Sunday 29/10/2023 - PSV Club @ Plantation - Main Lake

Glenn and me thought we would try Plantation Main with both silvers and Carp counting. We normally match fish it for silvers and hook loads of Carp - well I do.

The clocks changed overnight which will confuse my body clock for a few days. Woke to what looked like a full moon some beautiful views of it on the drive down. Topper Haskins would say that the fish won't feed after such a moon. He could be right.

Another bright and wind free day which is believed to be the reason the silvers aren't feeding properly especially the Roach at most venues. Wind also needed to get rid of the green film on this lake at the mo.  

I was hoping for a peg that has a platform or at least half of one. Peg 26 was drawn for me. Not quite a full platform but OK. For company on peg 27 Ron Hardiman and James D-0-G-G 777 on 24!

Only brought caster, maggot and GB to fish for the silvers. Three rigs - margin with caster for the big Perch, short Ronnie rig and a 4x12 to fish at 10 metres.

The upshot was for the first time ever at this venue couldn't get a bite on caster!! Resulted to maggot and caught very very small Ronnie's and Skimmers up to 4 oz by rotating the two lines. No Perch from the margin either. Even tried the waggler for not a bite!

Weighed 8 lb 9 oz of silver for nowhere. The only other thing worth a try was worm had I had any, but doubt if this would have made any difference as James next door fished it throughout the match.

Bela Bakos (pictured) won the match from peg 1 with 86 lb 8 oz. Bela caught mainly down his end margin at 13 metres just off the bank in 3 foot of water using a mixture of feed with meat hook bait - lifting and dropping. Well done matey. Found the above cutting when Bela found two river Tench!!

The silvers win went to Matt with 23 lb 12 oz from peg 2. Matt caught at 14.5 metres using worm over worm and caster. Well done matey.

As Glenn scraped his section it had to be a stop at the Prince of Waterloo. Food looks good.

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 01/12/2022 - Tony Rixon's Silvers Only - Plantation - Main Lake

Well it didn't take long for Kev Winstone to get "pillared" again adding his familiar white go faster stripe down his new van. Paint the post black?

Glenn back from 30 degree heat and as expected felt the cold of the first day of winter.

Usual 19 fishing. Had a walk around with Shay Gillman the water looked clear and thought is was going to be a lot harder today, especially with it flat calm. Been told by my surgeon that the hernia repair may take up to 2 years to "remodel" so have to be careful what I do and lift. I was hoping for a draw with a platform - not a lot to ask for

from a "commercial" fishery. In to the draw landing net and out comes peg 5. Umm, no platform with addition of tripping holes - pictured. Luckily Tony Rixon arrived on peg 4 and helped me set up the box - thanks matey. RJ Float Guru was on distant peg 7.

The left margin looked like Perch haven, with a reasonable depth, but it was clear. So set up a rig for that. A rig to fish to hand and another to fish top set plus three barrels. The upshot of fishing all these lines was after an hour or so was about 2 lb of bits. I could see Ryan fishing 13 metres and because he was on a point was fishing about 20 metres out from me and catching well. Tony was also struggling fishing short. So out of respect for my hernia didn't get any more barrels out instead elected to fish the waggler. Tony went to 14.5 metres. What I should of done was get 13 metres out and feed with it and fish the waggler over it, but couldn't be assed instead tried to use the catapult which isn't designed for GB and small balls were going everywhere to Tony's amusement. So I balled it, to Glenn's amusement😁. The upshot was I had  couple of decent Skimmers and two stamp Roach, but mostly small Ronnie's. Balled again which was one too many and during the last 30 minutes hooked three carp.

My silvers weighed in at 9 lb 14 oz and was well off being last! A awful drive home in the fog, well done Glenn rather you than me. Aircraft diverted from Bristol Airport.

The match was won once again by Dave Willmott (pictured with his catch) with 28 lb 4 oz from peg 11. Dave caught at various lengths to keep the fish coming to his favourite caster approach. Well done matey certainly got this venue sorted.

Close frame today.

Result:

1. Dave Willmott 28-04-0 peg 11

2. Neil Mercer 27-01-0 peg 8

3. Tony Rixon 26-06-0 peg 4

4. Mark Broomsgrove 24-05-0 peg 31

5. Ryan Jordan 23-14-0 peg 7

6. Matt Tomes 20-15-0n peg 28

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 17/11/2022 - Tony Rixon's - Silvers Only - Plantation - Main Lake

Never seen Tony so nervous of getting the draw wrong again, eighteen fishing but he kept counting 19, confused by Scott Puddy injured and not fishing. Counted the draw cards  at least 5 times. Obviously concerned that the growing nick name "Redraw Rixon" might stick.

Draw time - will I pull 38 again - slight greater odds than last time as one angler short. In to the landing net and peg 11 it would be. Got to the peg and found no platform, just a sloping muddy bank. Not too much of a problem setting up the box this time. However, wasn't too happy to find a cold Westerly blowing right in at me. Willy Willmott took the picture showing the wind blowing in at me. Plus two rainbows on top of my bait bag containing my wallet!!😁 Talk of crock of gold more like "old crock" these days.

To the left of the peg is a weed bed which will surely hold some of the lakes big Perch just in reach of the short Ronnie rig, but informed that it also holds plenty of carp. 

Set up the short and long Ronnie rigs and a 4x13 MR to fish over the Long Ronnie line if the wind became too difficult, but as it worked out didn't get used. Fed the Long line with GB laced with a few Pinkies and caster, loose fed the edge of the weed bed with caster for the Perch, finding loose feeding a but wayward due to the wind. Started on the long line with single DR and started to catch small Ronnie's to 2 oz before I had a 1 lb Perch and a couple of 1 lb skimmers. Refed a small amount of GB again and as you need to leave the line until it settles (love to know whats  happening to the fish to stop feeding during this time). On to the short line with caster and had a carp first put in which did me in the reeds, saving the rig though, realising I had been feeding quite heavy causing too much noise attraction for the carp, so switched to lightly feeding LR's. Back over the GB with maggot and a few more skimmers but was pestered by small fish. I knew there were bigger fish there but the blighters were getting to the bait first. So put 6 inches on the bottom to hoping it would reduce this. The wind was blowing the rig into me and up the inside shelf making presentation pretty good. As usual mid match was slow so focussed on the short line for Perch and after fighting a few carp caught another pounder. Managed another three but the ratio of Perch to Carp was against me. I only landed one which was a PB F1 which was nearing 5 lb, (heard someone call them "Funny Ones" which amused me). I was expecting a good last hour on the Skimmers but the small Ronnie's had a different idea.

