HAMPTON SPRINGS, Rock, 23/8/15 ~ Pato makes The Gnome up his game.

Another brilliant turn-out meant that some of the less productive pegs on Rock had to go into the drawbag. Still, our section system tries to ensure that things remain competitive even when areas of the lake aren't full of fish.
Only one section proved to be a complete washout, with Steve Coleman's modest 6lb 14oz return being enough to take the money. Everyone in the section stayed the distance and weighed in, so credit to them, and congrats to Steve.
Midway through the contest, Neil Paterson was making very good use of the 'tip flier' known as Rock 23. After putting a few decent carp in the onion bag, it seemed that he was well in front of The Gnome and his bag of pole caught crucians. "Come over here a minute" Pato beckoned. "What for?" was Yozzer's response. "You're gonna need this Argos catalogue to make the kicking a little less painful".
Now, when faced with the option of kissing or kicking Pato's backside, which one would you prefer? Me too, that's why I had to up my game. Fortunately the island carp decided to come closer to the bank, and as Pato slowed, the margins started to produce. One 5 lber and half a dozen smaller carp were added to around 30lb of cruies, and it was job done.
Yozzer had totalled 58lb 02 oz, and not only put Pato's 35lb 06oz in it's place, but also won the match.
Ian Simpson put  in a welcome, if rare appearance and, as usual, went away with cash. An 'enjoyable' day resulted in the runner-up spot with an excellent 52lb 02oz.
Another angler we don't see enough of is Tony Wilson. He fished mainly maggot and put together an honourable 51lb 03oz, to take the final podium position. Well done to Poulton's finest.
It's now becoming a habit, but once again Andy Lawton was the shining light in the Leasowe partnership. 23lb 12oz brought section success. Despair in this section, as, despite his best efforts, Les Tommo failed to complete the 20lb challenge. The age old fight with Lily took it's toll and Les lost out on several occasions. Don't mess with Lily, you won't win!
The final section was won by Lee Pickup, who beat 'our kid' off the next peg, with a reasonable score of 19lb 02oz, Good job the challenge has already been met for this month though, Lee. Well done.
Finally, as the only qualifying member to get through this month, Yozzer is already this year's 'Section Winner Challenge' champion.
11 members continue in the 20lb challenge, which will be September and October, but not including the weekend away. Good Luck.

LINGMERE, 16/8/15 ~ Jamie is Alpha One male

A great turnout for Lingmere meant that every peg was in and it was a godsend when The Gnome had to cry off with his shoulder again. Quite remarkable that some members were disappointed at the lack of a breeze, as normally the wind is such a spoiler.
Once again the fishing seemed almost secondary to most as the banter was superb from start to finish. Even as a spectator, there was never a dull moment.
For the purposes of the blog I shall call the tactic of pole fishing shallow with no float the Monkey method. I'm sure you all know what I mean.
The frame this week was made up entirely of 'monkeys'. Paul Cargill was drawn on the unfashionable peg 11, and midway through the match he was everybody's favourite to win. Catching shallow to the bush on maggot, he soon dispensed with his float and fished the monkey with devastating effect. The scales showed 75lb 08oz, which surprised a few who thought Paul had cracked the ton. A brilliant display all the same.
Jamie Pickup also employed the monkey, mainly to the middle of the lake, and quietly sneaked them in all match. He rained on Cargy's parade too, as an impressive 79lb 14oz snatched victory. Well done to The Awesome One, and hard luck to Paul.
The Third wise monkey was the most surprising. Despite being a master float maker, Dennis Jones fished without one! Business must surely take a knock as Ginger let scruples slip and resorted to the 'slap n tap' tactics. Normally he should be ashamed of himself, but scruples don't pay bills. The resultant 71lb 01oz meant that the money went into his pocket, so it was job done. Nice one Denboy.
Plenty of other decent weights saw the Harrop father and son team take 2 section prizes, as Nick had 43lb 12oz, and Dave's 28lb 05oz was also good enough. Andy Lawton ensured that the Leasowe gentry didn't leave empty handed as another fine performance resulted in a 58lb 09oz return. Johnny Buck Rogers continues to bluff. He struggled and didn't end up with much, but a mere 59lb 15oz managed to get him some coin so that was a bit of compensation. Heaven help us when he does have a good day, the club record will surely go. Congratulations to the winners, unlucky the also-rans.

LLOYDS, Badger, 9/8/15 ~ After the Lord Mayor's show....

