Monday, October 29, 2007
Big Johns Angling Sunday League - Tylers Common Horseshoe Lake 28th October 2007
A week later than originally planned the final round of Big Johns Angling Summer League was held at 'Windy City' Tyler's Common Horseshoe Lake. The weeks delay meant that summer had officially past with the Clocks going back during the night and a forecast that did not want you drawing a peg facing South /South West. - Rain and wind (Wind - well that is given assumption at Tyler's). British Summer Time had truly ended.
That said we had a tussle for the Championship - Ed Pearce and Olly Wagg - Ed has been leading all the way but Olly still had a strong chance if he won and Ed finished well down the leader board. Only 6 points in it going into today’s match
We all felt that the draw could decide this with Peg numbers in the low 30's being favourite being at North East end -the recipient of the South Westerly with Peg 31 in the corner being the 'HOT' one.
As per normal Olly and Ed drew each others Pegs and somebody was smiling like a Cheshire Cat - That was Ed - Olly had drawn him Peg 31, and Ed had drawn 39 for Olly. It would appear that Ed would only need to wet his line to win.
I was suffering from the remnants of a heavy cold and of course drew a facing wind peg - My age - 51. As we made our way up the 'arm' of the horseshoe Olly was calling for Ed to came and look at his peg - he deemed to be unfishable as he would not be able to use his feeder because of the tufted Grass, Mine and Mason Mills' response was that we had fished from worse swims this year and he should just get on with. Ed reviewed and agreed for Olly to move up a peg to peg 40.
My approach was hunker down and fish with maggot feeder today - I not also that was how Olly had set up also. I tried to set up my Brolly but would not afforded any protection, so gave it up as a bad job - Put some waterproof trousers on Zipped up my thermal jacket and prepared for the rain. Boozy to my right on Peg 50 also tried to set up his brolly but it immediately gave way under the pressure of the wind. I think Rob Blackburn lent him one for the day.
Talking of Rob Blackburn - our prime candidate for 'Entertainer of the Year' it was reported that he had caught an empty Mackerel Tin on another lake somewhere, The Lads - (who will remain nameless) had put a empty can stuffed with two Mackerel into his landing net. He would remain oblivious to this until the weigh-in.
At the All-In as if to say welcome to Winter the rain started - light at 1st, then hard, light, then drizzle. This went on like this all day, I used my 'bulk' to keep my maggots dry. I had a good start a couple of small Commons of 1 lb a piece form the Island - I was having trouble casting to the same place against the swirling wind. I reckon I only hit the same spot 5 times during the day.
This was my 1st real session on my new 10ft Abu Enticer Feeder Rod which I had purchased from Big John a month or so ago - What a lovely little rod it is - It played the bigger fish (7lb) just the same as the smaller 1/2lbers - great through action and makes the fight really sporty.
Mason to my left two pegs down was also going well on the pellet spring feeder in the opposite swim between his Islands whilst Boozy was on the Pole and not doing anything much. Sport was erratic during the day for me, I tried Various setups on pellet, Sweet corn, maggot combinations but had best take rate on 12" 2.5Lb size 16 Hook link with Double red maggot to Fox in Line Maggot Feeder at Mid distance. I had a right purple patch between 1.20 and 1.40pm and must have put 15lb in the net. I think Boozy spotted this and he moved into the middle on the feeder and started to bag up - he 'nicked' my fish.
From my position I could not see what was going on behind me on the Olly front - but when I did look round he appeared Quiet, whilst I could see Ed down on 31 and did look to be doing much at all.
At the weigh -In we started at the point of the 'arm', and having the usual how did you do chat as you do - Rob Blackburn indicated that Olly had bagged up and he himself landed a nice 7lber but did a 'Boozy' missed the keep net with it - Perhaps the Carp had an aversion to the Mackerel.
Big John himself weighed in 1st with 17lb 10oz then Mick Wagg with 21lb 8oz. Next Up was Rob Blackburn who immediately found a Mackerel Tin and threw it out with a few choice words. I tried to record on my phone Video but he was to quick
He weighed in 30lb 2 oz to have the last laugh. Across to Boozy - Wow - he really did bag up in that last Hour – 42lb 6ozs in total (What would have happened if he hadn't messed about with the pole for most of the Day ? Back across To Olly - Out came the net and Ed's face was Picture of realisation that perhaps he was not going to win. Two weigh-ins for him for 57lb 8ozs.
