Tuesday 09/09/2025 - Hobnobs's at Harescombe - Doughnut

Lets be clear Glenn's and my fraught travels to Harescombe today was the complete fault of Geoff Francis. Last match Geoff explained that he found it much quicker to go via Ring Road and M5 rather than the usual of country roads. So off we set to find the Ring road rammed, but that was OK as the traffic dribbled along. Got to the M32 to access the M4 then the M5, only for Glenn to think we were going up the M4 to London, luckily I caught him time so we had to go back to the Hambrook round about to try gain. Second attempt we managed to get on the M4 in the right direction only to miss the M5 turn off and found ourselves on the way to South Wales. The now distraught Glenn suggested we carry on to Redhill for a pleasure session. I got him to turn off at the last turning before the Bridge and weave our way to Thornbury and and onto the M5 North. We were now a tad late so decided to go straight to the Doughnut and a quick called Tony "Hobnob" who agreed to do the draw for us and arrange for Gary to bring us a Bacon and Egg roll (very nice) - thanks both. Phew!

Glenn and me were drawn next to each other peg 15 for me and 13 for Glenn. Water levels were up a tad but not sufficient enough to sit on the platform so set up in the margin again (pictured). Thought the fishing would be OK due to the wind blowing our way.

With no silvers in the Lake maggot would be my choice of bait once the paste slows down. When the conditions are right would be itching to try the waggler and maggot here. But today start with paste then try Maggot in the margin later.

So one 0.4 gram Paul Corbett (PC) paste rig (great for the deeper waters) to fish top set and two barrel in 6 foot of water, and a 0.3 gram Ryan Jordon (RJ) Slim for the margin on the top set.

Started by feeding some Micro - first mistake as the feed was falling too slow causing foul hooking loosing my first five fish - bugger. So for the rest of the match feed nothing just any dissolved paste. Had a steady couple of hours catching some better Carp until it just switched off. The penny dropped the wind had switched direction leaving me becalmed. Had a look in the RH margin with the maggot over loose fed same had a couple of Carp but it was slow, Unfortunately preserved too long on the paste line to no avail. Decided to fish the last 30 minutes out on the maggot but this time down the LH side and was wishing I had switched sides earlier as had a good 30 minutes with one Carp snagging me in something that I thought was my keep net, but was something on the bottom. Had a micro Perch and definitely seen an Eel blow so some silvers in the Lake!!

Weighed 81 lb for third overall. needing another 5 lb for the win and 4 lb for second to Alan Oram's 85 lb. So very close match again. Very enjoyable and can't wait until we see the lake at it's winter level.

Two Pots Glenn Bailey won the match with 86 lb 2 oz from peg 13. Glenn caught on his favourite paste method at various lengths - mainly three barrels. Well done matey. Thanks for the ride today!

Tony Cook had some bad luck arriving to find his car alternator had packed up luckily the AA came and charged his car sufficiently hopefully to get him home.

After a distraught day on the road we were glad to sip our first pint in the Lamb - Iron Acton with section winner John Smith and Pete Greenslade. Driving home Glenn and me had a right laugh over todays events. - lasting memories made.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 02/09/2025 - Harescombe Fishery - Hobnobs on Match Lake

Back to Harescombe with Glenn and Geoff Francis. On arrival noticed Geoff's clean plate that previously held a fat bastard breakfast. Glenn and me had the small breakfast which was excellent and good value.

Nice to see Jock again. Lovely man.

Seems that every year at the beginning of September there is a sudden change in temperature, as it was today, needed fleece and Gore-Tex jacket. Luckily only a few small showers of rain even though Gary and the rest of the fishery managers have been doing rain dances every day. Think their worse worries are over for another year.

As Glenn and Me travel together it would be helpful if we were on the same side of the lake. It hasn't happened yet, but we were opposite today (pictured Glenn and Barry packing up).

Into the draw bag and peg 9 for me and next to Dave peg 8 who years back ran the Bridgewater AA matches on the Huntspill and Sedgemoor Drain with  Geoff Francis on peg 11.

