Monday, October 20, 2008
Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity Pairs Match - Coleman's Cottage - Wood Lake - 19th October 2008
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.
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:
Labels: Charity Matches
Monday, July 28, 2008
Old Esthameians Charity Match 27th July 2008 - Aveley Club - Cranham Lake
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.
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:
Labels: Charity Matches
Monday, July 30, 2007
Old Esthameians Lodge Annual Charity Match - Aveley Club's Cranham Lake - 29th July 2007
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
Not impressed either !
Suitably relieved posing - I think this is your best side Booz!
Section 1: Paul Blake (me - 11b 50z)
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!
Still as always a good day had by all
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.
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.
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 -
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
Labels: Charity Matches
Monday, July 31, 2006
Whipps Cross Charity Match - Avelely Fishing Club Cranham Lake 30th July 2006
Location – Aveley Club Lake – Cranham
Weather:
Sunny Occasional Cloud
Temp 22 to 27 deg C
Wind SW / Variable 7-15 mph
Baro 1012 mB falling
1st Things 1st – What a fabulous day organised by my host Martin Haimowitz. I think around 35 Anglers mainly from the Aveley Club plus myself fished 1000-1500 hrs and raised around £750 for Whipps Cross Hospice.
I turnt up at 0730 greeted by martin, promptly paid my fees and raffle and tucked into the tea and freshly barbeque Burger and sausage.
With draw at 8am – I picked peg 15 – by all accounts not on the right side of the lake – Did not mean anything to me as I had not even see the water at this point. Trekking from the car park down the road and into the lake area passing through a witch hazel tunnel up the stairs and got my 1srt view of the lake – wow, Very pretty shielded on the west bank by beech tress with features of lily pads in almost every swim..
As I walked down the peg I was proceeded by my next swim partner for the day Fred who kindly provided me with information on what method and where to fish as we were fishing the wrong side as the fish have been coming out on the shaded west bank. Remember this has been a terrifically hot week – but the gods were shining on us today – comfortable temperature and a nice SW breeze which became a swirling westerly later on.
I off loaded my gear in the Bivvy areas behind the swim and had leisurely set up period until 1000am.
The depth varies from 3 feet in the margins to 9 in the centre down a steep shelf at 12 metres out (add another 3 feet for winter).
Maggot was the indicated bait to use so I went out deep on the maggot feeder but nothing doing, so cam into the margins on the pole with single maggot – had a few small roach and Rudd. By 1100 there was movement in the upper layers and the lakes resident Light coloured Grassie was parading around with a mate in tow. Moved to the waggler at 30 yards – a challenge with the 9 foot depth and a facing swirling wind. Literally sprayed loose maggots against the wind, but had immediate results with the small chublets that were introduced last year began to take a on the drop on size 16 and 3lb Hook Link top 5lb mainline. I shallowed up a little then had a screamer. The reel screamed on and off for the next twenty minutes as I wrestled with a submarine that proceeded to kite up and down the lake from Peg 10 to 16.
She finally cam up and I had a glimpse she did not like coming up the shelf into the shallow – what a beauty all of 20lb, then disaster – we picked up Fred’s feeder rig, who put the bait runner on, but I made a fatal mistake – I eased off to try an release the waggler from the feeder cage and she slipped the hook. To my amazement I didn’t even swear, Fred was very apologetic but I assured him it was not his fault and I should not have backed off. How ever Fred would continue to ribbed about it all the way to the Plough (local pub) for the after match Shandy.
Not dismayed I rigged up the same as before as I have caught 21lbers on this rig / rod before and cast – had a few chub but then on the 3rd cast had another screamer – not as big this time – felt about ½ the weight of the lady that got away. I decided to gain control on this one but still had to play it for 5 mins in close to my net but success – Ian kindly did the weighing honours and tip the scales at 12l 10oz and what a pretty Common – see the Picture.
At 1.30 the local farmer decided harvest to the wheat in the adjacent field on the west bank, with breeze coming from that direction treat us all to loose chaff. The oddest thing to me about this was a perception we were in Greater London and I turn your leave metropolitan area and there is the country staring you in the face.
The carp continued to swim in the upper layers but all the fish were coming out of the East bank not the west as was widely anticipated. Couldn’t get into any carp but was provided with good sport with the chub and a continuous supply of burgers and sausages freshly cooked on the barby by Ian and Wayne – thanks guys much appreciated and boy those Asda 1/4lbers were great “!
Half an hour before the whistle had Bream bubbles a where I had been feeding all day – Had a small skimmer on the waggler – went onto the feeder on the hope of picking up one of the big bream that frequent this water (average 6-7lb) best at around 10lb. But not can do was the order.
After the weigh in and presentation and raffle I discovered that I’d finished THIRD, not my best match position wise but Best match performance when all factors considered, - 1st sight / fish of a lake and 36 other anglers to compete against when it is normally 20 max.
After helping to pack up we retired to the local hostelry and Barry Newton and Martin treated us to a couple of Shandys’ and we reflected on what had been a good day. I look forward to next year’s event – if I can attend /invited.
Well done Martin – Great day
Labels: Charity Matches
Monday, May 29, 2006
Charity Match - Blind Lane West Hanningfield 28th May 2006
19 anglers fished in Ed Pearces' latest match in his St Lukes Hospice series at Blind Lane - New Match lake. Special disposition by owner to fish during close season. - thank You
Weather Bright with some strong sunshine - temp 16C, Wind S 10 mph
Peg position spread out to equalize any fish movement effects due to angling pressure on this 46 peg Venue.
I fished Fished Feeder - and match rod with Puddle Chucker from 'Peg 2'. Never felt so disappointed after a match - all around were catching regular - but I only had few small common carp to the feeder on Sweetcorn carp few & far between - caught hitting a feeder to the far point bank and rolling down the bank edge - The carp must have been feeding on worms from the bank - the only natural food - Come off a foot no bites, - The fish appear still be to shoaled up after the recent rain. - Best fishing came from fishing tight to a feature - No feature - nothing much in the way of fish. Which was shown by the weights - ranging from the winner at 114lb an last at 7lb - I managed to put together 8lb 8oz equal between carp and the plentiful Roach. Olly Wagg amassed a bag of 20lb of Silvers - they were so small that I remarked that he must have been trawling for them. - But well done all the same !
I tried all sorts of hook lengths / set ups to get through these small fish but gave up and fished for them for a two hour period. I was still catching 1/2 oz roach on Size 14 and 5 maggots - Pellet / Sweetcorn no effect - Even the winner caught on feeder / maggot. They were not ready for the advanced baits yet.
At least the weather was kind and I got sunburned - Not bad for a generally poor bank Holiday and previous 10 days weather wise.
There should be some photo's shortly on the new Dynamites Bait Website http://www.dynamitebaits.com/ who sponsored the event with some prizes, when it is up and running - June
Next Up Pea Lane in the Lee Chapel Sunday League. I have not fished there before so should be interesting
Weather Bright with some strong sunshine - temp 16C, Wind S 10 mph
Peg position spread out to equalize any fish movement effects due to angling pressure on this 46 peg Venue.
I fished Fished Feeder - and match rod with Puddle Chucker from 'Peg 2'. Never felt so disappointed after a match - all around were catching regular - but I only had few small common carp to the feeder on Sweetcorn carp few & far between - caught hitting a feeder to the far point bank and rolling down the bank edge - The carp must have been feeding on worms from the bank - the only natural food - Come off a foot no bites, - The fish appear still be to shoaled up after the recent rain. - Best fishing came from fishing tight to a feature - No feature - nothing much in the way of fish. Which was shown by the weights - ranging from the winner at 114lb an last at 7lb - I managed to put together 8lb 8oz equal between carp and the plentiful Roach. Olly Wagg amassed a bag of 20lb of Silvers - they were so small that I remarked that he must have been trawling for them. - But well done all the same !
I tried all sorts of hook lengths / set ups to get through these small fish but gave up and fished for them for a two hour period. I was still catching 1/2 oz roach on Size 14 and 5 maggots - Pellet / Sweetcorn no effect - Even the winner caught on feeder / maggot. They were not ready for the advanced baits yet.
At least the weather was kind and I got sunburned - Not bad for a generally poor bank Holiday and previous 10 days weather wise.
There should be some photo's shortly on the new Dynamites Bait Website http://www.dynamitebaits.com/ who sponsored the event with some prizes, when it is up and running - June
Next Up Pea Lane in the Lee Chapel Sunday League. I have not fished there before so should be interesting
Labels: Charity Matches
