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.
Monday, 17 August 2015
Monday, 10 August 2015
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.
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.
Monday, 3 August 2015
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.
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.
Monday, 27 July 2015
GORSTY HALL, 26/7/15, Ben Pickup Memorial
Ben will never be forgotten, but according to reports, maybe from a fishing point of view, sport was instantly forgettable.
Sumo ran the match and has kindly written an account of the day:
For those that remember the glory days at Gorsty, and given the recent club results there, plus the weather forecast, eleven brave (deluded?) souls headed out for our latest extravaganza more in hope than expectation.
The day started badly for more than half the field with an enforced Mackie D breakfast as the café wagon at Gorsty doesn't seem to open anymore. Still, the remaining 45 minute drive was enough time to get over the indigestion before the draw.
Given the wind and rain 'in the kipper', keeping your head down on the method/waggler and hoping for a bite was the order of the day. Most poles stayed in the rod bag and the three hopefuls in A section who set them up soon wished they hadn't.
Triumphant on the day was Dirk Wriggler with 25lb 15oz of method caught carp off the lilies. The £28 prize money Derek won will go some way towards replacing the rod he snapped and the reel he dropped into the margin and somehow never to be seen again????
Second, sitting next to Dirk, and on an all too rare outing, was Cargy Jnr with 19lb 05oz of carp, all (all? hah! five ) again caught on the method. Paul's casting prowess drew gasps of amazement from his fellow anglers as his skill and experience prevented his feeder from EVER landing in the same place twice. Searching the peg it's called. Well done son.
Final framer was Steve (I'm better looking than Rock ) Hudson. Perseverance and five and a half hours thrashing away on the big wag resulted in 5 carp for 11lb 15oz.
Sections
A- Dennis Jones - 10lb 13oz (with a perfect split of 2 fish in one net and 2 in the other).
B- Steve Hudson 11lb 15oz
C- Dirk Wriggler 25lb 15oz
I'd like to thank The Butler for sending tradesmen round to the rear entrance and helping with the draw, and Cargy for helping with the weigh in.
Joking apart, hopefully next year we can have a better day on which to remember Lee's little lad.
Thursday, 23 July 2015
*******SPECIAL REPORT******** Garbolino Club Angler FINAL, Barston Lakes, 22/7/15
For the second year running I qualified to represent the club in this event, and once again I got through the Tunnel Barn Qualifier. This time however, I would have some company on the big day as Tony Wilson had also got through.
I must admit, immediately following Tunnel Barn, I was not looking forward to the final, which was scheduled for Barston Lakes in Solihull. In my ignorance, I thought it was out and out carp and the dreaded method feeder at 100 yards was the main tactic. The lake is about a mile long and 400 yards wide. Really not my cup of tea, but over the following few weeks I started getting information which cheered me immensely. Although the big carp and decent F1s were mainly on the tip line, they were as close as 20 yards. There was also a ton of bream and big skimmers to be caught on the long pole. Now, to me, long pole also means short pole so I started feeling a little happier and was now actually looking forward to the big day.
About a month ago I took the opportunity, along with Pete Lucas, to have 2 days of fact finding at the venue. Tony had been for a few hours the week before and things were promising. At Barston you are allowed to drive down one side of the lake and park at your peg. The "match" pegs are generally on the other side, so it would be a long walk from the car park. I slowly plodded until I could go no further. I had reached peg 14!! It would have to do.
Luco asked me if there was anything I would like him to try. Thinking that even if he emptied it on a method feeder at 100 yards, I still wouldn't follow suit in the match, I asked him if he would ping pellets out to 25yds and fish the straight bomb. He agreed, while my plan was to skimmer-bash on the pole.
Pete battered carp and quality F1s right from the off. Following advice, I put in three big pots at 12metres, containing groundbait, pellet and corn. After an hour I was struggling with line bites and foul-hookers, and I felt I had the wrong rig on. I changed to a winter wire and went out to 6 metres with a tosspot full of micros. Almost immediately I was into a decent skimmer. I was now happy, and even more so after I'd had a fish a chuck all day. I even had half a dozen Lumps from down the edge.
The following day we made it as far as pegs in the 20s. Pete wanted a bash at the skimmers while amazingly I fancied an hour on the bomb (I know, I know, tip-w**ker).
Lucas caught some proper bream at 4metres on paste and had a fantastic day, while after a slow start, I started getting F1s to 3lb on the tip. The hour I had planned turned into a five hour stretch as I was enjoying the change and catching a few too.