Just the usual set up of two paste rigs. However, with the water cooling down would it be as good? So all my eggs in the one basket. Choose to fish initially at top set plus two then back to one barrel then margin with the bullet rig in the last knockings. Cutting back on the feed was the order of the day. So just a few micros kindered with the paste on the long line and had my usual quick six Carp/F1's before it slowed. Came to the conclusion that it's mainly the F1's who cause the slowing rather than the Carp, this because of how hard they initially speed off scaring the other F1's off. So question of keep a bit of feed going and being patient today. Tried the short line and it felt as if wasn't going to produce so binned that, with the margin producing one F1. Only place producing was the long line and hadn't lost or foul hooked any fish. Five minutes from the end hooked a Carp which was the first fouler of about 2 lb plus which came off with Glenn shouting out that could have been a "Game changer". He was right cost me the match win.

Weighed 55 lb 8 oz for third place only  1 ln 5 oz from first!! Very enjoyable steady days fishing. Great match fishing when it's this close.

The match was won again by Richard Rogers (pictured with his catch) 56 lb 13 oz from peg 12. Richard is well known for setting up the one feeder rod and fishing the tea bag throughout his matches. Well done.

Unlucky Tony Hobnobber.

Now here's a thing. Richard frames most matches here, mostly winning. Other than the odd angler dabbling in the tea bag most fish the pole. So if the tea bag is the winning method why isn't everyone using it? My answer would be; It's not the winning that's the most important thing but having a good day fishing using the methods you enjoy the most - feeder fishing is not for me not busy enough, have never fished the Method.

Back to the White Harte for a pint and a Himalayan curry with Geoff and Glenn. Very nice first time for a Buttered Chicken very tasty.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 26/08/2025 - Hobnobs at Harescombe - Match Lake

Another glorious day for fishing. Glenn and me off to Harescombe Match Lake again with the Hobnobs. Another nice breakfast with Pete Greenslade, John Smith and Pete Turner joining us.

If Carlsberg did match organisers.

Into the draw bag and peg 6 for me. Good company with Pete Turner on 5 and Tony Welsby on 8.

Two paste rigs - at top set plus three barrels, the other for right hand margin to see if I catch there this time!

Started on the long line with kindered paste and micro and had six quick Carp feeding a small amount of micro every fish and started to think I was going to empty it, nope, it was clear these were the fish that had missed yesterday's dinner. Kept going on the line nicking the odd now F1's. The wind picked up and although the wind was forecast to from in the SE the valley decides which way it's going to hit the Match Lake, blowing in every direction of the compass which can catch you out. A change now required so had a plumb around and decided to have a go at top set plus one which was about 6 inch shallower and anticipated it would take me out of the worse of the silt. Changed the feeding to minimum loose fed wet 4's. This worked for a while adding F1's and a few decent Skimmers. Started loose feeding wetted 4's in the margin and kept testing with the paste for the millions of nibbler's if present went back to the short line nicking the odd fish but had slowed considerably. At last went in the margin and the float sat still and had a run of Carp and F1's that was until I had a period of foul hooking - bugger.

Weighed 58 lb 10 oz for 5th. Felt that I haven't got the feeding right but got some clues for the next match. Very enjoyable day with the highlight seeing the delight on Pete Turners face when I retrieved his  number 7 and 8 that had blown in the lake - pleasure matey.

Glenn won his section again (pictured) pegged next to the winner Phil Auger (pictured with his catch) on peg 19 who won with 93 lb 7 oz. Not sure how he caught as my assistant Sports Journalist didn't know, only he caught mainly long tight over, but couldn't identify hook baits etc..."YOUR FIRED"

Runner up was worth a mention Rich Rogers who sat on the Tea Bag all match for 84 lb 10 oz. This method seems to be following me everywhere.

John Smith invited us for a pint on the way home but failed tell us which pub he was going to - apparently cider pickles brains. Glenn and me stopped again in the White Harte - No Geoff Francis stuffing himself this time.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 19/08.2025 - Hobnobs - Harescombe - Doughnut

When the Doughnut was first mentioned I went and had a look which was just after it had been dug and partly filled and pre-platforms (pictured bottom centre). It was to be a Silvers only pool. However, as history tell us it didn't work out. It has since been restocked with 2 tons of Carp no silvers remaining. As I hadn't fished it Glenn and me decided to give it a go with the Hobnobbers.