Glad to hear the all out in the dusk, as the wind and rain we had was bloody cold, been spoiled this year with the warm weather. I weighed 15 lb 8 oz, but did learn a bit more about the feeding.

The boys to beat at this venue:

Result:

1. Dave Willmott 37-04-0 peg 28

2. Kev Winstone 30-04-0 peg 27

3. Tony Rixon 26-04-0 peg 31

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 03/11/2022 - Tony Rixon's Silvers Only Match - Plantation - Main Lake

Today the weather was mainly about rain. It has taken me 50 years to master a fishing umbrella, mainly due to the the invention of umbrella attachments to the box. Umbrella goes with me everywhere now.

Even though there was lots of traffic (where are these people going, I asked) Glenn and me arrived in the puddled car park in plenty of time for the draw and the rain to abate whilst we unloaded the tackle.

First into the draw net and out comes peg 18 - at last a decent peg - off I ran. When I arrived at the peg heard the dreaded cry of "Re-Draw" - bugger. In two minds to stay where I was, but succumbed to a dreary walk back. Relegated to nearly last to the draw net and out comes peg 39 - bugger. Tony said I could fish the never pegged bay if I wanted, so chose to sulk in bay peg 35.

Set up a short and long Ronnie rig both for caster over caster and a 4x12 Titan to fish four barrels out in front with 4 mm expanders over micro. No worms would be tormented today.

Started on the long line with the expander over kindered micro whilst loose feeding caster on the long Ronnie line. Usually expect an immediate response to the micro, however, nothing no blows or indications. To be fair didn't give it long because as itching to go on the caster. On to the Ronnie rig and had a couple of just swingable Ronnie's and then a 1 1/2 lb Perch. Couple more swingable's before it died. Been feeding caster down the edge for the short Ronnie rig so fed a bit a GB laced with caster on the long Ronnie rig and a pot of micro long before picking it up. With single caster on the hook had a 2 lb perch on the drop, Added another five between 1 1/2 lb and 2 lb only losing one in the brambles. Very enjoyable. It slowed so tried the long Ronnie rig with caster and had a couple of 6 oz Hybrids before the small Ronnie's arrived so missing bites meant switching to maggot. Didn't stay on this long as they weren't adding any weight. I decided to spend the rest of the match on the short rig down the edge and had a 2 1/2 Skimmer and a couple of small ones and two foul hooked carp which luckily didn't take the hook. Added a couple more Perch and with half hour to go the Hybrids arrived which were a bugger to catch as they would only take the caster on the drop. Added about 4 to 6 oz before the all out. Really enjoyed this spell and didn't want the match to end and not because it was raining hard.

My silvers weighed 22 lb 13 oz for a very enjoyable days fishing in an unfancied area. Fish there any day and think I could increase my weight next time. Told it was the best weight from the bay by owner James.

The match was won by Kev Winstone (pictured with the runner up Scott Puddy - camera lens kept fogging over due to the damp conditions.) with 35 lb 9 oz from peg 26. Kev caught long using small amounts of GB and chopped worm with worm hook bait. I looks like the neat worm is becoming the favorite feed at the moment. Well done matey.

Excellent silver fishing especially with the weather we have been having.

Now time to dry out the kit.

Result: (only 4 lb between the top 6!)

1. Kev Winstone 35-09-0 peg 26

2. Scott Puddy 33-14-0 peg 2

3. Ryan Jordan 33-02-0 peg 18

4. Tony Rixon 32-13-0 peg 5

5. Glenn Bailey 31-04-0 peg 19

6. Steve Kedge 31-0-0 peg 32

Weigh Sheets:

Thursday 27/10/2022 - Tony Rixon's Silvers Only - Plantation Fishery - Main Lake

Steady drive down in the rain which had stopped on arrival, with the weather being comfortable. Glenn and I discussed the cost of bait and how the price has increased over just a few months. Worms £22/kg and GB £4 to £8 if this continues it will effect attendances at matches. The pools payouts are becoming less than the cost of the days fishing.

Eighteen fishing. Early into the draw net for being old - by the way Rixon is an ageist. Out comes peg 38. Arrived at the peg to be faced with being unable to set up my tackle box (being a Boss box). The bank had subsided into the lake - pictured. Shouldn't have been in the draw far too dangerous. Spoke to Tony and said I could move into the bay, however, Gary Bowden on peg 39 offered to swap which was agreed to by Tony. On hindsight should have fished the bay, but miffed I couldn't fish the peg I drew.  Apparently the peg will be refurbished by the next match. Peg 39 has reputation for being a carp peg. The other downside I would be watching pegs 1 to 5 opposite catching - pictured.

Set up the usual and on plumbing around noticed the peg was 18 inches deeper than the one I fished last match and the colour had dropped out due to the recent rains. Decided on fishing it similar to last match but couldn't feed anything without attracting carp which were having a right munch today. They were swirling on the surface for any loose feed and blowing like mad over the GB and worm feed. I stopped feeding for a while but they were coming to the noise of the rig going in!! Unlike Gary I didn't loose any rigs but would have to spend a lot of time tying 0.1 hook lengths - which I hate doing. Another disappointment was the Roach were noticeably absence, probably because of the colour.

My few Ronnie's and Skimmers weighed 16 lb 10 oz for third from last.

