HAMPTON SPRINGS, LONG ISLAND, 12/5/13 ~ Dennett donkeys secure winning debut

The middle of May, and everyone had big coats on. In conditions more akin to January, Hampton was not in the best of form. With very few margin fish caught, this was reflected in the weights.
One man who found some of the bigger carp, albeit at range on the feeder, was club debutant Paul Dennett.
Only five fish graced his keepnet at the end, but all were donkeys. They totalled 34lb 07oz and gave Paul a win on his very first outing with the Eggy. I knew I should have black-balled his application! Seriously, a great start, and welcome to the club.
A tie for second place between Lee Pickup, who was one of only a few who caught down the edge, but managed about a dozen meat loving carp, and Dennis Jones, who had a mixed bag of crucians, carp and bits. Both weighed a level 33lb from adjacent pegs. A real ding dong, and well done to both.
The new payout structure continued today, and section A winner was the maestro himself, Pete Lucas. He fished his usual method feeder, along with pole and bread, and finished with 27lb 12oz. Another good score by the Warrington Wizard.
Section B went to Kenny Stuart, who resorted to doing what he does best, and landed a crucian based net, on pole and pellet, weighing 21lb 04oz. Well done the mastercatcher.
With Paul winning section C, the final section was another close affair, with travelling buddies Derek Warren and Andy Lawton in a head to head, both netting some good carp. Derek came out on top with 23lb 12oz, caught on feeder with meat, while Andy was just a crucian behind with 23lb 02oz. Good effort lads.
Finally, from hero to zero in double quick time. On Saturday, fishing at The Oaks in Thirsk, Pato put on a masterly display to beat some top class anglers in winning his section at the fishomania qualifier. Congratulations on a great performance. Alas, on Sunday it was 'return of the duffer' as Neil failed to weigh after a dismal and cold day, catching next to nothing. Doh!!!