Then across to me - Much to my surprise 32lb 10oz - I thought I had about 20lb then to Mason no surprises here had a good weight having watched him pull most in during the morning session (he went walk about three times - Boozy had thought he packed up at 1pm).
The weights started to drop away which is totally the opposite of what we expected at the outset - last time we were here in similar wind conditions the lower 30 pegs were the big catch holes - not today the big pegs were in the middle - the wind had been blowing from the North / North east for most of the week and only South West for the past two days so perhaps they were on there way down there when Olly, Boozy, Mason and myself intercepted them ?
Ed was the last to weigh in and could only muster 7lb - A complete shock and with it his Championship Dreams - How cruel is that - All I can say is pick your own pegs next year !
Top three today – Olly, Mason, Boozy - Oh I finished just out the Money yet again - 4th - Perhaps call this 'Done a Moses' From the joke God said to Moses come Forth - he can fifth and God Lost his beer Money - Na don't work does it
Given the conditions a brief trophy presentation took place and the exchanging of side bet money.
Every picture tells a story – what do you make of these:
Of course no visit to the Horseshoe Lake is not complete without the long push all the way up the hill to the car park against the wind and the rain. But that is no it – that is topped once you get home of washing all the Goose S**t from your tackle etc.
Final League table
That said we had a tussle for the Championship - Ed Pearce and Olly Wagg - Ed has been leading all the way but Olly still had a strong chance if he won and Ed finished well down the leader board. Only 6 points in it going into today’s match
We all felt that the draw could decide this with Peg numbers in the low 30's being favourite being at North East end -the recipient of the South Westerly with Peg 31 in the corner being the 'HOT' one.
As per normal Olly and Ed drew each others Pegs and somebody was smiling like a Cheshire Cat - That was Ed - Olly had drawn him Peg 31, and Ed had drawn 39 for Olly. It would appear that Ed would only need to wet his line to win.
I was suffering from the remnants of a heavy cold and of course drew a facing wind peg - My age - 51. As we made our way up the 'arm' of the horseshoe Olly was calling for Ed to came and look at his peg - he deemed to be unfishable as he would not be able to use his feeder because of the tufted Grass, Mine and Mason Mills' response was that we had fished from worse swims this year and he should just get on with. Ed reviewed and agreed for Olly to move up a peg to peg 40.
My approach was hunker down and fish with maggot feeder today - I not also that was how Olly had set up also. I tried to set up my Brolly but would not afforded any protection, so gave it up as a bad job - Put some waterproof trousers on Zipped up my thermal jacket and prepared for the rain. Boozy to my right on Peg 50 also tried to set up his brolly but it immediately gave way under the pressure of the wind. I think Rob Blackburn lent him one for the day.
Talking of Rob Blackburn - our prime candidate for 'Entertainer of the Year' it was reported that he had caught an empty Mackerel Tin on another lake somewhere, The Lads - (who will remain nameless) had put a empty can stuffed with two Mackerel into his landing net. He would remain oblivious to this until the weigh-in.
At the All-In as if to say welcome to Winter the rain started - light at 1st, then hard, light, then drizzle. This went on like this all day, I used my 'bulk' to keep my maggots dry. I had a good start a couple of small Commons of 1 lb a piece form the Island - I was having trouble casting to the same place against the swirling wind. I reckon I only hit the same spot 5 times during the day.
This was my 1st real session on my new 10ft Abu Enticer Feeder Rod which I had purchased from Big John a month or so ago - What a lovely little rod it is - It played the bigger fish (7lb) just the same as the smaller 1/2lbers - great through action and makes the fight really sporty.
Mason to my left two pegs down was also going well on the pellet spring feeder in the opposite swim between his Islands whilst Boozy was on the Pole and not doing anything much. Sport was erratic during the day for me, I tried Various setups on pellet, Sweet corn, maggot combinations but had best take rate on 12" 2.5Lb size 16 Hook link with Double red maggot to Fox in Line Maggot Feeder at Mid distance. I had a right purple patch between 1.20 and 1.40pm and must have put 15lb in the net. I think Boozy spotted this and he moved into the middle on the feeder and started to bag up - he 'nicked' my fish.
From my position I could not see what was going on behind me on the Olly front - but when I did look round he appeared Quiet, whilst I could see Ed down on 31 and did look to be doing much at all.
At the weigh -In we started at the point of the 'arm', and having the usual how did you do chat as you do - Rob Blackburn indicated that Olly had bagged up and he himself landed a nice 7lber but did a 'Boozy' missed the keep net with it - Perhaps the Carp had an aversion to the Mackerel.