As usual, any excuse for a couple of days away saw Tony and I fishing Barston the day before the match. I had planned a 2 pronged attack using both pole and tip. On the journey down, somewhere near Stoke, a transit van pulled alongside us and beckoned me to open my window. He informed us that a rod-bag had fallen off our roof-rack. Turning off and going back up the motorway for a junction, we wanted to clarify the situation. Back on the southbound carriageway and the first indications were overhead messages indicating a 40mph speed limit due to 'Debris in the roadway'. The motorway patrol vehicle was on the hard shoulder and as we slowed, there was my ready rod bag lying in the fast lane in a slightly squashed condition, having been run over by every passing vehicle. We carried on driving, totally amused.. who wants to sit on the tip anyway?
We found out that the whole lake was being used for the final so with 120 pegs and only 45 anglers, we would all get a bit of room. With this in mind, we went on the 'driving' side. After passing an assortment of bivvies, pleasure anglers and the odd matchman we were nearly at the end of the lake.
Tony started by potting a decent helping of bait on the pole line and then chucked a method, unsuccessfully, for an hour or so. I went straight on the pole. After a couple of hours of skimmer fishing at 10metres, and catching some proper bream, a fellow qualifier came for a chat and seemed surprised at how well we were doing. He informed us that we were on a couple of dud pegs. With Tony getting a few on the bomb late in the day, we went back to the Premier Inn brimming with confidence.
When I say 'confidence', I mean that we would be able to catch a few and not make fools of ourselves rather than a belief that we could enjoy any great success.
Apparently we both drew decent pegs........ on the walking side. After the trip to the 20s a few weeks prior, Tony had a long walk to 38, while I had further to go than I would normally go on my holidays, all the way to 54!!
Garbolino's Darren Cox, and magazine editors Joe Carass and Alex Bones were on hand and gave advice freely to anyone who asked. Joe told me he'd done a magazine article earlier in the week on the very same peg 54. Corn at 6metres had proved to be a winner so I was at least on the right track.
With enough gear to carry as it was, the weather forecast was for light showers on and off so I left my brolly in the car, along with my coat. Big mistake. A long spell of heavy rain early in the match had soaked me and my gear, right through to my boxies. At one stage I looked like Lee fishing the Mong as I couldn't hold my pole still I was dithering that much with the cold and wet.
Contrary to what most people would probably do, I thought that I'd start on the pole for the skimmers, while pinging pellets on the bomb line (borrowed a rod off Tony). It worked well as I started catching skimmers right away, and had about 12lb after 75 minutes. Action slowed a little so I put a bit more feed in and chucked the tip. I managed 2 small mirrors (8oz) and 3 decent f1s but it was too slow for my liking. Back on the pole and I was into skimmers again. Corn at 8metres proved the best tactic. I fed the margins with 90mins left, and 20 minutes later, on my first drop in I got a 3lb bream almost immediately. Next drop in produced a 7lb carp and I thought I was going to empty it. Alas, that was the last bite I had, despite frequent looks in between keeping the skimmers coming.
At the whistle I was really pleased with what I thought was about 60lb total. A great day's sport, and I wasn't going to embarrass myself when the scales came round.
My carp and F1s came to 21lb and then the 'silvers' net went 66lb. Unbelievable!!! 87lb 09oz in total. Rumour was that someone a couple of pegs away had done well on the pellet waggler and so it proved. A masterly display put 125lb of carp on the scales and gave us a comfortable leader.
A hike up to Tony saw him weigh 64lb, and he was confirmed as a section winner. Another stunning effort, even if he is from Poulton Vics. I think he was secretly buzzing too.
Complementary pie and chips in the clubhouse meant everyone stayed for the result and the presentation, which was really nice. I thought I might get my section by default as the 125 was in mine, and it looked like he might be the winner. Apart from £70 section prizes, the top 5 were getting paid and receiving tackle prizes. We joked about me winning a new tip rod.
The tip rods went to places 5, 4 and 3. I was out of luck as I had finished 2nd and had to settle for a new Garbolino Power Legion pole and £200. Tony had finished agonisingly close to a tackle prize in 6th overall. This is all a dream for the pair of us.
Like I said last year, thanks to the club for giving me the opportunity to represent them. It was, again, an incredible experience. Thanks too for all the good luck messages of support, they genuinely meant a lot.
I must admit, immediately following Tunnel Barn, I was not looking forward to the final, which was scheduled for Barston Lakes in Solihull. In my ignorance, I thought it was out and out carp and the dreaded method feeder at 100 yards was the main tactic. The lake is about a mile long and 400 yards wide. Really not my cup of tea, but over the following few weeks I started getting information which cheered me immensely. Although the big carp and decent F1s were mainly on the tip line, they were as close as 20 yards. There was also a ton of bream and big skimmers to be caught on the long pole. Now, to me, long pole also means short pole so I started feeling a little happier and was now actually looking forward to the big day.