The match was won by Des Shipp (pictured with some of his catch and the runner up's) from peg 24 with 72 lb 11 oz. Des caught on three lines 13, 7 and 5 metres. Des caught mostly with worm over chopped worm, feeding 1 kg on the longer lines and late on on caster and worm on the short line over loose fed caster, with this line producing well seeing off the threat from next peg Tony Rixon. Well done matey.

These three have certainly got the feeding sorted at this venue. Must be wealthy!

Result:

1, Des Shipp 72-11-0 peg 24

2. Dave Willmott 47-08-0 peg 2

3. Tony Rixon 44-15-0 peg 23

4. Ryan Jordan 44-09-0 peg 16

5. Kev Winstone 41-07-0 peg 11

6. Mark Broomsgrove 33-0-0 peg 31

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 13/10/2022 - Tony Rixon's Silvers Open - Plantation - Main Lake

Looking forward to Tony's silvers matches at this great venue starting up again, especially as I couldn't fish them all last year. The day improved even further when Nick Collins arrived from the deep south. Being fishing matches with Nick for some 50 years, great company and always happy go lucky. His tiny Roach rigs fascinate me and were on display today, and once again he beat me with quality silvers.

Wanted a draw on the near side which has the prevailing winds blowing into them, not that there was much wind today. I do like peg 1. First into the draw net and out comes peg 28 on the far side. Found myself next to John Mills peg 27. Our pegs were quite close, as peg 29 was empty decided to fish towards it.

Set up the long Ronne rig, 4 metre whip and 4x12 Titan to fish top set plus four barrels. Fed the long line with two balls of GB laced with Pinkie, DR's and casters and one ball of the same on the Ronnie line. Started on the Ronnie rig with caster over loose fed caster and was soon playing a carp - bugger. Thinking it was the noise from the loose feed I stopped feeding them instead swopping to maggot hook bait. For the next 90 minutes had a great run of Skimmers to 2 lb regularly topping up the laced GB, had about 15 lb in the net during this time. The line went dead and was soon playing another carp. The line did't revive quick enough for me and tried the 4 metre whip over loose fed LR's with LR's hook bait resulting in a 1 to 2 oz Ronnie every put in. Although it kept my interest knew a better stamp of fish was needed. So tried the long line with double DR's but couldn't get any indications. Fed some chopped worm and caster in GB over the line and had one Skimmer on worm it was slow and another carp. So back on the whip increasing the maggot feed foul hooked a couple of Carp before catching a couple of Skimmers. With time running out went back on the Ronnie rig over loose fed maggot and started to catch some better Ronnie's and Skimmers - bugger once again my inpatients got the better of me - should have stayed on the Ronnie rig much longer if not all match.

My silvers weighed 25 lb 2 oz for no better than halfway. The weigh sheet tells the story of being in the wrong area today.

The match was won by Dave Willmott (pictured) with 54 lb 10 oz from peg 2. His catch consisted of mainly quality Roach. Dave fished top 5 fishing caster over loose fed caster on a 4 x12 rig, feeding 2 1/2 pints throughout.  Well done matey.

Mark Broomsgrove was runner up with 51 lb 12 oz consisting of a mixed bag  his catch pictured.

Result: (Perm Pegs)

1. Dave Willmott 54-10-0 peg 2 (mainly Roach)

2. Mark Broomsgrove 51-12-0 peg 38

3. Tony Rixon 44-12-0 peg 5

4. Ryan Jordan 42-12-0 peg 1

5. Kev Winstone 40-01-0 peg 11

6. Paul Faiers 37-11-0 peg 4

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 10/03/2022 - Plantation Fishery - Tony Rixon's Silvers - Main Lake

With nothing on local I managed to get in to Tony's silvers match at Plantation. Travelled with matey Glenn Bailey. With Tony having to earn an honest living it was left to Ron Hardiman to run the match which was well done I must say.

Into the draw bowl and out comes peg 11 - umm, not sure its a peg of choice but would be out of the wind. Monday's match it DNW'ed. I was also surprised that peg 12 was also in, occupied by the affable Lee Waller. Peg 11 is set 13 metres back from peg 8 back in a bay. Glenn had drawn well with peg 7 next to Pete Z, these two would have a bit of pole fencing to do - Diawa v. Preston - pole roller set up pictured.

The light on the water was awful so set up a white, red and black tip 4x13 MR rigs to fish three lines. The 4 metre whip was wagglerised which could be fished top set plus 2 barrels equivalent. My initial target would be the decent Ronnie's that reside in this lake. I fed a 11.5 metre line at 11 o clock (white tip) with half a cup of micro. Fed the whip line with one ball of GB with a smidgen of caster and Pinkie and started to lose feed a few caster over the top. First cast with single LR I had a 8 oz Skimmer - good sign. Had to wait 15 minutes before my next fish, a decent Ronnie. I was already feeling a struggled developing. In my panic fed three balls of GB at 10 metres at 2 o clock (black tip) and left it to cook whilst a look over the micro line with a 4 mm expander. No sign of a fish umm. Back on the whip and started to catch some small Ronnie's followed by a short run of skimmers to 2 1/2 lb - looking up! Fed again which left it to have a try over the long GB line and again not a sign of a fish - not even a Ronnie umm. Back on the whip and another short run of Skimmers. had stopped feeding casters in favour of LR's. Started to catch the odd better Ronnie but already knew any coin was far out of reach. Tried the long GB line again and had a 6 oz Skimmer (the only silver from a long line) I was getting indications so stayed on it until the culprit was captured a 7 lb carp which lead to unarmed combat in the landing net, line subsequently abandoned in favour of monking the match out on the whip adding the odd Ronnie and Skimmer. It would have been worth a trial of the wag and mag, so wished in was in the roost.

My silvers weighed 17 lb 8 oz so a good days fishing by any standard and in great company. Don't know why the Ronnie's weren't in this peg.

The match was won by Paul Faiers (pictured) with 42 lb 6 oz from peg 32. Paul caught short both to his right and down his left into the bay using maggot hook bait over small balls of GB and loose fed caster. Well done matey.

