Blakey's Fishing Blog

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2008-11-05T18:07:00.003Z

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Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity Pairs Match - Coleman's Cottage - Wood Lake - 19th October 2008

2008-10-20T20:31:00.004+01:00

This Match was a Pairs Competition in support Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, but with a twist.

One of the Pair fished for Silver Fish and the other for Carp. We had all of Coleman’s Cottage Wood Lake, http://www.colemansfishery.co.uk/
So with 22 Anglers in 11 pairs, Ed was able to spread us out quite well with alternate pegs for Silver & Carp.

I was Paired up with Dean Peters who was our Carp man with me on Silvers. I drew Peg 5 whilst Dean had 21 (which is not normally a good peg) The Hot peg area, 10-14 & 26-30 only drew one pair close together with Big John (C) and Big Steve (S) next to each other on 11 & 12 respectively. The next ‘Closet pair’ were Big Mick Byrne © next to me on Peg 6 and Mick (Silver King) Wagg who had Peg 1.

The weather was best described as fair – cloudy but pleasant – but the wind was forecast to increase for later – which it did and got chilly with it despite it being South Westerly.

I decided to set up on the rig that always does well for me here – the Maggot Feeder fishing to the Islands – But I have never fished this part of the lake before – but Barbel were reported to be had on maggot in the margins in recent days. I set up on the Waggler at 6meteres and on the Pole for the Margins- All on light hook links – size 18 and 2lb line fishing with Red maggot.

The normal ratio on the maggot feeder for me here was 5 Chub, 2 Barbel, to 1 carp so I could live with that today.

Now my main problem is going to getting through the Carp to hopefully get to the Silvers as they were very active in my swim – Did I just say that ‘Have to get through the Carp’ – Normally it is the other way round. I had a mini Jacuzzi going at 5meters I was hoping that it was Bream but the bubbles are too big.

At the whistle I tried the Waggler to the bubbles at 5 metres – Nothing doing apart from line bites so perhaps the Carp are mid water and the small stuff are underneath. I was dead bottom so I went 2” over depth and immediately get a Small Skimmer , swiftly followed by a small Roach – Result. I was hoping for Barbel or Chub – but alas no, then I get a couple Carp so decide to move out to the Island on the Waggler at 1st then switched to the feeder, had a few Chub then a few more Carp- so into the margin which I had been drip feeding with loose maggot – A small Roach then all of the size 8 Elastic was pulled out by a big carp. – Being smashed up in quick succession I switch top kits to Bully Boy with 16 elastic but of course bumped off the small Roach that happened along, but the margins were dead – I tried later with Size 24 and Pinkie and still got smashed up by a carp.

It got to the point were I decided to stay on my original plan and use the maggot feeder to the Islands and hope for the occasional Chub or Barbel. Or in reality what was plan B – catch the carp to get them out the swim and hope the Silvers move in – I still can’t believe I’m writing this. – it certainly is not Butter.

Boozy who was fishing opposite me was having the same problem but was having a better Silver to Carp Ratio and we both cheered each other and proudly displayed each silver when we caught one. Interesting Steve Barrett was next to Boozy fishing for Carp but seemed to have a Shoal of Barbel in his swim though I am not sure if was not catching the same fish as he was returning all of his Silvers not netting them.

We did have a ‘submarine’ patrolling our swims for most of the afternoon which we all blamed for not getting the fish we wanted – the ‘Submarine’ was Big Johns Top 4 attached to a big carp. We all had attempts to ‘catch it’ making contact but nothing good enough to ‘net it’ it disappeared completely late afternoon and never seen again – I hope the carp managed to ‘ship it’.

Come the weigh-In – The Silver King Wagg had 42lb of carp had a few Pounds of Silver- I had 35lb of carp and 8 1/2lb Silver – (no Barbel).

The big weight came from were I expected – in the middle stretch – Big John who had lost his 1st ten Fish (including the ‘submarine)’ weighed-in 71lb – I guess it would and should have be more like a Ton. & Big Steve his Partner weighed in 11lb of Silver.

Dean my partner only managed to get the fish going in his swim in the last Hour for 19lb of carp. Olly Wagg put in 65lb from the edge of the ‘Hot Zone’ whilst his partner Boozy somehow had 14lb of Silvers to become the ‘Silver King’. Now with Olly & Boozy coming 3rd & 1st in their respective matches and Big John & Steve C being 1st & 3rd in theirs –we had a tie on points but BJ & SC won on weight by 2lbs 8ozs

Despite the moaning about the Carp – what a great days fishing in the Middle Of October – In a normal match at this time of the year I would have been well chuffed with mine – and possibly would have done better with different tactics fishing for the Carp not trying to avoid them, and not forgetting the Main reason for the day – fund raising for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital the beneficiaries of £383 ! -Well done everyone who fished.

Results:

Linda Mead Memorial Sunday Series Match - A12 Cuton Match Lake - October 5th 2008

2008-10-06T23:13:00.005+01:00

The Great British Summer of 2008 put in a brief appearance again for the October Linda Mead Sunday Series Match - Yes it was Wet, Windy & Wet. Mercifully it was only light rain for the Draw and Set up and drizzle for the weigh-in. However in between the Wind drove it the rain in from the West only to for the wind to Stall and the Rain to tip it down around 1.30 to 2pm then the wind shifted round just to make it awkward for those of us under the brolly.

Not the best of conditions to mark the Summer knockout Final which was being 'fought' out between Dean Peters and Roy Digby, Roy drew peg 40 one of the fancied pegs in the relative quiet area under the trees and close to the Island in between the lakes whilst Dean drew exposed Peg 24 in open water

You will note that all I have spoken about yet is the weather - Well that was the only real talking point of the day as the Fishing can at best be described as hard, especially when you have to sit and watch someone else (the eventual winner catching on the same method you are using only 5 yards away. - that's what I had to do !!!- from my position under the brolly all I could see was Rob Blackburn initially pull in some nice Fish - the best being a 7 lb 4 Oz Common Carp

Most of his fish were caught in the 1st and last hour - with like me very few in between - i did have a Nice Perch of around 1lb late on.

I was most impressed by the quality of Music on Radio 1 on a Sunday morning being DJ'd by Edith Bowman, I think she call's her Show the Sunday lie up to midday then Wake up noon to 1p. I was only listening as the BBC stations were the only ones I could pick up on my Portable DAB radio and to drown out the traffic noise form the A12 running adjacent an the hammering rain on the Brolly.

The results speak for themselves see below this Lake does not fish well under the pressure of a Match - I've fished 2 matches here now and both were 2 'poor' days - Don't think I will be booking a Match here again:

Congratulations to Dean Peters on winning the Summer Knockout

Oh and Gary Somerfield said I had to mention that he fished with a wet bum most of the day !!

Match Result:

You will note that Rob's Win Lifted him 5 places in the League.

Singles & Pairs League Positions

Pleasure Fish LCL 27th September 2008

2008-09-28T13:32:00.000+01:00

The belated summer weather drew me away from the Saturday afternoon Football on TV to the lake for a couple of hours for a rare pleasure fishing session.

Suzy (my Jack Russell) stop off at Big Johns for ½ pint of Red maggots en –route.

I made my way to Peg 16 and Cyril Boozy who was over on peg 13 shouted across – “did I forget the house as well” a comment regarding that I had loaded my Match Gear on the trolley- but I had not – when I started to set up I noticed I had left my feeder Arm at home – Dohh ! Especially as my tactics was going to be Small Method and hair rigged Sweetcorn on the feeder for Bream / Small Carp and maggots on the Pole in the margins for Roach /Perch I already had a problem. Quickly resolved though as I was able to lay it down on the ground with a post acting as the rest and the bait runner on.

I had a good 3 hour session the weather was perfect sunny with little or no wind. I had lost of good Roach on the pole in the margins to the right – In the meantime Cyril has successfully landed a nice 13lb Mirror ( don’t know what bait he was using.) and he called it a day after that.

It was around 6.45 pm when I just answered a call from the wife whilst still landing Nice Roach that I would be home in ½ hour that I had the Feeder reel scream I lifted in this was something BIG and it was making its way to the Lilies / weed in the out of bounds area. I had no option but to hold on this rod had never had such a big bend in it but alas once in the weeds that was it the 5lb snapped!

Oh well time to pack up then, but I have a ¼ pint of maggot left so I up the feed rate on my spot and continued with the Pole attack there – I had being using Size 16 to 5lb line with Double red maggot. Dusk was on its way – as I had what I though was Perch Bite – lifted in but the elastic started to pull out – this was a carp! I played with my four sections – didn’t need to put any more sections on – good job as they where still in the bag! A good 10 minutes Fight and it was in the net – Black Mirror tipping the Scales at 10 1/2lb – that will do what a way to finish what was truly a pleasure session. – pack up and home for a shower dinner and the TV and a few beers!
Suzy was good as well sits patiently.

Big Johns Angling Summer League Match - Bury Hill (Dorking - Surrey) - Milton Lake - 14th September 2008

2008-09-18T18:37:00.006+01:00

A pleasant drive down to Leafy Surrey for the Final Match of the Big Johns Angling Summer League Match at Bury Hill Milton lake – Just west of Dorking, the weather was good as well

–

Nice & Sunny – some say it was our Summer !!! Well at least I dusted off my sunglasses.

I drew peg 17, on my way I saw that Olly had drawn peg 20 with reed beds on parallel right of the swim platform twitching away with Fish. I said to Olly I see you are going to have fun in there today – "Yep – you remember Newlands Hall mud pool swim I had" was the reply - Only too well – you lost about 10 rigs that day.

My peg (17) looked great reeds to Both sides and an inviting bed of Lily’s out in front (see Pictures below) which were casting distance for Waggler bomb or feeder. So I set up on pole 3 lines in circle a bomb and a Waggler.

At the whistle went out on the bomb with size 18 3 lb 12” hook link– had a bite 1st off – Started feeding the margin and pole lines (in fact tried all day there with nothing more than a few tiny Perch).

Olly on the other hand was Snapped off on his two put ins and the question Mason Mills was asking each time was "Olly you going to get that one in" each time Olly had one on. John Buck was pulling them in the distance though!

Quite worrying for me was that I was snapped off of tow good bites during the morning session, the same thing that was happening at the last match at Tylers Common. There were no sharp features here – I must surely have a bad batch of Hook links – I changed over from the Kasman Animal to Preston Hook links and went to size 14 with bigger baits – Pellet & Sweetcorn but the bites were no better.

However I faired better than Steve Caellejo (sorry I don’t know the correct spelling – perhaps someone can advised via the comments, but soon to have new nickname before the end of the day) – His Pole section #6 snapped when pulling in after 1st cupping !!!!

Midday I swapped over to the Waggler with Pellet, Single, & double maggot plus worm and cocktails of each– Just a few Roach to show for it though (sprayed maggot). Finally the float buried and sailed away – Into a Carp of around 4lb gave a good account of itself but safely landed a lovely looking full plated Mirror after 10 minutes. But that was it the next 3 hours were only graced on all methods with a couple more small Roach,

However, the last hour was between Olly getting smashed up and Steve Claalejo to my left making a lunge for his feeder rod, which had been pulled in by a carp I would suspect? The Lunge resulted in him going in the drink much to the joy of everyone who saw it and he received much applause especially as he caught the rod.

I ran round to get a photo only to find the Camera’s battery had gone. The air as you could imagine was punctuated by laughter and blue language as Steve (now with the nickname flipper ‘praised’ his friends for helping in his hour of need. Somehow he was under the impression that I went to help – Nah I’d only gone to try and record it – Of course the jokes relating to whales, doplhins etc were sounding around to keep the lughter going for 1/2 hour. At least it was a sunny day but I think he got cold and was please the match came to an end and weigh in completed.

As expected the weights were not great – Results below and Final league tables. We got off the bottom. Looking at Team table is has an inverse synergy team 5 was 1st with team, team 4 second and so on.

Result

Final League Standings -

Single========================Team

Linda Mead Memorial Sunday Series Match - Tylers Common Horseshoe Lake - September 7th 2008

2008-09-12T20:16:00.008+01:00

Fresh back from Our French trip we (with the exception of Olly - Prior Appointment at Gatwick Airport) gathered at Tyler's Common Horseshoe lake for Octobers Linda Mead Memorial Sunday Series Match. This meant that Olly's opponent in the Knockout Cup Roy Digby was straight into the final - provided he weighed in one fish to face either Dean Peters or Paul Hyde.

The weather had not improved -still damp but at least not too windy but the rain did relent once we starting setting up.

I drew on the South bank of the Centre Arm (peg 53) which proved to be productive the last time we were here for Big Johns League Match a few weeks Earlier, hopefully would be the same today !

But alas not the case - I started off on the maggot feeder and found it hard to get bites - I constantly fed the margins all day to encourage them in there later - Janet (Bailiff) reported good weights from the centre area of the arm yesterday "using Corn over pellet in the edges".
I switched to the method / cage feeder / and back to the maggot feeder as that was the only thing that seem to get any form of regular bites. Then when I did get them I lost in total around 20lb of fish as the hook links sheared. I had some ridges in the only area I could get bites (they must have been sharp). I did switch to worm to give it a try - which did result in a 7lb Common but that was all.

Rob Blackburn was having slightly better luck on my right in Peg 52 landing regularly but mainly small Carp. Steve Barrett to my left down on Peg 56 was struggling and I could not see too much as top what was going on elsewhere. Oh I had a couple of fish turn up in the Margins at 10 to 3 !! And winkled one of them out on the pole using Corn !!!

Come the weigh-in - I surprisingly had 29lb - mainly due to the lump, but my partner Ed Pearce and Kev Keeling seem to have the knack of getting the fish to follow them around this Lake. Ed Recorded 118Lb to win from Kev with 107lb in 2nd and my partner from last year Garry Somerfield was 3rd with 91lb. Dean Peters got the better of Paul Hyde with 40lb vs 33lb to go through the final of the Knockout at Cuton A12 lakes next Month.

I still managed to get a few Points finishing 13th. Most worthy of note was Dan Keeling - fishing from 'Hot Peg 3' which he drew after everyone else drawn and put together a 75lb bag !! Good Work Dan!!

Memo: Dan was taking the place vacated by Big Mick Byrne who was on Holiday at White Acres. I noted that in This weeks Angling Times Mick had finished 2nd in the Residents Match at White Acres on the previous Thursday -

Well Done Mick - I wonder how it gone on this week.

Results and Standings:

Singles

Pairs

Knockout

Carp Fishing Holiday - Lake Bossard 30th August to 6th September 2008

2008-09-11T21:14:00.007+01:00

On the 30th August Olly Wagg, Dean Peters, Mason Mills and I travelled 300 miles via the Channel Tunnel in anticipation on catching a life time’s fish at Lake Bossard http://www.60pluscarp.com/ in the Champagne –Ardennes region of France.

On arrival complex lived up to it billing on the website

“The main lake (Bossard 1) is definitely not just another overstocked hole in the ground with a 6ft barbed wire fence around the perimeter. It is a stunning 23 acre lake set in 200 acres of forest with carp to 68lb. The other lakes (Bossard 2 and Bass Pool) are also located in stunning surroundings near to the main lake”

Steve the Owner made us most welcome and took on a tour of the Main lake – Olly chose his swim as the 1st One we came to – Tight Squeeze’ Dean & Mason chose the next one ’61 (named so as the 1st fish Steve caught here was a 61lber) – being a double Swim. I choose the next one ‘Bonsai’ named after a late friend of Steve.

We were joined later by Kev & nark from Norfolk as they got lost. They set up on 1 & 2(but moved the following day to the top end.

The rest of Saturday was set up; evening meal cast the lines out for the night.

Sunday was a bright Sunny day which meant the lines stayed out as very little activity so we all went spinner fishing on the Bass Pool for the early part of the day. We all managed to capture a Small bass each.

I decided I would put some baits out on my marks as I said to Mason "you won’t catch anything if you don’t have bait in the water whatever the conditions”

I was rewarded at 5.30pm with a run and take on my rod that was set on a hard patch in the middle of lake along the top edge of the river bed that runs through the Lake.

It snagged on something out there but got it out. I gave a shout and help was at hand even though I knew it was only a low twenty, mason was 1st a got my other rods out the way then Dean got the Movie out to record and Olly arrived in time to see it a superb Common into the net & landed.

Cheers and handshakes all round as the 1st fish on the bank went 24lb 14ozs.

Alas that was it until Thursday Evening. No other bites at all from anyone, mark was reporting he had not yet seen a fish –

How that was about to change. The intervening time was spent on sessions on Bossard Two where Carp to 20 lb and Koi to 10lb were stalked by all. The other major events were the explosion from a Military exercise on the nearby farm land and Thunderstorms.

In fact I believe Aircraft were dropping Bombs - on 3 occasions on Thursday Morning we had three exposions that made the bivvies move ! Well it woke Olly up.

Rain was very much the order of the rest of the week with very long periods of up to 16 hours of sustained moderate to heavy rain. Mason was flooded out and by Wednesday evening he had enough and after Dinner He and Dean made their way back to The UK.

Steve was concerned about the fish not seeming to feed and thought it may have been the fact that he had cut the weed two weeks before and the disturbance and sudden abundance of natural food was caviar compared to what we had to offer. We had tried every natural bait we could lay our hands on to no avail. I will leave what they were to your imagination.

Steve likes the water and has a relationship with his baby such that he will don his wet suit and get out into the lake and clear hard patches as ‘Dinner plates’ for you - On Wednesday evening he cleared the spot I had the fish from on the Sunday and prepared a shot spot to just under the Tree to my right and place markers for each. On Thursday he boated out a bait for me some 300 yards. Later that evening just as dusk arrived I had a Run and somehow it pick up my 300 yd line even though it was back lead at the rod end. I managed to shout for help on the radio and Kev arrived shortly after. It proved a difficult fight and was now dark, once landed in the net we saw the reason – it had managed to get the 300yard line around its Dorsal such that - that was the way I fighting it. –

However a long slim Common which went 25lb 10oz.

That was the signal for Mark to start catching up the far End Over the next two days he managed to land Two PB’s – 44lb Common, 36lb 10oz Mirror and a number of other Twenties and his last fish on the pull in on Saturday morning was ‘Newt’ A small fish caught from the stock pond by a lad on a recent trip and put in Bossard One as a Trophy Fish – So that cost Steve another Bottle of Champagne (he offers a bottle for PB’s)

This a beauty or What ?

I had an Lovely 18lb 10oz Plated mirror from the centre Dinner Plate area on Friday afternoon. I called Steve as there should not be any fish less than 20lb in here. He inspected and agreed to release back as this would Twenty by the Winter – I would very much like to catch it again in a few years time – I only regret not taking a photo of it.

Olly only managed a PB Tench of 7lb 10ozs and a large Rodent, Kev did not have anything either.

I did have one really good bite – Wasp Sting on my top lip – I so engrossed in a book I was reading I forgot a was around I picked up my Beer for a swig and hey presto.

The facilities, food and the Company are superb, yes the Fish did not want to play ball but that’s fishing. I will be back next year – but I’m not saying when. I’ve worked out when the best time will be

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 20th August 2008 (Silver Fish)

2008-08-21T21:19:00.004+01:00

7 Members fished this Evening Silver Fish Match – the penultimate & my last for this year.

I drew #1 walk off draw so went for my normal peg 25, I was Joined in Peg 24 by Mick (Silver King) Wagg – Big Mick Byrne and Ted to my left with Martin Johnson and Matt Keeling further down the meadow bank Pegs 20 ish and Garry (No mates) Somerfield on the road bank (peg 9 Carp Alley) all on his own.

I fished close in to start using single red maggot Size 18 on 2lb line to Match Kit of Middy Hotspot Pole. Had a few smallish roach to start with but had to keeping inching further out to keep the bites and fish coming ended up at 7 metres. Which whilst not being prolific was steady.

Gary had a nice bream midway through the match and got stick into a carp which hung for 5 minutes or more , then got into something else which pulled his elastic – it turned out to be a Nice Big Perch of around 2 ½ to 3lb.

The Rain came down at 8pm and it was somebody had removed the lake of fish all of us experienced a drying up of the bites. With darkness descending fats we packed up at 8.30 pm. Not surprise to see Gary winning with Matt Second and me 3rd. ( 5 1/2 lb of small Roach). I struggled to find my Pole caps whilst packing away which delayed me getting the gear to the car – Thanks to Matt & Kev for carting my gear to the car and out of the rain.

Big Johns Angling Summer League Match - Tylers Common - Horseshoe Lake - 17th August 2008

2008-08-18T17:32:00.007+01:00

25 Anglers fished the latest Big Johns Angling Summer League Match at Tyler's Common Horseshoe Lake. The venue was changed from Mill Barn Canal lake to Here at the last minute as the former was not fishing at all well. This meant that we were to use the Far Bank (North Side nearest the sewerage works) and I and I believe most others have never fished this bank so was bit of an unknown

I drew last as per normal and got Peg 22 mid way up that far bank. When I got there - no Peg Number and there appeared to be a peg (1 foot wide gap in the reeds) midway between pegs 21 an 23.

I managed to get my feeder arm out to the left on top of the reeds and run a pole line to under the tree to my right (in the hope that I could encourage some carp in there later in the day).

With the wind coming from the South-West - and rain threatening Pole work was going to be difficult If I needed to have the Umbrella Up. As It happens we only had a few spots all day - I set off from home in a downpour earlier in the morning but mercilessly it stopped upon arrival.

I set up on the same method that did so well for me last time here only a few weeks ago - Flat In Line method to a 2" Inch size 14 hook link with two hair rigged 6mm Sonu pellets and the pole set for either side in the Margins.

I drew next to Mason again ( I am sure people are going to start Talking), with Olly Wagg Opposite the only one of the Bossard crew missing was Dean Peters - he was don in the 'hot' peg # 35. - (Bossard is the name of the lake in France we four are going to in the 1st week of September).

At the Whistle - 1st cast slap bang in the middle of the two islands directly in front of Me - Its not there for more than 30 seconds and round the tip goes and I'm into a 2lb Common straight away - Looks good - Well that did not last long - it was another 2 hours before something else was to grace my net. I tried in the margins changed baits - worm, corn, meat, maggot. Olly on the other side had only managed a few Roach, Mason was doing as well as me - Paul Hyde was picking out a few on the feeder close to his Island - Reports via the mobile telephone network Mason was son and Dan Keeling on his walk round were saying the same thing - Slow & Quiet. Now that is a term you don't normally here about Tyler's in the summer Quiet - both of the fish front and the wind ! I wondered if there is a relationship there ?

Both Olly & I change tactics at the same time - Olly went onto the cage feeder and I onto my fallback when the going gets though- the good old maggot feeder. Mind you I did not have the instant response I normally get not even a sliver fish - Olly did not have long to wait for his then he started to get a regular catch rate. Then I got into a few but after 3 fish it goes quiet. Came back into the margins which I'd fed regularly all day - nothing but perch, roach and skimmers - all very small - I did manage a mall skimmer on Sweet corn there. No activity there at all. So I stuck to the Maggot feeder varying the position along the island. Even Olly tried it several times and made the comment it was no good in my swim and went back to his regular line.

Boozy & Steve Barrett were up the middle arm a coupe of swims up from Olly and only managed to get a few fish going in the latter part of the match. Mason finally managed to coax one nice common of around 6lb from the Margin to his left.

Paul Hyde continued his good catch rate then late on he got his Margins going but seemed to be having trouble with his Elastic looked a bit light - spending a lot of time getting those fish in - so lost a few pounds I fancy as I looked on enviously and glancing down to my motionless margins - I did have a final dabble in there - nothing but a Rudd - but a nice sized one of about 3 ozs though.

Come the weigh-in I was surprised to see that I beat Olly by Four pounds ! His fish must have been smaller than mine - (mind he was fishing close to where I fished last time - where I had lots of fish but all small) Dean had managed ~ 42lb down on the hot peg whilst Paul Hyde and Kev Keeling fishing opposite each Other recorded 65 & 70 lb respectively.

Plus points of the day for me - I did not get snagged on any of the islands and hence did not loose any feeders and much to my surprise I did not get caught up in the reed bed I was fishing from and to top it all I beat Olly !

Downside is that despite scoring good Points our team is still on the bottom closing the gap by 9 points to only 6 behind - could we do it at Bury Hill ?

Result with Guestimate Weights and Single & Team Standings

http://www.bigjohnsangling.co.uk/index.html

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 13th August 2008 (All-In)

2008-08-14T15:06:00.004+01:00

What a change from the previous weather wise, 10 hardy soles braved the windy conditions (gusting to 45mph at times) to fish this weeks Wednesday Stan Memorial league match. I had decided on Monday after seeing the weather Forecast that being an all-in match that I would be on the tip and going heavy with Method / hair rigs bait not matter which swim I ended up with. As it t happens I was well down the pecking order at picked Peg 12 the closet. I could get to the Easterly End of the lake.