About a month ago I took the opportunity, along with Pete Lucas, to have 2 days of fact finding at the venue. Tony had been for a few hours the week before and things were promising. At Barston you are allowed to drive down one side of the lake and park at your peg. The "match" pegs are generally on the other side, so it would be a long walk from the car park. I slowly plodded until I could go no further. I had reached peg 14!! It would have to do.
Luco asked me if there was anything I would like him to try. Thinking that even if he emptied it on a method feeder at 100 yards, I still wouldn't follow suit in the match, I asked him if he would ping pellets out to 25yds and fish the straight bomb. He agreed, while my plan was to skimmer-bash on the pole.
Pete battered carp and quality F1s right from the off. Following advice, I put in three big pots at 12metres, containing groundbait, pellet and corn. After an hour I was struggling with line bites and foul-hookers, and I felt I had the wrong rig on. I changed to a winter wire and went out to 6 metres with a tosspot full of micros. Almost immediately I was into a decent skimmer. I was now happy, and even more so after I'd had a fish a chuck all day. I even had half a dozen Lumps from down the edge.
The following day we made it as far as pegs in the 20s. Pete wanted a bash at the skimmers while amazingly I fancied an hour on the bomb (I know, I know, tip-w**ker).
Lucas caught some proper bream at 4metres on paste and had a fantastic day, while after a slow start, I started getting F1s to 3lb on the tip. The hour I had planned turned into a five hour stretch as I was enjoying the change and catching a few too.
As usual, any excuse for a couple of days away saw Tony and I fishing Barston the day before the match. I had planned a 2 pronged attack using both pole and tip. On the journey down, somewhere near Stoke, a transit van pulled alongside us and beckoned me to open my window. He informed us that a rod-bag had fallen off our roof-rack. Turning off and going back up the motorway for a junction, we wanted to clarify the situation. Back on the southbound carriageway and the first indications were overhead messages indicating a 40mph speed limit due to 'Debris in the roadway'. The motorway patrol vehicle was on the hard shoulder and as we slowed, there was my ready rod bag lying in the fast lane in a slightly squashed condition, having been run over by every passing vehicle. We carried on driving, totally amused.. who wants to sit on the tip anyway?
We found out that the whole lake was being used for the final so with 120 pegs and only 45 anglers, we would all get a bit of room. With this in mind, we went on the 'driving' side. After passing an assortment of bivvies, pleasure anglers and the odd matchman we were nearly at the end of the lake.
Tony started by potting a decent helping of bait on the pole line and then chucked a method, unsuccessfully, for an hour or so. I went straight on the pole. After a couple of hours of skimmer fishing at 10metres, and catching some proper bream, a fellow qualifier came for a chat and seemed surprised at how well we were doing. He informed us that we were on a couple of dud pegs. With Tony getting a few on the bomb late in the day, we went back to the Premier Inn brimming with confidence.
When I say 'confidence', I mean that we would be able to catch a few and not make fools of ourselves rather than a belief that we could enjoy any great success.
Apparently we both drew decent pegs........ on the walking side. After the trip to the 20s a few weeks prior, Tony had a long walk to 38, while I had further to go than I would normally go on my holidays, all the way to 54!!
Garbolino's Darren Cox, and magazine editors Joe Carass and Alex Bones were on hand and gave advice freely to anyone who asked. Joe told me he'd done a magazine article earlier in the week on the very same peg 54. Corn at 6metres had proved to be a winner so I was at least on the right track.
With enough gear to carry as it was, the weather forecast was for light showers on and off so I left my brolly in the car, along with my coat. Big mistake. A long spell of heavy rain early in the match had soaked me and my gear, right through to my boxies. At one stage I looked like Lee fishing the Mong as I couldn't hold my pole still I was dithering that much with the cold and wet.
Contrary to what most people would probably do, I thought that I'd start on the pole for the skimmers, while pinging pellets on the bomb line (borrowed a rod off Tony). It worked well as I started catching skimmers right away, and had about 12lb after 75 minutes. Action slowed a little so I put a bit more feed in and chucked the tip. I managed 2 small mirrors (8oz) and 3 decent f1s but it was too slow for my liking. Back on the pole and I was into skimmers again. Corn at 8metres proved the best tactic. I fed the margins with 90mins left, and 20 minutes later, on my first drop in I got a 3lb bream almost immediately. Next drop in produced a 7lb carp and I thought I was going to empty it. Alas, that was the last bite I had, despite frequent looks in between keeping the skimmers coming.