From the weigh sheets over the past few matches it appears the fish are flowing the wind moving from one corner to the other in accord with the change in wind direction.

No pub as Glenn had to get back quick to watch the Stiff Little Fingers. Heard of them but not listened to them so put them on this morning - bet Glenn doesn't know the words 😁. No my cup of tea.

Result:

1. Paul Faiers 42-06-0 peg 32 (caught short)

2. Mark Broomsgrove 37-14-0 peg 28 ( caught long)

3. Gary "Junior" Bowden 26-14-0 peg 1 (caught short)

4. Glenn Bailey 26-13-0 peg 7 (caught long)

5. Dave "Willy" Willmott (chip shopped) 25-04-0 peg 31 (moaned)

6. Andy Gard 21-07-0 peg 16 (nice net of Roach matey caught short)

Weigh Sheets:

Thursday 23/12/2021 - Rixon's Rip Off - Plantation - Main Lake

It was sad news to hear Wayne Storey passed away today who was one of our BAA Over 55's. Wayne has been ill for some time but didn't stop him from fishing and never heard him complain once about his illness, but was always helpful explaining how he fished the matches. RIP matey will be missed by all us.

I would like to thank those that take on the unenviable task of running matches I attend: Tony Rixon, Dave Gillard, Ray Bazeley, Mike Chapman and Eddie Wynne, Brian Shanks and Gerry Walsh. A thankless task at the best of times.

Ray Bazeley wasn't running a match at Windmill so booked in to Tony' Rixon's Rip Off - Silvers only at the very popular Plantation fishery. Always a good turn out of excellent silvers anglers, probably could fill it twice over.

Travelled with Glenn Bailey and had a quick look see of the near bank and said to Glenn I fancied peg 1, it was the only peg that had any signs of a bit of wind cover. I have had some good days on this peg. Over cast with drizzle which was to continue on and off all day, at least it was very mild.

Last but one to draw and ended up on peg 24 which is the far side of the lake and the least muddy area. However, fancied I was a bit too far up. For company I had Rip Off on peg 26.75. Plus I had a platform and a black and white Kitten sat under my trolley!

Being flat calm I decided to target Ronnie's so set up the Ronnie rig, a 4 metre Drennan whip and a 4x13 MR to fish at 10 metres for a look see for skimmers. Time to get the 0.1 GLine hook lengths out, only in case I hook Carp.

Fed the whip line and the skimmer line with GB laced with a copious amounts of LP's and the Ronnie line with loose fed caster which is where I started with single caster hook bait. I expected a bite early but with no signs after 15 minutes abandoned this in favour of the whip. With double Pinkie hook bait started to catch some decent Ronnie's. I kept topping up with a squeezes hand full of laced GB. I foul hooked a carp which thankfully just gave me a scale which went in the net! Fed the line and tried the skimmer line and have five very quick 4-6 oz skimmers - thought I was in for a good day. I fed this line again and had instant result with a 2 lb skimmer. Fed again and a 1 1/2 lb skimmer, then a 5 lb carp which I bullied but landed. The line went worrying quiet. Re fed and picked up the whip and had a few more Ronnie's to 8 oz. I then hooked another Carp which broke the hook length. So the first half of the match over and felt I was holding my own with the anglers I could see. Come the second half it became a real struggle - even the Kitten abandoned me. I scratched around on both lines trying all sorts - Kindering Pinkie, Loose GB and Loose fed Pinkie. It was very hard and could see signs of carp but didn't hook anymore. I just kept falling behind so was glad to hear Rip Off call all out and as per usual he waited until I shipped out!!

My silvers weighed 16 lb 3 oz for sixth overall and one out of the money. Very enjoyable day's fishing.

The match was won by Des Shipp (pictured with the runner up) with 30 lb 14 oz of Roach to 1 lb from fancied peg 1. Des caught on caster over caster either loose fed or potted at 14.5 metres.

Mark caught all skimmers GB and maggot at 11.5 metres.

Result:

1. Des Shipp 30-14-0 peg 1

2. Mark Broomsgrove 26-13-0 peg 27

3. Dave Willmott 24-14-0 peg 19

4. Tony Rixon 21-04-0 peg 25

5. Gary Bowden 19-1-0 peg 5

6. Mike Nicholls 16-03-0 peg 24

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 10/12/2020 - Rixon's Rip Off - Plantation Main Lake - Silvers Only

Must say I didn't enjoy the drive down in the dark especially through the lanes with a car right up my ass. Probably go via motorway next time.

The weather was really mild, overcast and was to stay dry. However, it was flat calm and with no tow wouldn't help Skimmer fishing.

This venue wrt quality of Silver fishing is second to none in our area, Tony could have filled the match twice over. However, it's a pity the banks are in such a poor state of repair, with mud everywhere - not for tackle tarts.

Tony called me peg 6 which is permanent peg 8. Not happy with this as it's really difficult for me to set up the tackle box and get the keep nets in the water without them catching up in some old bank shoring's. Setting up the box took up most of my setting of time. I ended up unprepared only setting up one rig, a 4 x15 Winter Wire which would more or less do for most areas. I was limited by the light reflected trees on the island as to where I could fish, settling on a dark area at 10 metres at 11 o'clock. My target was Skimmers so fed GB laced with Pinkie with double Pinkie on the hook.

It was a while before I had my first fish a 2 oz Ronnie. It looked as if it was going to fish Hard. I kept the GB going in and started to loose feed Pinkie over the top which resulted in a run of Ronnie's, but no Skimmers. I wasn't that concerned as last time I fished the peg I had a run of large Skimmers during the last hour. I kept putting Ronnie's in the net but it was clear that shipping in and out wasn't the right way to fish for them especially as I was low down to the rollers. I thought about setting up the 4 metre whip and switching to caster. However, moving on the box caused it to start slipping forward towards the water so stayed where I was, still anticipating Skimmers late. Mid match I did have three Carp one about 9 lb, Again I thought the Skimmers might show up behind them. Unfortunately not, only managing the one. I did manage to get out of the peg and pack away the tackle safely, albeit sloshing around in the mud.