Was told the water level was down as you would expect with the dry spell we are going through which may require setting-up down in front of the platforms.

After another nice breakfast drew peg 11 which meant nothing to me. Got to the peg and yep had to set-up in the dry margin. The advantage was wont have to do my joints exercises today! Once set up it felt safe but didn't look it. Glenn was on peg 5 and able to sit on his platform. There was plenty of fish on the end of the island on the mud bank. Too far for me - waggler and Mag? - wind too bad.

Just two paste rigs one for top set plus two barrels in 5 foot and one for the margin to the right in 30 inches. Hopes were high.

Started on the long line with paste over micro. A very slow start for most. Finally had a few small Carp both Mirror's and Common's which fought well above their average 2 1/2 lb weight. Kept feeding the margin with hard 4's but only manged one better Carp losing a fouler after repeated attempts. The fish seemed to be a bit scatty which might be due to the lower water levels. Spent most of the match on the long line but found the as soon as the paste started to fall would get liners. Subsequently had a few foulers. Found it was a case of fishing the feed out which resulted in a couple of Carp prepared to get their heads down. Swapped from micro to feeding hard 4's which had the same result. Swapped to really soft paste which helped hold the float still in the wind. Had a walk down to Glenn who had just started catching after a long slow start, the walk helped ease my stiff back.

Finished with 20 Carp for 54 lb 15 oz for no where but a decent enjoyable days fishing. Must say the fish are in excellent condition.

The match was won my Glenn Bailey (pictured with his catch and collecting his winnings from head Hobnob) with 97 lb from peg 5. Glenn caught on paste at two barrels. Well done matey.

Very close contest two 90's, two 80's and three 70's that's proper match fishing which makes it feel like a fairish venue.

Back to the White Harte for a pint where we found Geoff France's with his Wife and Daughter having a meal. He was feeding up on his main stay food - Asian curry's. No Lemon in his cider - did check.

Weigh Sheet:

Tuesday 05/08/2025 - Harescombe - Hobnobs - Match Lake

For some reason my blog has become infested with annoying adverts, need to investigate, but guess it won't be easy - Google language is from some time in the distant future and is difficult to understand.

Had a call from matey Glenn Bailey who wanted to fish a match with me. So with him busy on Thursday we decided to get on the Hobnobs match at Harescombe which is every Tuesday. So contacted Tony Cook - Chief Hobnob (pictured chatting to Glenn on peg 8) who gladly booked us in and making us very welcome - a good feeling. The match was on Match Lake.

After a decent breakfast with Glenn and Mark Lodge who we discovered is the Land Lord of the New Inn Frampton Cotterell!

Twelve booked in so plenty of room. Again I was hoping for a peg on the near side especially today as would have to barrow my kit round. In to the draw bag and it was peg 24 on the far side for me and the longest walk, whilst Glenn was on peg 8 sat by his van. From previous results pegs 24 and 25 (empty today) seem to be all or nothing pegs. Found myself next to matey Rich Powell on peg 22 so good company - hope he puts the maggots I gave him to good use Thursday.

Only had paste so one rig for top set plus three barrels and a RJ bullet for the RH margin which I kept trying to find the margins full of very small silvers which mashed the paste to death did spear a few of the blighters😁.

Started at three barrels and had a two F1's and a small Carp before it went iffy. The wind picked up making presentation of paste in 3 foot of water difficult so dropped down to two barrels and refed the line with micro. It was soon clear that it was going to be a difficult day. I basically struggled to about 90 minutes to go and had three Carp which I hoping was the start for a dash to the finish - alas not just the odd F1. Glenn who was also struggling started to catch at the same time as me but fortunately he carried on to the end (pictured with his third overall catch of 64 lb 9 oz and especially good to see him back to his old self).

Weighed 33 lb 9 oz for last but one. I think today result was partly to do with the draw and my feeding which I'm still trying to sort it out, came away thinking I'm over feeding. I must say the fish are in great condition with Gary taking good care of his fish, spraying anti-bacterial on fish with any signs of infection. A first time time for everything tripped over three Scotch Eggs 😂.