At the whistle I was really pleased with what I thought was about 60lb total. A great day's sport, and I wasn't going to embarrass myself when the scales came round.
My carp and F1s came to 21lb and then the 'silvers' net went 66lb. Unbelievable!!! 87lb 09oz in total. Rumour was that someone a couple of pegs away had done well on the pellet waggler and so it proved. A masterly display put 125lb of carp on the scales and gave us a comfortable leader.
A hike up to Tony saw him weigh 64lb, and he was confirmed as a section winner. Another stunning effort, even if he is from Poulton Vics. I think he was secretly buzzing too.
Complementary pie and chips in the clubhouse meant everyone stayed for the result and the presentation, which was really nice. I thought I might get my section by default as the 125 was in mine, and it looked like he might be the winner. Apart from £70 section prizes, the top 5 were getting paid and receiving tackle prizes. We joked about me winning a new tip rod.
The tip rods went to places 5, 4 and 3. I was out of luck as I had finished 2nd and had to settle for a new Garbolino Power Legion pole and £200. Tony had finished agonisingly close to a tackle prize in 6th overall. This is all a dream for the pair of us.
Like I said last year, thanks to the club for giving me the opportunity to represent them. It was, again, an incredible experience. Thanks too for all the good luck messages of support, they genuinely meant a lot.
Monday, 20 July 2015
LINGMERE, 19/7/15 ~ Dirk wins Eggymania after J Hughes grabs fisho double.
Another great turnout for a blustery Lingmere meant that pegging was tight. It didn't stop the venue from providing some excellent sport.
The previous day saw Jamie Hughes win a second fishomania title on a rather disappointing Cudmore. Massive congratulations to him.
Meanwhile, Jamie's star pupil, the almost legendary Dirk Wriggler, was winning the latest Eggymania match by a comfortable margin. An impressive 101lb 03oz left the field trailing in his wake, so well done Derek.
Chasing hard was another Jamie, this time the Pickup variety. He too put in a decent effort and was rewarded with the silver medal for his 65lb 03oz, with plenty of ide featuring in his catch. A nice try from the Jamster.
With the Garbo club angler final just around the corner, how fitting that qualifier Tony Wilson should hit top form at the right time. Having struggled to feature this term, he put on a fabulous display to the tune of 62lb 04oz to complete the frame. Well done to Tony and good luck in the final.
Another JH protégé in the shape of Andy Lawton continued this season's improvement with yet another section win, this time a very good 57lb 07oz did the damage. The Butler strikes again.
Ken Stuart put his venue knowledge to good use as he brought 51lb 05oz to the scales for a section win. Nice one Ken.
I believe the final section winner had a day which epitomised exactly what the club is striving for. Paul Robb was drawn next to Ray Jackson. I don't think they had met before. Everyone warned Robbo he was in for an ear-bashing. With Jacko throwing insults like they were going out of fashion, Paul decided to respond in kind, and some top class banter was exchanged all through the match. With Yozzer still out of action and sitting behind them, and loading the bullets, there were laughs galore, but both men still had time to catch a few fish. Robbo's 53lb 10oz won the day, and the section. Paul wants to fiddle the draw at the next match so he can sit by Ray again.
Robbo's new blueprint for match-fishing is as follows:
Enjoy the day and have a laugh.
If you catch a few then that's a bonus.
Does it really matter who wins?
The previous day saw Jamie Hughes win a second fishomania title on a rather disappointing Cudmore. Massive congratulations to him.
Meanwhile, Jamie's star pupil, the almost legendary Dirk Wriggler, was winning the latest Eggymania match by a comfortable margin. An impressive 101lb 03oz left the field trailing in his wake, so well done Derek.
Chasing hard was another Jamie, this time the Pickup variety. He too put in a decent effort and was rewarded with the silver medal for his 65lb 03oz, with plenty of ide featuring in his catch. A nice try from the Jamster.
With the Garbo club angler final just around the corner, how fitting that qualifier Tony Wilson should hit top form at the right time. Having struggled to feature this term, he put on a fabulous display to the tune of 62lb 04oz to complete the frame. Well done to Tony and good luck in the final.
Another JH protégé in the shape of Andy Lawton continued this season's improvement with yet another section win, this time a very good 57lb 07oz did the damage. The Butler strikes again.
Ken Stuart put his venue knowledge to good use as he brought 51lb 05oz to the scales for a section win. Nice one Ken.