I suppose it was bound to happen, but following last week's remarkable day out, it was back to some sort of normality for this match. As expected on Badger, if you are on a few it can be a nice day's sport, but if you're not it can be a bit of a grueller. Results reflected the total hit and miss nature of the venue.
The car park side of the lake was rock hard to say the least. There were, however, several outstanding performances. John Edwards stayed the distance for once and put together an impressive (on the day) 33lb 03oz, which was far and away the best weight for that side of the lake.
Lots of tomfoolery surrounded the Maver magician. Andy Lawton almost lost a complete pole. Hooking a carp at 16m, 11 metres of his pole detached itself and was floating around on the surface. As is quite likely on these occasions, Steve Cooke came to the rescue, wedging his 13m section into Andy's errant pole and retrieving the situation. Meanwhile, Paul Robb hooked a carp while fishing the tip, and let it career through Sumo's peg and into Andy's, snagging the latter's pole rig. Andy landed the runaway, unhooked it and then sportingly returned the feeder to Paul and the carp back into the lake.
Absolutely brilliant to see the 2 section winners on that side getting the applause they fully deserved. Cookie Monster Steve just edged in front of Mr Jackson to win his section, while Gentleman Jim, the ever jovial Eric Heyes, had an even bigger smile than usual as he picked up a brown envelope with his 17lb 02oz bag. Marvellous efforts from both on a tough day.
All the main action was around on the far side, with the first 3 pegged in a line. Dennis Jones caught steadily from the first whistle, sneaking the odd fish from his 16 metre line. Buck Rogers also had the odd carp and skimmer from the long line but could never quite nail The Ginger one. For the first hour, Yozzer sat stubbornly refusing to go beyond 6 metres. Consequently, he never had a fish. A switch to maggot shallow brought about a few quality ide and 2 surprise carp. Then it went quiet, except for the usual mind games of who was winning and who wasn't.
Despite losing one fish for every one he put in the net, Dennis was the clear leader at halfway.
With 2 hours to go, The Garden Gnome had a quick look in the margins. 30 seconds later he was playing a ghostie! That "quick" look turned into a full blown assault and it was game on.
Both Dennis and Bucko tried their margins and had a couple of fish, while Yozzer was getting a bite a chuck on 4mm pellet, hooking plenty of carp, landing some and losing some.
It was going to be close. Ginger put a superb 48lb 09oz on the scales and probably deserved to win. Bucko was next and his 36lb 06oz fell short but put him into second. Another fine performance.
However, those late margin fish transformed The Gnome from zero to hero as he took the honours with 67lb 13oz.
Can members please note that following recent events regarding "swimming" all matches will now start with the shout of 'commence fishing' as the old 'all in' call seems to encourage certain people into the lake.

LATHOMS No1, 2/8/15 ~ If Carlsberg did club matches.....

As the advert goes, If Carlsberg did club matches, then this would be about as perfect as you could get. Regulars will know that the pegging is a little tight to say the least, and with 18 in attendance, it was hard to find a bit of space. I think it also meant that the fish had nowhere to back off to.
On a day when 50lb was only good enough for 17th spot, everyone's elastic was on show for most of the day. Banter was great as the feelgood factor spread right along the bank (OK it briefly stopped at Pato). Quote of the day must go to Jamie. Speaking to Paul Robb about a future venue, he said to Paul "you'll love it there...... it's next door to a hairdressers". Quality!
The first section was a real tight affair, with Dennis Jones sneaking the verdict thanks to his 52lb 13oz, while Cookie monster's 50lb 15oz only claimed third in section. Dennis was contemplating a return to the canal scene, but after this match I somehow doubt that will happen any time soon.
Jamie Pickup won the next section with a fine 71lb 02oz, closely followed by Robbo, who weighed 69lb 05oz on his first venue visit. Good efforts from both.

The next section featured overall second and third. Runner-up was Nasty Boy Nick, with a very impressive 94lb 13oz, all caught on maggot at 4 metres. I don't know where he got that idea from.
But it proved too good for Dirk Wriggler who could 'only' manage 83lb 05oz on caster shallow at 13 metres. Maybe all the shipping in and out cost him too much time? Great scores from both men though.
Lee Pickup also chose to fish long and shallow and was rewarded for his hard work by catching sporadically throughout the match for his section win, this time with another bumper weight of 70lb 07oz.
Ken Stuart, with 72lb, and Gary Brislen with 78lb, could have reasonably expected to be in the money. Alas, their section also contained The Gnome, whose 115lb 07oz, caught on pellet and corn at 4 metres, was enough for overall victory. Tough luck fellas.
John Edwards started like a runaway train and another venue record looked to be under threat. Sadly for Sumo, the wheel fell off at halfway but he was able to hang on for a section win with yet another super weight of 76lb 09oz.
Thanks to those that did the weigh-in, it really was a week when you didn't want it to be your turn.