Pewsey Vs Devizes Bait Tech Angling Times

So it was here the first real match of the new season.  The Angling Times Bait Tech Club man competition. We have been practising on the Seend Park stretch and as you have seen in previous blogs , I as Captain had a dilemma. Nine worthy anglers only 8 places.  I looked through different combinations before settling on the 8. Bugger I'm dropped, I looked again to see if there was a valid reason why I should be in and someone else dropped and to be honest I couldn't find one, it really was a flip of the coin stuff.

We gathered in Devizes for the draw and the breaky, and before we new it we were ready to go.  Weird feeling doing the organising and then when its off your not involved.

Some good looking matches, with Brian meeting us on the bank.  We set off.  I called the all in and set the countdown on my phone before starting my bank running duties.

Initially the lads were a little nervy, the plan which had worked well in practice , feed far side then fish inside line for 45 minutes, get a pound or two in the net before going for the skimmers. 30 minutes in we were getting twitchy but then the fish started to come.

It was turning out to be a proper match flowing two and fro them up in most of the pairings then we came back.  Then it settled into a rhythm.

Adam Carter was flying in his match with Kev and Looking good (below)

Rumour was that Si Burden was catching well on end peg 16.  Couldn't get much out of him myself he was cagey and concentrating hard.  So he was up in his match against 15. Other end peg Paul Passmore was up against Si Irwin in our side. Si was struggling the strong wind had snapped his pole and he had to telescopic it and try and carry on.  Chris was up in his Match. Ian down in his.  Danny Jones was wining his.

The legend who is James Carty (below)was mechanically bagging and doing his normal I've got bugger all routine

Leo our man in this battle was sticking rigidly to the plan and picking up a few it was a tight one this.  As I sat behind Leo he switched to choppy the float dipped and he hit into a nice fish. Below.

Give him his due, his back was giving him grief but he was putting in a good show. James looked crestfallen when Leo unhooked and dropped into the net

But James like the machine he is kept fish going into the net and I had to say to Leo it was tight but he was down in his match and needed another a couple more skimmers to catch and pass James.  More bad news Chris who was in front had just watched his opponent catch two good skimmers which now had put him behind.  Ian was now in front, and Kev had caught and overtook Adam.  The boats were driving us all mad and I wasn't even fishing, bloody holiday makers.

As the boats cris crossed in front of Leo his swim was finished.  The clock seemed to be counting down quickly so I final run down the bank saw Ian back in it with a Perch.  This was going to be tight.  As I stood next to Devizes Captain Adam and called the all out for the end; we differed in our views. He thought we had won and I thought it was a tie.

The weigh in began and the Devizes lads were joking nervously. In truth we all knew it was close. As we came down the bank it flowed too and fro , but in the end it was as I had called it 4 wins each and so down to overall team weight.  Which ever way you look at it, it was close but the Division One Team had pipped us on weight, by a good 4 pound or 8oz an Angler. What a gutter................close but no Cigar and bragging rights to the worthy winners.  

A few nervous laughs from Devizes lads when they realised how close we had pushed em; and I was sulking analysing were I had gone wrong, could I have given better or more info on the bank?  Could we have done better as a team I don't think so we had not disgraced ourselves at all.  Well done to Devizes and we wish them best of luck for going all the way to the final.

Pewsey Pleasurable Dillema for Angling Times Bait Tech

Short blog today, just a Practice at Seend Park ahead of next weeks Angling Times Bait Tech comp.

 Kev Chubb joined me and Chris wasn't far behind.  Even Brian Shutler turned out for a look although he couldn't stay for long due to other commitments.

Mothers day commitments had hit the team badly.  However the lads are not short on commitment.  All of those interested in gaining a slot in the final 8 on the day have been putting in many hours over the last few weeks, learning about the swim trying different methods and baits etc.

Its our first outing under the heading of Pewsey Match Group. The group comprises of a wide variety of talent including veterans of recent successes in Wessex Winter league and other local comps. A new extension of Pewsey and District AA, the PMG is dipping its toes in many competitions now including National types like this the AT Bait Tech. and is developing a long term plan to encourage all and in particular Junior anglers to join the club.  This duel approach also allows us to test our metal against other top anglers in the area and gauge where we are as force in local Match Angling.