Why - The wind had been blowing from the South west for days and this is where I Think the fish would have migrated to, It would appear I was not alone in This Theory as most others had gone to that end. - Big Mick Byrne who walked off 1st wet to his normal Road Bank Peg 14 and Matt Keeling who was 2nd off went to peg 16 the other prime peg in these conditions.

I set up on the ABU Enticer feeder with a maggot feeder to start and I decided not to put in any keep nets - I figured they would get wet for nothing - If I was going to catch it was going to be big so there would be no need for them anyhow. At the whistle 1st cast drop just short of the island but the long hook link blew on in the wind and caught the edge of the bush on the island - Snapped off trying to release so had to set up again. Next cast a little shorter no sooner had it dropped to the bottom a Fierce Roach Bite but not hook - So up the anti - to double Red maggot - no real bites, Started to feed the area under the tree immediately to my left in preparation to drop one in there later.

Ted (Billy No Mates) over all alone on the meadow Bank on Peg 26) had landed what looked a small carp over on Peg 26. I conducted a sweep with the maggot feeder around the island - result = One very small perch 1/2 the size of my Thumb - I chucked it back but as doing I thought to myself that could be important but dismissed it as I was going big tonight.

I switched over to the Korum flat method with Hair Rigged double sweet corn on a Size 14 2" Hook Length I tries several places by the Island and Mick Wagg who had set up on his normal Carp Alley peg 10, was soon into a lump on the Middy Hot Spot pole - even with 16-20 Elastic was giving him the right run around. I put my bait runner on and went over to observe - After a 10-15 struggle the size 16 hook pulled - We think it may have been foul hooked as all we saw was the paddle of a good size Carp - easily a Barney Rubble.

I went back and gingerly positioned the method under the tree with a AAA shot positioned 23 feet from the method to pin the main line down on the deck as I was fishing almost on top of the tip ( a mini back lead I suppose). Nothing doing 1st off I rebaited a couple of times and on the next drop within 30 secs had a slow pull round - I gently leaned into it - It was a good fish but had not raised yet that it was hooked. It took me 15 minutes to get it up in the upper layers for my 1st Glimpse of it which did not look all that big but I was managing to keep it in my swim. Kev Keeling gestures across looking at his wrist watch - Yeah I said must be fouled hooked.

Anyway after 20 minutes I finally get it into the landing net - Just ! The hook was right in the scissors of the Mirror Carp - This was a double - When weighed better than I though at 12lb 12 ozs. No further fish though - Big Mick to my left lost a good fish I believe, then I noticed the elastic being pulled on Matt's Pole - His fight did not last along as Mine & landed in pretty good time a good looking Mirror which went 10lb 10zs. Now Mason had told me that he seen Matt Land a good Perch of over a 1lb and I had seen him land other Silvers so I had already given up winning tonight.

At the whistle it was an easy pack up as nothing to weigh in - no wet nets to dry but it had just started to rain.

Weigh-in conducted - Surprise - Surprise Both Matt & I had the same weight of 12lb 12oz - what price that small perch now!!! - It would not have trouble the scales and I would only expect to be awarded a 1/4 ounce for it but it would have been the winning fish ! That said justice was done - I normally fished medium set up on these matches similar to Matt did here and normally get a few fish so only having one fish I should not really win on weight -alone whereas Matt had a few more so really is the Moral Winner tonight.

A shake of hands of mutal congratulations between us - What a great sport this is !

Calender Picture

2008-08-08T22:40:00.001+01:00

I could'nt resist this

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 6th August 2008 (Silver)

2008-08-07T14:46:00.003+01:00

A good turnout (11 members) plus a few spectators for this weeks Wednesday Evening Stan Memorial Silver Fish Match on another pleasant and still evening.

I had 4th Pick in the walk off and luckily Peg 24 was left available so in I went - not virtually in the water you understand but you get what I mean I hope. Mick Byrne had moved over from his normal location on the Road Bank to Pick Peg 25 ahead of me and Mick Wagg had gone over to peg 9 - (Carp Alley)

I set up nice a light with same rig as the last Silver Match - Size 18 to 2.5lb line 6-8 Elastic on my Middy Hot Spot Match Kit. Set up for two lines - Arc sweep at 3 & 5 metres.

It was possibly going to be a curtail match time wise as the nights are already drawing in but it was pretty clear so should be able to go till 8.45pm.

At the whistle - 1st Drop in with Single red maggot I'm in with a nice 4-5 oz Roach, but then it is slow and only smaller stuff for the next hour _ I keeping bumping the bigger ones off - perhaps my elastic is a bit tight but it is the same as it was two weeks ago - I persevered but allowed my frustration to show and had a mini tantrum after a series of missed bites / lost Fish, which did not go unnoticed by Kev Keeling who was keeping a 'watching brief' behind his Son Matt over on the Road Bank in Peg 11. That served to remind me that I supposed to here enjoying a relaxing evening's fishing in good company not getting all competitive !

I kept going and the fish got smaller and smaller but at least I was landing them and putting weight in the net bit by bit. Over on Peg 9, Mick (The Silver King) Wagg was having a few but nothing big apart from the occasional Carp which were dispensed with the normal quote 'P** off you b#####s, and short shrift on pulling the pole up meant they did, however I believe he did have a sizable Bream on a one stage which he may have been a bit aggressive with or thought it was a carp or fouled hooked - Mick - please use the comment button.

Gary (Cruiser) Somerfield to my left on Peg 27 joined in the Carp fun also with a run of two late on - The 1st pulled his elastic for ages and after two failed attempts to get into his landing net which reportably was stated to be too small as its head would not fit in Spectator Martin Johnson rushed round with Mick Wagg's landing Net, but you can guess the next bit can't you - just as Martin arrived the carp had decided it had had enough and smashed Gary Up. The 2nd was a little more active and smashed him straightaway. Of course it will be All-In next week and the carp will not show.

I had heard a little bit of splashing from bigger fish further up to my Right where Dean & Barb Peters were fishing - I think Dean has had a couple of large Skimmers.

I was hoping they would not move into my Swim - A few Tench bubbles had moved in on my 3 metre Arc so I went out to 5m but the fish were even smaller - went out to 6 & 8m same problem.

By this time the bubbles had dispersed so I came back to the middle of the 3m arc - but looks like everything has gone , then all of a sudden the floats slowly disappears and the elastic pulls out - my immediate thought is large Tench but no Tench Knocking or Carp thumping - could it be a bream if it is it could Mr or Mrs Bream - I have never caught them. So I take it careful just in case - slowly gain ground and it surfaces - It is one of the 'Big' Bream so I put the tip into the water to reduce the upward pressure on it and successfully play it to the net - I think largely unnoticed by everyone else. (was this the same one That Mick lost or Mr or Mrs Bream off on a loner ?

I had another sizable Roach and that was it Match finished at 8.50 pm.

Weigh-In done and I had just over 10lb - with the Bream - Should have weighed it separately as I don't think I had 3lb of Roach - estimate at 7 to 7 1/2 Lb.
Enough for me to Win with Dean 2nd and Matt Keeling, 3rd - a swift pack away and departure - good job too as just as I'd finished packing away the gear at Home a huge thunderstorm descended on us - with heavy refreshing Rain & good 'cleaner' for the Nets left to 'Dry' in the Garden.

Lee Chapel Linda Mead Memorial Sunday Series Match - Churchgate Fisheries - Top Lake - 3rd August 2008

2008-08-04T20:06:00.010+01:00

18 members fished what would probably be our last match on this lake as is it undergoing remodelling to split the lake into two one of 20 peg all fish and one of ten pegs (Koi, Crucians & Tench).

After discussion with regulars and the Bailiff (Tony) over the past I decided on what pegs to leave out for the draw but a few I felt was still going to get a dodgy peg.

The draw threw up some interesting pegs in relation to the Knockout Cup where the mini-matches were effectively next to each other.

I drew peg 12 was next to Dean Peters on 13, Kev Keeling was on 10 with Paul Hyde on 9. The Other Quarter Finalists were a little further apart but could see each other - Mason Mills on 21 and Roy Digby on 14.

Today would be all about getting close to the Island, Kev Keeling and Paul Hyde had the ends of each Island. However there was a bit of good banter on who was fishing in who's swim during the set up - mainly due to the blustery conditions, however I did have to sort of arbitrate who had which bit of the Island for Kev and John Buck (a little tight there ) but amicable agreement was achieved.

I had my own problems trying to get the method to island accurately. And just before the off I snagged it on the Island - so did not get going until 5 mins after the horn.

Dean was in almost immediately but I could not get a bite whilst only fishing 3 yards to his left on the Island. Dean was getting into the Grass Carp - small but what lovely fish they are. After spending an hour and half without a sniff on all different baits with the Method and with any chance of a semi-final place in knockout gone with Dean landing further substantial Fish long gone I switched to the maggot feeder. Instant success 30 seconds after dropping it in a nice wrap round - but sluggish fight - thought it was a large Bream but was a lovely looking Common of around 4lb.

I then put on a Home grown Worm from my wormery which I have been developing since March. This was held on by two red Maggots on a size 14 /4lb 12" hook length to the Fox in line feeder.

Dropped on the mark again, but before I'd even sunk the line the rod tip goes round - Now this is a different fight - strange one but comes in quite quick and I see the long thin shape of a Grass Carp. I tried to net it but its sees it as is off I apologies to John for carving across his swim, but get it back but it ain't given in - and proceeds to runs around all over my swim. Finally after 10 minutes it ahs given up and in the net.

All Grass Carp here have to weighed & returned immediately which I do but not after getting Mason to witness the weight and take the Picture -

It went 8lb 2ozs - a new PB as this is the First Grassie I have captured and even better taken on a My own home grown Worm - a double 1st.

Did I say Mason - wasn't he on Peg 21 ??? - Well despite his best effort he could not get a bite round there and had come round for a chat with Dean. Both Fred Saunders (16) & Rob Blackburn (18) were also having trouble trying to coax the fish onto the hook as well - Roy Digby on 15 was fairing a little better having a nice Grass Carp.
Now other things seemed to be happening to my left and occasionally I would see Big Mick Byrne walking to the scales with a carp in the net through the gap between the two islands from his Peg 26.

Kev Keeling had his own little disco going in his swim on the end of the smaller island - they were 'hanging out' under the overhanging small tree mainly carp. In fact at one point he cast his feeder over the tree and dropped his feeder in amongst them with the Line settled in the tree. 10 seconds later the tree is 'rattling' but the fish does not seem to want to come out to the side. I am not sure if Kev got this particular fish in or not and I was busy with my own swim - by this time I was in a shoal of Skimmers. - Not big but still fish all the same.

Dean had landed another Grassie making 6 now and Kev asked him to send one down for him, as he like me Had not caught one as yet. Not 15 minutes later Kev has one on and then Paul Hyde has one - another 1st as he had never caught one before so 3 PB's in one match - Not often that could be said I Wonder.

Now every time I looked down my lake to my left Terry Middleton always seem to have a bend in his Rod but he had not visited the scales -so they were either below 7lb or he had forgotten the lake rule of any fish over 7lb needing to be weighed & returned.

Well Mason packed up & left shortly after 1pm and Rob Blackburn had also packed up at 2pm - Rob did that just in time as we had what could be described as a heavy shower - funny that contrary to a normal heavy summer downpour the wind actually stopped ! It only rained for 20 minutes or so but enough to make everything soaking wet.

Come the weigh-in it was very interesting and tight for key places & knockout Places ( well not for me - Dean had spanked me). Paul had just edged out Kev despite his 'Disco dancing' and Roy was through on the basis that Mason had thrown the towel in earlier. A couple of times comments' were made that I was being to pedantic about getting the exact ounce during the weigh-ins to which I retorted that matches are won 7 lost on a ounce - to which Dean said ' Yeah' tell me about it'

A couple of weigh-ins had fish close to the 7lb mark and close they were ! Luckily Terry did not have any but admitted that he thought it was just Grass Carp that needed to be weighed & returned and Olly was winding him up just prior to getting his nets out.

Now when we got round to Big Micks he needed 5lb 1oz to claim 1st Spot (5lb was a draw with Dean). Now when he pulled out his net he has one Common in there and looked about 5 lb. The tension mounted as the fish was put in to the weigh-sling and onto the scales. It went 5lb 3ozs and Mick had pipped Dean by those 3ozs. There was a close call further down the result as Big John pipped Terry Middleton by 1 ounce.

Results & Standings

http://www.churchgatelakes.co.uk/

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 30th July 2008 (All In)

2008-08-04T18:56:00.002+01:00

Around 8 members fished on yet another pleasant evening. I was fairly low down the walk off draw but still managed to get Peg 24 next to Mick Wagg on 25 - Two weeks on the trot we had sat like this - Big Mick Byrne had moved a little further down this week to Peg 15 the other end of the island on the road bank.

I beefed up my gear as it was an all in match tonight as did Mick Wagg - we both struggled and I could only manage a few small Roach - Mick Wagg had better luck with a 2lb 10oz Tench to boost his net.

Big Mick Byrne was catching regularly against the island - a mixed bag by all accounts.

The Guy (sorry I don't know his name) over on Peg 6 (to the left of the Drain) gets into a carp at 2025 and was still struggling with it at 10 minutes after the whistle on what look like 6 elastic. But it finally pulled out and was lost, leaving Big Mick the winner.

I managed to scrap around for a total of 1lb 4ozs and was just pleased to get more than the 9ozs from the previous Sunday.

Old Esthameians Charity Match 27th July 2008 - Aveley Club - Cranham Lake

2008-07-28T18:00:00.004+01:00

Around 40 people attend the annual Charity Match held at Aveley Clubs Cranham Lake - This year beneficiaries were from teh the Chraities Pool but I did notice a prominent Cancer Research UK Banner and a magnificent £1300 was raised on the Day.

Usual thanks to Martin Haimowitz for organising the day, and all the sponsors (listed in Credits at end of entry) for providing the Raffle and Food - of which was in plentiful supply throughout the day.

Now what about the fishing. Did not bode well as I listened to Fisherman's Blues on the ay to Cranham and a live report form Rob Hughes on the latest qualifying round of the UK Carp Championship - over 20 anglers fishing that event had not had a fish caught in over 24 hours !
The draw made and strange as it may seem the 'Big John Crew' where basically lined up on the tree Bank - Dean Peters, Me, Mason Mills, Olly Wagg, Mick Byrne, and Mick Wagg with Big John, Boozy and Ed Pearce equally spaced on the Railway Bank.

The Carp were trying their best to mimic the frequent trains on the adjacent railway running up and down on top in the centre of the lake. . The sun was already beating down and it was in no doubt going to the be the hottest day of the year with No wind , I decided that it was not going to be a carp day so rigged up light targeting the Bream, Barbel and Chub on method, Waggler and Pole- something I was going top regret later in the day.

At the off I tried to see if I could pick off one of the carp on top in the middle before all the feeder activity completely spook them. Cast the Waggler set at 2 foot with no dropper weight size 14/ 3.5 lb hook link. - Placed the rod on the pole rest and across my lap and started to get some more maggots in the catapult pouch at the rod lurched forward, the reel jams in the pole rest and the line snaps at the Float is left to slowly drift off down the lake for the rest of the day. Set up again but no joy, continued to spray maggot to see if I could get the chub to the top of this deep lake - but no sign.

So I came in on the method - not a touch - then swap to the pole at 8M just on the shelf which is still over 6 foot. Nothing scale down to size 20 - nothing - Dean to my right has started getting a few Roach at around 8m but looks like he is up in the water but confirms he is on the bottom but it has to be on the spot - 1 foot either way and they are gone.

There is a couple of Bream out from Peg 4 - Boozy had a Slab on his 1st Drop on the feeder -and Ed -well I had not heard anything form him or from the other crew at the far end, The scales certainly were not being called for. Dean kept going on his line for the sprats. but he lost them when he decided to go for something bigger on the feeder.

I struggled in the heat for most of the day for two Roach , 1 Ide and I Rudd the latter being the biggest at 4 ounces. Mason to my left can't even get that. I alternate through all set ups until 2.15 pm when I packed my pole away and most of the other gear leaving the Waggler out I mid water at 3 foot depth with single red Maggot.

I had just finished packing my feeder rod away when I noticed this weird sound that I have not heard for a while - a reel screaming - something had taken a fancy to that little morsel and decided to go for a run down to the car park end of the lake. - Mason shouts to Olly that Blakey's got one on and it must be in your swim, indeed in has veered round and is probably in Mick Wagg's swim by now - I manage to coax it out into open water and by now I had an audience - I did not feel confident - based on the bend in the rod this was around 18lb of angry Carp. Big John shouted across something about "Is that the new Fishing Pose" as I was on tip toe leaning oit to try and get back from the Edge way down the bottom end.

It made for the far bank but turned back half way across, and slowly it cam e back but thrashed on the surface - luckily it was still on but made another bash for the car Park, Mason who had landed his 1st fish of the day (a small skimmer) was bemoaning the fact that the Carp had now trashed his now what was a 'prolific swim'. One observer reckoned it had now arrived at nearby Upminster Station, - no sooner had he said it that it had boarded a train and caught the line in the doors - It was gone and probably on its way to Southend. If and as always in fishing a Big If - If I had landed it would have been the Match winner - but the other guys that had lost fish earlier would have said the same thing. With only 10 minutes left I decided to continued to pack away & Barry kindly weighed in my 4 fish for 9 ounces.

So packed up, gear placed in the car and back to the lake for the results & Raffle - - Still Dean won our section with 4 1/2 lb of those sprats so all was not lost. An BJ was awrarded his only trophy of the Year by Martin in recognition of his contrbution to the day

As always a great day lots of money raised good company - Heres to next Year and dare I say if the weather conditions are the same next year spot the man that will be bringing his carp rod and beefier gear.

Sponsors & Links

Big Johns Angling - Basildon http://www.bigjohnsangling.co.uk/

Big Fish - Chelmsford: http://www.hlstackle.co.uk/

Bowlers Angling - Dagenham: http://www.bowlersangling.co.uk/

County Angling Hornchurch: No Site

Roberston Angling Dagenham - No site:

Fox: http://www.foxint.com/index.php

Korda: http://www.korda.co.uk/news/news.html

Lee Chapel Wednesday League Match - 23rd July 2008 - LCL

2008-07-24T19:55:00.002+01:00

I finally found the time to spend to fish one of the Summer Wednesday League Matches.

The intent was to have 3 hours of Pleasure Fishing for Silver Fish with good company ( 7 of us in all) and all the banter that goes in rare glorious summer evening weather.

Of course not fishing the series so far I naturally drew tno#1 in the walk off draw.

I immediately went for peg 25 but thought I’d sit the other side of the tree on peg 24 out of direct Sun. Mick (Silver King) Wagg joined me on peg 25, Ted on peg 27, John on Peg 4, Big Mick Byrne on peg 12, Matt Keeling on Peg 19 (I think) and Martin Johnson on Peg 22.

I set up at 3, 6 & 9m – With size 18 – Size 6 elastic on my Middy Hot Spot match Top Two kit. Bait –Single Red maggot (left over from the previous Sunday’s match)
Started off close in but as expected after an hour had to go out longer as they deserted me as the Carp came crashing though the Swim– The Silver King was having the same problem fishing the same Tactics but was getting a bigger Stamp of Fish – The Bream were ‘no shows’ though.

As we progressed into the last ½ hour Mick had bubbles in his swim and got into the resultant Tench. Then I had the same – Bubbles but could they Bream or are they Carp moving in on what must a big bed of maggots by now?

The Silvers had gone by now so I thought I’d Fish for what was there - I was getting Liners and I shout come on Mr Bream On you get – No sooner said and the Float zooms off but alas the fight tells me its not a bream but turns out to a Perfect true Crucian in the net after giving the Elastic a Good tug.

The bubbles are still there so I go in again No Lines bites so come up in the water – nothing – back on the bottom Oops the Elastic is on the pull again – Heavy pull no real fight is it Bream – after 30 seconds the fight gets more aggressive – Yep a Carp. – Had a good fight on my Light gear – A beautiful Common of around 6lb.

Time to pack up – what a great evening capped by the two Carp!!

No need to ask who Won – the Silver King(12lb) – Matt Keeling (~10lb) I think – hey I finished 3rd with 6lb 12 oz beating Big Mick by 4ozs.

Ted had packed up early as all he could catch was the Crayfish on pellet and John was fishing for Carp all evening just enjoying the Company and of course the fishing - whati ts all about really.

Big Johns Sunday League Match - Tylers Common - Horseshoe Lake - 20th July 2008

2008-07-21T18:19:00.004+01:00

Some of my 'Readers' have requested that I make my Blog entries shorter - so here we go:
26 Anglers fished the Big John's Sunday Summer League Match at Tyler's Common Horseshoe Lake Middle Arm (Pegs 31-60) - Results below:

Nah ! Can't do that

Did I say Summer above ???? At times during the day I had a Shirt, Fleece and Wind cheating waterproofs battling against the squally North - North Westerly blustery wind (Business as Normal for Tyler's but in all fairness it was windy elsewhere - The fish were warmer than my hands at one point. That said I must be a wuss ! Terry Middleton & Kev Keeling were perfectly happy in shorts all day but they did have their backs to it and facing the Sun when it decided to show itself !!!

I set up on two Pole lines and in line Method Feeder with Short Middy Hair Rig size 14. At the whistle straight out on the method with 6mm Sonu pellet on the hair to the island on Peg 35.

I was just sorting a few things and took my eye of the rod and bang almost lost it the drink as a Carp Pulled it off the stand etc. This would happen for time during the day - no indications before that you normally get with a method as the carp pick away at the method feeder - You could sit there intently looking at the tip and nothing - look away to get a drink or set the bait for the next cast and bang you are catching the butt of the butt of the rod as it heads into the lake.

It took me me a while to sort out the rig after loosing more than I was landing but had to go up to Size twelve hook with two 6mm Sonu pellets - would not get a bite with a single 8mm ! The landing rate increased by 95%- The other thing I did which I never had much success with before was burying the hook bait in the mould - 1/2 filled - indent in the ground bait - place the hook bait in the indent and then cover and press really hard - The bite rate increased and was getting a fish a chuck but they were all of all around 1lb, mark - I was going to need two hours worth of these to catch up with Dean Peters behind on the other bank - he fought gallantly with a Monster Mirror and just got it in his landing net, looked like 18lbs or so to me.
Tried the pole lines only a few skimmers on maggot and a small carp close in - Nothing in my margins at all.

Mason Mills to my right on Peg 34 could not get anything on his feeder line so he came in early under the tree and had some success. He commented that his money was on me being in the frame come the end based on my catch rate and the action elsewhere. - and Deano shouted across that my Blog would be never ending if I did win. I pointed out that I don't win matches but if not I the frame it should help our team try at climb off the bottom of the table !

Midway through the afternoon we had a Visit - An EA Bailiff checking Rod Licences - what a welcome site !!! well for most of us I don't think Richard would agree. When the Bailiff requested his Rod Licence he left his rod unattended for a few seconds and you know what happens next don't you - remember what I said I had nearly done earlier - Yep - In his rod went - Frantic feeling around by Mick Wagg with his feeder rod did not locate it and its was gone. I don't know Richards' Surname but Mason decided to give him the name 'Titanic'

Note - 1st time ever I have been checked by an EA Bailiff.

Come the weigh-in news was filtering down that some big weights had been caught at the top end on the leeward side with Ed Pearce 120lb + I estimate that I might have around 50lb which turned out to be nearer 45lb - I really am useless at guessing match weights over 6 hours, but I was not far off on Dean's Monster - 17lb 4ozs - The biggest Carp I've seen caught on this lake.

Kev Keeling and John Buck up on the leeward end had done well also with bags of over 70lb - - reported that these were fish of a bigger stamp than mine and caught on Maggots in the margins.

Steve Barrett was miffed at this as he sat between Ed & Kev and hadn't brought any maggots. Strange how the two sides of this 'arm' differed on the same day.

Boozy commented that I would probably come up with a theory on the blog why this was. Well I thought hard and long and can only come with a strange one - The wind that was blowing SW all week turned on Saturday night and blew all the big fish round from the North East to the South West because like me they are old but they had more sense than me and sheltered from that wind ! So in answer to that - I have no idea - Goes against all what normally happens on this lake in relation to the weather conditions.

As Richard made his way back up the Hill to the Car Park Big John shouted across to him " Can you see a Rod from up there" the retort was " I heard that" Well at least he had less weight to pull back up than he would normally have!

Got the results from ED on Monday - I finished 6th - Better than I thought but we are still bottom of the pile in the Team Standings - but the gap is getting smaller.