I believe the final section winner had a day which epitomised exactly what the club is striving for. Paul Robb was drawn next to Ray Jackson. I don't think they had met before. Everyone warned Robbo he was in for an ear-bashing. With Jacko throwing insults like they were going out of fashion, Paul decided to respond in kind, and some top class banter was exchanged all through the match. With Yozzer still out of action and sitting behind them, and loading the bullets, there were laughs galore, but both men still had time to catch a few fish. Robbo's 53lb 10oz won the day, and the section. Paul wants to fiddle the draw at the next match so he can sit by Ray again.
Robbo's new blueprint for match-fishing is as follows:
Enjoy the day and have a laugh.
If you catch a few then that's a bonus.
Does it really matter who wins?
Monday, 6 July 2015
HAMPTON, LONG ISLAND, 5/7/15 ~ Steve makes a splash as Yozzer limps home.
It was a pleasant enough day when we arrived at Hampton, with several members wearing shorts to match the summery climate. Eventually everyone ended up soaking wet, some earlier than others.
In a scene reminiscent of a certain Mr. Lucas, this time, in midmatch, Steve Coleman momentarily took his eye off the ball.... well, rod actually. Steve had been fishing the lead and reached down for his catapult when the unattended rod was pulled off the rest and into the lake. Instinctively, Steve followed, head first! Having failed to grab the rod, it did a quick tour of the area before Lee Pickup managed to rescue it. Meanwhile, Steve got out of the water to a great deal of sympathy. " It's Raheem Sterling, doing a dive like that", "Tom Daley's on the phone", and "Steve's making a splash" were among the enquiries as to Steve's well-being.
The rest of us got soaked as heavy rain moved in with an hour of the contest left.
Having slipped just before the all-in, The Gnome had pulled his bicep muscles, and was in some pain. A slow catch rate of mainly small fish had him in a dilemma. He wanted some better carp but would the arm stand up to the pressure?
With the rain came the carp, and decent ones at that, straight into Yozzer's margin. 50lb in the last hour made sure of a comfortable victory in one sense, but the pain increased with every fish so he felt very uncomfortable at the end. 72lb 04oz was the total to bring victory to the venue regular.
At the other end of the lake, as well as the diving scandal, Neil Paterson was in fine fettle. Following an unplaced effort in a dodgers match on the Friday, when his exceptional 107lb 14oz got him absolutely nowhere, the Jolly one carried on the bagging, and was as jovial as we have ever seen him. Fishing the tip for the day, Neil brought 38lb 14oz to the scales, which was more than enough to grab the runner-up berth. Brilliant!
Last week's runner-up, Gary Brislen, slipped a place to third this time round, but was equally as happy with the level of sport as he was last week.
The other sections were closely fought, with Ray Jackson's 22lb 06oz proving enough to see off Spadger, while Ginger Jones AKA Dennis did the business with his 17lb 08oz just holding Sumo's challenge by under 2lb.
Well done to both, on a generally hard day.
In a scene reminiscent of a certain Mr. Lucas, this time, in midmatch, Steve Coleman momentarily took his eye off the ball.... well, rod actually. Steve had been fishing the lead and reached down for his catapult when the unattended rod was pulled off the rest and into the lake. Instinctively, Steve followed, head first! Having failed to grab the rod, it did a quick tour of the area before Lee Pickup managed to rescue it. Meanwhile, Steve got out of the water to a great deal of sympathy. " It's Raheem Sterling, doing a dive like that", "Tom Daley's on the phone", and "Steve's making a splash" were among the enquiries as to Steve's well-being.
The rest of us got soaked as heavy rain moved in with an hour of the contest left.
Having slipped just before the all-in, The Gnome had pulled his bicep muscles, and was in some pain. A slow catch rate of mainly small fish had him in a dilemma. He wanted some better carp but would the arm stand up to the pressure?
With the rain came the carp, and decent ones at that, straight into Yozzer's margin. 50lb in the last hour made sure of a comfortable victory in one sense, but the pain increased with every fish so he felt very uncomfortable at the end. 72lb 04oz was the total to bring victory to the venue regular.
At the other end of the lake, as well as the diving scandal, Neil Paterson was in fine fettle. Following an unplaced effort in a dodgers match on the Friday, when his exceptional 107lb 14oz got him absolutely nowhere, the Jolly one carried on the bagging, and was as jovial as we have ever seen him. Fishing the tip for the day, Neil brought 38lb 14oz to the scales, which was more than enough to grab the runner-up berth. Brilliant!
Last week's runner-up, Gary Brislen, slipped a place to third this time round, but was equally as happy with the level of sport as he was last week.
The other sections were closely fought, with Ray Jackson's 22lb 06oz proving enough to see off Spadger, while Ginger Jones AKA Dennis did the business with his 17lb 08oz just holding Sumo's challenge by under 2lb.
Well done to both, on a generally hard day.
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