The match was won by regular C J Booth (pictured with his catch) with 76 lb 8 oz from peg 12. Not sure how he caught. Well done matey.

Glenn and me have booked into the match on the Doughnut in two weeks time which will be the first time we've fished it, could be interesting.

Finally it looks like Mark Lodge not only can pull a decent pint but also good pegs!!

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 24-07-2025 - Harescombe Cost Cutter - Match Lake

A few of the over 55's decided to have a go at Harescombe Match Lake. Not fished this Lake for some years but have fond memories. Back then it was primarily F1's building the weights with a smattering of Carp, Barbel and Chub. I understand there has been a complete change and restocking. With the Barbel and Chub now gone and a reversal of F1's for Carp being the target for better weights.

After a small breakfast, which was very good and adequate for me. There are "Fat Bastard" ones if you going to wait all day for an Indian!

Into the draw bag and peg 21 for me. Mid Lake far side (right side in picture). Geoff was on the same side end peg 16. Opposite me Chris Gay peg 9.

Catching F1's on paste can be a nightmare, subsequently have never used it here. However, with Carp being the new target decided to give it a go. Set up a 0.4 PC paste float and plumbed at top set plus two barrels to find 2 1/2 foot of water a lot less than I remember, the water levels was well down the stream that runs through now dry. So with that over gunned switch to a 4 no 8  PC paste float. Amazed that in was the same depth in tight to the margin so one float did both. Set up a 0.3 gram RJ for corn. Simple. Little concerned about the depth and how it would fish.

Won't bother to include the episodes in margin only to say wasted too much time there catching nothing. Latter realising this probably due to the fish not really wanting to feed.

Fed the long line with some 4's and a little 2 mm expander and went over it with the paste. Getting indications straight away from silvers catching a couple of Skimmers and a very small F1. The better F1's moved in and found it very frustrating trying to catch the blighters. After catching six F1's it went quiet but was fizzing. Had been topping up with 4's and expanders, so stopped the feed for a while and fished away from the fizz and had a run of four decent Carp. I knew my feeding wasn't right but was learning on the job. Caught the odd Carp steady to the end. Matey Chris Gay (pictured with his second placing catch) was catching well opposite over to the far bank and thought he had a bit more than me. Here's a thing my impatience lost a decent Carp and got that feeling it was going to cost you.

Weighed 46 lb 15 oz for 4th overall and a section win. So reasonably happy with the result, but not convinced the feeding was right.

A very close match with only a few fish between the framers, which in my opinion is what match fishing is about. A very good match venue. Will have to try the Doughnut sometime. I'm not  great fan of these high weight matches. Very well managed fishery.

The match was won by Steve Brown ( pictured with his catch) from peg 14 with 54 lb 15 oz. Chris told me he had caught over shallow with caster.

Geoff and me planned for a after match Indian and Geoff thought it best to go motorway down to the ring road citing schools were out so less traffic. Well I was OK until got to the ring road and hit traffic due to an accident with police filtering us from three lanes to one. However, one of the benefits is the road is usually clear after an accident. Had a phone call from Geoff who had mistakenly gone back onto the M4 instead of the M32 and had to go to Bath junction 18 where there was also and accident. Anyway I was one pint up by time Geoff arrived at the Mughal Palace!!! Another great memorable day out.

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 03/10/2024 - Harescombe Silvers Cost Cutter Open - Meadow Lake

What a beautiful Autumn morning, cold but with promise of all day sunshine.

Many times have thought about returning to Harescombe. Not been there since June 2021. With only good news from the fishery and them now running silvers matches on Field and Meadow Lakes. I booked in. Although a previous regular on the Match Lake had only fished Field Lake the once, have never fished Meadow Lake and didn't even know its location and luckily that's where todays match was. I love fishing new to me venues/lakes. Nice to meet up with one of the old regulars - Richie Powell - pictured.

Arrived in plenty of time to carefully chew my breakfast after yesterday's tooth extraction - very nice, plus you get another hot drink delivers lunch time to your peg. Joined by Turbo Tone, Phil Morgan and Pete Greenslade.