Result / Standings:

By the way Heres's a link to where Olly, Mason,Dean & I will be spending the 1st week of September - http://www.60pluscarp.com/

Be warned Extensive Blog entry will follow. & don't forget BJ's Website

http://www.bigjohnsangling.co.uk/index.html

Lee Chapel Linda Mead Memorial Sunday Series Match - Newlands Hall, Roxwell - Brook Lake - 6th July 2008

2008-07-07T13:40:00.003+01:00

A day to forget for most of us (well me and Mick Wagg anyway). Did not start well with13 Anglers occupying our booked Pegs (1-27) – After an hour on chasing round looking for the bailiff and not really getting much sense – finally some overnighters and early starters movie to other pegs but had others refusing, several walk rounds I figured I could get 21 fishable swims (some you could not put in keep nets – too many sharp rocks

Once everyone that was going to arrive had done so, I got everyone to walk round with me to canvass mind sets.

I finally made a decision to go for the match using currently non occupied Pegs 43-46 the draw being a walk off so members could choose their own pegs and to postpone the Knock out round until Churchgate (That said Rob Blackburn & Olly Wagg thought they both had good pegs so they agreed that they wanted to have their Match today).
By the time that had all been sorted out, negotiated with the bailiff on an increase in the Fish weighed in to be weighed from 3lb to 5lb and the use of pegs 43-46 (which we had occupied anyhow).

It was 0925
Mick Wagg had somehow managed to tip all his gear into the Lake and retrieved everything apart from eh weigh sling!

The rest of them started the Match 1/2hour late at 0930 – Time for me to set up, - Olly Wagg had a nice size carp on 1st cast but lost it – that was going to be the story of his day.

I settled for peg 14 and set up and finally got fishing at 1030am. Luckily the trees were sheltering us for the strong South westerly wind – and The sun was placing chase with the clouds and it started to rain off and on throughout the day, The carp were on top but I really had not brought strong enough gear for them. I tried but nothing on the Tip (feeder) and waggler with a floater. All I could get was roach not matter what baits I tried – so I decided to fish for them I ended up using my Match Rod as whip and preceded to catch around 200 ½ to one ounce Roach with an occasional bigger fish in amongst them for a total of 17lb.

Had No idea what was going else apart from a heard a very expensive crack from my left up the far end. Mid afternoon , when I blew the Horn for the end of the match at 1530 hours it almost give the guys on the other bank a heart attack.

The cracked I heard was Mick Wagg’s Top 2 kit on his Bully Boy been bullied by a Big carp. Like I said at the beginning a day for Mick & I to forget – but at least mine was not as expensive!

Results / Positions

Match Result Singles Positions

Pairs Positions

Big Johns Sunday League Match - Colemans Cottage Pathfield Lake - 15th June 2008

2008-06-16T18:58:00.004+01:00

25 Anglers fished Pathfield Lake at Coleman's Cottage in the latest Round of Big Johns Angling Summer League

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Today for me was always about chilling out and pleasure match fishing as opposed to going all out to get the best I can. So as luck would have it Drawing last which has become the Norm for me now - I drew Peg 23 - down the Southerly end and with nobody to my left and two free swims to my right - Plenty of room to explore there then.

Got the my peg (I remembered my nets this time), loads of carp of 2-3lb on the top but looking a bit lethargic - Looks like the North wind has blown then down here and they can't be fussed to swim away. When I was plumbing up I could actually place the plummet on their heads and they did not bat an eye lid - Hmm! Worrying this - If they are there is there anything in my swim that I will be able to catch - My days pleasure match fishing may just look like a frustrating day - But lest see what else in in here. I plumbed up at 8m and in the margins - I could reach the Island with my 11m extension but my Middy Hot spot is too heavy for that. So set the maggot feeder on there and to the 'wall' to my left

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Well we had a late start as the popularity of the on-site Café caused a delay as the 'porky's (looks at the pot calling the kettle black!) waited for the Breakfast - that Meant a 0930 all In - I duly blew the Whistle as Ed says the Only thing BJ has to do and he can't find his whistle.

I went straight-out on the maggot feeder - Tap tap from small roach - retrieve the Rig - full of detritus - Hmm !. Reposition - nothing retrieved filthy again - Tried to the left same result too much rubbish on the bottom - in the meantime I feed a trickle of pellets at 8m and in the margins and to the carp on the surface to my left- did not see any movement but gave it a try on the Pellet Waggler set at 18 inches at 8m- nothing so went up and down with the depth and different pellet types - nothing switched to maggot - a couple of small roach, the Carp are just not feeding - probably resting from the hammering they got on the match the previous day or an Oxygen problem (although Gerry the bailiff says not oxygen levels are good !)

Into the Margins nothing but small Roach and the very occasional Small Skimmer and Gudgeon. Change tactics I try to 'bully' the sun bathers into eating something firing maggots at them - Then a Visitor comes into the swim just below the surface a Common of around 4lb This looks more like it - perhaps he is on the hunt I wonder- Sprayed a few maggots and he-pursues them - I go with a Size 16 with single maggot set at 12" as high as I can be under fishery rules on the pole and intercept him on the way through - several attempts later he' s on the elastic Pulls out and a spirited fight its safely in the net.

That was the pattern of the day wait for some to come in and intercept. I had one carp under the flotsam by peg 24 that was sat there for most of the morning I kept trying to provoke by spraying maggots it but was not interested. The others would slowly amble around my swim taking around 30 mins to do a lap, I could even place a bait on their heads - amazing - they even had the audacity to come into a sit on top of the keep nets slowly gulping air and looking directly at me and putting up the preverbal two fingers or in their case the pectoral fins to me. I am sure that I could have scoped them up with my landing net - Believe you me I was tempted !

Dan Keeling came round to se how it was going and was amazed by the carp in the swim- especially the one under the platform on peg 24 - I fired a few more maggots at him - I am sure I detected some movement - so I place a double maggot in front of him & bang goes for it on the drop and he's on - I called Dan back to show him - Got in in the net & went about 3 1/2 lb.
The only movement I had in the Margin's was from Roach. I tried all baits there only roach to maggot I'm Afraid.

At the weigh-in and the usual banter of each of us did how we did it etc. IT was a hot / cold end as far as the weights were concerned - No nee to ask where end I was at ! And vastly different stories regarding what the fish where and where not having - From paste working to not working two pegs apart - Masses of fish in the swim but not taking one bait but another and having to strike at a certain point of float dip to ensure fish were not foul hooked.

In the end I achieved my goal of a Days Pleasure fishing which I hard to work hard but pleasurably having to think and experiment plus I finished equal with Steve Barrett in 9th Place to help reduce the relegation points difference to the next to bottom team - slow but steady progress - Mainly due to Mick Wagg finally scoring some useful points !. - Keep it Up Team - we are slowly coming back into contention.

Result Single Positions

Team Positions

Lee Chapel Sunday League Match - Colemans Cottage - Wood Lake 1st June 2008

2008-06-02T22:28:00.004+01:00

We had Pegs 1-30 of Wood Lake.

19 of the 22 core fished and Dan Keeling participated (under match conditions) in lieu of Steve Barrett, who I suspect was nursing a hangover from a 'Family' birthday somewhere south of the River Thames. It was result for me as I had Steve in the Knockout so have a bye through to the Quarter Finals - As did Mason Mills and Roy Digby as a result of a no show from Mick Scholes (Lift Problems) & John Buck (in Normandy for D-Day Celebrations).

The weather well it tired to rain went humid and still for a while and apart from the Traffic noise from the adjacent A12 went to still & airy for a while.

I drew peg 28 I have had before and like it.

Set up the In Line Maggot feeder and Pole on 9m and Margin Lines. After the whistle - Rob Blackburn opposite me on Peg 12 (another good peg that always does well) had one 1st Chuck on cage feeder (bait unknown) this was going to be a feature of the day - Rob Chucks in up and down the Islands in his and the adjacent swim to his right and invariably will have the rod tip pull round within seconds or occasionally a couple of minutes.

I struggled to find the right area to start with around my islands - I did stay in my own swim for a while but came in on the Pole when had a Jacuzzi on the bait at 9m. Could not find them though tried bottom and all heights to 12" below the surface on maggot & pellet plenty of line bites - but no takes. So back out on the maggot feeder went from double to single - Red maggot that seemed to work and by going up a& down as Rob was doing was producing Fish of all varieties but all of a smaller stamp and lots of Chub, Barbel and carp all in little pockets - the carp would go then I have a rune on Barbel, Chub etc.

I moved to the islands in the to my left in just in the vacant swim (Peg 29) this seemed to be producing slightly bigger fish, then at 2pm I really get them going there -- Rob sees this at chucks his just the other side and was pulling in as well. I was totally unsure at this point what weight I had and Steve Elliss on peg 30 who also seem to pulling them in all day went for another Net so did not exceed the 70lb in a net rule - which would mean disqualification, Rob had did the same, I thought play safe and got another one, although I don't think I have got anywhere near )(not experienced in catching this amount of fish in a match). Well that's the kiss of death for me a Steve - I had two more as did Steve, Rob on the other hand didn't make a blind bit of difference.

Kev Keeling (Peg 10) & Mick Wagg (Peg 14) seemed to be having there own Silver Fish Competition with just the occasional carp.

At the weigh-in which is always a struggle here as the big white bucket we have to use -it takes ages as the scales just never settle.

No surprise to me that Rob comes out on top but unseen was Roy Kirby & Dean Peters bagging up down on Pegs 4 & 5 to finished 2nd & 3rd respectively.

Other notable results were that BJ beat Ed by 5 Ounces - Steve Elliss pipped Olly Wagg for 6th Place by 1 (ONE) ounce.

The Silver Fish match between Kev & Mick was won by Kev (44lb), Mick (38Lb). Dan Keeling had done very well and had perfect symmetry with his catch 17lb Silver/ 17lb carp (this would have given him 17th place in the match - One to watch !

Results /Position/ Knockout Status

Big Johns Sunday League Match - A12 Cuton Lakes Chelmsford - 18th May 2008

2008-05-19T15:37:00.006+01:00

27 Anglers congregated at A12 Cuton Match Lake alongside the A12 (funny enough) adjacent to Chelmer Village. This was a late replacemnt for Churchgate Fisheries Top lake - which we could not fish as it under re-modlelling.

We had our own Car parking facility and after an Orderly Draw - One Line !!!- (I will do this at our next Lee Chapel Match). I'm surprised to see motors started and the majority driving to their pegs - Oh what Luxury ! I'd already unpacked mine and having drawn Peg 1 had the furthest walk, which when said and done was not that far - I have longer and more arduous - Horseshoe at Tyler's spring's to mind. Do you think I am padding this intro out well I guess I am, that was the the highlight of my day and I guess a fair few others.

When I got to Peg 1 - what a lovely swim - everything you could wish for - overhanging Trees, a reed lined island with hole in the reed bed exposing bits of the island allowing a tight approach and lots of open water - Look at the pictures I took from my phone - apologies for the quality The video may or may not play.

Peg one in the North East Corner

But and I mean BUT, I saw no real fish activity, well not the sort you would except at this time of the year, but the wind had changed from that lovely south westerly to the North-East and had been cold for the past three days or so coming off a real hot spell. Olly said I had the 'Hot Peg' perhaps he was right - too hot for the fish and they have moved off to a cooler peg - Funny how this turnt out not to be too far removed from the truth.

I decided on a three pronged attack - feeder (method/maggot) to the island gaps, a pole line at 9m straight out and under the tree to my right with any bait that 'goes' and Paste in the margins later on.

With Ed texting me the night before to bring the LCFC Weigh Sling as he lost his, it was not a surprise when Ed phones' me at 0845 for me to blow the whistle as yes you got it BJ had forgotten his again!!
Duly done at 0900 straight on the method to the island whilst gently feeding the other lines. Hmm! Not a murmur, recast several times to different 'holes' over the next 20 mins - still nothing, I have just decided mentally to give it 2 more minutes then make a change to the maggot feeder when slam the tip goes round violently - I managed to get the big fish out of danger by the Island reeds and it makes for the gap down to the Peg 40 but put the power on get it back then it makes a dive for the reeds on my right - Nope not having it - wrapped around the reeds so it game over hook pulls and its gone.

Little did I know that was the last bit of action I would see until 1130am. In the meantime I tried everything in my armoury on every line, Sweetcorn , pellet of all flavours types maggots, worm, meat Paste of various flavours hook sizes down to 22 - Not a Sausage, no not the meat - the slang term for not having a bite !. What am I doing wrong ????? - Well I'm not alone several of my peers have walked past at are having similar experiences - Some thing is amiss here.

Then at 1130 just after chatting with my fellow suffers I thought I'd knocked my rod of its Perch - ( No not the fish !) - So lifted up and there was a commotion over in the Island reeds - My word I've Got a fish on - the Adrenaline is pumping now that wakes me up & what a cracking fight - A small Mirror of around 2lb in my net !!! - Well I ain't blanking.

The morning moves into the afternoon the sun pokes it head out for a while but disappears behind the clouds before too long - I can't even have a pee in the bushes as there seems to be a Charity Walk going on along the Canal - A day long procession of 'I bought the Green event T shirt' clad people all day plodding along.

The only Actvity in my swim are the Terns swooping down and picking off what ever Fly's are hatching thorough the water surface. I would like to say they were Mayfly's but did not look big enough - More like Gnats - So good on you Terns. The only other actvity to report were the Ducks squabbling and a pair of Wood Pigeons repairing their nest on the overhanging tree to my right and myself being awoken by my snoring as I nod off.

By 2pm my silver keep net is out & dried everything apart form the pole at 9m set on my Preston Pole Holders (I knew they would come in handy one day.) at 1439hrs (how precise is that bored or what) the float dips - I'm almost too shocked and momentarily freeze, but recover to grab the pole and land my 2nd fish of the a 2oz Roach.

I blow the whistle at 1500hrs - Ed & Mick Wagg come round to pick up the weigh sling and proceeded with the weigh-in with me - 2Lbs on the button - Well I'm in the lead for a moment at least !. I 'm all Packed up by 1510hrs and on the walk to the car I rack my brain for the last time I had such a poor day on Match. I now remember - the very 1st Coarse Fishing Match I fished as 'Guest' with borrowed gear and no clue - I Blanked that day - but not since - when was it - September 2000.

The best pegs were on the Lee side of the Island - With John Buck & Rob Blackburn 1st & 2nd respectively - Rob tells me that he lost as many fish as he caught where they dived for the reeds. Same ratio as me then !

Match Result

Whilst talking to Mick Scoles who fishes here regularly he said that the owner had concerns about the fishing in the last week and found the Oxygen levels were down and that Aerators were coming this week - I hope they are in time and the fish don't suffer - Hopefully it will be much improved by the time we come here in October for the Lee Chapel Match - Oh and I finished 20th - 2 guys did not even weigh in !!!

League Positions

As they say - That's fishing and Our team is Still Bottom by an increasing Points Margin - Good job thereis no relegation in this League - Ed any prizes for the wooden spoon ????

Team Positions

A12 Cuton Website - This takes you to the Match lake page

http://www.marocoda.com/match.htm

Oh and Big Johns's If you have not been there lately the website I mean not the shop !

http://www.bigjohnsangling.co.uk/

Lee Chapel Mead Memorial Sunday Match Series- Tylers Common - Willow Lake - 4th May 2008

2008-05-07T19:00:00.008+01:00

After The Lord Mayor's show of the previous match at Monk's in was back to earth for the 2nd of this Seasons' Lee Chapel Linda Mead Memorial Sunday Match at what could only be described as a landmark date - Tyler's Common's within little or no wind - We should have the flags up at least they wouldn't have been blown away.

We fished Willow lake (the Middle lake on the top level at this complex). This match also included the Preliminary Round for the Summer Knockout competition.

Draw was made nice and early and I still messed up the money - Couldn't count to save my life £2 under - then Ok then under - but finally got it right Found the £2 when Janet (Bailiff) came for the Peg Money.

Olly & Ed drew each others again - Ed's Smiling - Peg 14 in the North East Corner and which way has the wind been blowing =- yes you got it from South West - Olly was over on the West Bank (PEG 7). I drew last and fancied mine (peg 16 with Kev Keeling to my right in 15 & Luke Hyde to my Left in 17, I would get some good tips on how to Match Fish today.

I set up for 11m, 9m and margins with the Pole, In Line Method on the tip. - A good depth of water but fish were showing on the top. Going to be interesting.

At the whistle (all-in) I went for the method and pellet - nothing, changed to corn - nothing changed to maggot feeder - nothing. So went to my Method Float Feeder at 12" depth nothing - perhaps over feeding a tad, so went on the pole at dead depth at 11 & 9m - Nothing - so came up in the water a few line bites but no real interest. So went on the pellet Waggler -

Kev was having small success with his small Method Waggler and Ed was picking off a few on what look like free lining pellet at 12" on the pole. I sprayed some small pellet and managed to pick off a small Common and Mirror in quick succession. I didn't really have the right size feed pellet - too small when compared with my hook bait - poor preparation Blakey ! So it went dead - only the fish were having the last laugh - slurping down the floating pellet in my swim.

I came into the margins after 2 hours of trickling in pellet and maggot feed. Loads of Roach & Rudd from a spot where it was reported that Dean Peters had over 100lb of carp out of on the previous Wednesday's Practice session.

Kev had come into the Margins and was Roach Bashing as well - His were of better Quality than mine though - I had the occasional 5 ouncer though. Ed was pulling them out at very regular intervals at around 11m.

John, Buck, Big John , Mason, Big Mick Byrne & Paul Hyde were regularly landing on a mixture of feeder and Pole, but Both myself and Luke were struggling as was Kev until around 1pm when the carp moved in to his margins to the right of the peg by the small reed patch. I was having nothing but Roach but did have a couple of 3lb carp spread over the two hours - I came to my right - no even any roach in there. Kev had really found them. Terry Middleton I noticed was also catching on a regular basis on the North Bank.

3pm - All out - except the whistle sort of blew - petered out - but at least everyone heard - I Investigated and found that a maggot had found its way down the inlet stopping the correct flow of air to activate the pea. - Once out all working again.

Come the weigh-in some good weights on the South bank - in the thirties when we got to Mason's - Could not believe it - there must have been around 50 pairs of white carp lips feeding on the surface in Mason's swim - apparently had been like it most of the afternoon but all he kept getting was liners and foul hooks - Not surprised - Jacuzzi springs to mind.

Pretty even weights until we get to the corner - Ed and Kev way out in front. Whilst weighing in I received a phone message from my Son that My Football Club (Southampton) had survived for another year in the championship - so it was not too bad a day - Caught fish, dry sunny and almost windless and we did not get relegated and was even further surprised when doing the results sheet that
I like my club had scraped thorough to live another in the knockout competition - Finished in 16th - the last qualifying place !!

Match Result

All I can say is it is a good job my Pairs Partner (Ed) is winning - 227 points between us so far - my contribution = SEVEN !!!! Hey but I'm in the lead on something !!!!

Pairs Positions

Single Positions

The Draw For the Ist Round proper of the knockout Cup was made at the Work party on 10th May

Pleasure Fish - Kennett & Avon Canal 26th April 2008

2008-04-29T18:29:00.003+01:00

My Sister Nikki and Husband Adrian along with Daughter (My Niece) Helen & Husband Stuart have recently taken on the running of the Bridge Inn at Horton near Devizes, Wiltshire and we were invited down to spend some time with them.

So what has that got to do with Fishing - you may well ask - well needless to say it is alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal which means of course that a limited amount of fishing Gear (Match Seat Box and Rod Holdall) with a pint of mixed maggots purchased form Big Johns en route gets loaded into the car with all the presents, flowers, clothes etc. the wife Ann and Suzy our Faithful Jack Russell (they always both enjoy this type of outing).

Location:

So to the fishing: I had my on little private part of the bank attached to the Pub right alongside the Bridge - so I was able to Fish under the bridge and in the moorings to the Pub side and in the main Cut.

My peg !

I don't think this section is fished much mainly because of the traffic - but that said for the couple of hours I spent fishing with the pole (and the maggot feeder under the bridge), I had a fair selection of fish - all Small but good fun on the light gear - Roach, Ruffe, Perch and Skimmers - for a total of ~ 4lb's . I've asked Nikki & Adrian to keep the feed going in so perhaps there will be more fish there when I return.

But is this the ultimate or what ! - You sat there happily fishing away, the Wife brings you Cheese & Pickle sandwiches made from freshly made Bread out of Morrison's (Devizes), Coffee - delivered to the Seat Box, then to top it all Stuart brings me a Pint of Wadworths 6X fresh from the Oak cask at 55 F.

If you have not had fresh bread from Morrison's or a Cask held Wadworth's 6X then give it a try - Beautiful.

The weather was also good but a little too good sun wise - I burnt my bald head - Did not realise it was burning through the clouds !

I cut the Canal Side Garden grass, during the afternoon closed period then returned at opening time foe a quick 5 minutes before packing the gear away - Caught a nice little Skimmer of 8ozs as well !

Big John's Summer League Match - Monks Lake, Maidstone, Kent - 20th April 2008

2008-04-21T19:07:00.006+01:00

My 1st match Fishing experience in the Garden of England (I've only had a weekend's Pleasure Fishing in Kent before) was rewarding in more ways in one.

An early start again for the trek across the Thames and down the M20 to Monks Lake. Arrived in overcast conditions with a slight 'high' mist and joined the back of the BJ convoy. If I had planned to meet up with everyone at that precise moment it would never of happened. To get into the Car Park you have to queue and pay your dues before entry - A bit like a Macdonald's Drive-Thru but with a barrier and minus the food (although around the other side was a Clean & Tidy Food van cooking breakfast - I had a Sausage & Bacon Sandwich which was 10 times better than a MacDonald's Brekkie.

Less of the frivolity and onto the main reason why we are here - 2nd Match of the Big John's Summer series. We were fishing Match 1 lake which was the highest Lake and had demanding views over the Quite extensive complex. A bit exposed as well - I hate to think what it would be like here in the winter in the wind, rain or snow - Brghh! Apart from a brisk North Easterly wind the weather was kind to us we even had some watery sunshine for a long period of the Afternoon & Bright sun for a whole HOUR !

I decided that I would wait to last to draw my Peg as there would still be a choice - Peg 26 Ed Pearce was sure that was the hot end peg next to the aerators. Ed & Olly Wagg drew each Others Peg's as per normal - Olly had Peg 28. Peg 26 was not the hot Peg next to the Aerator that was Peg 23. Nobody had drawn Peg 27 so Olly and myself had quite allot of water to work with. The Swims here are nicely laid out with good solid and importantly wide platforms and the Point arm swims that back on to each other and interlace enabling Poles to shipped back with no fear of Pushing the angler behind into his swim ! Plus also interlaced with the opposite swims across the water.

Position of the Pegs & Key Features on the Lake

I set up on the Pole with Three lines in Mind at 11m , 7m and margins, Plus Maggot Feeder and Pellet Waggler - My rationale being that this is a heavily fished & stocked water it should fish well on all methods - a matter of finding the one for the day. Reported stock was mainly small carp to 3lb with the odd bonus fish to 8lb. Ide & Chub of reasonable size as well. So all rigs were Light Size 18/16 to 2 1/2 lb Line.

At 0845 my phones rings - Who's calling me now ? - I have not finished setting up yet - arggh!! - I grovel around to find the phone in my front pocket - looks at the screen - it's Ed !!! So I wave to him (left opposite from where I'm at) & answer at the same time - what an odd thing to do !!! Upshot is that BJ has forgotten his whistle so do I have one ?- Yep so it's down to me to Start/Finish the Match.

I blow the whistle 4 times in each direction just to make sure everyone heard it this time!.. I'm go with the Pole @ 11m with single Red Maggot not a touch - I noticed Olly is the Pellet Waggler So I give that a try - nothing. I try the Pole at 7m - nothing - hmm! Nothing - A quick look around not much else going apart for Mason Mills two pegs down on my left who was having some luck on the Pole.

So when all else fails get on my trusted old Maggot Feeder - Heavy small In-Line Fox in this case - Loaded with Mixed and a single Red Maggot on size 18 12" 2/12lB Hook Link. Fire out to Mid lake , instant success - Pull round within 30 seconds and a nice little Common graced my net. I clipped up on my next cast (small Fish so no real danger of smash up's) I kept going like this for a 1/2 hour and I noticed Olly had set up and was now using the Maggot feeder and having success also - Copy cat ! - Boozy who was opposite to right slightly was on the Pole at 11m with maggot and was getting the occasional Fish or what seem to be occasional.

All went quiet on the feeder tried a few positions but the fish seem to have moved off. So I came into the margins to my right which I had been feeding at regular intervals with small pellet & Maggot/Casters. No sooner had I dropped in then the float sunk and tore off and pulling the elastic - Great Fight from a Lovely Looking Barbel of around 1 2/lb. I then had a couple of Ide then more Barbel until I'd killed that swim off for the time being. So it was back out on the feeder, the Pole at length was not an option - I just cannot handle it in a strong cross wind.