Devizes our hosts (and last Years Div 2 Champs) were also on the bank so there were lots of side ways looks at bait trays and tackle being used as people made their way to their chosen pegs.  Some of the lads in the Devizes team are also members of Pewsey club, but being long term members of Devizes as well have found them self with torn loyalties I am sure.  One thing is clear the mutual respect and friendship will not change or be affected by a fishing match, and it certainly has added some spice.

So Kev Chris and I set about putting on our game faces.  As did Devizes, friends we are but pride and local bragging rights are on this so its serious stuff to some.



Chris and Kev started well I was a little slower but when the came it was steady stuff.  I looked to my right and saw Kev struggling with a monster Perch on the whip.  Chris too was shipping in and out with big Perch and skimmers the order of the day.

I too hit into a huge Perch.  My personal best is been unchanged in 20 years and remains at 1 lb 12 oz.  However this dog of a fish was well over 2 and half.  The 3 elastic ripped back and forth and various reeds and detritus gathered like washing on a line between the base of the float and hook.eventually the old fella tired and came toward the net.  Holding a couple of sections and top kit skyward I stretched with the landing net suddenly the washing slid down the line onto the fishes head what a mess.  As I started to worry about my tiny hook holding under the pressure it pinged free - gutted that was a nice Fish.

The only fly in the ointment on this beautiful day was the increase in Holiday boat traffic.  I have no issues with "proper" canal boaters, but the green horn holiday makers I despair.  Rude, ignorant and in some cases loud and obnoxious.

I was building a reasonable bag of fish as I fished my way into the day; but the holiday'ers were starting to peg me back.  There were various interruptions including one boat which had strapped another to it and was effectively two abreast coming through.  On each occasion you have to let the silt settle the start again.  Musn't bleet if your given Lemons you make Lemonade not ask for Oranges.  So this new unusually positive approach from me saw me overcoming problems and continue catching.  Perhaps I am becoming a better angler after all.

Unfortunately even my positive approach had to succumb to a holiday family which I am sure were from the cast of Shameless, approached.  Making their way down the canal with the "S" shaped movements of a snake they decided to "park" as they called it to my left.  Having moored the comical but sad effort to disembark involved short skirted "Bet Lynch" types jumping ashore as to walk the plank was too difficult.  The sheer force of their swinging chandelier earrings too much for their high heels. 

So to the dulcet tones of screaming banshee of a woman saying, "Barry" repeatedly and at a higher volume each time. I tried to concentrate. After walking up the bank "Barry" came back to "Sharon"  to announce. "Shaz, there ain't no where to have a S**t, you'll have to use the boat bog"! Oh Barry I don't want too.

So it was no surprise that they decided to go back through my swim and back to the Seend boatyard to use a "proper bog" as Shaz put it. Amazingly though Barry hadn't quite grasped the fact that he couldn't reverse the whole way down the canal till I pointed it out to him as he came close.  He did say he needed to turn around. I explained he would have to go forward and find a turning bay as the canal was too narrow to turn here.

So it was with withering disappointment and no particular surprise that I witnessed Barry attempting a 15 point turn; ramming his bow, and stern into the bank side as he did so.  

This was the last straw they completely destroyed my swim as the canal turned to a silted mulligatawny soup. What a complete idiot, but I did have some sympathy his ears must have been bleeding from Shaz, who continued to say she needed the bog.

After exchanging pleasantries with Barry as he then full throttled it through my swim. I got up and walked away in the hope the swim would settle and I could keep going.  Had a little chat with a couple of the guys from Devizes and Kev Chubb whose swim was also in disarray from the the SS Shameless. 

James Carty was trying to bluff me that it was tough day and the Devizes lads were struggling.  Equally he must have thought he I was bluffing when I said I had double figures in the net. Only I wasn't it had been a busy day and I did think I was on double figures.

After 20 minutes Kev and I decided to call it a day the canal had not settled and was filthy,  fishing was ruined.  I went back to my peg to find the fish gulping in the top ring as they tried to gill filter the filth that swirled through keepnet a present from Barry and Co.