13 fishing so only a a couple of pegs empty. Into the draw bag and peg 2 it was. Found the lake at the top of the fishery with the road around one way. Nice to be able to park behind my peg. The lake is absolute picturesque and as is the surroundings. No traffic noise. The fishery is obviously very well looked after. Knew it wasn't a silvers only lake verified by some  some large Carp on the surface. Found myself next to Turbo on peg 1.

The sun was directly in the face to start and seemed exceptionally bright, the lake was flat calm. Waggler and two rigs set up. The depth varied from three foot top set and kept going deeper, so settled on top set plus three barrels in 7 foot.

The upshot the GB feed didn't really work so loose feed LR's proved best. Caught small Ronnie's on all rigs and a bonus 8 oz Ronnie. It was fishing very hard and was a question of catch what you can. Wouldn't take a still bait so a lightly strung out waggler helped with this but meant plenty of casting. Did foul hook three Carp landing a 5 lb Common and nearly landing it's twin which broke the ageing no 5 slip elastic.

Weighed 3 lb 3 oz for second. Really enjoyed it, very comfortable platforms. No doubt a very well run fishery. Probably due to the female touch with Kathy running our match (pictured).

The match was won by Tony Price (pictured) with 4 lb 6 oz from peg 10. Think he caught on chopped worm. Well done matey.

Now the very sad news Darren North passed away whilst fishing a festival in Ireland on Wednesday aged 56. Darren was both a friend, neighbour and fellow match angler. Great company, loved his sense of humour. RIP matey.

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 24/06/2021 - Harescombe Cost Cutter - Match Lake

Due to all the Aerospace and MOD Engineers working from home I thought I would try going up the motorway via the ring road and arrived early, so went and had a scout for the new Silvers Lake which is under construction. Next turning on the left after the fishery turning and just pass the Equestrian centre. Picture right and very much work in progress. Guess it wont be used this year.

After one of Wendy's breakfast the rain started but had stopped by time we were given our pegs and stayed dry for the remainder. My peg for the day was 5. Wrong side wrong end again. At least we now have sections to fish for.

I set up the usual, but spent most of the match on the top set and after spending an hour proving that you cant use soft baits on this peg in summer, unless you want to catch micro Ronnie's, the life expectancy of a maggot is less than a second. A switch to corn to the left side margin and stayed there for the remaining four hours. I had a good run of small Carp 4 oz to 1lb and a couple of F1's. It was a bit disappointing that I couldn't catch any Skimmers though. I caught steady until the last hour and after losing a decent Carp and landing one I struggled and couldn't work out the reason, probably the feeding.

My Silvers weighed 6 lb and my Carp 22 lb 9 oz for a section winner total of 28 lb 9 oz.

The match was won by Tim Hadland (pictured right) with 47 lb 15 oz from a far bank peg. Tim caught shallow down the middle using banded 4's over loose fed 4's.

Result:

1. Tim Hadland 47-14-9 peg 21

2. Phil Auger 43-06-9 peg 8

3. Roy Liddle 35-11-0 peg 12

Sections:

Section B Martin Hook 27-04-9 peg 17

Section A Mike Nicholls 28-09-0 peg 5

Section C Nigel Phillips 33-13-9 peg 23

Weigh Sheet:

Again a close match.

Back to the White Harte with Matey Pete Greenslade who was one out if the money.

Thursday 03/06/2021 - Harescombe - Cost Cutter - Match Lake

I've not been to Harescombe for three years, during that time I've heard many rumours, so thought it time to return to a venue I really like and find out for myself. I had a chat with Andy Price - fishery manager (pictured right sorting the coin) Apparently, they have stocked it with small Carp and F1's to try and simulate the existing head of bigger f1's to feed. Andy also explained that they were building a Silver fish lake down the road - pass the Harescombe turning a few hundred yards and the next on the left. Thirty plus pegs and currently installing platforms, so won't be fished now until the winter. Worth a visit then I think. The fishing on the match lake has been very much up and down.