I found that where I was clipped up that it would catch on what appeared to be a snag on the drop and had to pull it clear but as I was catching it seem to work- Went quiet again after another good session on bringing in more carp and One Barbel. So back on the Margin swim and a few more Barbel and Ide and a couple of small carp. Did not last as long this time, back on the feeder but lost the clip an was overshooting the mark and not getting much there,

In the mean time Olly was still pulling them in on his feeder. I lost a sizable fish when the 5lb main line snapped - It was not that a bigger fish, big then after setting up again with a bigger feeder, I came a little shorter and discovered something that I should have figured out 5 hours earlier there is a shelf down the middle and once I rolled down to the bottom of the shelf on my side I got into a lot of fish (or was it more feed ?) - if only I had found it earlier - in the last Hour I put 20lb of small carp in the net!. (I wonder if it was a gravel bar and nicked the line on the 'snag'' which caused the line to break - most feasible answer me thinks!)

Time for one more cast before the whistle. I'm sat there counting down - 10 secs left and the rod pulls round - Whistle in mouth blows the whistle, then announces Fish On which Olly retorts 'you can't do that'- Another tidy little Carp of around 2lb.

I Packed up with just the nets in the water attached to my seat box so I don't do a Rob Blackburn. Go up to watch the weigh-in which was already underway - Only to Find out that Boozy was in the lead with 62Lb. Where & when did he catch them I wondered ? and asked if he had brought them with Him. When we got to Ollys' peg and I was surprised that he did not have more- I even Checked his nets to make sure there was no hole in them !

I was up next and I was really chuffed that I had 55lbs, enough for 2nd place but with some really good anglers to come I jested to BJ that I will end up like Moses again - coming 4th or Beyond.
Mason - well what can I say - Poor S*d suffered with a Migraine midway through the day and had to go walk about and lost some valuable fishing time at least 45 mins I reckon. With his weight of 52lbs he really would have been in contention for the Prize Money if he had fished for that time.

As we got to Steve Barrett on one of the hot pegs and he weighed in well short with 42lbs (one up to Boozy !). I thought I am with a chance for some Money here, but Kev Keeling was going to 2nd last weighing-in . Biggest laugh of the day came when BJ weighed in - with Ed weighing it as well - was a close thing with BJ pipping Ed by 12ozs so Big Macs on Ed for a change. BJ rubbed salt into his wounds by phoning Mum and telling her that her Son's a Loser. I think someone will be eating Humble Pie ( sorry paying for Apple Pies to go with the Big Macs) in the not too distant future.

When Kev Keeling weighed in 42lb 12ozs. I was going to be to in the Money .
So Congrats to Boozy - I still don't know where & when he caught the Fish - (probably at the same time as me - why I did not notice) and I was as singing I'm in the Money loud all the way back to my peg to pack up the nets and load my cart.

So to top off the day a treat I did not even have to queue to go through he Dartford Tunnel and was home within the Hour !! With some additional money in my pocket - Don't tell the Missus though !-

I have identified what I'm spending it on - A Mega Tray for my Seat Box - Why - At around 1pm I had decided to give the margins a rest and go back on the feeder so I could have a bite to eat and drink but alas no sooner that I had a cup of coffee in one hand and a Pork Pie in the other I was having to put both down somehow and play a fish, but nowhere to put in my side tray - no way was I giving any of them up, So Pie in mouth, Rod in right hand only did I place the Cup in one of the Maggot bait boxes and I was OK - - No I need bigger tray !

Results:

Look how close the weights are ounces in it in some cases - I think we will be visiting here again next year.

I can't believe our team (2) is still bottom of the Team Competition after the excellent day we had as a unit - Just goes to show what a poor 1st Match we had at Newlands

Oh and I will be interested to see the results form the Fish O'Mania Qualifier that will fished at Monks this Coming Wednesday 23rd April

Team Positions

The Seasons Winners

2008-04-09T22:15:00.004+01:00

Lee Chapel Fishing Club

2007-2008 Season Trophy Winners

L-R - Paul Hyde, Mick Byrne, Olly Wagg, Kev Keeling, Mick Wagg

(missing, John Buck, Rob Blackburn, Fred Saunders)

Presentation made at AGM 8th April 2008

Lee Chapel Sunday League Match 6th April 2008 - Colemans Cottage (Pathfield Lake)

2008-04-07T20:04:00.005+01:00

Without wishing to sound like a stuck record but a preceding week of warm South Westerly’s and Mild temperatures – Yep it’s time to go Fishing at the weekend – Weather – Cold North Easterly with Snow. Common theme starting to develop here or what!

Anyway – This was my 1st Match as the Club’s Sunday League Organiser, so an earlier than normal departure from Home for me (picking up Mick Scoles on the way) to get there early and have a look around the lake which I have never fished.

Even though I arrived a 6:50am a number of members where already there tackle on trolleys under the outside Sheltered area of the Lodge (Smoker’s Paradise). - It had now started to snow!

A look round the lake twice as the Snow fell heavier – I decided to take out pegs 24 & 31 – Access and condition on platforms and not to use the a, b & c Corner Pegs at the North End.

Draw made (pegs on result sheet) off we trudged in the snow. I forgot to pick up my Landing & Keep nets so had to go all the way back to lodge to pick them Up – Brghh!! But at least the wind was not blowing – yet!

Having earlier discussed the best methods with the Bailiff – I decided Pole on maggot would be the best bet for the day. So I set up on the Pole at 8m (mid way to the Island on peg 20.

Soon after the off both Terry Middleton to my left and the Two Mick’s (Scoles & Wagg) opposite were all into carp on the feeder, had I made the right decision as all I was getting were Gudgeon. The Snow persisted and time to put the Gloves on as the wind stared to increase as well. The carp dried up for Terry & the Two Micks’ and I had shifted Hook size to 14 from 18 with 6 maggots to try and see off the Gudgeon but they were still having it along with a few nice Size Rudd.

Finally the elastic was pulled out – carp on board – a nice little Common of 3lb safely in the net, then 2 drops later another of 2lb then nothing. The snow did not relent until Midday then we still had the occasional light snow shower.

In fact the six of us down this South end were bite less from 11am until Steve Barrett landed a small Carp at 2pm then I had another at 2.30pm just as I was thinking about packing away and prepping for the weigh-in to enable swift get away and into the warm. During that time I decided that if more experienced anglers around me were struggling that given the cold I decided to stick with the Pole. The 1st time ever that I have stuck with one method for the entire duration of a match.

We had no clue what was going on up the other end but the weigh-in revealed all – It was clear the fish were shoaled up in one area between {Pegs 12 & 14) – Luckily my New pairs partner for the season – Ed Pearce was on the middle Peg 13 – which proved lucky for him as he amassed an amazing 102lb with Olly Wagg next on peg 12 chipped in with 55lb – Arthur Morkunas made a long overdue appearance on the Podium with 3rd place from peg 14 with 25lb – whilst the rest of us struggled into double figures

Results:

A total of 483lb was caught (36lb Silvers, 447lb carp including some nice ‘Ghosties’ caught by Olly Wagg and John Buck). To put this into perspective Olly & Ed caught 33% (1/3rd) of the total, lifting the average to 22lb - without them it would have only been 16lb per Angler.

Result is on the Colemans Cottage Website at:

http://www.colemansfishery.co.uk/bloggs/blogger.html

Still not all doom & gloom I am in 2nd Place in the pairs (thanks to Ed) to Arthur Morkunas & Luke Hyde who lead

Pairs Positions

Big Johns Angling League Match - Newlands Hall Moat Lake - 16th March 2008 -

2008-03-17T19:53:00.007Z

1st match of the New Season but felt like Winter not Spring! The good weather of the previous week had the lake Fishing well but alas the day we turn up – Cold Drizzle and Light rain brought in a Fresh Easterly.

30 Anglers fished this inaugural 2008 Big Johns Angling League Match – with quite a few new faces. This year the League has the addition of 6 teams of 5 and Mystery Weight Money prize in match.

Draw made – Ed pulled out fancied #1 swim for Olly Wagg who was smiling like a Cheshire Cat. I drew Peg 22 which turnt out to be in the middle of the South bank in wind!

I decided to try the Pole given that reports where Corn & pellet on Size 16/14 had been catching all week and the fact it was only a couple of feet my thought was that too shallow for the feeder.

2nd drop at 9meters on Corn had a strong take and 1 a minute later a 2lb Common was in my keep net – Good Start but the wind and the rain picked up, the wind swirling it was difficult to get good presentation ,but I persevered at varying lines – with only a small F1 to show. Tried various pellets and smaller rigs no Joy. Steve Barrett to me left was catching regularly at 9m on Pellet, (I found out afterwards – soaked in Aniseed!)

I thought I’d use the planned mid-match weigh-in to set up on the feeder but Ed came round and cancelled that due to the poor catch rate.

I was just rebaiting my rig and the wind took the top section in the trees to my right – So nearly had a ‘Blakey’ Moment trying to retrieve it (falling in that is). So that was it – Time for the feeder, - Small cage feeder to size 16 12” 2.5Lb Hook link Sweetcorn Bait – Dynamic feeder /maggot/Sweetcorn in cage.

1st put in at 15 meters (4m From the Island) get a pull round but miss it, then again I drop in the same place and ‘climb’ into my seat. Get another stonking bite – Fish On but somehow I have managed to get the line round the bottom of the boot! Must have caught it whilst climbing!

Not deterred I patiently keep going – and was rewarded with a bite every now & again to keep me occupied. At the rain eased off in the afternoon.

Thanks god the whistle went at 3pm – My hands are frozen (not literally just really cold).

The weigh-in took an Hour, and weights were interesting with End pegs doing well yet the main banks variable. Top weight was an impressive 104lb with a couple in the 80-90’s. Olly weighed in around 60lbs, As for team 2 (the team I’m in Mick Wagg ‘had a bite’ after his blanks on his last Two Lee Chapel matches weighed in around 17lb, Kev Keeling 23lb. Mick Byrne cannot remember I managed 19 ½ lb (I was pleased with that given the date and the conditions beats some of my summer weights!) the Other guy – David I think went home early.

Terry Middleton won the Mystery weight prize of £20

Results

Next BJ Match – another new one for me – Monks near Maidstone.

Final 2007-08 Season - Lee Chapel Sunday League Match 2nd March 2008 LCL

2008-03-03T17:24:00.002Z

You may remember that in my Last Blog entry I described that the Final Podium Positions for the Single & Pairs Competitions would be going down the wire and could be tense affair - Well it was, you will also recall that I mentioned the Nightmare Scenario for Myself and partner Gary Somerfield in the Pairs competition - If Olly Wagg and Rob Blackburn were to finish 1st & 2nd Gary & I would need to muster 80 points to hold onto 3rd Place. Well read on.

14 Members fished this last Match of this Season - there were some notable absentees (they know who they are) that had decided to go & fish Entire Farm -"so they could catch fish"

That's easy my 7 month old Granddaughter would be able catch fish there. One of them had given up the chance of Landing a trophy !

Enough said I'll get off my soapbox. Yes it was hard but it is Winter and getting a bite was going to be difficult but with a predominantly SW wind during the week and no Frost the draw would be Key - but the wind has moved round to the NW. End Pegs should do well.

Draw Made - Key Protagonists / Pegs - Rob Blackburn - end peg 15, Kev Keeling peg 17 (Nobody on 16) - Paul Hyde Peg 10 (end Peg), John Buck Peg 22, Mick Wagg Peg 21, Gary Somerfield (Peg 12- 1st Time on the Road bank this Season!) Me Peg 23, and Olly Peg 25 End Peg who actually fished Pegs 25-30 and 1-8.

I chose to fish the In-Line maggot feeder and move around up / down levels on the Waggler. 2nd Put in on the Feeder had a slight shy twitch on the tip - Struck in and was rewarded with a Small Bream of ~ 1.5lbs.

Rob Blackburn had made a steady start 'bagging up on small roach. Everyone else was struggling to get bites, Fred Saunders and Roy Digby were getting Beam on the feeder from Pegs 20 & 19 respectively. Kev Keeling was getting odd one or two good Roach & Skimmers, I could not see what Olly was up to but it seemed Quiet -I had a Nice Tench from the feeder at 10 am, but Rob I think had landed a Carp - small enough to go in the Net. Given that I had a few Pounds I was quietly confident that we could hold on to that 3rd Pairs position even though Gary was struggling to get a bite opposite.

John Buck could not get a bite neither could his partner Mick Wagg in the next peg, despite trying everything. Around Midday Gary stopped by as he went to Van to change boots for Trainers as his feet were too hot. He had caught a few tiddlers and reported that Rob's Carp was around 4lb, he also said the He (Olly) was bound to catch a Carp. Kiss of Death no sooner had Gary returned to his Peg then somebody noticed that Olly was wrestling with something big - Yep a carp and big one to - He coaxed in into his net after a 15-20 wrestle on his light gear. Went 14lb 7ozs.

Now we were really in trouble the Nightmare scenario - Olly & Rob in 1st & £2nd with me potentially 3 or 4th with Gary Nowhere but fish in the bag - But hang on - the tip bangs and I strike and I am into another Tench which feels slightly bigger than the last one . Olly proceeds to insert his keep net in my backside as he returns to his Peg after weighing the Carp but I hung on an land it - That will help - Gary manages a few more Tiddlers whilst Paul Hyde lands a few goodish Roach but unfortunately looses a coupe of Good Sized Bream.

Kev is catching regularly on his Waggler, At 2pm it looks like Kev will take the Singles as John Buck has not had a bite and is already packing up one of his rods when he notices that his Float has disappeared below the water - Lifts in and has a ~ 1.5lb Bream. The 1st position for both the Pairs and Single is up for grabs at this Stage especially when John Gets another mid size Bream, and Olly gets another Carp on his next put in and Rob seems to have Dried up and Mick's Not getting a Bite.

The weigh-in Reveals All -

Olly is the Clear Winner with 27 & 3/4Lbs but those vital podium positions will be determined by Ounces !
I'm next My 2 Tench go 5lb 12ozs and the Bream and another small Roach make for a total of 7lb 12ozs, Not enough even for 3rd as Roy Digby has amassed a good bag of Bream for 9lb 3ozs But Good enough for 4th as I pipped Kev for that position by 8 ozs. John Buck weight was 3lb 12ozs -

So Kev was the Singles Winner, so for the pairs 1st & 2nd would be as you were but fore 3rd Pace it all hung on the next 4 Weigh-ins - No need to guess who came 2nd in the Match Yep Rob with 10Lb 4 ozs. So the nightmare scenario was on where was Gray going to Finish ? Mick Byrne managed two more Roach than last time for 4 ozs, Fred Saunders Had weigh-in 1lb 8ozs, Paul Hyde despite his woes Weighed in 4Lb 1oz. I roughly calculated that Gary need around 1lb 8ozs to keep us in 3rd Place, but alas 2ozs short. Which meant when we tallied up we lost out by 6 points. (just one little roach away.

A little more tension as we were totting up the results / points that Olly may have sneaked 3rd place In the Singles - but Paul Hyde Hung on.
Final results in the Tables below

Individual Final Postions

Pairs Final Positions

Overall Weights

Some Interesting Stats from the last two Years:

Total weight : 2007: (4127lb): 2006 (3255lb)

Average Members Per match: 2007: (19) : 2006 ( 17)

Average Weight per Member per match: 2007: (18lb) 2006 ( 14lb)

Interesting that we had a bad year this season the best data to use is not the Total Weight but but the Average weight per Angler which increased by 4lb per match as we had more people fishing

Closest total of weight between Members this year was between Me and Olly we fished the same matches. (Olly 245lb 15ozs - Me 245lb 3ozs - 12 ounces delta - a 'gnats cock' over a year would you say )?

Update for Lee Chapel Sunday league 3rd Feb 2008 and Indain Ocean Trolling and Hand Lining February 2008

2008-02-12T17:11:00.000Z

With My Pearl Wedding Anniversary on the 4th February and Olly’s Wife’s' (Wendy) 50th Birthday on the 31st January we had long planned a vacation to Meedupparu Island in Raa Attoll within the Maldives with our respective Spouses we were always going to missing from the February Sunday's League Match.

Thanks to my Pairs Partner Gray Somerfeild we were kept up to date on what happen and we both realised that both the Single and pairs competition would is very close as a result of the February match - but did not relalise until I returned and worked it out - It looked like a tough day with only 8 of the 12 anglers weighing in.

The result &

Latest Positions:

Tight isn't it - Going down the wire with all the key rostrum positions up for Grabs - For Our part in the Pairs myself and Gary have to score 80 points if Olly and Rob finish 1st & 2nd in March.

Now then whilst that was going on myself and Olly and the Women went hand lining (evening Fishing) aboard a Dhoni- Olly caught a few good Jacks of around 4-5lb, but unfortunately his daughters (Samantha) Camera Picture Card failed and lost the pictures. - I only succeeded it catching the Bottom - See here - Greater Spotted Stone Fish: You can also see the size of the Hooks we were using a bit big.

It did have one resident a tiny red fish about the size of one of Mick Byrnes points scoring 1/2 ounce Perch. Just the coral was his home and did not realise it was a mobile one.

The air was blue on many occasions as the only thing I continue to catch was my head on the Lifebelt Rack in the roof of the Dhoni.

Olly & I got up really early for a spot of morning fishing (0500) which in fact was trolling for Yellow Fin Tuna and any other exotic game Fish that happened along using a 80lb Mono hand Line with a Pink Muppet just on / below the surface some 200 yards behind the Dhoni. This for 4 hours on what proved to be the calmest day of our vacation.

See Picture on mine out the back.

Nothing but a tug for me Olly drew a blank also, but thanks to Olly’s good long sighted Vision we headed over and joined a Pod of 20 Dolphins for 5 minutes before they got bored and headed off on their own business. No photos as I was Videoing - Check back for footage if \I can get into a format for use here.

I was determined to catch an Indian Ocean Fish, so myself and Olly went out again fro another Evening session on what was a blowy night. I managed to get a Grouper & a Jack - Olly got an elusive Yellow Fin Tuna see Pics.

Well if you believe that then you will believe anything - Yes I did catch the jack of Around 4lb - gave a good fight and awkward on hand line. But the big Grouper and Tuna where being off loaded on the jetty when we returned - Couldn’t resist telling everyone what we had caught - but we did come clean in the end.

Lee Chapel Sunday League Match 13th January 2008 LCL

2008-01-14T20:33:00.000Z

A surprising Seventeen (17) members finished the 1st Sunday league match of 2008. The Weather was gloomy with a strong south- South Westerly Wind, but at least rain was not forecasted.

Draw was made after taking out the tight Pegs – I went last and drew peg 16 which I was happy with given where the wind has been coming from over the past few days and the fact that I fished this only two weeks previously and had two nice Perch.

Olly Wagg was chuffed with his peg 24 and Kev Keeling was next to him on Peg 25 – ideal to get out into mid water on Pole /Feeder and fish the bomb hole close in. My pairs partner Gary Somerfeild was on Peg 21.

I set up on the Feeder – ABU enticer / Middy inline ¾ oz Maggot feeder 12” Size 18 2.5lb Hook link and Waggler with same hook link.

Even one else had set up a Pole and feeder except for Steve Ellis who set up on the feeder only. Steve was to my left again as he was on the last Match – we just shifted round a couple of pegs.

1st chuck in – result – a small roach – next chuck another slightly smaller roach then that was it – Gary had one 1st Chuck as well.. Swapped between feeder and waggler every half hour throughout the day. With my back to the wind I didn’t see much going on apart from Big John and John Buck, Big John hadn’t had much in the way of Silvers but pulled out a 2lb perch from the margins to his left on peg 13, John Buck was ‘bagging up’ on small Roach on the Pole close to the Island from Peg 14.

I glanced round and saw Rob Blackburn with his light elastic pulled out. Looked wrong 10 minutes later it was still out there, but 5 minutes later when I look round he was sorting his rig out – He had lost it.

I managed a few more small roach, had gone down to size 22 /1lb line hoping that I did not get anything big, but bites were not forthcoming on this set up also. Things were so bad on the road bank that Terry Middleton suggest that we pack up at 2.30pm. ust after he lands a Carp that he wwas ogoing to catch in the following 10 minutes - Alas neither transpired.

Come the weigh-in it was clear that ounces will play a part in the positions. However was surprised when we got round to Olly & Kev – they both had Tench – Olly’s went 2 1/2lb and Kev's 3l1/2lb but Kev also had a small Carp of About 4 lb and a bunch of Silvers for 14lb – far away the Winner with Olly coming in 2nd with 6lb. Mick Wagg sneaked 3rd pace by ounce from Paul Pratley who had 3lb 15ozs and 3lb 14 ozs respectively.

I came well done in 12th with 1lb 11oz, Good Job my partner Gary fared better with 3lb 2oz for 7th and 30 valuable points for the Pairs competition – I apologised to Gary for my inept performance and we slipped from 2nd to 3rd place in the competition

13th Jan Result

Kev’s Win moves him within 4 points of leader John Buck – This Year competition is going down to the wire. There are still 4 people that could win the League:
John Buck, Kev Keeling, Paul Hyde and Ed Pearce.

Current Standings: Individual / Pairs.

End of Year Fish LCL and Stats 30th December 2007

2007-12-31T13:27:00.000Z

Decided to go again before the end of the year. Arrived and set up at 1030am on Fox Maggot feeder to size 20 / 1.7 lb hook link on Peg 16 - fishing to the right hand side of the island, Slow sport but getting the Odd Roach, went down to size 22 and 1lb Hook link. Had a small Perch of about about lb - whilst playing it softly, softly on the light link - it came in close and made a dart for the weed on the left - Felt a bit heavy thought had it weeded but when i looked at the location of the line it was out in front of me. A jack Pike had taken it - I managed to hang on for a minute, by which time I had 10 spectators -A family out fro a walk getting all excited but alas I was not able to to provide them with a banked fish as the inevitable happened - the hook link snapped.

The wind started to pick up as the Sun came out - But really pleasant day weather wise.
Kitted up again back to size 20 - within 1/2 hour had another good take - Felt like another Perch indeed it was and a nice one too !

Went 2lb exactly - 2ozs short of my personal best. The photo here does not do it Justice - The colours of the stripes and Fins was beautiful.

Recast and had another - slightly smaller at 1lb 12 ozs. Not a bad way to end the Year. I carried on until it was too dark to see the tip had a few more small roach an finished off with 1 1/2 oz Perch.

Stats for 2007:

Personal Best Update

Blind Lane Old Lake - Xmas Fish 27th December 2007

2007-12-28T11:58:00.000Z

My annual Christmas pilgrimage to Blind Lake Old Lake – As always over the Christmas Break I will spend at least one day on this most extraordinary Lake. No matter what the weather you always catch fish. The depth probably has something to do with it I have even caught fish after breaking the ice here.

This is what can be best described as an unkempt / unkempt lake – full of snags and fallen trees – but that is what makes it so quaint. Five of us made the trip today – Olly & Mick Wagg, Dean Peters and Paul Pratley- Boozy and Steve Barrett where coming but they thought it was Friday not today!

We had a quick walk off draw – Olly had 1st Choice and me second. Olly choose the 1st swim on the East far bank and I chose the point swim - opposite the Island Point.

I was a bit exposed to the South Westerly Wind but it was Mild and I was wrapped up sufficient.

Mick Paul and Dean spread themselves out down the East Bank

Chose the feeder as my weapon today as did Mick, Paul & Dean – though I did see Paul try the Pole on occasions during the day. Olly was on the Pole all day fishing tight up against the fallen tree to his left.

I was on the maggot feeder my trusted old ¾ Once Middy but got through this one and another smashing up against the trees on the island several times during the day – I varied my position throughout the day around the point as bites dried up but I caught fish all day.

The Point

Did not even have time for my Mince Pies – Nothing Big Plenty of lovely sized roach to 1/2lb and loads of Gudgeon - and small carp Mirrors and Commons with a few F1’s as well –This Abu feeder rod when set up with light gear is fabulous I was seeing every bite even form the Gudgeon.

The weight do not matter it was catching which was the main thing, however we had a bit of confusion during the weigh in we used my Avon scales – Mick weighed mine at made it 14lb 6oz – I did not think anything at the time apart from I am sure I had at least 18lb of Carp. until we got to Olly and comparing Fish to weight – I worked out that the scales were on Green as with mine and I actually had 24lb 6oz, Olly had 34lb – he was pulling in carp and nice size ones at that all day, but what did surprise me was how much Mick, Paul & Dean had got – I had not witnessed too much action from them during the day – but must have been pulling them in quietly all day also, I did not too much notice of Paul’s’ & Mick Weights as we were still ‘debating’ my weight – But I did Deans-though= 36lb., so I duly gave him my £10 winner takes all pools money.

