30 minutes.

Result:

1. Martin Rayet 117-12-0 peg 69
2. Tim Ford 115-0-0 peg 53

Silvers:

1. Mike Nicholls 28-13-0 peg 62
2. Glenn Bailey 15-08-0 peg 59

Weigh Sheet:



Tuesday 11/06/2019 - Avalon Fishery - Silverfox Float Only:

Breakfast at M&M's before our trip to Avalon Fishery. When we had all gathered I could tell to a man that there was little enthusiasm. It was cold, wet and windy blowing straight down the Lake. Vic Bush had arranged weigh sheets and pegs for us and would weigh in after.

Into the draw bag and pulled peg 19. Didn't mean a lot as the conditions were such that the waggler was a no-no, didn't stop Mark Tanner thrashing it about though. Son Steve was on the next peg 17- (pictured right hiding in the reeds playing a Carp that ended up under his platform). I fancied Glenn Bailey would win today from end peg 22 where he was sheltered from the worse of the wind.

I decided to fish for Silvers with a 4x16 Winter Titan and 4 mm expander on the hook over GB laced with micro. The tow was against the wind which would be favourable for presenting dead depth. I started well catch five bream in five put-ins - happy days. Just thinking of a big weight when the peg completely died. I went for a Banana walk and as expected Glenn was in the lead but close behind was Tim, Martin and Gordon. Chris Ollis had about 15 lb of Silvers which was probably the most I could scrape up. Back in the saddle and switched to paste, but for the rest of the match could only add four Carp.

My Silvers weighed 14 lb 8 oz with my total weight initially 47 lb 8 oz which meant I was beat off the next peg by Mark Tanner. However, my magic keep net came to the rescue providing two more Ronnies increasing my weight to 47 lb 10 oz making it a draw with Mark - Phew that was a close call.

As expected the match was won by Glenn Bailey (pictured right) with 170 lb 4 oz from peg 22. Glenn caught on paste over wetted 4's at 13 metres from three different lines.

The Silvers was won by Chris Ollis (pictured right) with a tremendous weight of 41 lb. Chris caught on worm over GB laced with caster, chopped worm and DR's. Well done to him.

Geoff Francis had some big Bream with the one pictured right weighing over 5 lb.

The Lake fished really well. A pity there's not more Sunday Opens here I'm sure they would soon become very popular.

Result:

1. Glenn Bailey 170-04-0 peg 22
2. Gordon Cannings 151-02-0 peg 9

Silvers:

1. Chris Ollis 41-0-0 peg 13

Weigh Sheet:

Some of the team are starting to wane with Mark Tanner (upper centre) collapsing on his bed at 6 pm for a power nap!! Woke up at 11 pm and watch TV until 1 am!! 

Wednesday 12/06/2019 - Silverfox Short pole Match - Campbell Lake:

We stopped in the Bear Hotel on the way back from Avalon for a meal which was OK and not too pricey.

We've had a lot of conversation with Martyn Woodington about his new Space bar. Which is apparently  6 foot long plus or minus 10 thou. Glenn Bailey soon re-named it Woody' outer space bar - pictured right.

The match is limited to top-set plus three sections of pole, with the rig line no longer than the top-set. We were oversubscribed and had to turn anglers away so not happy to have a no-show, "No-show" need not apply next year. Thanks to all those that did call to cancel. Sorry to hear Lee Werrett was in hospital hope it's not serious, get well soon matey.

Last in the draw and found myself at the opposite end to the last match on peg 135. Again I had drawn it twice before and had framed with Carp, but wasn't going to make the same mistake and risk missing out on the Silvers which are feeding well all round the fishery at the moment. So I set up the Ronnie rig and two paste rigs.

Started on the caster over GB laced with caster and basically caught all the species in the Lake. I had about 10 lb of Perch mostly 4 ouncers so swingable and 20 lb of Skimmers. I had two Tench and lost two in the marginal rubbish - they fight like the Chub on the River Avon. Late on I had a go in the margin with paste to only catch a Ronnie! I did have my usual three accidental Carp on the caster. A lovely days fishing.