Andy's wife is now doing the breakfasts, definitely an improvement!

Met up with all the regulars, in this respect very little has changed, I was sadden to hear Gordon had passed away Christmas. Roy (Jock) Liddle doing his usual holding court, always a good laugh.

I was drawn peg 1, which I was told wasn't fishing that well. Terry Jones had it last match and had 16lb. I got to the peg and found I was hemmed in somewhat and although I had an empty peg to my right I couldn't fish to it unless I stood up - not doing that nonsense. Andy had made a right pigs ear of cutting the tree down to my right, but wasn't to affect me really. The stream was running really hard so decided to fish short, in any case there is no far bank boards to fish to. I also noticed fish spawning under the tree.

One 4x12 to fish the inside second shelf on both sides on the top-set and a 4x13 to fish top-set plus one barrel out in front - simples. Now for the difficult bit - which baits. Roy kept telling me they have been catching on allsorts!! So I decided to feed micro and use a variety of hook baits. The upshot was I could only catch to my right on the lighter rig with 6 mm expander which was initially getting ragged by Gudgeon and tiny Skimmers. I did catch a few Silvers on it though and was soon foul hooking F1's but landed a couple of decent ones hooked proper. The feeding was a nightmare to sort - which in reality I didn't. With the line completely drying up and with two of the five hours left I decided to chance my arm by going down under the tree with corn over corn which did produce a few small stockies, plus a couple more Skimmers and a few more foulers - of which I landed zero.

My catch weighed 21lb 4oz for a close fourth and a section win - didn't expect that.

The match was won by Phil Auger (pictured right collecting his coin) with 43lb 5oz from peg 6. Phil caught at 14 metres using banded caster over loose fed caster - sound familiar at the moment? Well done matey.

Result:

1. Phil Auger 43-05-0 peg 6

2. Mark Woodridge 25-07-0 peg 22

3. Martin Hook 21-14-0 peg 12

4. Mike Nicholls 21-11-0 peg 1 - section

5. Russ Baker 21-06-0 peg 25 - section

6. Tim Hadland 21-01-0 peg 16 - section

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 02/08/2018 - Harescombe Affordable Open - Match Lake

With the kids home from school it was an easy drive to and from today - back in the local by 16-45.

Into Andy's Cafe for breakfast which to be fair was good - except no butter for the toast. A quick look around the bring and buy tackle shop, then into the book shop where I picked up the book pictured opposite. I had the usual comments  "your going to need that today", etc... How true these comments were to be, I wish I hadn't left it in the car!

Geoff and I had a walk round the Match Lake and were subsequently hoping to draw on the far side. Back for the draw and out comes peg 3. Not very enamoured with this one wrong side wrong end, but a peg for winter. For company I had Roy "Jock" Liddell on peg 5. I like a shelf to pull the bait up and it's difficult on this peg because the margin is flat out to about 1 1/2 metres. However, there is some cover from rushes, sorry was some cover, as for some inexplicable reason I decided to chop some of it back looking for something that wasn't there. I set up two 4 x 10 Speedy's one with a 16 Tubertini 808 and the other a banded Drennan pre-tied. I like these hooks because they have a double twisseled line to the band which keeps the hair rig straight for much longer than a single piece of line. Bait table - corn, meat, pellet 4' and 6's. I started on the left side with corn and caught reasonably well for the first hour. I subsequently hooked a Skimmer which flew landing on the rushes and dropping through them which meant I had to go down the bank to get the rig back, which included some poking about with the landing net. The fishing subsequently became very hard. I tried the RH side with banded 6's over loose fed 4's but only got indications from small fish. I switched back to LH side changing to meat to try and catch some Skimmers, which I did for a while during which I had my usual one Barbel. I then hooked a better Barbel which went like hell snagging me on peg 2 - another walk then. I lost another two barbel in similar circumstances. I switched back to corn upping the corn feed only to make things worse finding I only managed to bring them up into fouling territory. I like five hours matches!

My Skimmers weighed 9 lb and my F1's and one small Carp 23 lb 7 oz for a last but two total of 32 lb 7 oz.