But amazing who much fish we caught – far more than some lakes we fish in the summer and all that of two weeks of hard frosts – I am not sure if I will go fishing again this year – I think this may be a good way to sign off 2007 – But you never know

Lee Chapel Sunday League Match 2nd December 2007 LCL

2007-12-03T22:04:00.000Z

The 'Home' winter portion of this years Sunday League started with fitting weather. - the forecast was for Heavy rain with SW wind Gusting to 31 mph peaking at Lunch Time.
16 anglers fished this match and the rain held off until we had drawn and set up. I was lucky in respect to my draw - peg 18 so would have the wind and more importantly the rain on my back.

Given the conditions I set up on the waggler and Maggot feeder and strapped my brolly down behind me to the Seat Box and into the ground.

At the all-in it started to rain - spot on the prediction - not hard though just the occasional squall.

On the fishing front I kicked with the waggler size 20 to 1.5lb Hook Link at 10 Metres with single red maggot. Took a little while to get a bite - had a couple of small Roach but dried up as soon as I got them going. Switched to a single Pinkie and had a few more. Then tried difference variations of cocktails - No joy, As we approached midday - It started to get violent and heavy rain squalls.

Kev Keeling had the right idea - Not setting up his brolly as he had to face into the wind over on peg 11. Although soaking wet he did not have to deal with a broken Brolly stem as did. - The constant buffering and attempts to implode on itself result in it shearing off the stem above the Seat box support. - Some repair work to do there now!

Couldn’t what happening around the rest of the lake - But Kev Keeling got into a small shoal of bream in mid lake on the feeder, Steve Ellis to my left pulled out a 3lb Bream on the cage feeder from the Island and Dean Peters had a small Common Carp of around 2lb.

At 1330 hrs and without a bite for 2 hours, and with Olly Wagg’s Elastic being pulled and Kev's Bream - I had to go big, plus I was getting tow on the waggler, (due the lake level rising and the chop.) So switched to the maggot feeder - trying my best to get close to the Island tree.

After a couple of chucks and my tip close to water in the lee of the swim I had had a slow and deliberate pull round - gently lifted in to a fish but at 1st was uncertain as to what is was - A bream as no fight but then it realised that it was hooked - Ah yes - carp - it made as dash for the weed to my left but just managed to pull out - had to go gently as only had 1 2lb Hook link. After a brief but air fight safely in the Net - Estimated to be around 5lb - instructed to hold to net and weigh -in at the all out. Nothing else though - Switched back to waggler - put a couple of inches on the depth to hold bottom - A few small roach and that was it.

Paul Pratley down on Peg 25 was having in elastic pulled but sadly lost it. Then just 30 seconds before end - the shouts from the other side - Go on ED - Ed Pearce was into something big. he managed to land it with just 30 seconds to spare of the extra 15 mins - a foul hooked Mirror of 13 1/2 lb.

We packed away and conducted the weigh-in Ed had already weigh in his big un as protocol demands. Section 1 best was Kev's Bag of Bream for 5 1/2Lb. We got to Olly’s and cry's of 'you jammy git' where exhaled as he pulled out his keep net containing a large carp - a few Roach. I couldn’t believe it - my 1st thoughts were I was going to Finish 4th yet again, then Olly returned it to lake - It was Ed’s. Had us going though!!! By the way Olly has Roach for 1lb 12ozs!! Round to the other side and Dean weighed in 4lb 2ozs - the me - Silvers went 1lb 12oz, the carp went 7lb 6oz - Bigger than I thought - Should have weighed when I caught it - oops! - Steve Ellis Bream went 3lb 12ozs, then I suffered another nervous bout as Paul Hyde pulled his net out on peg 20 - Some stonking Bream and the scales tipped at 8lb 8ozs, perhaps I will finished better than 4th !.

John Buck had 4lb 6ozs, Gary Somerfeild (my pairs Partner) had the best Roach of the day circa 1lb with some small bream for 3lb 2ozs, Terry Middleton packed up early after his brolly broke (I believe) and did not weigh-in and finally a disappointed Paul Pratley with 7lb to finish 4th. That meant I'd broken my run and finished 2nd instead of 4th and some prize Money!!!

The biggest disappointment was the lack of Big Roach and perch - they were just not feeding today.

Match Result and latest League Positions:

Pleasure Fish - Lee Chapel Lake - 17th November 2006

2007-11-18T17:31:00.000Z

With the possibility of the rest of this seasons Sunday league Matches being on Lee Chapel Lake - I thought I 'd see how it fished after a week of heavy Frosts.

After completing my household chores dropped the missus off down the Town to do some shopping - so me and Suzy (or 2 year Old Jack Russel) stopped by Big Johns and got a pint of Red maggots and some Mini and 15mm Frozen Pineapple Boilies - I arrived and set up by 1pm - So will be short session.

I set up a ledger with Frozen Pineapple form Peg25 out to the right of the drain where I saw a fish roll - Fired out a few freebies as well.

I set up a maggot feeder to short Size 18 / lb hook link - Tried a few places close in close and at mid distance - no joy, So set up on the waggler- Light size 20 / 1lb line - Started 6 inches over depth and had one small Roach, But nothing else - i cam up to 2" over depth nothing - then flat bottom - nothing - Perhaps there is nothing in my swim - Being this is Practice for a match I have to try something - So into the Bait box, pulled out some liquid - not going to day what it is here - just to say I mix a bit with a little lake water and thew in to my swim. I would addd in to my ground bait. Instant success I had a succession of nice Roach for a total of 1 1/2lb, in 1/2 hour then went quiet.

So mixed up some more and threw that in - Similar response then a small Perch. Then it was getting dark and Suzy was getting bored, so time to pack in - Nothing on the ledger. Despite the Cold conditions is was still pleasent in catching fish If I do 3-4lb in the next match Here It will be good !

LCFC Sunday League Match - Colemans Cottage 4th November 2007

2007-11-05T20:01:00.000Z

An additional location for the calendar this one - the last away day for the season, I arrived at 0725 everyone else was already here tucking into Breakfast - I need to cut down on the cholesterol so had a walk round. Surprised to see the aerators on and very little fish movement - what I did see was off Peg 26 or better known as 'Southend Pier'

Big John arrived form the lodegeafter being fed & watered, Ed arrived shortly after advised that the owner had said that the oxygen levels were very low hence why the aerators were on and to expect a hard day. The owner had given us the whole lake (rather than pegs 8-32 that we normally have) and advised us not to fish the far 'South End' - where I'd seen the only fish movement ! He duly kicked off the three guys that had already set up in Pegs 1 & 40. So Pegs 18 to 26 were taken out of the draw.

Draw was made I picked Peg 29 - north side of the arm.

Mick Wagg was opposite me on peg 11 (the one I had last time in September) & Paul Hyde was in 12 - the same peg as he had then also. I decided I was going to uae the same tactic as I did in September - Maggot Feeder to the islands and Waggler in the Mid region and in the margins later.

A lovely day sunny /Bright with an occasional waft of a breeze from the North. Terry Middleton to my left had a small carp 1st chuck in on the feeder - perhaps it will not be too bad today after all.

Took a little while to get my 1st fish as anticipated but a a nice little lively common of around a 1lb grace might net after a sprited fight on the Abu Enticer 9ft rod, but my Partner in the pairs competition Gary Somerfield was well away getting a fish a chuck.

I was getting fish sporadically but I was catching whilst most to my left down the north end of the lake were not getting much at all. Mick Wagg opposite was not getting anything either yet he was fishing within 2 feet of me - I invited him across on several occasions but still nothing much doing for him. John Buck to my right started getting going around midday as did Ed Pearce next round after John on Peg 27. John had one on for 15 minutes they got snapped up. I had one similar a few minutes later but pinged my 2.5lb line in about 10 seconds. I also caught 4 Barbel best of around 2lb - Boy don't they fight well !!!

Gary had slowed up and Big Mick Byrne to Gary's right started hitting a few lumps. I had a little purple patch for 10 minutes where I was getting a fish a chuck and bites before the feeder had hit the deck. At the same time Ed Pearce was getting lumps on the pole one after another - really romping away with it whilst it contrast a cheer would mark the capture of a fish of any sort down the north end of the Lake.

Aerial view With the 'Peggy' positions

At whistle and when packing up I commented to John Buck that I think I've done a 'Moses' again - 'come forth'. And that is how it turned out. Ed as we thought romped away with it with 76lb 6oz - Gary was 2nd with 50lb 3oz and Mick Byrne beat me into 3rd place with 37lb 10oz - and me in usual 4th a 1lb and a bit behind on 36lb - which I was well happy with.

I caught the most fish on the day but alas nothing substantial enough to worry the leaders - I was surprised that I had more weight than John Buck though. The North End struggled to put Ed's weight together between them. Still not as bad as on the adjacent Lake.

Spoke to one of the guys that fished the match there - Won with 165lb The rest of them struggled to get 20lb. He was a regular here and with what he was saying and what we have seen here over the past year or so - a very 'peggy' location.

With both Gary & I scoring well - It has lifted us into 3rd place in the Pairs just 27 points behind Fred Saunders & Kev Keeling with the reminder of the Matches now on Lee Chapel Lake - Should be interesting although I will be missing for February's Match due to vacation.

Result & Latest Standings (Provisonal - did not record Arthurs weight so guessed)

Big Johns Angling Sunday League - Tylers Common Horseshoe Lake 28th October 2007

2007-10-29T20:16:00.000Z

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

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

LCFC Sunday League Match - Clavering (Silver Lake) 7th October 2007

2007-10-14T13:53:00.000+01:00

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.

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.

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.

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

Pleasure Fish - Kennett & Avon Canal - Devizes - 28th/29th September 2007

2007-10-01T18:34:00.000+01:00

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.

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

Pleasure Fish LCL 22nd September 2007

2007-09-24T18:11:00.000+01:00

With a Pleasant day - chores done at home a quick visit to pick up 1 pint of red maggot and small pack of frozen pinapple 20mm boilies from Big Johns menat an afternoon session.

I set up on Peg 16 with Ledger under the Island tree and on the pole to the right hand side margin.

Tried Maggot, Pellet, sweetcorn & paste over pellet on the pole but only small Perch and Roach on the maggot.

Had a run on the ledger aftr a 1 1/2 hrs - and landed a pristine 5lb Common - The 1st carp I've landed on this lake since a Baliff fish in April. My haven't these carp come on well over the past 2+ years since they were introduced as 1/2lb > 1lb babies !

I switch to the new In-line Fox Flat feeder to the mid position with hair rig double sweetcorn, Within 3 mins a tap then a fierce pull round - A short but spirited fight - landed another Pristine carp which I thought went about 7lb but was 9lb dead on - a very deep body - yet another from that brood stock.

A couple runs on the ledger one where the bobbin drop back with a single beep no line going out but in an arc the fish running towards the red zone. Lifted in was on for a second but lost it.

I was just about to switch over to maggot feeder when a few big twitches on the tip - this was a nice 3 1/2lb tench on double hair rigged 6mm Sonu Halibut pellet.

After a couple more cast decided to switch to the maggot feeder Size 14 / Double red maggot. Casting to all locations around the swim - A few Roach /Perch knocks. Then just before Dusk bang just off the Island . Had a long fight and had to let it run many times as a large carp kept making a dash for freedom. A nice mirror weighing in at 17lb 4oz.

As I was packing up the feeder etc. had a run on the ledger another big fish as it took me round the Island and snagged me up and off it came. The guy sat on the Bench murmured - "you lost it then"

It was dark when I finally got my gear to the car - A good impromptu session.

Big Johns Angling Sunday League Match - Puddledock Fishery - Road Lake - 16th Sept 2007

2007-09-17T19:19:00.000+01:00

17 Anglers fished the 30 Peg Road Lake at Puddledock Farm Fishery Upminster for the Penultimate Match in Big John's Angling Sunday League Series.

My expectation were not high as a pre-match viewing in Septembers Southern Angler Guide stated " The Road Lake isn't producing huge weights but will plenty bites from Skimmers Tench & small Carp"

Talking with Mick Wagg before the draw that it may be important to pick the left hand side Pegs 8-20 (East Bank) will pick up from the South West later ( it was calm at this point and a lovely early autumn morning.

I drew Peg 26 mid way down the West Bank. With fish moving in the mid track and at the island at 20 meters I decided that I would opt for a Feeder & Waggler approach today. I set up with the New Middy I-Line Power Feeder and a light 3BB Waggler on the match Rod.

The wind started to pick up mid way through the Set Up hour and started to gust at the All-In whistle. Ist chuck with the pellet feeder to the Island - had a small F1 carp to Sonu Halibut pellet - Olly to my right missed a fish on his 1st chuck on a cage feeder to the Island but didn't miss on the next cast - A Nice 4lb Common. This looked good but that was about it for me- very slow.

I simplified the rigs, baits etc. came in to the middle track with feeder and waggler and was reduce to fishing Size 20 / 1lb line on the waggler suing Whip style to catch small Skimmers, Rudd and Roach up in the water on single Red maggot.

Well come the weigh -In - the Bridesmaid became the Bride. Steve Barrett won with Paul Hyde 2nd (i forgot the rest) but all the big weights if you could call 29lb big came from that East Bank- What did i say Mick !

I believe the overall league is still undecided with only few Points between Ed Pearce and Olly Wagg. So it is all on the last match at Tylers Common Horseshoe Lake next Month.

I'm nowhere Only go along for the 'pleasure Fishing and comradery.

Personal Footnote:

Getting me and my gear to the venue was interesting:

I offered Philip (my son) the loan of my galaxy to his Family on Holiday to the Isle of Wight in better comfort than his Ka. So we did a swapped. On the Saturday I trialled getting my gear in.

This meant removed on the rear set cushion (easy only a couple of self tappers would you believe) but getting it all was not but I succeeded, and left it there overnight ready for the Morning - See here.

Pleasure Fish - River Waveney Shipmeadow - Suffolk 8/9th September 2007

2007-09-10T20:27:00.000+01:00

Taking a weekend break with my Wife Ann and Dog Suzy, we chose this location (Cherry Tree Farm Cottages) as would take Pets (Suzy) and close to fishing and available at short notice.

The small farm we were staying had a short stretch of the River Waveney about a 1/4 mile which I could fish as part of the Cottage Price. On arrival on the Friday evening I got direction to the river and borders from the Farmer. A bit of a trek but went for a reccie using the excuse that Suzy needed the walk after the 2 hour drive.

The walk over land that was potted with cow hoof holes (formed by the the cows in the summer 'floods') you can gauge the distance by the arrow on the Map.

When I found the River - I had forgotten how close we were to the Boards and Great Yarmouth and immediately I could see that the River was 'Tidal' and the tide was out and would be quite deep at 'High Tide' I estimated about 9 feet. I had no idea what the tides were and when then would peak this far upstream but the plan was to get up early on Saturday Morning and fish for an hour before breakfast then trip out for the rest of the day.

Well Saturday(8th) dawned but a heavy session on the beer the night before meant it was not an early start. I got to the river at 9am and it was high and wind coming across at me - (judging by the chill factor I guessed it was from the north - checked when home on Internet - yes it was but nice and sunny and still burned.

This was going to my 1st legal serious session on a River (played about on the Broads a few years ago from a boat). I set up on my Shimano 13ft Solstace Match Rod and weight Crystal Waggler so could cast into the wind. 4lb Mainline, Size 18 Kamsan Animal Hooklink - Found that there was no current so must be at peak. Plummed up found weed - could not see into the depths and water was dark coloured (peat) and deep. I set up at 8 feet which i figured would be just above the weed.

Sprayed a few maggots in and cast in more in hope than any conviction. To my surprise had a bite straight away - A small Roach. What was surprising was the dark colour of this Roach when compared to his still water cousins. (Probably the peat and camouflage). I kept going for an hour like this - a fish a chuck nothing big but so nice to see so many small silver fish in a River. I hoped I did not bet into the Pike which are reported in this stretch by the Farmer (who by the way had no interest in fishing- in fact I was only the 3rd person to fish this stretch all year !) But hoped that I might get into a Carp or Bream - he reported having seen big fish rolling !

I did get a number of small what I thought might be Chub but the dorsal and pelvic fin did not look like Chub ones although the mouth did. I thought they might be Dace or Bleak. So took Photo's on my Mobile Phone.

A search in my books and Internet at home revealed that they were Dace - so I was going to have a PB on this trip. I estimate a 2oz best.

I packed up at 10am and returned for a full English and Day tripping around the Region.

Sunday 9th Sept

Well another Heavy Session the night before but managed to get up and out and fishing by 8am with Suzy this time. Suzy behaved herself very well sitting patiently behind me for the session. Which was bright with a few clouds that masked the Cloud on occasions. What at treat One man, His Dog, alone alone on a river bank with on lookers in the form recently milked Friesan cows on the other bank. The piece only broken by the occasional motorcycle blasting away as they do on Sunday morning in the far distance.

Suzy on the look out just in cas the Cows make a charge for us !

I found that the river was still flooding and the current was similar to that of a canal with a lock gate opened two miles further up. I set up as the day before but missing bites so went to a smaller Drennan 2BB Classic Waggler and that improved the take rate. Again a fish a chuck - Roach to 4oz, Dace to 2oz and a bonus 4oz Perch which came once the 'tide' had peaked a current had ceased flowing all to single red maggot over sprayed Maggot.

Suzy confirms that this is definitely a Roach !

The Distant Church bells ringing @ 10:50 was the signal to pack up and time for Breakfast - A really good session comes to an end - I reckon about a 5lb Bag not bad me thinks.

Lee Chapel Sunday League Match - Colemans Cottage- Wood Lake 2nd September 2007

2007-09-03T18:40:00.000+01:00

24 Anglers fished the September LCFC Sunday League Match at Coleman's Cottage Wood lake (which was also the Semi-Final of the Knockout Cup - Kev Keeling, Mick Wagg, Luke Hyde & John Buck remaining) .

A hearty breakfast in the on-site Lodge was followed by the draw at 9am (delayed from the normal 8am to accommodate breakfast). We had pegs 9-33. I drew peg 11 facing into a light wind which was forecast to pick up progressively during the day from 1000 hrs and it did West /South westerly)

I decided to set up maggot feeder to the islands (everyone has one) and Pole for 6 metre/margin work - All around me had set up on the Pole. Steve 'Bridesmaid' Barrett was to my right on the bend point peg 10 and Paul Hyde to my left on Peg 12. Other Key anglers pegs were Kev Keeling on Peg 15 (45 degrees to my left), Olly Wagg on Peg 20, Mick Byrne on 'Southend Pier' (can't remember the peg number but is a platform that sticks out of the far bay corner into the lake - Very exposed).

I provided the 1st of the days entertainment whilst mixing my ground bait - the bank gave way under my left foot whilst bending to get some lake water and I slipped precariously towards the water but managed to stop before I got wet. I thought I'd got away with it but it did not go unnoticed - Chinese Whispers - well Fireworks really were being passed around that Blakey had fallen in. - Close but not that close. That will be topped by Rob Blackburn at the end of the day - read on.

At the whistle - I went straight out on to island - (Fox In-line maggot feeder - Size 16 Kasman Animal Hook link single Red maggot - bang Straight into a 2lb common, this was followed by a procession of Chub to 6ozs (they have come on well this summer), then a couple of hard fighting Barbel of around 1 1/2lb.

The Boys on the pole were very slow so I kept with this approach - putting weight in the net. A fish a chuck - I kept feeding the 6 Metre and Margin Lines ready for later. I had to move up and down the island to keep them coming - tried varying baits but single red maggot was the one that was working Could not get a bite with a Double !)

A rough take cycle of 12 Chub, I Barbel, 5 Chub, 1 Carp 7, Chub, 1 Barbel and so on. This went on for a few hours then I noticed that Paul Hyde was getting into carp at his 6 Metre line and the Bridesmaid was making a few splashed to my right. So much so though he went and get another net (limited of 70lb per net here) - was he spoofing well he did have a double in his landing net at the time.

I swapped the Feeder for the pole as the wind dropped enough to take the waves off the surface and I could bubbles at my 6 metre line. Dropped in various baits -only line bites - So plopped my feeder in there - hey presto pulled out 5 skimmers until the bubbles ceased. Seen some swirling in the right margin dropped a single red maggot on pole line in there and extracted a 3lb Mirror who proceeded to destroy the margin swim.

Went back on the feeder and was quickly back into the Chub, Barbel, Carp cycle again whilst feeding the Margins - the wind had picked up again and made Pole fishing uncomfortable for me given the light Rig I was using. The Carp were back in the margins so dropped in again on the pole. Bang ! A small Mirror of around 1/1/2lb leapt out an like a flying fish almost jumped into Bridesmaid's Swim. Pulling most of 14-16 Elastic out it was obviously that it was hooked in the tail - After 5mins I pulled hard to 'unhook' my self from the fish - I thought I could catch more Chub to more than this fished weight by the time if & when I land it.

Paul Hyde was banging them out - alternating between the Margins and 6 meters - I tried all day to see what baits he was using but could not make out - I forgot to ask him after also.
4pm all out - for the 1st time ever I had Fish On !!! - One I winkled out in the Margins to my left - saw him surface sucking so threw in a few maggots which he followed down swiftly followed by my baited Pole Hook.

We had to wait for the weighing bag / mat from the owners before we could start a long and ultimately amusing weigh -in. The bag was stiff and allowed the fish to flap around making Kev Keeling's life difficult in reading the Dial. Paul Pratley was 1st to weigh -in - he had a good mixed bag of Silvers/Carp, (30lb/42lb). Steve 'Bridesmaid' Barrett was next - basically all Carp for 88lb, then me (40lb 10oz of Silver including 12 Barbel) and 28Lb+ of carp for 69lb. (Gary Somerfeild my pairs partner indicated his approval!) - then Paul Hyde - 92lb of Carp, then Dean Peters (33lb) and Kev Keeling (82lb Mainly Carp) then the weights started to drop off as we progressed round the leeward side ! (Where was the South Westerly Blowing into - say no more !)

Luke Hyde mustered only 11lb so a place in the Knockout Final is possible out of reach at this point as I know John Buck has a good bag.

It was felt that Kev was already through to the Final and would be tight between Mick Wagg and John Buck for the last Spot in the Knockout Competition.

Mick weighed in52lb 14oz and the tension mounted as John's Carp Nets (yes Plural) went 51lb so as his Silver net came out he had just enough - 4lb. - Unlucky Mick - Pipped twice in one week.

The Drama did not end there as we progressed round to Rob Blackburn's peg I saw John Buck on the high bank with his legs in the air ' laughing his head off' - Turns out that Rob had found that his carp net had gone missing. He had taken the supports away just leaving the nets resting on the Platform (something we have all done and won't be doing again). With 20 pairs of eyes looking It was just identifiable in the water and easily extracted and surprising looks like all fish still there. Hardly a dry eye on the lake and when everything had settled down he finally weighed in 46lb.

With all the commotion Gary's weigh-in was an anti-climax I had to stop Mick Wagg filling out the match positions. It dawned on me that Gary had a possible Points scoring Bag - yes he did with 51lb enough for 9th place and 10 points - the 1st time that both of us had scored good points in the same match with me 5th and 50 points. Certainly improved out pairs Position.

Personal Footnote: This was a new PB 6 hour match weight for me (69lb 2oz - previous 65lb 14oz - Entire Farm Jul 2006) and PB Match Silver Fish bag of 40lb 8oz.

So Paul Hyde was 1st - guess who was second - yes The Bridesmaid, Kev Keeling 3rd Paul Pratley 4th, me 5th & John Buck 6th. Its is tight for 3rd place in the Pairs 1 point between the paring of Terry Middleton & Steve Barrett and Gary and myself. the consistent Wagg/Buck are way out in the lead, with Kev/Fred Saunders in 2nd.

A total of 996lb 12oz was weighed in, an average of 45lb 8oz per angler who weighed-in. If the two that did not weigh-in had done so we would have topped the 1000lb mark.

Current League Positions and Knockout chart

Pleasure Fish - Arran's Lake aka Entire Farm 31st August 2007

2007-09-01T16:34:00.000+01:00

This session was going to be a teach-in for my nephew Ben on how to catch on good fighting small to medium carp using a number of tactics on a well stocked Commercial fishery. However he was not allowed to come as he had been a bad boy during the summer holidays, but I decided to go as I needed a lift in the catching game.

I arrived at 8am and found all but 6 pegs already occupied and they were at the far end facing the wind. I decided to split the day into two distinct parts – Given that the lake was packed and effectively ‘drew ‘a peg – 36, I would treat the 1st part as a match and a target of 100lb. Then I would treat the remainder of the day as a true pleasure session using a ledger target the bigger fish and set a target of 150lb.

I set up on the korum in-line Method and tip and tried a number of hair rig baits on size 14 Middy hair hook links, Baits = Spam, Sweetcorn, Mini Pineapple Boilie & maggot. Best was the mini Boilie.

The Northerly wind rally kept it cool throughout the day gusting at times making any pole work too hard for a pleasure session so I stuck with the method at 20 metres. Carp came at regular interval basically a fish a chuck, just to show how populated this lake is 5 times during the day I lassoed a fish on the drop! All came off unharmed and no tackle loss.