Big John himself weighed in 1st with 17lb 10oz then Mick Wagg with 21lb 8oz. Next Up was Rob Blackburn who immediately found a Mackerel Tin and threw it out with a few choice words. I tried to record on my phone Video but he was to quick
Mackerel Anyone
He weighed in 30lb 2 oz to have the last laugh. Across to Boozy - Wow - he really did bag up in that last Hour – 42lb 6ozs in total (What would have happened if he hadn't messed about with the pole for most of the Day ? Back across To Olly - Out came the net and Ed's face was Picture of realisation that perhaps he was not going to win. Two weigh-ins for him for 57lb 8ozs.
Then across to me - Much to my surprise 32lb 10oz - I thought I had about 20lb then to Mason no surprises here had a good weight having watched him pull most in during the morning session (he went walk about three times - Boozy had thought he packed up at 1pm).
The weights started to drop away which is totally the opposite of what we expected at the outset - last time we were here in similar wind conditions the lower 30 pegs were the big catch holes - not today the big pegs were in the middle - the wind had been blowing from the North / North east for most of the week and only South West for the past two days so perhaps they were on there way down there when Olly, Boozy, Mason and myself intercepted them ?
Ed was the last to weigh in and could only muster 7lb - A complete shock and with it his Championship Dreams - How cruel is that - All I can say is pick your own pegs next year !
Top three today – Olly, Mason, Boozy - Oh I finished just out the Money yet again - 4th - Perhaps call this 'Done a Moses' From the joke God said to Moses come Forth - he can fifth and God Lost his beer Money - Na don't work does it
Given the conditions a brief trophy presentation took place and the exchanging of side bet money.
Every picture tells a story – what do you make of these:
Of course no visit to the Horseshoe Lake is not complete without the long push all the way up the hill to the car park against the wind and the rain. But that is no it – that is topped once you get home of washing all the Goose S**t from your tackle etc.
Final League table
Labels: Big Johns League Match
Sunday, October 14, 2007
LCFC Sunday League Match - Clavering (Silver Lake) 7th October 2007
This was our First Club Match on the Silver Fish Lake at Clavering – A couple of members have fished it once or twice in the past. A bit of an unknown but rumoured that there are double carp and Bream to 5lb.
Today was also the Final Round of the inugrual Knockout Competition which was between John Buck and Kev Keeling
A smaller turnout today - 19 members - perhaps Autumn is kicking in ? 
I drew peg 2 – Gary Somerfeild my Partner in the Pairs competition to my right on peg 1 and Olly Wagg to my left the other side of the tree on peg 3
The Overhanging tree in between pegs 2 & 3
I set up a on the Hot spot pole – Main ain to get under the tree and the waggler and feeder as there was Fish up in the water further out. Drawing the feeder in on set up found weed so will fish up in the water out there – perhaps spray maggots and waggler on the drop.
A longer match today than normal 0830-1530. At the whistle feed under the tree tried the waggler 20 feet out where the Carp are rolling – but only a few small roach. So went in under the tree as I heard Olly with fish from his side. I was straight into small Bream then a couple of small carp, kept going like this until 1030am then went dead.
A longer match today than normal 0830-1530. At the whistle feed under the tree tried the waggler 20 feet out where the Carp are rolling – but only a few small roach. So went in under the tree as I heard Olly with fish from his side. I was straight into small Bream then a couple of small carp, kept going like this until 1030am then went dead.
Tried down the right margin and back out in the centre – There was also less splashing activity from Olly also - Nobody else was getting anything Much until the afternoon when Ed Pearce and Fred Saunders on opposite banks started getting into Carp.
I got smashed up whilst in the margins 1 foot out in 18 inches of water – Float sinks and an eruption as a Long Slim Double of around 10lb leaps like a Salmon and immediately charges off – snap 2.5lb hook link has not chance as it makes its way into the centre.
I got smashed up whilst in the margins 1 foot out in 18 inches of water – Float sinks and an eruption as a Long Slim Double of around 10lb leaps like a Salmon and immediately charges off – snap 2.5lb hook link has not chance as it makes its way into the centre.
In the last 1/2 hour there was his cruching sound of Carbon from the other side of the Lake where Mason Mills was doing a 'Boozy' and snapping up a Pole section and depositing in the Dustbin - Not sure what happend but sounded expensive.
I was last to weigh-in and Gary was sure I was going to win – I was not – A good Silver bag of 10lb+ but the Carp bag was not going to make it – and It didn’t enough only to finish in 4th 8 ozs behind Olly - The late charge from Ed was enough to Win with 23lb 12oz with Fred only a few ounces behind Ed for 2nd.