My Ronnie's weighed 13 lb 10 oz for nowhere, just didn't get anything right today from the drive down to the drive back.

The match was won by Dave Willmott (pictured right with Lee Waller the runner up) with 27 lb 10 oz from permanent peg 7. Dave caught at 11.5 metres until the Ducks found his loose fed casters. Dave switched short to 7 metres where he either toss potted caster or tried hand feeding them whilst the Ducks weren't watching.  Dave's catch included three big Perch with the rest being quality Roach. Well done matey.

Now off to clean up the tackle.

Result (perm pegs no's):

1. Dave Willmott 27-10-0 peg 8 (Roach/Perch)

2. Lee Waller 26-02-0 peg 31 (Skimmers)

3. Chris Fox 24-10-0 peg 5 (Skimmers/Roach)

4. Tony Rixon 23-0-0 peg 2 (Roach)

5. Ryan Jordan 21-02-0 peg 15 (Skimmers)

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 27/02/2020 - Tony Rixons Silvers Only - Plantation Main Lake

First I have to apologise to Tony Rixon and Kevin Winston for the remarks I made about their body masses recently. I stated that their joint weights was 40 stone. Sorry, in fact it is a lowly 39 stone - unlike me to over estimate.

It looks like the third weekend I will be in self isolation. Hope it doesn't last as the Special One will be finding jobs to do around the house.

Travelled with Two-Pots-Corona (man flu) today, breakfast at the bridge Inn was OK, just too much food for a regular breakfast. By time we finished the rain had stopped with the day turning into a bright wind free day - at last. Kev Winstone sat in a tee shirt all day!

Sixteen fishing today with Matt Tomes putting in a welcome appearance.

Into the draw landing net and out comes peg 13 which is permanent peg 8. I had drawn this peg two matches ago and said that then it was a winning peg had I not had an issue with a Carp near the end. I found myself sandwiched between the the Bath pair Paul Barnfield and Chris Ollis - so good company.

Even though at the last match I had been battered by 12 Carp I felt no change of approach was needed. Except I decide not fish expander and micro thinking it responsible for attracting Carp. So it was GB laced with pinkie and caster. Just two rigs - the Ronnie and a 4x12 to fish at top-set plus three barrels. I started by feeding one small nuget of GB on the Ronnie rig line with single LR on the hook and had a great start in the first 45 minutes I had put 10 lb in the net. This included two big Skimmers and a couple of Hybrids, topping up the feed three times. This line went quiet so fed the long line with a similar amount of GB with the same fillings. I had another run, this time smaller Skimmers and Ronnie's. I was beginning to think a placing was on the cards when I hooked my first Carp. As an experiment I opened another long line at four barrels with just caster in the GB but resulted further Carp. I had wetted some micro so fed the lot off to the left as far as I could in the hope that this would attract the Carp away from my feed - it didn't. I did have one of the better Bream and some more Ronnies on the initial long line by feeding loose GB. In the last 30 minutes I came back on the Ronnie line which had been loose fed throughout with caster and had three Carp in three put ins. I did have some more Ronnies on this including one nearing a pound which did me under some old wooden staging to my right - fair play to it.

Well another match winning peg buggered up by Carp. I hooked 13 from peg 13. Chris Ollis asked if I was suspicious - indeed I am. I weighed 22 lb 8 oz for 7th overall in what was once again a very tight frame, with one more decent Skimmer taking me to 4th. I won't know if its what and how I feed that attracts the Carp until I draw what appears to be a Carp free area such as pegs 3,4 and 5.

The match was won by Dave Willmott (pictured right - nice Tesla hat - where's the car?) with 38 lb from peg 28. Dave caught on his usual method of blasting copious amounts of casters at 13 metres and fish single caster on the drop.
.
Result:

1. Dave Willmott 38-0-0 peg 28
2. Tony Rixon 35-03-0 peg 5
3. Paul Faiers 26-15-0 peg 4

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 13/02/2020 - Tony Rixon's Silvers Only Open - Plantation - Main Lake

The weather soothsayers predicted high winds, rain and getting colder. However, I wore my magic heated body warmer. Everytime I wear it the weather completely changes leaving me sweating. It worked again today, dry with a moderate breeze and definitely not cold.

Sixteen fishing today. So into the landing net and out comes peg 11 permanent peg 19 which is on the end of the top spit. Happy with this as last time I drew it I framed. Having waded through the mud I arrived at the peg to see Paul Faiers walking towards my peg, leaving me thinking one of us was on the wrong peg. It transpired that Tony had moved the pegs around putting Paul on permanent peg 18. Paul and I weren't happy with this as we were at 90 degrees to each other so would be pole fencing. We spent some time working out our rollers to reduce the amount of pole clashing. Thankfully we were both right handed.

Tony came round to see us mainly to take the piss and pointing out how many Carp were in my peg.

I decided on three lines short with the Ronnie rig, top-set plus four to my left at 10 o'clock and another at top-set plus five to my right at 2 o'clock both with 4x12 rigs. However, there was enough depth difference to set up two identical rigs albeit set at differing depths.

I fed the Ronnie line with a nube of GB and Pinkie feeding a few LR's over the top. I fed the same on the left hand line and micro on the right. I could see Carp blowing on both GB lines, so started on the 4 mm expander over the micro and first try had a 1 lb Skimmer - going to have a good day then? next put in a foul hooked Carp which wasn't on for long. I couldn't get another bite from a Silver over this line except for some small Ronnies. Next I tried the Ronnie rig and I think because is was so shallow close in didn't have a bite. Meanwhile Paul was catching 1 lb Skimmers regularly. So out on the GB line and had a Carp first try - bugger already thinking it was going to be a long day. As the right hand line had more wind cover I decide to switch the micro line to GB and Pinkie. Still more Carp but did have two decent Skimmers. The upshot was for five hours in between catching small Ronnies I landed five Carp, broke on four and pulled out of three foul hookers. Come the last hour I decided to target the Ronnie's to try and get my Silvers to a face saving double figures. Using the same line with a lot of caster in the nubes of GB and interestingly I didn't have another Carp adding some better Ronnies and a couple more Skimmers. Come the end I was catching quite well and from wishing the match would end half time to now not wanting it to end!