Best Fish of the ‘match session was a long slim 10lb 12oz Common but I failed in my target after 6 hours only 84lb10oz, Mind you weighing every fish was taking up time probably worth 10lb over the 6 hours so not all that far off. At 230pm went into Pleasure mode and set up a ledger and alarm with 20mm Big John Frozen Pineapple Boilie over 4mm pellet and a few freebies under tree to the left of the peg. Had 6 fish out of there over he next four hours best going to 10lb but were getting the bigger fish – a lot of small ones were picking and dropping the 20mm regularly – had to wait for the run. Twice I had fish on both rods, good fun and managed to land them all.

The day was punctuated by fish running off with peoples tackle not once but FOUR times. The 1st I noticed a top kit circling the centre of the lake – it carried on four an hour when one young lad managed to capture it with his method rig and landed the fish which looked like a double and returned the kit to its grateful owner.

The lads to my left fishing with their Mum had ants in their pants and were not paying attention to their rods. The inevitable happened, A SHOUT OF MY ROD! – followed by Mum saying Your Dad paid £70 for that go and get it – So he stripped off and went in after it needless to say across my swim but got to it and landed the fish. This happened again 2 hours later to his brother who repeated his brothers swimming and fish retrieval technique and shouting it’s a monster playing to the on looking bemused anglers around the lake.

Then at 6pm the 1st brother repeated the earlier feat but this has gone a little further and he was complaining he had no pants on so I caught using my method and dragged in again with fish on – which was a nice 5lb Mirror which safely returned no worse for wear for its experience. Mum didn’t even say thanks !!!!

I finished when I had used all on my blended Method Mix and total up and 162lb 10ozs in 10 hours. A new PB pleasure Fish bag.

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 29th August 2007 (All-In)

2007-08-30T16:30:00.000+01:00

A Lovely evening to end this years series – with Just Six of Us (Die Hard’s minus Ron plus Big John same as last week.

We had an early watercraft draw with Olly having 1st pick with me second – Olly did not go for Peg 25 but 16 – I went for peg 18. Mick Byrne on Peg 20, Mick Wagg on Peg 10, Big John – Peg 13 and Dean on Peg 15We were are setup and ready to go at 5.45pm.

Set up of my Bully Boy 14-16 Elastic New Pole rig with 5lb Straight through to an 18 PR / single red maggot. Straight in with the 1st put-in with small Roach. I was getting a small fish a chuck but putting weight in the net.

Mick Wagg had a small carp 1st chuck on a Peg I tested out my new On box Seat Box and accessories the night before and couldn’t get a bite! Olly and Dean were down the sides as far as they could to the red pole (Limit of Fishing). Olly had a small carp after an hour so I really need one of 5-6lb to stay in touch. I tried all over he swim but not even a big Raoch.

Mick Byrne had landed a small Tench and Dean had a couple of nice mid single Carp – Looks like he would be the winner on the night but was looking close between the two Micks’s for the overall title.

My prayers were answered for a carp at 7.30 pm unfortunately it was too big for my set up , it went tearing off down the lake with all 11.5 metres of my Hot Spot Pole and elastics in the water – it snapped the 5lb line in about 30 secs. That is the point that I effectively gave up on any chance of third place overall and the carp had destroyed my swim – with only a couple of small roach after that.

I’d just about packed up when Olly called time and he then instantly said Fish on which he played and landed with 1 minute left of his allotted 15 mins to get it in – Best Fish of the Night 10lb dead. We had weighed in everyone else by the time he landed.

So Dean was 1st – Olly 2nd Mick Wagg 3rd – me 4th with 3lb 14 ozs of silvers, Mick Byrne crucially 5th and Big John 6th.

So final positions:
1st: Mick Byrne by 1point from Mick Wagg in 2nd , Olly 3rd (122) me 4th (114)

How important were those 3 small fish that did not weigh an once between them that Mick Byrne caught over the last two matches that gave him 4 vital points!

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 22nd August 2007 (Silver)

2007-08-23T21:02:00.000+01:00

A Wild, Drizzy & Windy evening – with Just Six of Us (Die Hard’s minus Ron plus Big John).

We had an early watercraft draw with me having 1st pick. I was going for Peg 25 or 24 but having watched nothing come out of there much over the past few weeks and Olly said it hadn’t fished well during the week – I asked if he was sand bagging me – No was the reply – I chose Peg 18 I thought would be a best combination of Fish and affording the best shelter from the swirling wind. Guess where Olly went – you guessed It peg 24 !!!

We were are setup and ready to go at 5.45pm. Set up of my Match Kit / Middy Hot shot to 2lb Size 18 /light Pole float single red maggot. Straight in of the 1st put in with small Roach – In fact by 6pm I had already caught more than I did in the whole of last weeks match. Had to keep going long / short to keep them coming – nothing big but consistent.

Couldn’t see what Olly was up to but Mick Wagg was already into his obligatory Carp over on Peg 9 on a Silver Fish match. Big John was very quiet to my left on Peg 16 on a mxture of Feeder /Pole

Mason Mills popped round as he normally does and I caught a couple of nice Roach whilst chatting to him. I said 50 of those and I will be happy – he said another 50 of those and you might catch up with Olly who has a few nice Roach ¾ to 1lb stamp.

The light deteriorated and by 7.30 pm I was struggling to see my float tip and with all the leaves / twigs blown off the trees during the day it was getting difficult to find a spot to drop the line.

We called it a day at 8.15 weighed in and surprised to find I had 4lb 14ozs! Olly beat me by four ounces to win the match and jumped from 5th to 3rd in the standings on 107 with me 2 points behind on 105.

Now then Mick Byrne the long time leader is stagnating last week it was solitary baby perch – he went one better this week and had a baby Roach as well. That was enough to get him 3 points and with the point from last week – How important will those baby fish be next week in the final reckoning.

The 1st place is between the two Mick’s and third Place between Olly, Paul Pratley and yours truly. With the weather forecast looking a little better for next week and being All-In – we may have a few spoilers turn up.

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 15th August 2007 (All In)

2007-08-16T19:27:00.000+01:00

The Die Hards were joined this week by Kev Keeling , Paul Pratley & Big John this week.

Draw was odd's again - Me Peg 5, Olly Wagg 7, Paul Pratley 9, Dean Peters 13, Kev 15, Ron Price 17, BJ 19 , Mick Bryne 21 & Mick Wagg 25.

Set up on Bully Boy top kit 18-20 with Size 16 on 5lb line straight through - Maggot attack 1st off. BJ was into a small carp 1st chuck in up against the Island - Bites were hard to come by - Nothing doing on our side of the bank. Even Mick Wagg was not getting much on 25 - always a good Silver peg !

Kev Keeling landed in sizable carp up the end - looks like they have followed the SW wind into his corner. The wind was gusting . Paul Pratley gave up around 7:45pm not a bite - I almost felt like joining him - I went to match Kit wiyth 6 elastic ansize 20 to 1lb line - I managed to catch 3 fish - two Roach one Rudd the latter grabbing the maggot whilst shipping out !

Kev Keeling is into another one and after 10 mins that that expensive cracking noise as his top kit gives way in 4 places - ouch !!!

Best interest for Olly and I up to this point was the attention paid to us by he local Vixen (the four legged Fox variety !) - she really has no nerves now - 1st Off she sneaked up behind me as was gnawing away at my Pole Roller adjuster knob. I shooed her away when 2 minutes later she pooped up behind Olly ans started to sniff through his Rod bag only for Olly to reward her with some Paste - well he had no other use for it. Then later she sneaked up and ran off with his ground bait bag which had a little left in it.

Back to the fishing - sorry did I say fishing !!! Well that was only successfully managed by Kev who had landed another Mirror of 15lb. Olly had thrown on two maggots and lost a nice perch but he was using his shock stick but continue hoping something big would grab it - which an 8:30 pm did but alas got snapped off after 5 mins a combination of heavy Elastic rigid shock stik and 2lb Line - Dohh !!!

After that it was just about getting dark so Olly called time. The weigh -in well I was in lead with 8ozs, well I was the 1st to weigh in -Olly next his 3 fish = 12oz,

It started to chuck it down!!! Some shower 5 mins of torrential rain. ( at Wickford where the nearest weather station is it recorded 8mm of rain at that time ! Dean was next - 3 fish also - better at 1lb - Then Kev who was going win anyway - but had his regular Chub - Gets it ever time he fished this Weds eve match - It goes 1lb 4oz.

Ron -blanked - BJ with 5lb 8 ozs 1 carp - 1 tench, Mick Byrne didn't trouble the scales but had 1 small Perch which took ages to find in the keep net but we gave him 1/2 oz for it. Gives him a point which could be vital come the end of the series. Mick Wagg was last with a couple of lbs - Give him 3rd and good points. I finished 6th so now have finished in every points scoring position this series !

Pleasure & Trail fish LCL 9th August 2007

2007-08-10T15:27:00.000+01:00

Whilst as on Vacation this week and the decorating completed with the weather set fair, I took the opportunity to have 1/2 days pleasure / test fish.

I set up on Peg 18 as Pegs 25 and 15 already taken. This is the 1st time I will have ledgered fished since coming back from France some two months ago. I set up a ledger on a reduce France set up of triggalink/ultralsilk combo to size 8 with a frozen combo of 7/8 K1G and 1/8 Scopex pop up and 1 oz lead placed under the tree of the East Side of the Island. Chucked half of dozen freebies around it.

I set up on the Pole to the weed to the right hand side fishing maggot over pellet. Had some small Roach 7 perch to start with then tried Tares - nothing at all - tried this several times during the day in several locations but no Joy - replaced the boilies 3 times during the day on the ledger - when to 1 & 1/2 K1G boilies at 6pm after a pick up and small run.

Swapped the pole for Feeder with in line Middy Method feeder to mid position Right of Island and bank- Only one bite during the day - a lovely 3lb Tench.

Swapped back to the Pole /Light rig that used earlier - 2lb Line to Size 18. Tried various baits - Sweet corn, Tares, Worm , Maggot, Paste, Pellet. When went to the latter and used 6mm Sonu

Halibut Pellets had a 4lb Bream ( new PB on this Lake and best caught on the Pole). Then two drops later had a sail way bite as Mr Carp decided he liked the Halibuts as well. Pole tip under the water but no way was I going to hang on to this one - It snapped my 2lb Hook link on the 2nd run.

I beefed up the Rig and put on the bully Boy with 18-20 Elastic but no big bites at all.

Had a Run on the Ledger - Lifted in a small Black carp but dropped the hook after 5 secs.

Decide that was enough - it had been a long hot dry day on not that successful in trail terms apart for the 6mm Halibut pellets - I might try them next in next Weds match.

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 8th August 2007 (Silver)

2007-08-10T15:11:00.000+01:00

The Die Hards plus Big John (7 in total) fished this weeks evening match. Mind you Dean Peters had his wife draw and set up for him as she had booked in a driving lesson student for him that would mean that he would just be able to make the start. He arrived at 5.45pm

It was odd pegs this week - I drew 23, Olly Wagg 21, Big John, 25 - Mick Wagg 5, Ron Price 9, Mick Bryne 11, and Dean 19.

The weather was kind to us for only the 2nd time this year.

I fished my normal tactic of light rig / single red maggot with weight shot under the float for a slow drop. fished at 6 metres in an arc going out to 7 and 8 metres leater but found had to come into 5 metere late on and go 3" over depth. Sport was erractic have 2 then have to moved to fins others. Olly next to me was using the same tactics (I found out afterwards) was pulling in some chunky Roach wheras mind were on the small side.

Mick & Ron were into the carp hooking them regularly - Ron more so, he didn't have any time to catch any Silvers !

By 8.45pm it was getting difficult to see anything as disk settled in - so the whilstle went.

Olly won with 10lb + , I was second with 7lb 10oz, can't remember the order of the others.

Lee Chapel Sunday League Match - Tylers Common - Horseshoe Lake - 5th August 2007

2007-08-07T16:09:00.000+01:00

21 Club Members fished pegs 31 - 56 of Horseshoe Lake at Tylers Common. Umbrellas were the order of the day to shade the sun - yes Summer really has arrived. As always the wind at Tylers was greater than any where else at the same time, but was very welcome having that cooling Southerly breeze which was gusty at times.

I arrived just after 7.30 any most others were already down at lake side. When i got down there there was a rendition of 'One Wheel on my wagon' - which related to Olly Wagg's new Preston Space Station Shuttle left hand wheel breaking off at the axle stub. - Apparently there is a known issue withe the wheels on these units.

I didn't get a picture of Ed Pearce holding it whilst Olly pushed it to his peg, They went 10 yards but gave up, Ed off loading his at his near peg then going back and picking Ollys gear up and wheeling to his.

I drew peg 35, with the wind and Sun on my back made for a relative rare pleasant experience weather wise at Tylers.

I set up on cage feeder to work the islands, waggler for mid range and Pole close in.

Started off on the feeder in between then island slightly to my left which had an overhanging tree into the other swim ( not populated) on the other side. But every time I cats in there I got caught up on some line left there - I suspect from a feeder snag on the tree. This made it unfishable as if I did get a bite chances it would bump off on the stay line / feeder. So I worked my way down the island left to right. Only had one take - A small Mirror and that with the hook in the chin ! on mini -boilie/ Sweetcorn combo on the hair and red maggot on the size 14 hook. So not sure what is what after - I tried each bait on its own - no takers.

I came in mid way on the Waggler on single/ double/ triple maggot on size 16. Nothing - so went down to 18 and tried a the series again - Only single red maggot would produce - a few small skimmers , Roach & Perch - but it was start. Slowly built up the swim but no carp, yet again nobody else was catching around me either - both another club match on the opposite bank and our guys around me - John Buck to my right ha limited success on the feeder but like me not getting anything mid distant.

I came into the margins which i had been drip feeding - nothing in there on all baits, so back out on the feeder, nothing apart from small Roach and Perch.

I switched to maggot feeder (Fox) but no joy - Back on the Waggler - had one decent Mirror of ~3lb on the drop, - So I went back to my old favourite - Middy in-line Maggot feeder- casting into the gap between islands with almost instant results - got into a couple of 2-3lb carp in quick succession - so was John Buck - its 1345hrs and looks like they are coming on the feed. John has had a couple of lumps in quick succession and we are going one for one but mine are smaller - hey but its fish, Every time I glanced round at Kev Keeling on the last peg on the other side he has a fish on as well.

Sods law - You just get 'em going and its time for the whistle. I looked at the weather stats afterwards and noticed that the baro dropped 6 mb during the day 9am to 3pm - I wondered if that had anything to do with them coming on the feed (look at the weather chart here:

Upminster station - closest to fishing spot

The weigh-in shows an interesting trend the bottom end of the lake where the wind has been blowing into proved to have the best weights with Rob Blackburn the best with 79lb on the end peg on my bank - Peg 31, John Buck on Peg 34 finished 2nd with 36 1/2 lb, Kev Keeling on the end peg on the other side 3rd just 12 ozs less on 35 3/4 lb and me a distant 4th with 27Lb 9oz.

This resulted in the single league lead position switching back to John Buck form 2 points behind Kev Keeling to going 18 in front.

My 4th spot moved me up 7 places in the Singles League from =20 to 13th. - I am on the move !

I promised Gary Somerfield- my pairs partner I would get some points to keep us in the hunt for the Pairs competition as he was Holidaying somewhere - I wonder if it was a sunny where he is ?. We are still miles behind John Buck / Mick Wagg combination - less than half of their total 245 to 505 ! But still in with a good shout for 3rd spot. _ along way to go yet and the Winter ! when I normally do well !

In the Knockout Competition with 3 no shows, only one person would not progress - That was Mick Byrne - He was up the far end with the others down the Winward end.
I commented to Mason Mills as he passed me loaded up on his Space Station Shuttle to be careful that one of his wheels does not come off. later Ed returned to pick up his gear after taking Ollys' gear up the long hill top the car park, he reported that one of Mason's wheels has broken. Looks like Big John will be busy on the Phone to Prestons organising replacements come Monday Morning.

The various Competition Positions:

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 1st August 2007 (All In)

2007-08-02T17:46:00.000+01:00

I anticipated that given we had the unusual occurrence f having almost 3 days without rain and being a fine Summer's evening that there would be a good turn out and already had in mid what the 1st line of this posting would be. However it was only the 'Die Hards' that turnt up and even Paul Pratley had to borrow Kit as he did not have a chance to go home 1st.

We had a proper drw this weeks (Even Pegs) after 'dialogue' on the fact the Golden Peg was not drawn last weeks as we did a 'Walk Off'

I drew Peg 20 with Paul Pratley to right on Peg 20 and Ron Price on Peg 18, Mick Wagg to my Left on 18, Dean further down on 26, Olly Wagg on 8 & Mick Bryne on 14.

The weather was the best thing about this session for me. Mick Bryne was woken up but a screaming reel which resulted in a 16l 5oz carp, Ron & Paul had small carp to 5lb , Dean, Olly & I had small roach on the Pole, with single red maggot left over form Sunday but they died on me - (Too cold in the fridge I think), after the boys had caught carp I decided to go the In Line Method / sweetcorn/Mini Boilie on the hair close to the Island - No Joy though.

Mick '845' Wagg as he will now be called patiently kept going on the Pole and single red maggot and was 'rewarded with a Nice Tench and small bream and his now usual 8.45pm Carp. This time he was unable to land this particular fish which looked around mid double mirror as the hook pulled.

He then recast almost immediately got into another of around 8lb right on the whistle.

The weigh-in was short and sweet with Mick B 1st, (24lb) Mick '845' 2nd (18lb- that lost one would have won it for him) Ron 3rd (5lb+) , Paul 4th (5lb+) - surprisingly me 5th (3lb) Olly 6th and (2lb+ ) Dean & 7th (2lb+)

Next Stop - Sunday 5th at Tylers Common Horseshoe lake

Old Esthameians Lodge Annual Charity Match - Aveley Club's Cranham Lake - 29th July 2007

2007-07-30T17:48:00.000+01:00

38 Anglers from all disciplines fished the Old Esthameians Lodge Annual Charity Match at Aveley Club's Cranham Lake - This years event raised £850 to be distributed by the lodge amonst Hospices , Cancer research etc.

As always Martin Haimowitz organised another good day enjoyed by all. It is always an honour and pleasure to Fish this pretty lake. So much so that 7 us reprobates from the Lee Chapel Area joined in on the day. Olly & Mick Wagg, Mick Byrne, Steve Boozy, Mason Mills, Big John and myself.

Big John http://www.bigjohnsangling.co.uk/ also contributed in another way by supporting the raffle with items of tackle for the raffle alongside the giant of Tackle shop Robertson's Fishing Tackle of Dagenham.

The weather even perked up for the day - The forecast was for Light rain all day but it would appear that the wind was faster than anticipated and pushed it through over night. It had stopped by the time I arrived at 7.50 am.

Wayne Baker & Stuart Baileybarbecued Sausages & rolls for us and a cup of tea only after paid my dues & raffle monies to Martin and then drew my Peg - Peg 6 - up the Car Park end / railway bank - With the wind pushing in down towards the other end of the lake I did not fancy my chances much. The Aveley Club had worked hard to put in a bridge to negate the need to walk your gear round the road - made it a lot easier and I guess will please the members no end.

Looking at my swim - with real features I decided on a 3 prong attack today. Cage Feeder to middle of lake, Waggler to best distance fished shallow (the lake is around 15-20 feet deep out in the middle, and Pole close in (light for roach/ small Perch).

Having set up in good time for a 1000 am start I made a lap of the lake and took some photos:
Insert photos and label

Big John with Olly in the Distance ready & waiting for the Off

BJ waiting to be beamed up - What's that sticking out of your left Ear ?

Boozy doing what he does best !

Not impressed either !

Suitably relieved posing - I think this is your best side Booz!

My swim from the other side

'Catering Staff' setting up the days nosh tent
At the all-in I went straight for the cage feeder with a mix of Mini Boilies, sweet corn & maggot alternating with Sweet corn and mini boilies on the hair and a couple of red maggots on the hook

Stuck with that for 1/2 hour - only had a couple of Roach taps. During that 1st 1/2 hour I kept spraying maggots at Waggler distance at regular intervals. I then went to the Waggler and stayed on this for 3 hours Catching Chub just below the surface on the drop (I had no weight on the line). Accuracy and distance was a struggle against the varying wind.

I was hoping that I would have the same success as last years event where I hooked into a couple of Commons using this technique. The Big Ghostie showed itself around midday but was not interested a few other dark shadows appeared later but again could not get them interested.
Debbie & Ricky Poole (Who is the Master of the Old Esthameians Lodge) Came round and took our breakfast orders - Mine was Burger & Tea.

Mick Wagg was having a quiet time over on the opposite bank to me as was Boozy a little further down. Then Martin who was on one of his walk rounds checking to see if everyone shout for the scales to peg 8 that where Mason was. Big Bream was the reported fish.

I broke off to investigate and took a the picture of Mason reluctantly holding his prize. of 5lb 8 oz

I returned to my Peg and shouted down to Mason that I had 50 Chub that weighed as much
Throughout the day there was a constant yell of scales down at the far end and Barry Cope who was on Peg 1 had to keep going down with them - I remarked to him late afternoon that I would have left them down there a long time ago

Mick Wagg then proceeded to lose 3 good size carp over the afternoon on Pole and Feeder.
By 1 pm my Chub had gone quiet so I came in on the Pole -nothing doing there so I went back to the cage feeder - again nothing - With 3/4 hour left I looked at the maggots left in bait tray and decided to try my luck on the Maggot Feeder. Rather than using my trusted Middy In-Line I thought I would try the new Fox In line feeder. These have no lead weight - tall the mass is contained within the body. I choose the mid size one - Fly's very well being more streamlined but drifts more easily with the wind and takes a long time to drop with Maggots spilling out against how the Middy performs.

I cast to the same spot as with the cage feeder - and sprayed maggots and lobbed in some the feeder mix also. - A couple of taps which I left ! A couple of casts later nice wrap round resulted in a Roach of 8oz, followed 2 cast later by a Perch of 1lb ish. It was 2.40pm so I decided to start packing up the stuff I would no be using keeping a beady eye on the tip.

I had just put my Pole rig away and noticed a couple of small taps and a little pull, so I lifted in and was met by a mass but not fighting - this could a sizable Bream. Indeed it was - went 6lb 3ozs - A new PB beating my previous stamp from Tyler's Common of two years ago by 2ozs.

Ian who was delivering afternoon teas took the photo for me and said that deserved a cup of tea which I then sank -

It proved to be my last fish of the day and I taunted Mason that mine was bigger than his -plus my Chub !!!!

We all packed away / weigh in and packed our kit away in respective vehicles and returned for the prize giving and raffle.

Wayne Baker from the Old Esthameians Lodge gave his vote of thanks to all those concerned and Martin announced the winners -

Match Winner (Biggest weight 18lb +)

Fred Willis (Fred The Pole)

Section winners

Section 1: Paul Blake (me - 11b 50z)

Section 2 : Eddie Watkinson

Section 3:Barry Newton

Section 4: Roy Nye (2nd as Fred was fishing Section 4

I gave my £25 Section Winnings to the Charity - Winning my section was enough for me.

The raffle were everyone was guaranteed a prize, just depended on when your number came up and what prize you then drew - Most Lee Chapel reprobates 'won' kit donated by Big John - and was greeted by friendly taunts of this came out of your junk bin eh John!

Prize Giving and Draw

Still as always a good day had by all

Thanks again Martin - My names already down for next year

Blakey Wins 1st Wednesday League Match - Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 25th July 2007 (Silver Fish)

2007-07-26T19:03:00.000+01:00

Only 6 members, Mick Wagg, Mick Byrne, Olly Wagg, Ron Price, Terry Middleton & Myself - now known as "The Die Hards" fished this match.

The weather had returned to what could be classified as 'normal' for this summer - Windy & WET !

With only six of us it was agreed to draw and walk off - lowest umber going 1st and choosing peg. I drew the 3rd lowest and chose Peg 25 as it is a good Silver Fish peg with a nice deep hole under the bush to the right hand side.

Olly tried to make out he had a lower number as he wanted Peg 25 as well ! Mick Byrne went 1st and could not make up his mind but finally settled on 19 with Olly close by on Peg 17 I believe. Mick Wagg was 2nd and chose Peg 9, with Ron & Terry taking 12 & 14 respectively either end of the Island on the road bank.

I set up on Middy Hot Spot pole light rig (size 18 to 2lb) and fished at 5m and close in under the tree to start with Single red maggot loose feeding half a dozen every put in. Not as prolific as it regularly is the sudden drop in pressure may have something to do with that (have a look at the graph). Still I was getting regular good size Roach.

Mick Wagg was immediately into good size Perch under the tree to his right - "No wonder I can't catch any roach" was his comment. then he started getting into the Carp . I am sure he was feeding pellet !

