Lathoms No4, 25/10/15 ~ Standing ovation for super Sumo

A bit of a fiasco greeted us at Lathoms this week. An overflowing car park spelt trouble, as 4 clubs were in attendance, all hoping to fish 2 waters. Double booking on both match lakes found things being rearranged, and due to numbers involved, we found ourselves on No4 pool. Fortunately, there is very little difference needed in the approach, so no harm done, and a new experience for most.
With the weather as it is, the previous weights at Lathoms were never going to be matched, but this turned into a very tight little affair.
Of course the angling genius that is Sumo set himself apart from the field, but the rest were extremely close. Flushed with recent success, it seems that John is trying to set a new trend. Forget your pulla kit and just stand up to net every fish. Personally I don't see it catching on, but who knows. It worked for Sumo as he netted 51lb 08oz of F1s and silvers and won in convincing style. Magnificent John, just magnificent.
Despite trailing for the first part of the match, Gary Brislen came good late on and sneaked into the runner-up spot with a fine 45lb 15oz return. Just behind, on 45lb 13oz, was the Garden Gnome..
Well done to both.
Lee Pickup with 44lb and Neil Paterson with 42lb both fished well but for no reward, while sections went to Dennis Jones with 39lb 15oz, Dirk Wriggler with 36lb 14oz, and fresh from his angling globetrot, Nick Harrop with 40lb 07oz. Congratulations to them all.

LINGMERE, 18/10/15 ~ Tony is top dog

With numerous trips planned, I only have time for the result, sorry.

1st Tony Wilson 62lb 02oz

2nd Lee Pickup 50lb 14oz

3rd Dirk Wriggler 49lb 07oz

Sections for Dennis Jones 48lb 14oz

                              John Edwards 10lb 03oz

                     Ken Stuart 26lb 12oz

                              Jamie Pickup 35lb 06oz 

Well done to Tony and all the framers

HAMPTON, MEADOW, 4/10/15 ~ John's stand-up routine is no joke

Chilly nights, foggy mornings and then bright, calm days are not the ideal conditions for a day's fishing. Despite this, Hampton provided us with a very competitive match, and half the field weighed in over 30lb. Typical of the last few weeks, provided a little thought and effort went into the fishing, there were bites to be had, albeit spread out through the match.
John Edwards is the first to start shouting 'advice' when anyone hooks a decent fish, normally about the use of a pulla kit. How amusing then, to see Sumo standing on tiptoes to land every half decent fish he encountered. He also spent a great deal of time standing in order to see his float in the margins. As remarked during the day, we think he was giving his seatbox a rest from the usual torture of carrying his fat ass. After the initial ridicule at his antics, the only one laughing at John's stand-up routine was John himself. He certainly wiped the smile off a few faces at the final whistle as his 46lb 09oz made him a clear winner. Yes, I know, Sumo and winner in the same sentence!!! An outstanding performance from John, so credit where due, well done.
Another big performance came from the evergreen Kenny Pickup. Finding some bigger fish in the margins, which many of the field failed to muster, KP brought 37lb 03oz to the scales, and earned himself the silver medal. Nice one Ken.
Third place, by a whisker, went to Dirk Wriggler.  Despite any winnings going towards a new No.6 section, Degsy held himself together (if not the pole) to catch 32lb 15oz and sneak onto the podium. Another consistent effort, so well done.
Section wins went to Lee Pickup with 32lb 10oz, and The Jolly Green Giant. Having been verbally abused by Nasty Nick for most of the day, Neil took sweet revenge with his 31lb 08oz return. Good, honest performances from both section winners, congratulations boys.