My Silvers weighed 16 lb 8 oz so content with this considering the number of Carp in the peg. There's no doubt that the wind cover is very important on this fishery.

The match was won by Mark Broomsgrove (pictured right with runner up Paul Faiers) with 28 lb 12 oz of mainly Skimmers from peg 5. Mark caught on maggot over micro at 13 metres.

What a fishery, eight 20 lb weights with loads of close back up weights. Can't wait until the next one.

Note to the organiser peg 17 although at 90 degrees to 19 would allow each angler to un-ship without hindrance.

Result:

1. Mark Bromsgrove 28-12-0 peg 5
2. Paul Faiers 26-0-0 peg 18
3. Ryan Jordan 24-12-0 peg 3
4. Paul Barnfield 23-12-0 peg 31
5. Martin McMahon 22-08-0 peg 11

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 30/01/2020 - Tony Rixons Silver Pole Only - Plantation - Main Lake

Back to Plantation Fishery with Glenn Bailey where we were promised a rain and wind free day - that didn't happen. First stop was the Bridge Inn for breakfast - very good including the sausages.

I had a quick look at the Lake and as always think if only the infrastructure was of a reasonable standard what an excellent venue this would be. However, we're here to catch Silvers which there are an abundant whether it be Roach or Skimmers.

Into the draw net and out comes peg 14 which is permanent peg  8 which is a popular peg for the Carp anglers. Arriving at the peg it's noticeable that some recent work has been done to the peg, mostly to suit Carp anglers as the peg is back from the water so I had to set up in front to get the keep net in. However, once in it was fine especially as I was close to the water. For company I had Caster Blaster - Dave Willmott on my right and on my left Canophile Glenn Bailey. But the only anglers I could keep an eye on was Tony Rixon - opposite and Kevin Winston on the top point.

Two Rigs - Ronnie and a 4x12 to fish top-set plus four and three barrels. The rig comprised Preston 5 slip elastic, 0.16 GLine main line, shotted with 7 no 11's ZLT's in a logarithmic pattern plus one no 11 back shot 10 mm above the float and a 6 inch 0.1 GLine hook length to a Tubertini no 18.

Approach was 2 mm and 4 mm expander over micro on the long line, GB and Pinkie with one section off and the Ronnie rig but with maggot over GB this time as caster isn't working close in at the moment and this is where I started with single LR on the hook and had a small Ronnie first try followed by a 4 oz one which fell on to my lap but because I was close to the water it went back in. Next was a 6 oz Skimmer which I started to swing but changed my mind and whilst fiddling with the landing net it came off - good start then! Couldn't get another bite so refed and went long with 4 mm expander. I could see Skimmers dimping so was optimistic, but I wasn't getting any bites after 15 minutes I had a 2 lb Skimmer but it was slow. I stayed with it adding another 2 lb Skimmers and a couple of 1 lb before I hooked my first Carp. I wasn't sure whether it was the Micro that wasn't working or lack of fish due to Carp. So Opened a new line at the same distance to the right again with micro and 4 mm expander. Again very slow so switched to 2 mm expander and had a few small Ronnie's. The wind had been off my back so was holding back over the feed with more pole behind, the wind then picked up and switched around 180 degrees now having to hold the pole forward. The wind put the dreaded shimmer on the water and couldn't see the float. Long line abandoned switching to the top three line with single maggot over GB and Pinkie, again holding the pole forward. I started to get some better Ronnie's and the odd good Skimmers having a good last two hours on this line. That was until the last 15 minutes I hooked my fourth Carp which broke the elastic. So I had to reset up which took 7 minutes. I went back out again but didn't have time to really finely shot the float . I had another Ronnie and a decent Skimmer which came off - bugger. I thought this might cost me today - just bad luck really.

I weighed 21 lb 11 oz for third overall. Would normally be happy with this but knew I was on a winning peg. Next time.

The match was won by Dave Willmott (pictured upper right with his mainly quality Roach catch) with 23 lb 3 oz. Dave caught at 13 metres spraying 2 pints of casters all over the place catching mainly on the drop using a light strung out float with caster hook bait.

The match was very close again with great weights all round especially considering its winter. I for one am appreciative to Tony Rixon who organises these matches and weighs everyone in - pictured right weighing the runner up. Thanks matey.

Finally congratulations to Darren Vowels for a near perfect 10 for his backward dive into the lake whilst packing up.

Result:

1. Dave Willmott 23-03-0 peg 7
2. Dave Wride 22-13-0 peg 5
3. Mike Nicholls 21-11-0 peg 8
4. Ronnie Hardiman 20-12-0 peg 32
5. Paul Barnfield 20-04-0 peg 28
6. Tony Rixon 20-0-0 peg 31

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 16/01/2020 - Tony Rixon's Silvers Only Open - Plantation Fishery - Main Lake

First of this winter's Silvers float only matches at the very popular but match restricted Plantation Fishery. Travelled with Glenn Bailey in his glimmering white van, I was afraid to put my feet on the floor mat. We both had a decent breakfast in the Bridge Inn. Arrived in time for a quick look at the Lake, it was apparent that some tree felling has been done recently - vast improvement.

It was no good complaining about the weather as the forecast was unfortunately spot on - gusting winds and heavy rain. So a peg out of the wind would be OK then. Last two in the landing net Tony snatched the one I was going for - more pensioner abuse, so had the last one then - peg 16 which turned out to be permanent peg 4 and in the bloody wind which was coming at me from, well everywhere. Tony was on next peg 17 perm peg 3. On the the other side was Mark Broomsgrove who was accidental married again recently on Facebook - Technology in the wrong hands me thinks.