My sport slowed so went out a section to 6.5m and got back into the bigger ones (Lesson learned from last week).

Couldn't see what Olly & Mick Bryne were doing and I occasionally caught of Terry into a carp and Ron was very quiet well that is what i thought.

Mick Wagg had been able to 'shake off' most of his carp but the one he got into at 8.45 pm held on for 15 mins - it went 12lb !! - I tried my best to take advantage land some big Roach in this period and hopefully peg him back & get my own back for being pegged at the post a fortnight earlier by his last Minute 2lb 8oz Perch - but only managed a couple. (It will be Interesting to see if he gets any in next weeks All in match)

At the 'all out' and subsequent weigh in Olly & Mick B had not had much - I weighed Roach to the value 10lb 8 oz to take the lead- All agreed that was Poor for this swim.

We got round to Mick W pulled his net out looked like more than me, but was just under 10lb - Those last minute Roach whilst Mick was into the Carp proved the difference.

When we were at Ron's and pull out a net of Bream - much to my surprise as I had not seen him landed more than one. Not again I thought but they did not weigh Much just under 10lb. With Terry not weighing -in (he did not realise that these matches were for points) I was 1st.

That should push me up the League - with a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th 5th & two 7ths' - I'll go for a 6th next week to get a compete set of points scoring positions.

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 18th July 2007 (All In)

2007-07-22T14:02:00.000+01:00

A pleasant evening yet again. 10 Members fished.

We drew in bundles - Kev Keeling Olly Wagg, Mick Wagg, and me on Pegs 16-19 respectively and Mason Mills, Paul Pratley, Dean, Mick Byrne on 7, 8 , 9 & 10, wih Ron Price & Terry Middleton on 12 & 13.

Having watched Olly pick out a number of good bream to the left of the Island from Peg 19 on the previous Monday evening using cage feeder and Brasam additive to the feeder mix with Sweetcorn on the hook.

I tried the same tactic for the 1st half an hour - Not a sniff so came into my pole line at 6m that I had been feeding with pellet, maggot & corn at the same time - Used single Red Maggot on Size 18. Straight into Roach and small Perch - Mick Wagg has been getting nice Roach & perch on same method slightly to his right next to the weed bed, Kev keeling lost a big carp.

I kept going at 6m until they dried up and came in close - Big Mistake it took me another 1/2 hour to work out that I should have gone out another section and got into them again - To o little too late.

Dean had his elastic pulled out and after a nervous 10 minutes or so landed a nice Common that went 13lb. - Match Winning Fish.

With Dean winning I was not sure who finished 2nd - Mick finished 3rd with a good sliver bag of 12lb. Kev Keeling was fourth - had a small carp late on whilst casually drinking a beer.

I think I finished 7th with 8Lb - and Olly - will down with 1lb 10oz. He was fishing the feeder under the island tree for most of the match and stuck with it - Still he got the same amount of points as me - ONE

Big Johns Angling Sunday League Match - Lakelands - Hatfeild Peveral July 14th 2007

2007-07-15T18:23:00.000+01:00

Temp 18-22 C
Humidity: 73%
Dew Point: 17 °C
Wind: 6 mph ENE
Pressure: 1008 mb (Steady)
Rain / Bright

The Journey to Lakelands http://www.lakelandfishery.co.uk/index.htm was conducted in a Thunderstorm and did not look good for the day, but as we arrived the rain eased to make the set up reasonable.

What a pretty lake - but looks 'peggy' Some good swims with lily pads especially down the South side ( see picture Below )

Pegs 17-21 the North side has the island to fish you with a couple of pegs with Lily's then the far corner has tree cover - so a little for everyone.

Dues paid and with everyone present we had an early draw - I drew Peg 15 the far end of the south side - Overhanging tree to my left and a small lily pad to my right. However bubbles were showing straight out in front.

I set up match top kit /light rig and a paste rig on my Bully Boy top kit for later - i also set up the method waggler - thought I'd try later if they come up in the water during the day.

I was ready and set to go by 0845 so took some photo's of the lake and the lads.

Boozy - Defintley Not your Best Side

Likley lads - ??? - Not Today

L-R John Buck, Rob Blackburn, Olly Wagg, Steve Barrett, Al Gammon.

1st drop in on single maggot had a small skimmer, followed by a number of small Roach, Had small Tench which pulled the 8 elastic out. Slow all round though although at 1000 Olly brightened our day a little by catching a duck on his feeder - Mind you the duck was not that amused and flew off in disgust once Olly had carefully on hooked it.

Mick Scholes was catching Carp regularly from his swim -Peg 18 all around the 6-5lb mark.

Nothing showing against my lily pad or Boozy's who was to my right on peg 16 who also has a small lily pad to his left.

I noticed that Chub & Ide were rising to my sprayed maggot so I remove weight a shallowed up and had a good run for an hours so catching nice size fish, but they dried up could not keep them there. By 2pm the small carp were cruising just below the surface - I went to the Method Waggler which met with a few comical remarks like - " watch the yachts will be rounding that soon" from Boozy.

Nothing on that - so back on the Pole - Gary Somerfield who was opposite commented on the Goldfish that was 'porpoising' form his swim to mine - I said watch I'll get him - Deposited a single maggot in his path and hey presto there you go hooked and landed. Now that's what i call targeting specific fish - A few minutes later another came into my swim -An again I said and did land that one.

Had a late flurry with a couple of Chub on the drop, Whistle went packed and weigh in - Surprise that I had 15lb 6oz to finish 5th !!!! To score my 1st real Sunday league Points of the Season !!!! Mick Scoles only had 38lb - thought he had more than that

Al Gammon came 2nd with 34lb - Don't know who Finished 4th - Gary S finished 6th , 6ozs behind me, with Ed Pearce (League leader) Out of the big points at 7th.

Links
http://www.bigjohnsangling.co.uk/index.html
http://www.lakelandfishery.co.uk/index.htm

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 11th July 2007 (Silver Fish Only)

2007-07-12T19:03:00.000+01:00

A reasonable turn out - around 13 Members on a Glorious evening for a change this summer. Light North Westerly wind and Sunshine - Wow !!

Mick Wagg couldn't finish of his portion of chips for Tea so I assisted in devouring and placed the wrapping Paper in Olly's Maverick on Mick's Instructions.

The draw seen us bunched in pocket's in the SE and NW Corners. I drew peg 21 and fished light on the Middy Hot Spot / match top kit with 8 Elastic at 4 meters / Size 18 single Red maggot - couldn't get any bites with higher / smaller hook sizes / double/ triple maggots.

Had a steady trickle of Roach and very small Perch with only the very very occasional reasonable size Roach.

Mick Wagg and Mason Mills found the Carp - I wonder if they will next week.

I did not keep tabs much on what was going on - I don't know the full result - I put together a bag of 7lb 5oz which I think I finished 5th.

Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 4th July 2007 (All-In)

2007-07-09T12:14:00.000+01:00

13 more members fished this match than the previous weeks. A Bright & breezy evening with the blustery wind coming from the South West. It did rain for short period midway through the match.

I drew Peg 3 with Olly directly opposite me on 29 and Kev Butler to my Right on Peg 2 on Ron Price to the Right of Olly on 28.

Needless to say that that the carp were nowhere to be seen at this end of the lake - as last week they were all up the middle /to far end. It was nip & tuck between Kev Keeling and Mick Byrne all evening - Kev was using size 10 and four maggots to get instant Carp bites - whereas us monkeys up the other end were down to size 18/20 with single maggot and still struggling for Bites of any description,

I was lucky to have a 1 1/2lb Perch an 2lb tench otherwise it would have been Ounces. Olly put in a late surge in last 1/2 hour got himself a shoal of small Roach, but I managed to squeeze him out by a couple of ounces to land 7th place and 1 point - the same as Olly. Mick Byrne won with~ 25lb , Kev 2nd just a few onces behind, and Paul Pratley a further few pound behind.

So the league is starting to get interesting - i don't keep the scores for these but it must be Mick in the Lead I would think with Kev or Paul Pratley not that far behind.

Lee Chapel Sunday League Match - Puddleduck Snake Lake 1st July 2007

2007-07-02T19:18:00.000+01:00

23 members fished here in this Club Match for the 1st time. It was true to the reported form over the past few weeks and as published in the July Edition of Southern Angler - POOR.

I drew peg 11 so I did not have far to walk - with Olly to my Left and Ron Price to my right.

The wind running at over 20mph came from our left on the exposed part - no shelter, heavy squall and it brightened up later. The wind mad pole fishing difficult and i could not reach the far bank which was 11 metres (the extent of mine) so I tried mid channel ( the lake bottom recreates the layout of a Canal, the centre cut with raised shelves near & far bank).

Tried maggot & corn, pellet over Micro pellet - had a few Roach and a Small Skimmer - nothing substantial, Ron had a few slabs close to the far bank on the feeder - I tried that also - no Joy.

Not until the afternoon when when i moved to the Margins to my right that I had a few carp to 3lb. on Pellet.

Could not see what else was going on due to the layout of the lake so had to wait for the weigh-in to see what had gone on. Sporadic at best but the far edges facing the South Westerly wind seem to provide the best weights.

Top weight was 45lb for Luke Hyde and Steve Barrett & Ron Price tied for 2nd with 25Lb each. i mustered 6lb 10z and Olly 6lb 12oz. An we were both out of the Knock Out Cup. Silver King Mick Wagg put together a 12 lb bag of small Roach he must have had over 100 fish in his net.

Synopsis of Wednedsay Evening Sessions and Big Johns League Match 3rd -27th June 2007

2007-07-02T18:30:00.000+01:00

Being a busy bee recently I have not had the chance to maintain the Blog with all the recent sessions. So I make a synopsis here of those sessions:

6th June 2006
Lee Chapel Stan's Memorial Wednesday League – LCL – All In

The 1st of this years 3hr Summer Evening matches. Around 14 members fished.

I drew Peg 17 and fished light to start on the pole (18) elastic though) with close the weed bed on the right hand side and started to put together a bag of Roach and Rudd using Maggot over pellet.

I stepped up once I had indications of Carp in the Swim and went to pellet – Instantly had a small Black Common. Then went to paste – Nothing , watching around watch everyone else was doing - felt I needed to switch back to silvers – so went back light 18 / 2.5lb Line / single Red Maggot.

At 8pm typically got a slide away bite and the elastic pulling right out. I proceeded to play it for 25 minutes – Gary Somerfield arrived said marvellous you don’t get those on Sunday do ya?.. I replied I have not got this one yet. Several lunges up & down the swim it made for the other side of the Island a ping the hook link snapped. Oh dear. Never Mind I finished 3rd – I think Kev keeling or Mick Byrne Finished 1st / 2nd or may have been Visa Versa – my Memory is not that good.

17th June 2006
Big Johns Sunday League – Bury Hill Fisheries – Dorking Surrey – Bond’s Lake

Having managed 4 hours sleep on my return from France – an early 0530 drive to the lakes was in the offing – I had company in the form of Mick Scoles for the drive so I keep him entertained and myself awake recounting the France experiences.

On arrival the long walk and draw at Bonds Lake. I drew Peg 11 I think, with Kev Keeling immediately to my left and Mason Mills immediately to my left in corner (car park end). A bit tight would be the call. Mind you me and Mason are use to fishing in each others pockets.

The island look prime and lots of fish movement there, but we had about 8 feet between four of us – and we each elected one inlet in the bank as markers – Mind you this was going to require some accurate casting.

The Island which 4 of us shared

I started off on the Pellet at 20 feet as fish were just blow the surface – not a bite – went the ordinary waggler and maggot in the same spot – Nothing. Resorted to the maggot feeder to the island nothing- - Not a bite. Mason had a couple from the island on the feeder but was finding you had to get right in tight – if you cam two feet out – no good – I got tight in to the island and finally got a small Common at 11:15, 2 ¾ hours in the match.

We had a mid point weigh in anticipation of large weights but nothing much doing at our end of the Lake – Mick Byrne and Ed Pearce on opposite sides of the Island with the long straights with space were doing well. Mick led at the ½ way stage with around 35lb.

The afternoon session improved once you could get into the Island and you managed to stop the fighting fish from picking up everyone else’s’ gear – a few Lost fish to this – Also both Mason and myself were loosing more fish than we were catching. My hook links were snapping– 6lb Preston, Obviously do not like feeder work.

Kev could not get anything from the Island but cam in at 9 meters on the Pole and Paste and after a lot of frustrating missies finally started bagging up – Seeing this I tried also and immediately Had a 5b Common , but that was it – reverted back to the feeder and managed to scrape another few carp for a Total of around 34lb, which at the weigh Gary commented you can’t do that when it’s matters (referencing our partnership on the League Chapel Sunday matches to which I have been performing very poorly).

Ed Pearce won with around 110lb.

Extract from Bury Hill Website:

http://www.bury-hill-fisheries.co.uk/reports.phtml?ID=379

This weeks catches! Big John's Angling fished Bonds last Sunday with all anglers bagging plenty of fish. The day was won by Ed Pearce who managed 116lb 2oz from peg 11 which he took on pole and paste. Second was Olly Wagg with 74lb 6oz taken from peg 7 on feeder and maggot with John Pearce taking third place with 72lb 5oz which he caught on feeder and worm.

Wednesday 20th June
Lee Chapel Stan’s Memorial Wednesday League – LCL All In

Around 14 Members for this one. I drew peg 25 which Olly won the Silver Fish match from the previous week with ~ 20lb whilst I was in France. I did my 10:10 mental model and with the Wind blowing from the South West and with Olly, Mick Wagg, Mick Byrne, and Paul Pratley situated in pegs 16-20 I knew the top 3 or top Four would come from there.

I tried my usual tactic of starting off Light – maggot over pellet – plenty of Roach Rudd and small perch but no sign of a Carp, they have all followed the wind and as predicted coming out on pegs 16-20 or as reported to me I could no see from behind the bush to my right.

There was very little activity to my left where Steve Ellis and Terry Middleton were although Terry was pulling in some silvers the far side they were all going for the big ones. Terry Packed up at around 8pm and I heard him murmur that he a coup[le of Pound of Roach.

Come the weigh in only 5 of us did so, Much to my amazement I finished Fourth with 5lb of Silvers beating Olly who had one small carp for 4lb Mick Byrne had over 30lb followed by Mick & Paul Pratley – So my 10:100 was right with the shock exception of Olly

Wednesday 27th June
Lee Chapel Stan’s Memorial Wednesday League – LCL (Silver Fish)

Only 4 of us turnt up for this - The weather which I did not check and last weeks result probably being major influences. So, Mick Wagg, Mick Byrne, Paul Pratley and myself drew for a walk off, Mick 1st chose Peg 9 Mick, Peg 13, me Peg 25, Paul Pratley peg 18, I told them all that they will get Carp there !.

I had travelled light for this – Just a silver fish Keep net, Pole seat box, a few bank sticks and 2 pints of maggots left over from the past few weeks. But oh dear no landing net handle – I improvised using the longest Bank stick I had, still too short really. Then the rain came and did not stop until 2100 -. Not having checked the forecast I had only brought my Thermal Coat as I thought it might get chilly later that with Shakespeare Match Bib kept my dry.

I was getting regular roach and the occasional nice Perch, Mick had had a nice bream – he was targeting them but as I predicted all 3 of them got into the Carp. Mick Wagg must have had 3or 4 of them and Paul the same amount.

I felt quite confident – although Mick Wagg was catching regularly hey were smaller than mine. That was until the last 4 minutes when he landed a large Perch. I shouted across too late I’ve got 4 of those, little did I know that it was bigger than I thought. Come the weigh in which Olly turnt up to do (had been with Boozy in the Maver pair’s completion at Barfeild Lakes in Norfolk - where the conditions were also bad and didn’t finish last as he put it). I managed 12lb and was well chuffed – Paul 8ozs Mick B 5lb and so Just Mick Wagg – Oh dear see the size of the perch and the rest of the Silvers – scales go round to 12lb 12oz – he’s done me again !!!!!! Time to pack up and dry out.

Lac Chateaux Cavagnac aka Nash Resorts- Rignac France 9th-16th June 2007

2007-06-29T19:07:00.000+01:00

Saturday 9th June

Having had a nice lie –in and last second packing, my daughter Emily picked me up and dropped me of at Stansted Airport at 1105. The quickest check-in I have every had with Ryanair and just as quick through security I was sat in the Lounge having a Beer by 1135.

A on time departure and a pleasant flight we made a fast & bumpy arrival at Rodez 5 minutes ahead of schedule (Apparently the fast bump landing is standard - not the early arrival). With no fuss at this small regional airport, we were met by The lake Bailiff David.

David was expecting 7 of us but only four had arrived – Myself, Chris from Stevenage and Ed & Michelle from Harwich. Bags loaded into the van we made our way on the short journey to the lake through picturesque countryside. The weather was hot 26c as forecasted.
David said he had some good news & bad news. The good news that there would only be 6 of us fishing this week with three Austrians there awaiting our arrival but the bad news was that a 59lb Common had been caught on the last cast this morning.

David confirmed that spawning had finished over a week ago and the fish were coming out this week. We all discussed our own personal targets for the week, Both Chris & Ed wanted to improve their Personal bests of 34 & 35lb respectively, ‘Chelle’ was not fishing. Mine was to catch a 20lb Common with a stretch target of 30lb Carp of any type.

We caught our 1st glimpse of this massive water as we came down the adjacent hill, looked beautiful.

On arrival were greeted by Tom the other bailiff and Chris our chef for the week was busy preparing Shepherd’s Pie for Dinner. With a beer easily drunk - introductions were made with the Austrians, David took us on a tour of the lake by boat pointing out all the key spots as we went. Given that there was only 6 of us and the Austrians wanting to stay together down the south bank we dispensed with the draw and Ed fancied Steps swim, Chris wanted The Boards so I plumped for Sanctuary swim even though it was not in area of the recent wed treatment, but Tom had advised that it was fish for the 1st time in ages last week and fish were coming out regularly. This would be a challenge as I have never fished in a weedy lake before.

We returned to the Lodge and eat Dinner – Chris had prepared for 10 so we all had seconds of this delicious dish. Selected my inclusive Bait of 4kg of 20mm Scopex Boilies and 1kg Of Scopex pellets, and purchased (added to the slate that runs for the week) 20mm Banana Pop ups. Loaded up my boat that will be mine for the week with my bags and Tom Towed it to my Sanctuary swim

Where I set about getting established and set up. As I had the pontoon to myself I decided to use one Bivvie as store room and the other as living accommodation.

Having just decided to cast to three places on Rigs I made up the night before with, this was very much hit and hope for the night, I would a more detailed examination of the swim with Tom’s help tomorrow. Time for a brew – oops No lighter – unable to use the supplied gas burner and ‘grocery pack’ supplied. Oh well just have to do with a beer or two. It had just got dusk and the Frogs started – Like a Mexican Wave around the Lake the only difference they kept in going until dawn the following morning – so no quality sleep.

Sunday 10th June

I was awoken ( I did eventually get to sleep) by the Left Hand (LH) Rod alarm at 0630 – a small run but nothing there.

0800: Reeled in and rowed back to the Lodge for shower , shave etc and a superb Full English (with French Sausage). Arranged for Tom to come out after breakfast to show me some of the best spots to fish.
I returned to my swim and then rowed around some of the pre defined marks in the swim with a rod and weight to find hard spots where fish potentially have been feeding. I found one a rod’s length in front of a hot spot marker directly centre of the swim some 250 yards out. It was clear tome that this was going to be boating holiday as well – All baits would have to placed using the boat with rod in the boat and rowing back with the line release on the bait runner. I found spots close to the end of the lilies on the LH and RH side of the pontoon at 25 yards.

1030: I had just set up the RH rod when Tom arrived as we were discussing the Rigs I was using and where I was intending on fishing the RH alarm went – I immediately lifted into it the fish had gone into the lilies I gently pulled and it came out to be greeted by the tell tale thump of a Tench. Landed a 3lb Tench that looked a bit lost in the supplied 42” Landing Net., Hey but I have not blanked. Tom advised to sack the Tech I catch and they will be given to a Local farmer to stock his Lake.

Tom took me out to a spot further to the right from the spot I found, that he indicated that David have found and had good sport recently – I searched around and found this small hole which measured roughly 2 feet square close to a small lily patch. He also advised me to fish in the small inlet of the lilies to the left of the swim and at the end (where I had the run earlier in the morning). He thought my rigs were OK.

1105: Had another lift and small run on the RH rod again – another Trench a superb looking female of 3 1/2lb. – Sacked with the other.

Baited Up & everything in position time for a cup of coffee.

1115: Noticed that Ed has an fish on down in the Steps swim, A good fight ensues which I watched through binoculars which he safely nets. Looks big – 30lb plus (At Dinner – Ed confirm 34lb 8oz Common 4ozs short of his personal best – Good start.

1245: Run on LH rod (2nd Lily Inlet) Feels big but has gone into the lilies after a short fight it came through the point at the end of the lilies and felt distinctly lighter and kited away to the left making for the fallen branches snag to the left of the swim. Perching precariously on the edge of the pontoon I successfully guide it away and into the waiting landing net. Not all that big but a perfectly proportioned long slim common which went 9lb 14oz. I said to it thank for coming to the party go tell your mum and dad to put in an appearance please and gently placed back into the lake. A Cool beer from the cooler box celebrates the 1st one and hopefully not the last but hopefully the smallest fish.

1420: Run again on the LH rod this time the fish Kites straight out into the channel – Comes easily and can see it is a double Mirror. Tried five times to net it could not get the net low enough in the weed in front of the pontoon. The 1st time I thought I’d lost it as it saw the net turned and surged away. Landed it though and weighed 17lb 8 ozs.

1645: Reeled in and rowed back to the lodge for Dinner – Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, The Austrians had theirs delivered. That had spent the day stood up in the lilies digging out areas to fish in.

1800: Ice packs refreshed rowed back to the swim and rebaited,

2000: Rumbles of thunder coming from the South and the sky advancing from the South turns that tell tale dark purple colour – A storm is coming our way. Then rumbles from the East coming our way as well, what followed was the most ferocious Thunderstorm I have been in, lasted 4 hours and so noisy – it even shut the frogs up. No way was I going out in that if I had a run.

Monday 11th June

Nothing doing during the night had Breakfast at the lodge. I spoke with David on what rigs worked here as not being an out & out carper my knowledge was pretty limited. He precede to get out his ‘demo’ kit and showed me how to make the rig that he finds the best. The rig was 7” in length, 25lb Amourbraid and hair set for a 20mm with top 1/8 sliced off and replaced by a ¼ slice of 15mm Pop up Snowman style using a small piece of stick to hold the two together as the boilie expands. David gives me the rig which on return to the pontoon I set about copying and baiting up accordingly. The 1st fish was a Tench from the RH Lily pad of 3lb.at 1045. The rest of the day was quiet just a small run from the LH rod lost in lilies. Made my way back to the Lodge for Dinner and watched the last day highlights from the 3rd Cricket Test (Eng v West Indies) which was tight but England made it just,

1945: The Austrians had a run from the Woods Swim but they were on The Field swim – a slow walk two in the boat and used the reel / Fish to pull themselves along to the lilies once there put the net under the fish and rowed back. I called this Agricultural Angling. This was the tactic they used all week. Whilst this was going on I had a small drop bacon the LH Rod Lifted into it and a spirited fight from a 3lb Tench resulted – Sacked with the others. I re-rigged using a Limpet Leader rather than rig tubing.

2030: That’s it set up for the night even the Spider has set up home on the RH Rod – Does he know something I don’t? All we are waiting for is the Frog Chorus to start up.

2115: Slight lift & tap of LH rod, left for a few seconds – another tap perhaps another Tench me thinks. Decided to lift into it and connected to a carp which went straight into the lilies? I walked back across the platform to apply some steady pressure it came out and went through the point then a dart to my left going straight for the snags. But I knew it was not that big once free. But still a good fight – Safely netted a 13lb Mirror. Whilst rebaiting in the boat on the LH the centre long line beep and indicator dropped off – nothing there though – suspect I missed that completely – one of the drawbacks of being on your own here. Rebaited, set back with a couple of beers and took in the last of the day’s sun, which had burnt me. I need to sort out some shelter.

Tuesday 12th June

0100: Slight indication on Centre Long line – Got out of the bed and checked out, Rod Tip swung round the drag clutch was working, lifted in Resulted massive solid feeling but occasional thump so fish was still on. Getting no joy I decided to get into the boat – found an paced the landing net into the boat, (I need to have this ready in the boat an extra thing to look for and do in the dark is not a good idea). I started to reel in but all came loose – Fish Off! Rowed back an found the platform in dark. Reeled in the rig – what a mess – sorted it out with a new hook link and rowed back out to find my 2 foot square spot 250 yards out in the dark – Found it 1st time. I was just about to lay the bait on the spot when I heard my LH alarm going. Immediately I turned and rowed back like I could a place in the British team for the next Olympics. It went quiet but as I neared the platform it went again. I scrambled onto the platform and picked up the rod – but was a solid mess. So back into the boat and reeled in once in the pads took me 5 minutes to retrieve the rig. Sorted it all out and repositioned all this took one &half hours it was now 0230. The frogs were relatively quiet as well – perhaps all the activity in 7 around my swim. Back to Bed an a little sleep.