I was last to weigh-in and Gary was sure I was going to win – I was not – A good Silver bag of 10lb+ but the Carp bag was not going to make it – and It didn’t enough only to finish in 4th 8 ozs behind Olly - The late charge from Ed was enough to Win with 23lb 12oz with Fred only a few ounces behind Ed for 2nd.
For the Knockout - John Buck finshed 5th with 18lb with Kev Keeling only mustring 8lb 6ozs (Clavering is a bogey place for Kev) Well Done John - our 1st Knockout Champion
.
The latest tables for Singles, Final Knockout Chart & Pairs Competitions
The latest tables for Singles, Final Knockout Chart & Pairs Competitions
Labels: Lee Chapel Sunday League Match
Monday, October 01, 2007
Pleasure Fish - Kennett & Avon Canal - Devizes - 28th/29th September 2007
Friday 28th September
As always a Visit to my Sister (Nikki) & Husband (Adrian) means a different Fishing opportunity as I never know as to where they are moored until I Get there. This time they were Moored up opposite Devizes Wharf opposite the watering/ Service mooring. However the plan was to travel down 3 locks to the Black Horse Pound on the Saturday for a end of season 'wind down'. (Devizes Boat Group Social get together), so had two different opportunities.
Arriving at 1315 hrs - Coffee in the Wharf cafe and lunch on the boat meant a short 5 minute walk down to Devizes Tackle Shop for Day ticket, Top up on canal Ground bait and tips.
I decide to fish off the stern of Nikki and Adrian's barge Unity (replica Kennett & Avon barge) and also our home for the next 30 hours. N.B. Under Devizes AA rules fishing form the boat is not allowed for insurance purposes but I don't know that if the bailiff comes along.
The light Rain we had we we left home had followed us down and by the time I had set up it at to rain of the heavier variety keeping dry by improvising a ornamental Well Pump as an umbrella stand.
Simplicity was the order of the day - using the top match section of the Middy Hot Spot Pole and light Rig / Size 18 to 2lb line 2" over depth with Single Red maggot in the middle of the cut. One advantage of fishing from the boat especially on this wide beam - Only need the short top section.
Instant success - Straight into small Roach, added a little of the Supercup Ground bait and reaction straight away from the Bream. Several Skimmers to 1 1/2 lb grace my landing net. Then the 8 elastic really starts to pull out - feels like a big Perch, but don't get to see it as the hook pulls. However the next drop get another tug and this time the elastic does pull as much but this time a 2lb perch is the prize.
Steady bites and fish for the next 3 hours capped by a Bream of 4lb. Time to pack up and get ready for an Indian with 4 of Niki's and Adrian's boating friends. What a good meal that was - Reference if you are ever In Devizes - Balti Bite - See map
Saturday 29th September
Up Early - well I thought it was 6.30 am but an hour later it still was 6.30 - Battery Gone in my watch - A swift walk with Suzy (our Jack Russell) - I set up on the Stern again - a little less room as Eric & Jude had moored up their boat alongside Unity. Added a couple of sections to go further out in the cut.
A slow start just a few small Roach, so added in some SuperCup ground bait and and some good skimmers came to the bait. Then to my surprise Eric came out of his boat with a bait box in his hand and was surprised to see me fishing there. A short conversation ensue that he fishes using a Rod he found floating the canal earlier in the year and does it to pass the time in a relaxing manner.
I had more than enough maggot and shared mine with him. We fished within two feet of each other sharing my Ground bait - We both had nice Perch - Eric's being the best. then i had a pull felt like a Nice Tench but got snagged up with Eric line and that was that.
Nikki and Ann went off shopping and we continued to fish landing regular Perch, Skimmers and Quality Roach - The ground bait was really working.
Well time came to move Unity over to the other side of the Wharf to pick up the Barbecue from K&A Trust building for the afternoons' Social down at the Black Horse.
Ann awaiting with Suzy,& the 'boys' Rollo and Charlie whilst the men load the barbeque onto Unity at the Wharf.
Had a nice short trip down the canal to the Black Horse and reacquainted myself with lock operation.
Unity which is Eletric powered supplied via Solar panels in the roof.