I set up the Ronnie rig, a 4x12 Winter Titan to fish top-set plus three barrels - would have liked to have fish longer but the wind would not permit this. I also set up a 4 metre whip in case the Ronnie's showed up in numbers.

The trial run through proved the tow against the wind to be horrendous and due to the wind it was difficult to control the float.

I chose to start on the Ronnie rig using caster over caster and after 10 minutes had one missed bite, not good news for me as it meant fishing the long line taking on the bloody wind. So I thought I would try the 4mm expander over kindered micro. It wasn't long before I started to catch Skimmers and had a decent hour kindering micro after every fish. I then hooked my first Carp. It wasn't unexpected due to fishing pellet. The Carp was a low double and as often happens when they don't count I couldn't lose it, resulting in me catching hold of the line/elastic. The fishing started to slow but still had a couple of better Skimmers to 2 lb. Come halfway and one more Carp the Skimmers disappeared. Did I make the wrong decision by switching to GB and maggot - will never know. Whilst that rested I had a go again on the Ronnie rig and had  six or so before it died so out on the GB line with double DR's and had a 1 lb Skimmer before I started to catch Ronnie's. I kept topping up with GB but couldn't get the Skimmers back. So spent the last 40 minutes on the Ronnie rig this time with maggot over maggot. It started slowly but picked up near the end - time of day. Whilst packing up the pole we had a strong gust of wind which blew all my pole sections around with one going in the lake luckily the fishery owner was close by and retrieved it. As least the rain stopped for a while.

Even though Tony Rixon kept saying I beaten him I knew differently albeit it close. I weighed 19 lb 8 oz for fourth overall in a very close match. Considering the conditions the weights were excellent. I don't think the Ronnie's like either the rain of the strong tow - summer time would be different.

The match was won by Dave Wride (pictured right - grimacing) with 24 lb 10 oz of Skimmers from becalmed peg 11. No need to ask, but Dave would have caught on expander's over micro with some 4's.

Finally, when is the rain and wind going to do one? 

Result:

1. Dave Wride 24-10-0 peg 11
2. Tony Rixon 22-06-0 peg 3
3. Paul Faiers 20-06-0 peg 27
4. Mike Nicholls 19-08-0 peg 4
5. Dave Willmott 17-08-0 peg 14
6. Glenn Bailey 13-08-0 peg 19 

Weigh Sheet:

14/03/2019 - Plantation Main Lake - Tony Rixon and Paul Faiers - Silvers Only Open

Firstly, well done to Rowland Lucas for winning the Fish "O" qualifier at Viaduct this week. I believe it's his second time - good luck in the final.

Got up early and looked out the window and was very tempted to get back in bed. Gusting winds and heavy rain. Had a look at the Metoffice weather app which promised the wind and rain would subside by lunch time. So decision made not to be sat in front of Netflix for another day. Stopped in the Bridge Inn and as I got to the bar they had the power cut. Luckily it was a planned outage and a 110 kVA generator was soon connected. Breakfast was acceptable.

Tony had a request to allow feeder fishing due to the wind. However, I thought it could be pegged negating this particularly as we only had 11 booked in. The near bank is supposed to be the best bank, however, I think you can get a good days fishing from any peg on this Lake (weather conditions permitting) difficult to predict where it would be won from. So with the wind neary in the West Tony pegged the far bank (under supervision) where everyone could pole fish.

Into the draw tub and out comes peg 3 which was permanent peg 24. Very happy with this because I had shelter from the trees plus the steady state wind was behind me. In a previous match I had 43 lb of Roach from this peg so set up the Ronnie rig and a 4x12 Winter Titan to fish top-set plus three. I thought about setting up the 4 metre whip but decided against - should have.

I started long on expander over micro and expected a Ronnie or Skimmer immediately. It wasn't long before I was playing my first fish - a Carp!! I had three more before I switched the line to GB and caster - more Carp. Only on small Ronnies from this line which I missed the net with. Time to try the Ronnie rig initially with caster and soon had two decent Ronnies in the net. Next fish another Carp. My thinking was that the loose fed caster was attracting them. So I fed some GB with a few Pinkies in and with single pinkie on the hook I started to catch Ronnies which when loose feeding Pinkie over the top got better and better. I only fed another four nubes of GB to help things on. However, the last one attracted the Carp and I had a bad period trying to lose Carp as fast as possible. I tried the long line again but the Carp were in waiting.The Roonie line had now settled and started to catch them again. However, there was an upside to the Carp coming in, they brought a few Skimmers with them. The last 45 minutes was difficult because the Carp returned. Throughout the match I hooked 11 landed 3 and pulled for break on the rest.

At last I've had a lovely days fishing and couldn't blame the wind for not catching. I weighed 25 lb 10 oz for halfway which show what a great fishery this is. The benefits of allowing nature to manage a fishery. 

Whilst pegging I mentioned to Tony how the Carp had so far been noticeable by their absence - be carefully what you say!!

The match was won by Mark "Scruff" Broomsgrove (pictured right with his excellent catch of Silvers) with 43 lb 8 oz from peg 8 - Permanent peg 32?. Mark caught on the whip with caster hookbait fished over GB laced with micro, chopped worm and caster and loose fed caster over the top. Mark fed about 1 1/2 pints of caster. Proper fishing.

It's a shame this is the last match for this year, back again next year.

Result:

1. Mark Broomsgrove 43 -08-0 peg 8
2. John Fuidge 39-06-0 peg 6
3. Steve Rolfe 38-02-0 peg 5

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 28/02/2019 - Plantation - Tony Rixon and Paul Faiers Silvers Only

On my own today as Geoff preferred the Windmill match. Stopped at the Bridge Hotel for breakfast, not knowing what the food will be like, as it can be variable to say the least. Luckily the Chef that can cook was on duty today so an enjoyable breakfast. Arrived at the fishery in plenty of time for a quick look at the Lake. With it overcast with a bit of rain expected and the temperature still up for the time of year I expected some good weights and predicted 30 lb would be needed. There was some wind on the Lake with the worse blowing into pegs 4,5 and 6 so would hope to avoid these.