Scores on the Doors – 4 Tench, 3 carp, and 3 lost carp.

0625: Awoke to bright but misty day. The lake looked a picture though the Bivvy door

I’d just turnt over to grab another hour or s when a single beep on the centre long line. I’ve learned to look rather than wait for any further audio indication as the bait runner drag was working the rod tip was arched round. Ran out and lifted in fish on but felt like a Tench then came off! Rebaited/Repositioned and brewed a nice cup of Tea. The PG Tips and UHT milk supplied make a good cuppa.

Made up some more rigs – 1 Combined TriggaLink/Ultrasilk and 1 Amourbraid straight through to replace the rigs on the Centre & LH Rods respectively – both using David’s Snowman set up.

0810 Reeled In and went for Breakfast. Enquired with Tom if there was an umbrella I could borrow / rent to provide some shade for me. Tom laid his hands on an old broken Homebase garden brolly. – No pin to hold it up. I had a solution see picture

Topped up with Ice packs for the cooler box, new landing net – the original I had was broken at the ‘Y’ and most importantly another crate of beer.

Back to Sanctuary, baited up, a brew set up the brolly and a change of underway all is well with the world.

1100: The daily Tench arrives from the RH rod this one went quite well and was 5 12/lb. I change this rig to Korda IQ.

1600: After a couple of false starts, the constant tap /tap which I thought was Rudd, Tench playing with the bait it finally resulted in a run with the rod arching round against the drag. Being stood over the rod I was straight into it. It went into the lilies but thankfully turned into open water and felt a good size then went all limp as it rushed towards me – a frantic winding of the reel and I re-established contact. Once in closer ran off like a steam train but not before I caught my 1st glimpse of a golden scales along the long sides of a gorgeous Common> it just has to be my target fish – the adrenaline and heartbeat start to race as it makes it attempted get away. But Blakey wins the fight and slips the net under and onto the unhooking mat. A dip of the weigh sling and zeroing on the scales place her in the sling and lift up goes past the twenty – but how much by – 4lb 8oz by that’s what! - Yippee went the cry but nobody else noticed. Gently put her in the 2nd sack ready for someone to take some photos after dinner. A new PB carp. Rebaited & positioned.

1650: Reeled in and rowed proudly in for Dinner which tonight was a barbeque.

New PB at the time of 24lb 8oz

Tom came with me and took some photos & the sacked Tench back for Farmer Joe.

2010 Getting positive Tench enquires on the LH rod – result- another 5lb Tench

2100 After another couple of Tench interruptions the farmers (Austrians) had another ‘trawling’ session resulting in 30lb Liner / 34lb commons.

2300: Just got comfortable in the bag, a beep on the LH rod – Got out the tell tale twitching of Tench, lifted in an was treated to a spirited fight from what turned out to be a 7 1/2 Pounder, A New Personal best.

Wednesday 13th June

0100: Just off to sleep again, the frogs were making up for being quiet the night before and awoke by a single beep off the long centre rod. Immediately looked through the Bivvy door with the torch to see the Rod tip arched round against - Lifted in solid - another in the weed but detected the slight thump – Applying gentle pressure until slowly comes out, certainly felt weird stood in the middle of nowhere dressed just in underpants in pitch darkness pulling what seemed like ½ ton of weed and perhaps a fish out of the lake towards me.. There is an occasional knock so the fish is still there. 50 yards it goes relatively light as either the weed or the fish comes off – luckily it is the former as the fight begins. Having managed to my headlight on by hook by crook I catch a glimpse of the fish in blue LED light – looks like a Leather, But after netting and safely on the unhooking mat is a Linear – going 21lb 8 oz on the scales another PB – that makes 3 PB’s in a 24 hour period.

After gently slipping back rebaited in the mist on the same spot. And hit the sack again – checking before hand that no intruders have sneaked in the warm bag whilst I’ve been away.

0300: Single beep on centre road again Rod arched round again Lifted in an felt the twang- twang of leader round lilies- It extricated itself from the lilies and kited out in open water to the left. No weed on this one and now that I am getting use to the bend on the Nash outlaw 3lb TC rod – I guess this one goes high Double / Low Twenty. This is a more portly looking Common and goes 8ozs over the twenty. I re-rigged and reposition in 20 minutes – getting the hang of this now.

0500: Lots of bleeps – hey a run!! on the Centre rod again. This ones flying what a good scrap not big but good fun in the dawn light. Hopefully everyone else is asleep and not watching this underpant duel.. This fish really is wild does not want to come in but finally I win and a beautiful long Wild Common – Wild in more than name.

The Austrians call Wednesday big fish day as they normally catch their biggest fish of the week on this day – plus it is Christian’s birthday today and they will join us for Dinner tonight, the 1st time since Saturday.
I decided to weighed the Tench from the night before – but they were a bit lively – the 7 Pounder escapes after weighing and before I can take a picture by jumping off the mat and over the edge of the pontoon to live another day. Perhaps I will get him next year when he is 10lb?

The rest of the day was Quiet in terms of Fish and I was able to catch up on some ZZZZ’s only interrupted by the occasional Tench 3 in all. I made up some more rigs Triggalink/Ultrasilk Combo’s but with Korda Size Micro-Barb’s – I hadn’t noticed this when I purchased them – Good job Kevin had given his blessing to be able to use them – My eye sight is not all that good is it.

We all had dinner with the Austrians and Chris produced a smashing birthday cake for Christian.

David's Dog wishes Christian Happy Birthday

We left them to it – looked like they wee going to party hard. Strange that whilst hey were partying Ed, Chris and I had a mad hour & a half. Started off at 8pm – I had a Tench from the LF Lille pad – Ed had a run / landed a Large carp and so did Chris I lost a good run on the LH rod not 5 mins after repositioning, no sooner had I reeled in and inspecting the rig the centre rod bent round I lifted in even before the alarm sounded – Big Heavy lump – in the weed again –

It comes with gently pressure but no signs of a thump from a fish. That what is was – just weed. I changed over onto the rigs I made earlier in the day. Amourbraid straight though on the LH and TriggaLink/Ultasilk combo on the centre – left the RH where it was. It was now dark. No sooner had I place the LH bait and got back to pontoon the alarm went off. This one made for the other side of the lilies I was able to guide back through the small gap it had gone though but it goes for the snags on the left, they all seem to know where to go. I was running out of angle and was bending out over the front of the pontoon luckily this provides enough leverage to get to steer it away but almost went in the drink in the process... This was a 21lb 8oz hump back mirror. Took some photo’s using the Cooler box as a makeshift tripod.

I was just sorting out the mess on deck when the Centre Rod went round, got straight into it and was greeted again by the twang twang of leader against lily’s but was not coming – so put the Landing net into the boat and unhook the mooring rope. I was just about to step into the boat when the fish came free and into open water, and getting regular thumps which would indicate no weed and a sizable fish. Slowly made headway even though the fish was fighting harder. As it neared the pontoon I caught a glimpse in my headlamp – could it be a thirty? It is a Common as long as the one yesterday but a bigger girth.

Once close in I went for the landing net – oh no! Its in the boat and that is drifting away, so I had to conduct a balancing act Rod in right hand Right foot on the edge of the platform and reaching out with my left foot I captured the boat with my Big Toe ! Good job I did not have any shoes on – I would have never done it. Fish is landed- on the unhooking mat then the weigh sling – Will it go 30lb – No it won’t 26lb 8oz – Another New PB. Again struggled to get some pictures then released. Time to sort out – What a mess the platform was in Rods weed, line mats strewn everywhere. Have a tidy up and Mr Spider has set up his trap on the RH rod. And the Frogs are off.

2300: I thought this carping lark was supposed to be laid back – I’m Exhausted. I get another run on the LH rod – I had no real idea where this one ran to but it was free I just pulled in against the strong fight and another Common graces the net and weighs in at 26LB on the nail. The Austrians were right it was big fish day! Especially as they were still partying down at the Lodge we were making hay.

Thursday 14th June

Thankfully no runs during the night and a reasonably lat night sleep after the Frogs had stopped.
The day was overcast and windy making bait placement difficult. And just a few Tench to show for the day – changed over rigs. What was occurring now was Line Twist resulting from the use of the Bait runner to let line out when placing the bait on the spot and rowing back with the rod in the boat. This was on the long Centre Rod so cast out 6 times with just a 6 oz weight and pulled in – helped a little.

After dinner and rebaiting I prepared my Boilies for the night the roach and Pumpkinseeds fighting over the shreds of boilie falling through the slats of the platform.

Had another Tench from the LH road at 8pm. Then the sky turnt that horrible purple blue and the sound of thunder starting rolling in from the West time to put everything away in the Bivvy’s At a quarter to nine it started – and went on for a further two hours. I took the opportunity to review and edit my Speech for daughters wedding In July, and then turned in after rebaiting all three rods at ten to midnight.

Friday 15th June

Was awoken by a single beep from the centre rod, for some reason in my disoriented state went to the wrong rod. Had a look round saw a slight twitch on the centre rod. Gaining my senses now! Lifted in and got the twang –twang and solid weight, not sure if there is anything there at all. Decide the boat maybe the best option just start to make for it when I detect some give. But just feels dead weight so start to pull in pausing along the way to try to find any murmurs of a fish – There is the smallest indication of something more than weed. As I make progress the thumps become stronger so the wed is coming off –

As the mass comes nearer I can just make out a fish shape looks like a fat mirror through the misty gloom– the heart starts to race. Definitely a bigger fish then just as I make a dash for the landing net the torch packs up. I tried to blindly guide the fish to which I have no idea what it is into the net – I think what if I bump it if now I’d never forgive myself it has to be a Thirty. Deep breaths I let out some line and holding the rod high I walk slowly backwards to the Bivvie and grovel around for my headlamp. A couple of blank sweeps later I find it.

Managed to somehow put it on my head and walk back to the front reeling as I go. Now I can see the lump and what a lump a long thick Common. One further attempt and she is in the net and onto the unhooking mat – I am now shaking in anticipation – The hook hold was tenuous to say at the least being the fleshy part of the scissors but no evidence it had been in there long. How lucky had I’d been I looked in the centre of the lower mouth and the hook had been in there so must have come out and re hooked in that period when I fanning around getting a light source.

So how much did it weigh? A struggle to hold it up in the weigh sling went 35lb 8oz. I allowed myself a little yelp then placed in the sack ready for some photos in the morning.

I reflected on this and the High Double Commons I have caught this trip and in the past, and was disappointed in the fight per pound of the respective fish – The smaller one definitely fight harder.
Back in the sack after rebaiting at 0345.

0535: Single beep on the centre rod had a run here against the drag but came straight out into open water. This one was in a hurry to get out coming straight at me no real fight – perhaps it’s a Tench. No it was a Mirror of 16lb.

0730: Went to the lodge early today and then went round to The Steps swim via the Pontoon to ask Ed to come and take some photos’ before Breakfast – taking him up on his offer to do so... had to wake him but he was more than pleased to do so.

Here's My new PB 35lb 4oz

Being in the sack she was a bit lively but had some expert coaching from Ed on how to handle these big fish. Lots of Photos in & out of the water me and all I reluctantly let here go.

Breakfast done set up for the day and made up some more rigs the ones I had been using are getting tired.
I decoded to change over at the lunch time rebait, but just as was the middle of the rebait I had Tench on the LH rod and forgot to re-rig that rod. You know what is coming next. Not 5minutes after rebaiting /positioning the LH rod and preparing to rebait the Centre Rod the LH rod arched round violently I lifted straight into it and a huge fish crashed on the surface were the bait was. It came like a surfacing submarine towards me it hump standing well clear of the water it had the hump in more ways than one. I reeled like mad was it still on – yes I get confirmation with violent thumping followed by slack again as it continued toward me I This time when it brightens up a three big thumps and then nothing. The rig had come undone at the knot on the swivel. !!!!!
If only I had the new rig on, If only I’d paid enough attention to clutch setting when setting the bait runner drag it was too tight. All valuable lessons learned but I’d lost the chance of a massive fish – I don’t think I’d get another this trip.

Had a busy last Night more Tench and Carp form the centre Rod at 0100, 0300 and 0500 the last two being of 27 1/2 and 22lb respectively a nice way to finish it off. The score on the doors was 15 carp, 14 Tench 10 lost. But the Tench had the last laugh on the centre rod Tap tap a drop back and off deposited my bait in the weed – Time to call it a day – packed up at 0900 and called for Tom to come and pick me up – back to the lodge - shower etc and fresh clothes – a nice fresh bacon egg sarnie we sort ourselves out – weigh up the bags to meet the 15kg weight allowance and David takes us to the airport, where we had an 1 1.2 delay. Steve my future son in law picked me up, and back home – a Quick sort out ready for the Match at Bury Hill the next day.

X marks the spot to where my baits where placed

So I am already planning my return trip next year -

A few lessons learned

1) Go with someone you get on with to be on the pontoon with you - will help with the baiting up and getting to those runs when you are out baiting up and searching for things in the dark.

2) If on your own make sure you have a tripod - handy for taking photos.

3) Listen to what the bailff's tell you.

4) Take some high factor Sun tan oil, the sun is vary agressive at this time of the year - you have to remember how far South You are.

5) Make sure you have transmitter alarms so you can hear runs the over the Frog Chorus at night.

6) Take a line twister lead

7) Use new line on a couple of sessions before you go

8) Remember to ask for a means of lighting your gas burner on the 1st night.

I Learned so much that I can use in the UK - I found the Triggalink/Ultrasilk combo and the Limpet Camelion - Lead Core - the latter taking on the colour of the lake bed over the week and Triggalink works when wet like a piece of elastic giving you that extra bolt effect.

The biggest thing I learned was thinking about bait & freebie placement in setting the trap - Something David taught me and has change my whole outlook

Role on next year

Look at the lake details here:

http://www.nashresorts.co.uk/

LCFC Sunday League Match - Clavering Match Lake - 3rd June 2007

2007-06-04T18:20:00.000+01:00

Weather:
Fog>Mist>Sunny
Temp 14>22°C

Wind E (9 mph)

Relative Humidity (%): 85,

Pressure (mB): 1022, Falling,

Visibility: Good

19 members gathered early (0630 hrs) for our Annual Pilgrimage to the home of the Biggest Bag of the year. - Clavering Lakes. The early morning mist as they like to call it in Summer - Fog to me as you could not see the other end of the lake, but bode well for a sunny day. Through the mist I could make out Kev Keeling helping Dan his son set up on the adjacent Silver Fish Lake, almost ready to go. They must have got up really early having already pegged out the Lake - that's dedication for you. Dan was later about to put half the Match men to shame - More of that later.

I was surprised to see so much colour in the water - this is normally Gin Clear in the margins as it is spring fed. I was not surprised to find the water level high - as had been reported to me the week before. I had brought my 'Wellingtons' as a pre caution as the higher numbered pegs required a little paddling to get to the Platforms. As only 19 were fishing Peg 21 the peg that needed a boat to get to was taken out of the draw.

The view from My peg just before the off the last of the Fog/Mist just lifting

Clavering is very much what I call a 10/10 Lake - I have built up a rough understanding now of most of the lakes we fish and which are the so-called 'hot pegs' and who are the really good Anglers and rate accordingly. Marks out of 10 for each, So if you get a good angler on a good peg you have a good idea of where the top places will be coming from - So the draw is all important here- whereas somewhere like Tyler's Common (Ash) is not each peg bar two get an 8 rating.
Here I rate Pegs 1-4, as 10, Pegs 14-17 as 8 or 18-20 as 9 - then Put a good Angler in one of those and there you have it.

This was my mental model for the key Players based of the Hot Pegs:
Olly Wagg 10/8 = 18

Kev Keeling 10/8 = 18

John Buck 9/9 = 18

Luke Hyde 8/8 = 16

Mick Byrne 7/10 =17

John Pearce 7/10 =17

Paul Hyde 9/10= 19

Steve Barrett 9/8 = 17

Needless to say I drew peg 9 so a score of 5 /4 = 9 so that meant a normal middle of the road position for me again !

My Peg (9) was not a 'proper' swim no platform I squeezed in between Steve Ellis to my right and Mason Mills to my left - I measured out and set up at mid point between Steve and Mason. Olly Wagg went walkabout and comment as he came round that I had a '"£$%" swim and that Steve had already turnt his back on me !.. I retorted that I believe you fish what you draw - end of !

Mason sitting 'Patiently' for the off a few feet to my left

I suppose the rest of the day is not really worthy of note - expect two things 1) My pairs' partner Gary Somerfield discovered the Method Waggler fishing 1 foot deep as a bagging tactic and 2) a unique capture by me.

1) Gary's method Waggler tactic was born out of desperation. The Carp were swimming around at foot below the surface but showed no interest for surface baits, sprayed maggots, sweetcorn caster, I tried everything bar the method Waggler - I have one but it did not enter my mind - It has now !

2) Using the best tactic for me - the Waggler set at 12 foot depth with no weights and treble red maggot so it slowly fell through the layers. On one occasion I had a very slow pull bite classic carp take. As I reeled in and retrieved most of the line with the Float close to top tip I noticed a cage feeder come out of the water aligned /attached with my line. One landed - what a surprised and I don't know if you would consider it a legal match catch. The hook in the carp's mouth was attached the feeder and my hook was through the top eye of the Swivel on the feeder line on the feeder set up. - Amazing - good job I kept a tight line !

What did worry me was that the feeder was set up in a FIXED fashion i.e. the Hook /length Feeder were all one unit the Feeder was fixed to the main line and blow the swivel - so the poor old carp had been pulling this around - But judging on the stet of the hook and feeder it had not been for long -thankfully - Perhaps the carp saw my line -and thought ah-hah lets hook that up get pulled in and get the furniture off me - No just a pure fluke.

I Picked up four carp the best being a ~ 5lb Mirror using this along with 1 dozen nice Chublets and the normal Roach and skimmers. Limited success on the feeder, which I hadn't set up on as I have never done well here on that - But Mason to my left bagged a few slabs early on fishing the cage feeder 10 Metres out. Steve was also having limited success on the feeder also.
The 5lb mirror mentioned early I was lucky to get in as it provided a good scrap on my match rod set up, but also took Mason's Pole rig he was fishing close in to his right / my left. - Didn't do any damage and Mason accepted my apologies - well he was only 8 feet away.

All the time we were fishing for bits, Paul Hyde was bagging up on Peg 3 and John Buck was also pulling them in but not at the same pace. Olly was quiet in the opposite corner and Kev went Roach bashing. Steve had been putting in what look like a 2kg bag of Sweetcorn in his margins most of the afternoon - but paid dividends late on as the carp moved in and he winkled 4 -5 out in the last hour (On Red Maggot). It did draw a comment from Kev at one point - " go on Steve one more for luck" Kev was referring to the fifth handful of Sweetcorn Steve put in in one go.

It was a bit of relief as 4 o'clock came and we could weigh in - The Sun had taken its toll - I forgotten to put some sun block on - Well it was foggy at the start ! - I thought I hadn't moaned too much but - no paddy's though Mason put me right on that one and Steve said why do you think I had my back to you. I promise from now on that I am going to say nothing - I getting a Zipper for my mouth.

As we progressed round the weigh -in we measured Dan's bag - - A very respectable mixed bag of 19lb 10 ozs - 11lb of Carp - Which drew the expected comments like - You done your old man and we should have fished that lake - Well we will later in the year -(October). That weight would have placed Dan 11th in the Match - Not bad eh!

Given the mental Model the only surprise to me was Kev with 18lb+ of Silvers - fishing not 10 feet away from Olly who weighed in 47lb (46lb carp). But no guesses who was the winner - Paul Hyde in that favoured corner.

Looking back at last years result the average weight per angler was well down (28 ½ lb versus 49.5lb) - What was difference - Perhaps the timing and the Weather ?.
Last year the match was on 2nd July, with weather being Sunny and Temperature which started at 22 and rose to 31 but with a brisk SW wind of 25mph !!! compared with this year – 3rd June, Sunny and easterly light wind – and fish either just finished or about to start spawning ?

Blakey's Fishing Blog: Visteon Basildon Plant - Annual Spring Hourly v Staff Match - Churchgate Top Lake - 27th May 2007

2007-05-27T19:40:00.000+01:00

Blakey's Fishing Blog: Visteon Basildon Plant - Annual Spring Hourly v Staff Match - Churchgate Top Lake - 27th May 2007

Visteon Basildon Plant - Annual Spring Hourly v Staff Match - Churchgate Top Lake - 27th May 2007

2007-05-27T19:34:00.000+01:00

Weather
Temp 8> 11°C
Wind: Westerly to Easterly (7 mph)
Relative Humidity (%): 86,
Pressure (mB): 995, Falling
Raining

14 Current and Ex Visteon Basildon Plant personnel gathered at Churchgate Lakes for the Annual Spring Hourly Paid versus Staff match. Mike Hacvker had travelled up from Bridgend specifically for the Match - Well done Mike.

Most hard a hearty breakfast by the time I had got there and the rain had just started and would not stop all day. (Traditional English Bank Holiday).

We made our way up the hill to the top Lake – You cannot park up the path anymore which makes parking spaces a premium now, plus a drag with your gear - Not as bad as Coming back up from Horeshoe Lake at Tylers Common though !

The Hourly’s drew the odd pegs and The Staff the even pegs – I drew Peg 6, but as I got there it was clear that Peg’s 4 & 5 were a double swim – and a bit tight. After a brief discussion I moved down a Peg to #7 and Big Al went down the corner Peg to make way for Dave Ellis in my 'drawn' Peg 6 – So having drawn 6, I was now fishing #7.

I set up on the feeder to the Island – some 75 yards distant, during which time I lost my experimental in line drilled out Middy plastic feeder to act more like cage feeder down through the platform. So set up on Standard Middy green plastic in-line feeder, and a pole l line at 7m where the shelf drops off.

Another of those days to hunker down under the brolly set up tilt style to keep out the rain on the Westerly Wind. Keep nets to the left and the feeder rod to the right. For the 1st hour tried several Baits – Single/Double red maggot Sweetcorn & pellet on size 16 3 lb -6-18” hook links – Best results came from 18” / double red maggot. A number of skimmers and a small slab of 2lb. Came in to the pole line – pastes with size 12 Middy paste setup – Roach bouncing off the paste – Tried Sweetcorn – Alfie Palmer to my right had already had a couple of 2 lb slabs with Corn at this length.

The morning passed quite uneventfully for me – just the occasional skimmer/ Ide on the feeder to the Island – swapping to the 7m line every now and again. Dave Ellis had a low nice looking low double Mirror using the method / corn. I thought about swapping to the method at that point, but just like somebody switching a baffle the wind shifted from Westerly to Easterly in a couple of minutes which meant rain coming into me.

I decided to shift my peg set round so I was now fishing ‘cack’ handed. I got smashed up by a ‘big un’ and lost all the end tackle so I swapped to my favourite In-line Middy 1/2 ounce maggot feeder and had a good run in last 1 hour and half to island on Double red maggot feeder bagging up on Ide of 4-10oz mark.

I kept loosing fish at 6m out, perhaps they were hitting the ‘shelf and bumping off. So I had a high rod position instead of the low side ways fighting position I normally adopt. Which resulted in no lost fish at that mark – Spooky !!?

In the mean time Dave Ellis had a nice Grass carp of 6 ½ lb which had to be weighed and returned (Lake rule) to go along a couple of other nice mid single carp.

What amazed me was I was using the fish as Hand warmers!! Just goes to show how cold my wet hands were aginst the Lake Water temperature.

The early weigh-in had the hourly’s in front with couple of nice nets of carp, Until we got to Paul ‘The Cat’ Mansfield’s nets’ – One small Crucian and 89lb of Bream & Ide. To finish 1st– I was surprised to learn that Paul ahs never had a Ton in a match !!!!

I weighed in 18 Lb12 oz to finish 5th – Much to my surprise,
Dave Ellis 2nd with 29lb 8oz with Mike Hacker a close 3rd with 29lb 5 oz of mainly Silvers.

The Staff run out empathic winners 42 points to 64.

So it was pack up time say our goodbyes and home for a nice hot bath and a few beers after hanging out everything to dry in the garage – Should be dry by next week – Clavering here we come.

Blakey's Fishing Blog: Big Johns Angling Sunday League Match - Blind Lane New Lake 20th May 2007

2007-05-21T17:34:00.000+01:00

Blakey's Fishing Blog: Big Johns Angling Sunday League Match - Blind Lane New Lake 20th May 2007