I weighed 37 lb 7 oz of Silvers which was enough to win the Silvers by 1 lb 6 oz (sorry Chris - not). My total weight was 60 lb 8 oz. Last year I tried hard to qualify for the all winners silvers final and failed but within two weeks qualified three times!!

The match was won by Glenn Bailey (pictured right) with 167 lb 5 oz from peg 112. Glenn caught at the full permitted length using paste over soaked 4's. And qualified for the all winners final.

Son Steve went over in his net - 85 lb so was disqualified. He would have weigh just over the ton with his 20 + lb of Silvers!! lesson learnt.

Result:

1. Glenn Bailey 167-5-0 peg 112
2. Martyn McMahon 154-04-0 peg 130 ("I hate this peg")
3. Tim Ford 153-09-0 peg 121

Silvers: 

1. Mike Nicholls 37-07-0 peg 135
2. Chris Rolfe 36-10-0 peg 116

Weigh Sheet:

Curry night at last and what a night. It is now BYO drinks and we thought one would be sufficient but there is always one that goes one large better. The food was excellent, the best at this house yet.

Thursday 13/06/2019 - Viaduct Costcutter - Campbell and Carey Lakes:

Nice to meet up with the usual suspects plus old teammate George Perkins back from sitting in a Bivvy.

Into the draw coffee tin and out comes peg 99 on Carey. One of my pegs of choice! Silvers it is then. For company I had everydayer Colin Dyer, the other side Wally. Nige Easton drew another flyer who was opposite on peg 78.

The set up was the Ronnie rig and a 4x14 Winter Titan to fish at top-set plus 3 and 4. What caught me out was the amount of tow (flow) right to left and slightly out caused by the Aerator. The hydraulics is now different all around the Lake. Dependent on where you are two pegs either way and it flows differently. I fed the long line with GB laced with caster and the Ronnie rig with the same. I struggled presenting with the Ronnie rig. The side effects of the flow from the aerator is to push the debris into the bank which fishing short meant hooking twigs and branches. So with about 10 lb of Perch and Skimmers in the net I switched to the long line but found holding back caster difficult. I also began to think my fine GB might have washed away. So I had a rethink deciding a heavier bait was required plus drag a couple of 11 shot. So switched to corn over corn. This worked well producing positive bites from decent Skimmers. I had a good second half match and learnt a lot today about this peg. At Carp - o'clock I had four Carp losing four foulers. It did affect the Silvers but nonetheless it was fun landing these big fish on my Silver kit.

My Silvers weighed 40 lb 13 oz and my Carp 44 lb 9 oz for a total of 85 lb 6 oz. This was second silvers and fourth overall on the Lake. The match payout was split over Campbell and Carey to picked up second Silvers - Carey. Well done Nige.

The Match was won by Paul Morris (pictured upper right) with 212 lb 5 oz from Campbell peg 129. Paul caught on the lead with banded pellet.

The Silvers was won by Shaun Wilson (pictured right) with 55 lb 3 oz from Campbell peg 114. Shaun caught mainly on expander pellet over pellet/micro.

Once again the venue fished very well indeed especially for the Silvers.

Result:

1. Paul Morris 212-05-0 peg 129
2. George Perkins 200-05-0 peg 128
3. Glenn Bailey 180-01-0 peg 135
4. Alex Nadin 173-02-0 peg 131

Silvers:

1. Shaun Wilson 55-03-0 peg 114
2. Nigel Easton 46-13-0 peg 78
3. Pete 43-05-0 peg 115
4. Mike Nicholls 40-13-0 peg 99

Weigh Sheet:

Our last night was spent in the Globe Inn which has just reopened. A young couple has taken it over and have a lot to learn I think. That said the food was OK but portions small.

Martin Rayet was well ahead on the Natch front downed 44 cans in six days not including all the "Inbetweeners".

A great week. The weather could have been kinder. God must have thought it was Glasto week.

Booked again for next year - the countdown begins. thanks to Helen, Steve and Matt Long for putting up with us for a whole week. And a special thanks goes to my Drennan Umbrella.

Finally: How pictures might deceive, is it tea he's drinking out of Natch Cup?