Whilst weighing in we had a visit from Paul Dicks whom we agreed hadn't met for some three years. Paul had been fishing the top Lake and now lives near the Gloucester Canal.

The match was won by Rob Turley (pictured right) with 82 lb 2 oz from peg 9. Rob caught on the method with banded pellet over micro pellet. Well done to him.

Result:

1. Rob Turley 82-02-0 peg 9
2. Brian Dix 66-0-0 peg 19
3. Terry Girdlestone 60-02-0 peg 11
4. Phil Auger 51-01-0 peg 15

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 19/07/2018 - Harescombe Cosy Cutter - Match Lake

Back to Harecombe with Geoff Francis and one of Andy,s Breakfast. Not sure whether it's a Cafe, a tackle shop, a bring and buy shop, Charity shop, book shop, but settled on Steptoes shed. I helped Andy out buying a book. I did enjoy the breakfast.

The talk was to be on the far side, I've not been over there for a while and it wasn't to be today, drawing instead in my usual area peg 13. As can be seen from the picture the far bank piles are collapsing, so no far bank shallows for me.

Only two rigs - a 4x12 Winter and a 4x10 Speedy. Bait tray - Micro, 6mm meat and corn. I Plumbed the Speedy rig at top-set to my left margin and the same rig at same depth at top-set plus two and a bit to the right. The left for meat and the right for corn. Started on the Winter at top-set plus two out in front with meat over meat and micro. As per usual I catch an F1 first drop in followed by a few flying Skimmers. Again as usual the swim died. After a big feed it was into the LH margin with meat after a couple of Skimmers Roach and F1's I was absolutely pestered by Gudgeon. So out again on the Winter which produced some flying Skimmers and one more F1 on the meat. Swapped to the RH with corn and after a slow start I caught F1's and the odd Skimmer steady to the end. However, The last twenty minutes was a tad frustrating due to losing a few foul hookers due to more F1's arriving. Each time the result was a rig tangled which happened three times slowing things down.

My Skimmers weighed 11 lb 1 oz and mt F1's 49 lb for fourth overall 60 lb 1 oz and last in the coin.

My Bib and Brace has suffered a slime out over the last few matches - see picture upper right. Time to throw out and buy new me thinks.

The match was won by Ian Sutton (pictured right) with 72 lb 5 oz from peg 23. Ian caught mostly in his margins using banded 6 mm pellet over lose fed hard 4's. Nice to see he caught conventionally on the pole - no Methodist.

As can be seen it was again a close match.

Geoff Francis drew peg 1 and spent most of the day on the phone to his estate agent fingers crossed he has sold his house. So a better excuse for a beer on the way back home.

Result:

1. Ian Sutton 72-05-0 peg 23
2. Brian Dix 70-07-0 peg 15
3. Phil Auger 61-03-0 peg 19
4. Mike Nicholls 60-01-0 peg 13

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 21/06/2018 - Harescombe Fishery - Cost Cutter - Match Lake

Geoff and me decided to on a return to Harescombe. The fishery is exposed to the wind from West round to North, so with a strong cold North Westerly blowing is was going to be difficult except the two pegs on the green bank.

After one of Andy's breakfast I had a walk down to the Lake to view the recent excavations. A gully has been dug to reconnect pegs 25 to 29. I'm not sure why, unless it was an aborted attempt to re-establish the Lake - pictured right.

Just about the right number fishing with 15 booked in. Into the draw bag and out comes brass counter 7. Over the time I have found the fishery about as fair as it gets and is really only affected by the weather conditions. So no emotion. Geoff had drawn peg 3 so no long walks. The wind was hacking straight down the Lake which ruled out fishing long. I was thinking that the Methodist would do well today.

With the F1's getting bigger I thought I would take some paste to give it a try. So I set up a paste rig to fish top-set out in front which was just down the inside shelf. The usual rigs of a 4x10 Speedy for the down wind margin for meat and pellet and a 4x12 F1 Winter for top-set plus three which was as far a I was prepared to fish in the wind to fish again meat and pellet.