That was it I decided to let them go and find some clear water.  I was a little disappointed when I lifted the net. Not quite the double figures I had thought but nevertheless a nice bag. I had well out done Kev, but Chris would have beat me in a match the big Perch being the difference.

Got to pick the last 8, the team for the match now.  Was going to drop myself; but I am left with that pleasurable dilemma that PMG have got more anglers worthy of a slot than are required.

Captains decision watch this space................................

Pewsey Inaugural Pairs competition 2014

Glad to get going today the house has an atmosphere.  Once again my mouth has let me down, really must learn to engage the brain before speaking.  Wife is upset with me as I cracked a joke at her expense and no amount of apology will fix it seems.

She was feeling low so I told her not to worry she had a body from Baywatch.  Unfortunately while enjoying the moment she heard the second part in which I said she had face from Crime watch!  Not funny apparently.

So it was on to the bank early and I was grateful to Leo for getting up early and helping with the pegging. The canal looked awful a horrible brown oxtail soup colour and texture as the multiple kayakers have been ripping up for a week ahead of some competition.

Still it was the same for most of the 24 anglers who turned out for this inaugural Pairs match.  I had 12 pegs either side of Bowdens bridge.  Everyone booked in a we set about the match. Punch on the inside for me, not hopeful but though I would try it. Hemp and Caster swim and a ground bait swim squat across if I could get through the crap. Between pegging and the start of the match the westerly winds had brought more stuff into the match area, Still nothing we could do know.

Boats came through and cleared some of the crap, but after 3 and half hours I had a blank on the cards and to be honest I was panicking. Gary Etheridge next to me left, had put together a few small fish and had possibly 8 oz.  Steve Hiscock on my right had a 5 oz skimmer and roach in the first 10 minutes on the waggler, but nothing else.

The thunder and lightning boomed and flashed down came the snow and hail and I was feeling distinctly miserable.

The match was fished in a blind pairs format.  Draw fish then draw names again after the match to see who had been fishing with whom.  Weights were added up and total heaviest combined were the winners.  So you can imagine I was thinking up excuses to tell my potential partner.

The far side cleared enough for a rig to get through.  So I scaled down to a 24 and single squat. At last the float dipped and the 2 elastic barely moved, must be the bottom.  But no my first fish.

At half an inch long this yearling Perch was gratefully received I wasn't going to blank.  It didn't get any easier and at the blowing of the whistle I had 22 small fish for a total  9 oz. Steve to my right had his skimmer and roach also for 9 oz.  Gary to my right had 1 lb 5 oz and Kev to his left 1 lb 2 oz.

 The other side of the bridge on the way past the sunken barge fished slightly better as expected but it was still a struggle, except for Gary Williamson who hit on a pod of skimmers.

So it was back to the Golden Swan pub to do the math and re draw to see who had been fishing with who and hand out prizes.

Before the draw we did the super pools for the individual top weights £50, £35 and £20 went to Gary Williamson, Paul Giddings and Mike Bernstein respectively and a bottle of Jack Daniels to Steve Trevett for being closest to the mystery weight of 14 oz on the day.

 The re draw was complete and this was it.

Very tight between pairs 8,  1 lb 15 oz, pair 9, who had 1 lb 14 and a half ounce, and pair 10 who had 1 lb 13 and half.

So to the Prizes

 Fourth Mike Bernstein and Steve Dean

Third Dave Johnson and Alan Brown

Second those regular winners Ian Spanners Spanswick and Mike Marsden

And Finally me handing over the trophy to the Inaugural Pairs Champions Gary Williamson and Danny Jones worthy winners.  Sharing 100 notes, collecting the annual award Trophy (in the middle) as well as there individual trophies which they will keep for ever I am sure.

Thanks to all who helped get this off the ground . With particular thanks to Leo for helping with pegging etc.

Fishing , Females and Fantasy

What a glorious day, so welcome after the grey wet weather we have been having.  A bunch (12+)of us gathered in Devizes market place and then headed to the local SPAR shop to buy our day tickets for Seend Park west of Devizes.  The purpose the first of a few trips to practise for the upcoming clash with Devizes in the Angling Times Bait tech.  We were pleased to find the stretch and happy that it had good access with lovely Tarmac pathways etc.

The guys tackled up and we set about our business.  None of us have fished the stretch before so it was virgin territory.  The canal was nicely coloured only the water was cold.

One or two boats chugged through and all in all life was pleasant. As the start of our session drew close the bank tow path started to get busy; with woman, lots of woman!!

You will all know from from my previous blogs what a hunk of burning love I am; and I could not help notice how many of the ladies looked admiringly in my direction.  

Well in my dreams I suppose. Actually I couldn't believe my ears.  I should explain.  The ladies were in fact all, apparently, members of the local Chippenham Running club.

Never have I seen such a variety of colourful and "tight" lycra.  Of course all the lads were as polite as could be (hence I couldn't believe my ears).  Morning ladies, nice day for it, c'mon through ladies no problem.  Can I help you past etc etc.  It was quite a sight, of course Lycra is very revealing whether its small pert ladies or larger more voluptuous type, every body part was on view and some of them not very well supported!

Some of the ladies flushed / blushed a little and and said thank you, this was received by our lot saying no no thank you, really thank you.  It was time to get the lecherous crew back on their game. C'mon lads concentrate.  There were a few mumblings about going of to polish their poles but in general it was game face on.

Whistle for the start, and we all tried a variety of methods.  Fishing took over from fantasy and a successful day got under way.  It was marred by increasing towpath traffic.  Some of the bikes rip along and the riders have no manners at all impatient rude and a bunch of idiots really. Talking idiots there was the occasional bloke running the path, posing and looking at themselves , kissing their biceps, you get the type.

One particular idiot came along in mirrored sunglasses.  His mirrors must have been on the inside of his glasses so he could look at himself.  He certainly wasn't looking where he was going at the next peg to me as he stood on Derek's pole and snapped it. He did offer some sort of apology saying he didn't see it but that's no good to Derek. Of course he didn't see it he was too busy looking at himself, twat.

We stopped after awhile to compare notes on tactics, everyone including birthday boy Chris Rushton had caught and useful tips were exchanged.  We then went on for a few more hours but eventually we succumbed to the tide of sun worshippers filled the towpath with defecating and swimming dogs, kids throwing stones and sticks into our swims and more an more cyclists.  If this is what you get when you tarmac the towpath, long may Pewseys pathways remain muddy.

All in all a successful day with  Danny topping it with a lovely big Billy Perch.

We all caught and look forward to going back for more practise and the match itself.

See you next week at the inaugural Pewsey Pairs match back on home water.

Pewsey AGM 2013/14 Celebration of a great year

Well walked into a full Royal Oak to be greeted by various abuse about Sundays blog.  So lets set the record straight. Sorry Ian didn't mention you took a quid of me. Fair point. Martin and Chris next, both wished to rub in that they had a heavier weight than me and I had not mentioned it.

Well actually fellas look again I think I posted a photo of the score sheet!

And whilst we are on the subject yes you beat me on the day well done, but Chris without your Stonking Perch you wouldn't have, and Martin without your Carp you wouldn't have either.  Ultimately you were on flying pegs (again) Chris another end peg and expected to bag compared to my draw.  So in your heart you know it, I know it, and the photo below shows it LOL. Chew on that fellas........Lol.

So to the meeting. Big turn out extra chairs required!  Lovely buffet put on by the pub and thanks to the club for that.  In short a celebration of the past year as well it should be.  Membership on the increase in both senior and junior ranks, improvements and stocking on the club waters after hard work from the committee and working parties.  

Top this with a bristling match scene and success in the Wessex Winter League.  The green shoots of recovery are established now and the season ahead is an exciting chance to build on the efforts of the long standing stalwarts and new members of the club.  A busy club Web page and Facebook scene bringing in the modern approach.  It feels good to be part of something positive.

So now to the winners or should I say winner (Ian Spanswick). Before I do though the ugly mug above is me looking a picture of sartorial elegance collecting my shield for second place in the Lake Championship; or as it was pointed out to me.  Trophy for being best of the losers, some people are so negative lol.

So there he his is that a smug look or the effect of many a celebratory Guinness? Canal Champ, Lake Champ Club Champ and to be honest lost interest on the fourth award, ha ha.

Paul Passmore sent apologies but he won the Two Day Christmas bonanza arranged by Open Match Secretary James Carty.  Kev Chubb was happy to add to his collection picking up second.

Simon Burden runner up in Club Championship no that's not a glowing halo around his head although it should be.

Out Going Club Chairman Jim Broomham 3rd in the Lake Champs.

Finally group photo and Wessex Trophy.  Clean slate now and gagging for next season to start.  With some great anglers joining the club its going to be tough, must work hard to up my game.  One things for sure regardless of the technical quality of the blokes on the bank; you will never meet a better more funny or friendly bunch.  Cant wait.

All systems go now to update the club book with details for next season.  Frantic work behind the scenes to update the Web Page etc with contact details Match Programme etc.  Watch this space for news or monitor Facebook or Web Page.  I am sure you will be patient.

http://www.pewseyfishingclub.co.uk/

Pewsey Lake Championship home straight and finish line

Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and the waves), reasons to be cheerful (Ian Dury) and Happy Jack(the Who); accompanied me as I bowled along in the bright morning sunshine.  Couldn't help but soak in the good weather and the promise of a dry warm day.

After a false call last time today was really the last Lake Championship match. Whilst Ian was in first place with 73 Points, I was second with 68; it was no forgone conclusion that I would catch him.  Or indeed stay ahead of those on my heels Chris 61, Simon 60, or Jim 64. Needed a few of these...................

Needed to draw peg 10 or above to be on the skimmers it seemed; but I drew Peg 9 - close though. Once again had Jim on my left and Brian on 10 to my right. Simon had drawn one end peg and Chris the other.  Ian can catch fish in a puddle but needed him to have a bad day and others in the section like Chris and Brian to keep him down.  Then need to win my section.

This might sound weird to some.  But as Pewsey Lake widens at peg 10 fish have a habit of frequenting the high numbers on match day.  To this end the and to make it a little more fair their are 8 points available in each section section winner 8 points down to 1 point for 8th in section.

I have done well on the lake in match's and pleasure sessions a lately and fancied I had worked it out.  So when I sat down I was ready and after three cash packets from the last three matches I was confident.

But it fished poorly.  I think everyone thought it was summer because we have had a nice couple of days; a lot of bait went in at the start.  Yet the lake is very deep and the water is still cold.  Brian on my right was in straight away and caught well pretty much steadily through the match.

Martin Aris last weeks third place whooped with joy at landing a Carp down in Ians section and Robin Pearce had, had a lovely Billy Perch. Ian was on his small stuff and bagging. In my section Gary P had 5 tiny fish and jimmy had had a few Perch but apart from Simon bagging on the end peg our section was unique in its lack of action.

Ian had a few skimmers to boost his weight at around noon, by which point I had 2 fish for an ounce in my net.  Time for drastic action.  Out went the tip dead maggots on the hook, and micro pellet on the method. Tightened down and the tip wrenched around no need for a strike. The fish was on then it was off and I was left with a scale bigger than the two fish I had. Another bite less hour, and I was on the waggler and pinging maggot for a few tiny roach, when the float went under and the rod bent into a big fish.  Fiddling with the line clip I nearly lost it, but managed to unhook the clip, only to let the fish go solid in a rooty snag.  Another fish gone.

That was it till the last 20 minutes when I had a few on a single red pinkie. to end up with 22 fish for 14 oz.

So how did the others do?

Simon took the section and second in match with a bag of roach and Perch for 5lb 9 oz, 8 points The rest had struggled Jims Perch 7 points had pushed me back to 3rd in section and six points.

Ian had won his section the silvers pool and match with 8 lb + a worthy Champion. Brian was second in section and third in match Chris had a nice Perch from the end peg, but his 5th place in section was only worth 4 points.  Well done to Robin and Martin, one big fish each supplementing their weights.

Robin and his two pounder

Chris with his big Perch

So thats it then my first full season with Pewsey over.  What a thoroughly enjoyable year, with some very friendly lads. Came nowhere on the canal champs, but close in Lake Championship.  AGM tomorrow night but I think this is how the Lake Champs finished I think.

Ian 1st with 81 Points

Me 2nd with 74 points

Jim 3rd with 71 points

Simon 4th with 68 points

Chris 5th with 66 points.

Well done lads Ians bag and the top three.

Could have been worse I suppose, If I had done my maths correctly that also consolidates me in 4th for the overall combined canal and Lake Championship.  Room for improvement next year. Although could be tight next year lots of new members and competition exciting times ahead.

The day was over and only the drive home to do.  That proved to be eventful as well as two young soldier lads misjudged a bend in my village and ended up in the river, thank fully no one hurt bad.  Just shock and a polluted river.

Pewsey - Martin Aris a Triumph of Determination

This morning saw a return to wintry conditions after the spring of yesterday.  Our match at Calne had been cancelled on the river; and the Calne lads turned down our offer to come to us - shame.

Weird feeling today for the first time in ages I wasn't enjoying my fishing.  Yesterday was nice but "off the pitch" fishing politics were weighing heavily on my mind.  Still I agreed to the extra duties so cant back out now.

Ladies Bridge holds mixed feelings for me.  I have wonderful childhood memories of it, balanced by nightmare matches where I blanked, caught nothing but crayfish and fallen in.  Everybody wants to draw the bay where the Bream are particularly the end of bay pegs where the canal narrows / funnels into the straights again. I drew slap bang in the middle. Peg 7.

Dilemma do I wag and mag for the big stuff across in the bay. Or bread the inside and pinkie the track. I looked left to see what others were doing. Paul Giddings hadn't even bothered setting up a pole.  Just a waggler.  Brian had set up everything , Leo also the same (end of the bay) .  Kev Chubb, well we all know what he will be doing back on the straights he would be fishing bread punch.  On on the very end my Mate the undeniable Martin Aris.  Martins results have been getting better as his thirst for knowledge improved rigs and one of the biggest wills to win or get better has come to the fore.

The first two hours of the match I tried big baits, maggot as well as worm and bread flake on both the waggler and tip but it was dire and slow.

Paul to my left had nothing but Brian true to form had , had a tench big Perch and fairly big skimmer.

Kev the Bread was going great guns on the Punch, rumour drifted along Martin had a nice one.  Leo was walking the bank stretching out his bad back.

Danny had got off to a flier in section 1 to my right, but had slowed up and I could here Chris bemoaning the length of time between bites. Stevie Dean had had a lump and Richy Whitmarsh, Mike Marsden and Simon Burden were fish for fish.

About 1 pm I considered packing in.  There were no championship points, it wasn't a team event.  I was cold damp and as I said not enjoying my fishing. Two bites two fish , what to do.  Mixed some dryish ground bait added pinkie and set to it again.  Nothing till the last hour, when suddenly the float dipped and it was a crayfish - typical.

Never mind might as well see the day out. The float dipped again and for the last hour it was one a chuck.

Finished the match with 1 lb 3. and half ounces.  Pipped Leo (10 oz Leo had stuck it out for the big stuff and Paul Giddings who never weighed saying he had barely a pound.

Section one had several 2 lb + weights with Mike Marsden taking it by half an ounce over Rich Whitmarsh.  Which meant the top three weights where in my section. Kev Chubb won it with 133 fish for 6 lb 11 oz. Brian Shutler second his tench and bonus skimmer and dog Perch helping him to 6 lb 7 oz.  

Now the news that heartened my day my mate Martin Aris 3rd I was over the moon for him.  As was everyone else.  Truly a triumph of determination in the will to succeed.  Well done buddy. 

I picked up 4th in section by default, wont turn the cash down but didn't feel I had earned it, suppose it shows don't pack up early stick in there you never know.

Gonna miss the mid week with work colleagues, I have to work.  Probably a good thing need to get away from fishing and have a break, might regain enthusiasm for the last Lake match of the year next Sunday.

Well done Lads.

PS a big thanks to Leo despite his injured back he keeps turning out so the rest of us have an organised match to attend,.  Cheers Mate you the man.