Into the draw box and out comes peg 5!  For company I had Mike "Curley" Jones and Andy Gard. I set up the waggler, the Ronnie rig and a 4x12 Winter Titan to fish at top-set plus 4, which was about as far as I could hold the pole in the wind. Due to the wind the Ronnie rig was a no hoper so abandoned. I started on the long line with Pinkie over GB laced with Pinkie and had a few small Skimmers and a couple of Ronnies. I was soon apparent that the Ronnies had shut up shop. I persevered with the Pinkie but it wasn't happening. The rig was hammering though with the wind which was ever increasing. I could see those out of the wind catching Skimmers so knew I was out of the running early on. The wind was very frustrating. I decided to have a play with the 4 mm expander fished on the same line over micro and blow me I caught a 12 oz Skimmers first try on the drop. It didn't last. So I mixed up some different GB to feed the micro with. This worked well enough catching five small Skimmers. I persevered with this line until the wind got the better of me, so threw the towel in and played around with the waggler. The presentation further out was much better and fishing single LR over loose fed LR's resulted in another skimmer and some Ronnies. I experimented by putting an expander on the hook of the waggler and providing it stayed on after casting I would get a bite immediately. I missed most of them Ronnies me thinks. I did have another Skimmer messing around with the expander. On hindsight I should have anticipated the increase in the wind and had a line closer in where I could have presented better. The waggler also might have been a better option to fishing long.

I finished with 14 lb 6 oz and also ran but did beat Two Pots. I hate the wind especially when it affects my fishing.

As I predicted it fished well with a lot of 30 lbs. The best being Tony Rixon (pictured right with his catch) with 39 lb 4 oz from peg 2. Tony caught long on the caster over GB laced with caster....see his blog for further details.

Most of the framing weights came to caster hook bait.

Result:

1. Tony Rixon 39-04-0 peg 2
2. Rob Wotton 33-06-0 peg 14
3. Dave Wride 32-12-0 peg 17
4. Dave Willmott 30-0-0 peg 15

Weigh Sheet:

Thursday 14/02/2019 - Plantation - Tony Rixon and Paul Faiers Silvers only - Main Lake

We were promised a bright sunny and warm Valentines day and that's exactly what we got. Anyone not convinced of global warming would have been today with how hot the sun felt.

First stop for Geoff and me, the Bridge Inn for breakfast. This in't one of my favourite places to eat. The black tea was OK.

A quick walk around the Lake with Geoff which revealed nothing. Tony limited the match to weight chasing 16, whereas I think 19 to 20 would acceptable. Into the draw box and out comes peg 1. This happened to be permanent peg 1, which would have been one of the last three of choices. At least a short walk, but it is outside the toilets and the entrance to the fishery which meant plenty of visitors for me today. For company I had the affable Paul Barnfield, who managed to get through the match without too much moaning. The other side on peg 16 was someone new to me and spent most of the time on his mobile.

Out of sympathy Tony said my peg was black with Roach - Yea right. Still with this in mind I set up the Ronnie rig, but was concerned that the Ronnies might not come in close enough, so as backup I set up the 4 metre whip with a home made small waggler. Both to fish six inches off bottom. Final rig was a 4x12 Winter Titan to fish at 10 metres at full depth which meant my pole went across the toilet path, so eyes and ears open in case.

Set up so had a walk up to Two Pots peg and noticed something interesting on his bait tray.  asked him what it was (pictured right) "Dead Maggots" Hum, you decided. Apparently Tim Ford gave them to him - what are friends for! Like to see him feed these in a catapult.

To get in coin from this peg  thought I would have to catch Ronnies short. But first I tested the peg at 10 metres by feeding GB laced with maggot. With single on the hook I had a Ronnies straight away and kept this up for half hour but realising it was far too slow I went on the Ronnie rig with caster - nothing so switch to loose fed maggot and caught two 3 oz Ronnies the longer line was more productive, so abandoned this and after feeding a ball of GB on the whip line fished this for an hour or so catching Ronnies much quicker. The swim slowed but was rewarded with a 2 lb Skimmer. After 10 minutes without a bite made the decision to fish the match out on the 10m metre line with the hope of more Skimmers. I was finding the fish had moved up in the water so shallowed up. I then chose to feed a mix of loose maggot and GB with a hard ball so feeding all areas. I found that the fish would only take a moving bait (I was now wishing I set up the waggler). I lost a bit of time working this one out but started to catch a mix of Hybrids, Ronnies and Skimmers to 1 lb regularly and was enjoying the fishing and sunshine. Unfortunately I lost 4 to 5 of these pounders without reason. I thought the match was ending at 16:15 so half hour before the all out I re-fed only to hear the all out at 15:45!! Duh.

I weighed 20 lb nearly exactly just missing out on a pick up by a pound or so. As seen by the weigh sheet it was a very close affair. No point on dwelling on the lost fish which probably cost be first or second. The Silvers are in excellent condition which is more than I can say about the one Carp caught - My guess angers using barbed hooks.

The match was won by Dave Wride with 24 lb 8 oz from peg 10. Dave caught on the pole in the water using his favoured soft pellet and micro/hard 4's approach.

Runner up was Paul Faiers (pictured right) with 22 lb 9 oz from next peg 12.

Geoff and I decided to stop on the way home for food, so choose the motorway route unfortunately there had been a fatal accident in the ring road rendering all of North east Bristol gridlocked. Anyway we managed to circumnavigate most of it arriving at our Curry House dead on opening time. Geoff got me off a four months waggon with a pint of draft  Cobra - my favourite - Geoff Valentine pictured right. Excellent curry.

Result:

1. Dave Wride 24-08-0 peg 10
2. Paul Faiers 22-09-0 peg 12
3. Andy Gard 21-13-0 peg 5
4. Mike Jones 21-05-0 peg 15
4. Shawn Kitteridge 21-05-0 peg 8
6. Mike Nicholls 20-0-0 peg 1

Weigh Sheet: