Monday, April 16, 2007
Big John's Angling Sunday League Match - Mill Barn Reservoir Lake - Great Wakering - 15th April 2007
Weather:
Sky: Sunny
Temp 8-23°C
Wind NW (5 mph)
Relative Humidity (%): 37,
Pressure (mB): 1021, Falling,
Visibility: Very good
In anticipation of a super day - (The forecast was for slight wind - wall to wall sunshine and Temperature topping 23 degrees), those of us who could not remember the exact location of Mill barn reservoir lake gather at 6.30am at Big Johns. The convoy set out led by Big John in his new Transit Connect van (very plush) and a steady 60 mph down the A127 Arterial road towards Southend. The sun appeared over the eastern horizon causing momentarily blindness quickly corrected by the swift use of the visor.
We pulled into the pot holed dirt track to the reservoir lake remote from the other lakes on this 'complex' and into the lake and parked up at the far end high above the lake.
Those who drew the lower pegs had a long walk back but the promise of good fishing at these 'hot pegs' eased that prospect. I drew peg 22 on the top end of the East bank facing east, in the deepest part of the lake - rumoured to be over 20 feet deep. Yep! It was 14 foot directly in front of me - sharply falling away - I did not bother to check any further out - although there is a small island out in front on me somewhere but I believe it was closer to peg 25 which Kev Keeling was in.
I set up on the feeder rod with my strongest tip and an small in-line Drennan Method feeder - The tip was to use method with fine ground bait. I played around trying to find the Island and as I thought it was a little too near Kev's swim to really have a go at it, But given the proximity of the pegs we could all say it was in our swims.
I also set up on a Waggler set to a depth of 6 feet to use later closer in - the intent was to spray maggot and try to get them (carp) to come up in the water. My peg location meant that I could not see anything going on North of me along the East Bank, but would get Regular report via Kev Keeling & Gary Somerfields who we on the South Bank facing North throughout the day. 1st report came in even before the Off - Olly had landed a small carp on a bare hook whilst setting up !! I joked that was all he going to catch today knowing full well that he will probably trounce us from the peg he was in.
At the whistle in we went - Nothing - not a sign - moved a little closer to The Island, next report - Paul Pratley is in - a fish a chuck - after only 30 mins both myself and mason who was Fishing peg 21 to my right and decreed that today would be a pleasure Fish only.
So on the Waggler I went netting a nice roach 1st cast - Ahh I thought if I can get these all day then perhaps chance of a frame position - but you guessed it a every next fish was smaller than the previous, mason got his Waggler out about 15 mins after me and was getting into some skimmers.
Tony on Peg 23 to my left also retreated from the feeder and onto the pole varying his depth to find fish he was like myself and mason getting the odd one / two. Then nothing. Kev had a little run - Looks like he managed to find the island - a couple of nice carp in a couple of cast. Gary also managed one on the Pole -= perhaps they were on there way round. Pratley was allegedly still getting a carp a chuck.
I alternated form Method to Waggler for 1/2 hour stints, up / down in the water. I edged my way closer to the imaginary island and got into some skimmers - well 3 of them, after going onto my old favourite - the 3/4 ounce in-Line Middy Maggot feeder.
That was s a result of overhearing what Graham the bailiff/owner said to Kev on his 1st visit of the day. " You want to go three red maggot with feeder onto the island just at distance in line with that guy over there (me) - there I thought if it is in line with me out that distance then it must be part of my swim.
Kev tried out there but nothing was forthcoming. He was on the pole with rigs set at 2-3 feet deep of the twenty under his feet - employing what I tried -spraying maggot and getting them up in the Water - but was mainly getting Silvers - but good ones at that. It was noted by myself that Graham asked everyone on the South bank how they were getting on and providing advise but walked straight past Tony, Mason & Yours truly. Mason remarked that was because we were in S**t swims.
Such was the 'intensity' of the Fishing I indulged myself and ordered a Sausage roll and a cup of tea from the 'mobile caterer' who came round taking orders (no idea were these are cooked). That was after a bit of dialogue with the guy that went something like this.
Guy: do you want any food / drink
Me: What you got
Guy: Anything - Egg, Bacon, Sausage - full Double Monty and so on
Me: Got any Beef burgers
Guy: No
Me: OK I will have a sausage in a roll and a cup of Tea (Milk , No Sugar)
Guy - OK - Writes it down
1 hour later he drives round in his car , with his 'partner' Boozy get his sausage in a roll, Tony gets his Egg Bacon roll, and goes straight by me, delvers further up the East bank _ Oh well gone off it now anyhow I settle for my Steak pie left in my nose bag. Then he reverses back down with his partner with the passenger door wide opening shouting "who ho ordered a Egg Bacon Roll - I of course retorted not me but I did order a sausage in a roll - So I took the Egg Bacon version - but at least the cup of tea was correct !
Graham the Bailiff came round again but stopped off this time - perhaps he had heard Mason's earlier comments. How you getting on he asked - I pointed out to my now dry carp Keep net on the side of the peg. Can't be your in the best swim on the Lake. Mason laughed loudly. Graham said as he (Kev) is not fishing there - get on the island "It s only 3 feet deep and that where they will be (He did state a caveat that they could be getting funny due to getting ready for Spawning). "
To his credit he then took the time and trouble to take me through a set up and talk me through the exact position of the island by getting me to cast - within two casts I have it. "There you are - just there" he said- (Mason and I looked at each other and both acknowledged but did not say - that is where I have been fishing all day).
Graham then helped me set up a free bomb rig and told me to put a big bow in the rod when settled on the Island. He even repositioned my feeder rest effectively jamming it up - perhaps the carp pull it off the stand here - I don't know because have not experience a carp bite here yet. I cast out to the spot (that island really must be small) put the bow just a Graham said - Immediately a drop back there you are a bite - nothing there - This was just the bomb rolling back against the pressure).
I did get a skimmer next cast, but because the set up was too heavy I was not seeing the Skimmer nudges, on retrieving just mangled maggots (all three of them). That's it back on the In Line maggot feeder. It has the same effect as free running bomb but more sensitive to detect those shy skimmers.
Kev & Gary were going Fish to Fish (Carp that is) in the last Hour - looked like they have moved up in the water over there . Kev lost a beast ! Pratley was still getting a fish a chuck a Mason was relaying the catch report from our end of the lake to Ed Pearce by Mobile and vis-versa.
I commented to Mason that if I was Pleasure fishing I would have moved after 2 hours - Mason's retort was "I'd have gone home" I was all packed up apart from the maggot bait box the feeder rod & rest by 2.15 pm.
It came to my last cast - bang on the island - The feeder hit the bottom and whist pulling onto the rest a slight tap and way it went - A carp - Gary shouted across don't you lose that - Weird fight did not feel all that big but wanted to go - Slowly drew in and got up the surface - looked like I got it in the Dorsal, so perhaps why it appeared to be a weird fight. But when I finally won the brief but spirited battle - it was hooked nicely in the bottom lip - So fare catch.
Now what do I do - My keep net is all nicely dry - Don't want to put in with the silvers for fear of disqualification - Brainwave - I will take it round and get Dan keeling to independently weigh it for me. What a costly decision that is going to turn out to be. The scales were positioned on the South bank just behind Gary, so off I go, get behind Kev lift me left foot over Kev's 3rd pole section but for some reason did not lift my right foot the same distance - There is sickening crack which you only know as Carbon shattering. And I mean sickening I felt sick both for Kev and myself. Kev took it very well with a short thank you and told me not to worry - these things happens - Hopefully the bill for a replacement section will not be too bad If BJ can get one !!)
Gary commented - "that really sums up the c**p day"
What a Surprise come the weigh-in, only Pratley had anything substantial (72lb ish) despite the reports we were getting visually and by Mobile - Just goes to show even with new technology carpet bagging still exists.
Kev Keeling came a 'surprised' 2nd with a good Mixed bag but circa 1/2 that of Pratley. Gary finished 6th but most of the weights were around 20-25lb - I had 7lb 15oz (Oh by the way the pristine Mirror carp went 2lb 10oz)
No idea were I finished - don't really care. I had a day out fishing in sunny and Calm conditions the 1st time since God knows when - if only the fish would play - But there it is an a nutshell - Fishing is as predictable as Chaos theory - that is why we love it.
I was only going to write a few notes on this day - but when I recounted it - so much actually went on good and bad of course -
Sign off for now Twinkle toes or lack of.
Sky: Sunny
Temp 8-23°C
Wind NW (5 mph)
Relative Humidity (%): 37,
Pressure (mB): 1021, Falling,
Visibility: Very good
In anticipation of a super day - (The forecast was for slight wind - wall to wall sunshine and Temperature topping 23 degrees), those of us who could not remember the exact location of Mill barn reservoir lake gather at 6.30am at Big Johns. The convoy set out led by Big John in his new Transit Connect van (very plush) and a steady 60 mph down the A127 Arterial road towards Southend. The sun appeared over the eastern horizon causing momentarily blindness quickly corrected by the swift use of the visor.
We pulled into the pot holed dirt track to the reservoir lake remote from the other lakes on this 'complex' and into the lake and parked up at the far end high above the lake.
Those who drew the lower pegs had a long walk back but the promise of good fishing at these 'hot pegs' eased that prospect. I drew peg 22 on the top end of the East bank facing east, in the deepest part of the lake - rumoured to be over 20 feet deep. Yep! It was 14 foot directly in front of me - sharply falling away - I did not bother to check any further out - although there is a small island out in front on me somewhere but I believe it was closer to peg 25 which Kev Keeling was in.
I set up on the feeder rod with my strongest tip and an small in-line Drennan Method feeder - The tip was to use method with fine ground bait. I played around trying to find the Island and as I thought it was a little too near Kev's swim to really have a go at it, But given the proximity of the pegs we could all say it was in our swims.
I also set up on a Waggler set to a depth of 6 feet to use later closer in - the intent was to spray maggot and try to get them (carp) to come up in the water. My peg location meant that I could not see anything going on North of me along the East Bank, but would get Regular report via Kev Keeling & Gary Somerfields who we on the South Bank facing North throughout the day. 1st report came in even before the Off - Olly had landed a small carp on a bare hook whilst setting up !! I joked that was all he going to catch today knowing full well that he will probably trounce us from the peg he was in.
At the whistle in we went - Nothing - not a sign - moved a little closer to The Island, next report - Paul Pratley is in - a fish a chuck - after only 30 mins both myself and mason who was Fishing peg 21 to my right and decreed that today would be a pleasure Fish only.
So on the Waggler I went netting a nice roach 1st cast - Ahh I thought if I can get these all day then perhaps chance of a frame position - but you guessed it a every next fish was smaller than the previous, mason got his Waggler out about 15 mins after me and was getting into some skimmers.
Tony on Peg 23 to my left also retreated from the feeder and onto the pole varying his depth to find fish he was like myself and mason getting the odd one / two. Then nothing. Kev had a little run - Looks like he managed to find the island - a couple of nice carp in a couple of cast. Gary also managed one on the Pole -= perhaps they were on there way round. Pratley was allegedly still getting a carp a chuck.
I alternated form Method to Waggler for 1/2 hour stints, up / down in the water. I edged my way closer to the imaginary island and got into some skimmers - well 3 of them, after going onto my old favourite - the 3/4 ounce in-Line Middy Maggot feeder.
That was s a result of overhearing what Graham the bailiff/owner said to Kev on his 1st visit of the day. " You want to go three red maggot with feeder onto the island just at distance in line with that guy over there (me) - there I thought if it is in line with me out that distance then it must be part of my swim.
Kev tried out there but nothing was forthcoming. He was on the pole with rigs set at 2-3 feet deep of the twenty under his feet - employing what I tried -spraying maggot and getting them up in the Water - but was mainly getting Silvers - but good ones at that. It was noted by myself that Graham asked everyone on the South bank how they were getting on and providing advise but walked straight past Tony, Mason & Yours truly. Mason remarked that was because we were in S**t swims.
Such was the 'intensity' of the Fishing I indulged myself and ordered a Sausage roll and a cup of tea from the 'mobile caterer' who came round taking orders (no idea were these are cooked). That was after a bit of dialogue with the guy that went something like this.
Guy: do you want any food / drink
Me: What you got
Guy: Anything - Egg, Bacon, Sausage - full Double Monty and so on
Me: Got any Beef burgers
Guy: No
Me: OK I will have a sausage in a roll and a cup of Tea (Milk , No Sugar)
Guy - OK - Writes it down
1 hour later he drives round in his car , with his 'partner' Boozy get his sausage in a roll, Tony gets his Egg Bacon roll, and goes straight by me, delvers further up the East bank _ Oh well gone off it now anyhow I settle for my Steak pie left in my nose bag. Then he reverses back down with his partner with the passenger door wide opening shouting "who ho ordered a Egg Bacon Roll - I of course retorted not me but I did order a sausage in a roll - So I took the Egg Bacon version - but at least the cup of tea was correct !
Graham the Bailiff came round again but stopped off this time - perhaps he had heard Mason's earlier comments. How you getting on he asked - I pointed out to my now dry carp Keep net on the side of the peg. Can't be your in the best swim on the Lake. Mason laughed loudly. Graham said as he (Kev) is not fishing there - get on the island "It s only 3 feet deep and that where they will be (He did state a caveat that they could be getting funny due to getting ready for Spawning). "
To his credit he then took the time and trouble to take me through a set up and talk me through the exact position of the island by getting me to cast - within two casts I have it. "There you are - just there" he said- (Mason and I looked at each other and both acknowledged but did not say - that is where I have been fishing all day).
Graham then helped me set up a free bomb rig and told me to put a big bow in the rod when settled on the Island. He even repositioned my feeder rest effectively jamming it up - perhaps the carp pull it off the stand here - I don't know because have not experience a carp bite here yet. I cast out to the spot (that island really must be small) put the bow just a Graham said - Immediately a drop back there you are a bite - nothing there - This was just the bomb rolling back against the pressure).
I did get a skimmer next cast, but because the set up was too heavy I was not seeing the Skimmer nudges, on retrieving just mangled maggots (all three of them). That's it back on the In Line maggot feeder. It has the same effect as free running bomb but more sensitive to detect those shy skimmers.
Kev & Gary were going Fish to Fish (Carp that is) in the last Hour - looked like they have moved up in the water over there . Kev lost a beast ! Pratley was still getting a fish a chuck a Mason was relaying the catch report from our end of the lake to Ed Pearce by Mobile and vis-versa.
I commented to Mason that if I was Pleasure fishing I would have moved after 2 hours - Mason's retort was "I'd have gone home" I was all packed up apart from the maggot bait box the feeder rod & rest by 2.15 pm.
It came to my last cast - bang on the island - The feeder hit the bottom and whist pulling onto the rest a slight tap and way it went - A carp - Gary shouted across don't you lose that - Weird fight did not feel all that big but wanted to go - Slowly drew in and got up the surface - looked like I got it in the Dorsal, so perhaps why it appeared to be a weird fight. But when I finally won the brief but spirited battle - it was hooked nicely in the bottom lip - So fare catch.
Now what do I do - My keep net is all nicely dry - Don't want to put in with the silvers for fear of disqualification - Brainwave - I will take it round and get Dan keeling to independently weigh it for me. What a costly decision that is going to turn out to be. The scales were positioned on the South bank just behind Gary, so off I go, get behind Kev lift me left foot over Kev's 3rd pole section but for some reason did not lift my right foot the same distance - There is sickening crack which you only know as Carbon shattering. And I mean sickening I felt sick both for Kev and myself. Kev took it very well with a short thank you and told me not to worry - these things happens - Hopefully the bill for a replacement section will not be too bad If BJ can get one !!)
Gary commented - "that really sums up the c**p day"
What a Surprise come the weigh-in, only Pratley had anything substantial (72lb ish) despite the reports we were getting visually and by Mobile - Just goes to show even with new technology carpet bagging still exists.
Kev Keeling came a 'surprised' 2nd with a good Mixed bag but circa 1/2 that of Pratley. Gary finished 6th but most of the weights were around 20-25lb - I had 7lb 15oz (Oh by the way the pristine Mirror carp went 2lb 10oz)
No idea were I finished - don't really care. I had a day out fishing in sunny and Calm conditions the 1st time since God knows when - if only the fish would play - But there it is an a nutshell - Fishing is as predictable as Chaos theory - that is why we love it.
I was only going to write a few notes on this day - but when I recounted it - so much actually went on good and bad of course -
Sign off for now Twinkle toes or lack of.
Labels: Big Johns League Match