I started by putting in a full cup of wetted micro on the paste line I  slipped a lump of paste on the hook and was getting indications straight away. I caught a few Skimmers all of them practicing their flying skills. I had one large F1 before I started to get liners which kept me preoccupied whilst putting very little in the net. The penny dropped, the fish, especially the F1's had come in the water feeding on pieces of paste falling off on the way down. knowing there was plenty of interest in the paste I decided to make up a paste rig for the upwind margin. I had a few Skimmers and a couple of F1's and was just  thinking I had it cracked when once again the fish were only interested in feeding on the paste jetsam. Having now wasted nearly two hours and noticing that the Methodist were all catching I switched to the meat on the long line and had a run of Skimmers and F1's. I couldn't get the feeding sorted though because after topping up it took and age for the fish to respond. So switched to the down wind margin and had a few F1's. So by switching between the two lines kept a few Skimmers and F1's coming. I was expecting the margin to switch on in the last hour but it didn't. I think the F1's were happy sat against the far bank boards in the wind.


My Skimmers and one Barbel weighed in at 16 lb and my F1's 37 lb 12oz for a sixth overall of 53 lb 12 oz. I felt I needed to try the paste even though it probably cost me a place or three.

Geoff had a great day and must have been in the Barrel peg catching eight (catch pictured right).

The match was won by Roy Liddell (pictured right) with 99 lb 7 oz from peg 21. Roy changed from Prodestant to Methodist for the day catching on the method over to the boards. Roy caught steady all match. 

Result:

1. Roy Liddell 99-07-0 peg 21
2. Brian Dix 89-11-0 peg 19
3. Tim Hadland 70-03-0 peg 25

All the above caught on the method. The fish seem to be fairly well distributed with most anglers getting plenty of bites. Bloody wind though.

I do like the 5 hour match very little fatigue afterwards and back in plenty of time for a pint. 

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 24/05/2018 - Harescombe Cost Cutter - Match Lake

Out on the garden yesterday which was a bit nippy to start with but I was soon sweating. Today I wish I had put on the thermal underwear!

Nice breakfast cooked by no other than Andrew Price. I pinched Geoff’s black pudding off his large breakfast to boost my small.

It was nice to catch up with the venue regulars especially Terry Girdlestone. I was hoping not draw next to him because he’s a jinx.

Into the draw bag and out comes peg 14. I was reasonably happy with this even though peg 15 was in on the end bank; but was slightly worried when Terry arrived on peg 12! Geoff had drawn opposite on peg 18. I thought I had an end peg that was until 20 minutes to the start the owner of peg 15 rolls up Duh. I think he’s a plumber as he spent 25% the match on the mobile discussing boiler power requirements with anon.

You have got to be quick setting up as it’s only an hour from the hut to the second duck call. Two rigs a 4 x12 winter for top-set plus two in a lot deeper water than I remember; for 4mm expander over micro; next a 4x10 Speedy for the RH margin in three foot of water.

I fed the margin with a smidgen of 4mm meat and the long line with a pot of micro. First put in on the expander I hooked and landed a F1, subsequently nothing only indications from tiny Silvers. I had previously decided that the peg would produce most from the margin so spent the rest of the match there with kindered meat over meat. I must admit I had a great first two hours catching very well; both Skimmers and F1’s. It slowed but at 13:00 the swim completely died for 50 minutes, during which I noticed the colour had dropped out if the water. The swim really didn’t recover as I expected in the latter parts of the match. I did have a few but nowhere nearly enough. I thought I had around 60lb, but those around me thought I had 100 lb only because they thought my 20 Skimmers were 2lb F1’s!

My Skimmers weighed 11 lb 14 oz and my F1’s 51 lb 4 oz for a forth overall total of 63 lb 2 oz.

The match was won by Stuart Graham (pictured right) with 80 lb 8 oz from fancied peg 22. Stuart caught short on maggot over maggot.

Back to the pub for a beer and debrief with Geoff and an excellent end to another perfect day.

I must fish here more often a great bunch of lads.

Result:

1. Stuart Graham 80-08-0 peg 22
2. Brain Dix 78-10-0 peg 6
3. Rich Powell 74-10-0 peg 24
4. Mike Nicholls 63-02-0 peg 14

Weigh Sheet: