Thursday, August 21, 2008
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 20th August 2008 (Silver Fish)
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.
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.
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 13th August 2008 (All-In)
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 !
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 6th August 2008 (Silver)
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Monday, August 04, 2008
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 30th July 2008 (All In)
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Lee Chapel Wednesday League Match - 23rd July 2008 - LCL
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.
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 29th August 2007 (All-In)
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!
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!
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 22nd August 2007 (Silver)
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.
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.
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 15th August 2007 (All In)
The Die Hards were joined this week by Kev Keeling , Paul Pratley & Big John this week.
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,
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 !
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Friday, August 10, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 8th August 2007 (Silver)
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.
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 1st August 2007 (All In)
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
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
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Blakey Wins 1st Wednesday League Match - Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 25th July 2007 (Silver Fish)
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 18th July 2007 (All In)
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
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 11th July 2007 (Silver Fish Only)
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.
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Monday, July 09, 2007
Lee Chapel Wednesday Stan Memorial League Match 4th July 2007 (All-In)
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.
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.
Labels: Wednesday League Match
Monday, July 02, 2007
Synopsis of Wednedsay Evening Sessions and Big Johns League Match 3rd -27th June 2007
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.
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 !.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
Labels: Big Johns League Match, Wednesday League Match