Once moored up alongside the Black Horse - set up on the Match Rod / Light 2BB Waggler as the canal must be 25 metres wide here and there were fishing rolling in the centre. Eric had already taken his boat down and was already fishing. I had a nice skimmer 1st chuck, then a few more roach, I then alternated between catching good quality fishing and taking part in a Boules match alongside which I got through to one Semi-Final and one Final - loosing both but good fun all the same.
I capped off a good weekend by landing a 3lb perch as dusk fell. Then a good barbecue and a clean up and a Pint of alcohol free beer in the Pub and was time to leave.
Always a pleasure and have learnt a great deal more about canal fishing - Heres to the next time
As always a Visit to my Sister (Nikki) & Husband (Adrian) means a different Fishing opportunity as I never know as to where they are moored until I Get there. This time they were Moored up opposite Devizes Wharf opposite the watering/ Service mooring. However the plan was to travel down 3 locks to the Black Horse Pound on the Saturday for a end of season 'wind down'. (Devizes Boat Group Social get together), so had two different opportunities.
Arriving at 1315 hrs - Coffee in the Wharf cafe and lunch on the boat meant a short 5 minute walk down to Devizes Tackle Shop for Day ticket, Top up on canal Ground bait and tips.
I decide to fish off the stern of Nikki and Adrian's barge Unity (replica Kennett & Avon barge) and also our home for the next 30 hours. N.B. Under Devizes AA rules fishing form the boat is not allowed for insurance purposes but I don't know that if the bailiff comes along.
The light Rain we had we we left home had followed us down and by the time I had set up it at to rain of the heavier variety keeping dry by improvising a ornamental Well Pump as an umbrella stand.
Simplicity was the order of the day - using the top match section of the Middy Hot Spot Pole and light Rig / Size 18 to 2lb line 2" over depth with Single Red maggot in the middle of the cut. One advantage of fishing from the boat especially on this wide beam - Only need the short top section.
Instant success - Straight into small Roach, added a little of the Supercup Ground bait and reaction straight away from the Bream. Several Skimmers to 1 1/2 lb grace my landing net. Then the 8 elastic really starts to pull out - feels like a big Perch, but don't get to see it as the hook pulls. However the next drop get another tug and this time the elastic does pull as much but this time a 2lb perch is the prize.
Steady bites and fish for the next 3 hours capped by a Bream of 4lb. Time to pack up and get ready for an Indian with 4 of Niki's and Adrian's boating friends. What a good meal that was - Reference if you are ever In Devizes - Balti Bite - See map
Saturday 29th September
Up Early - well I thought it was 6.30 am but an hour later it still was 6.30 - Battery Gone in my watch - A swift walk with Suzy (our Jack Russell) - I set up on the Stern again - a little less room as Eric & Jude had moored up their boat alongside Unity. Added a couple of sections to go further out in the cut.
A slow start just a few small Roach, so added in some SuperCup ground bait and and some good skimmers came to the bait. Then to my surprise Eric came out of his boat with a bait box in his hand and was surprised to see me fishing there. A short conversation ensue that he fishes using a Rod he found floating the canal earlier in the year and does it to pass the time in a relaxing manner.
I had more than enough maggot and shared mine with him. We fished within two feet of each other sharing my Ground bait - We both had nice Perch - Eric's being the best. then i had a pull felt like a Nice Tench but got snagged up with Eric line and that was that.
Nikki and Ann went off shopping and we continued to fish landing regular Perch, Skimmers and Quality Roach - The ground bait was really working.
Well time came to move Unity over to the other side of the Wharf to pick up the Barbecue from K&A Trust building for the afternoons' Social down at the Black Horse.
Ann awaiting with Suzy,& the 'boys' Rollo and Charlie whilst the men load the barbeque onto Unity at the Wharf.
Had a nice short trip down the canal to the Black Horse and reacquainted myself with lock operation.
At the 1st lock down from the Wharf as Adrian guides Unity in.
Unity which is Eletric powered supplied via Solar panels in the roof.
Once moored up alongside the Black Horse - set up on the Match Rod / Light 2BB Waggler as the canal must be 25 metres wide here and there were fishing rolling in the centre. Eric had already taken his boat down and was already fishing. I had a nice skimmer 1st chuck, then a few more roach, I then alternated between catching good quality fishing and taking part in a Boules match alongside which I got through to one Semi-Final and one Final - loosing both but good fun all the same.
I capped off a good weekend by landing a 3lb perch as dusk fell. Then a good barbecue and a clean up and a Pint of alcohol free beer in the Pub and was time to leave.
Always a pleasure and have learnt a great deal more about canal fishing - Heres to the next time
Labels: Pleasure Fish
