Pewsey boys Spring Jolly

Having not expected to fish this weekend a miscalculation in my holiday allowance meant I had a day available to join the boys for a Friday session at Shearwater.  Whilst it was a spare day it wouldn't be a whole day as I was required for some heavy furniture lifting at home.

That said it would be a chance to relax and have a bit of fun.  Scratched together some bait and leave the pole at home and decided to tip fish.

After arriving and deliberating over wind direction rain and general comfort we plumped for the boathouse bank the 5 of us in a row.

Colin Weston far end, then Brian "I can catch in a puddle"Shutler. Spanners (newly sponsored don't you know) Leo "house wife's favourite" Pocock and me on the end.  We chose our tackle and fired to the deep water in hope of some Spring Bream.

I was the only one to ball it in with a light white breadcrumb based ground bait.  The others choosing to do little and often with very sweet fish meal mix.  I was in straight away a small perch taking 3 maggots on a 16 hook.  Then several 4 oz roach before the the bigger 8 to 12 oz pristine beautiful Roach came.

That however was not what was required.  We had a quid on for the bloke with most fish over a pound.  The boys were not successful straight off although Spanners had dropped a Roach first cast.  The gradual approach by the lads though was starting to have an effect; as the first of the skimmers began to come to the landing nets.

I was pleased to see a skimmer bite too.  Only to find it was a pound + Perch with a gorgeous but small orange tail.

 
Spanners and Brian were starting to pull away. As the shoal settled in front of them.  Leo and myself were getting a couple but nowhere near the rate of the dynamic duo.  Colin on the other end was like me getting Roach and Perch with the occasional skimmer.

The rain and wind increased and it became difficult to get the 30 gram block feeder on the same spot.  Adjusting to cast right  a few degrees into wind I was soon back on the spot. and still the Roach came . With the latest being really close to a pound.

Having just watched a similar fish from spanners being unanimously turned down as not big enough to count, I smiled inwardly and slipped it back.  The laughter and banter continued as we enjoyed the four seasons in one day weather.  My brolly was up and down like  a whores knickers and the coat on and off with equal repetition.

I decided to take a closer look at the lads rigs to try and understand why I couldn't get the skimmers.  Straight away I noted my hook tail length was too long and it was clear this was making the bait drop slower through the water and be intercepted by the Roach.  On return to the peg I changed from running feeder to fixed paternoster with a short "rotten bottom" to the feeder . Changed from 16 to wide gape 18 hook and a worm caster bait.

I fed the bread ground bait to the ducks and a few local springtime Robin red breasts.  Knocked up a fishmeal batch and was back in.  By this time Leo was getting some big Bream and Brian / Spanners still catching.

There was no change initially to the pea pod 12 oz Roach which kept coming, but then I had a skimmer and another and another.  Leo had a skimmer to keep his lady fans happy I went along to take a pic.

Down came the rain again and the water became positively choppy with white topping waves.  Perfect practise for those of to the Irish Loughs soon.

Spanners was putting on a right exhibition - some would say his fishing wasn't bad either. Just kidding mate.  Before long Leo and I had 6 Bream a piece but Brian and Spanners were pulling away in their own little battle.  Colin on the end was still catching but like me he was also plagued with Roach.

I do apologise, I am not complaining . For those like me who have struggled for bites on the canal, the regular bites were delightful. Cramp set in and I needed to walk it off.  So I went down to watch Spanners and get some action shots, not of his exhibition but his fishing lol.

On cue the Matrix Sponsored angler lands another skimmer amongst much abuse from us all.  Gotta say many of us were very disappointed to see him go from Pewsey to Matrix, but that's life he is still a Pewsey boy at heart.  He takes the masses of well natured banter about his departure very well.  After all lifes too short and we are all mates still.

This fish put him 2 ahead of Brian in their tussle.  Both looking good for a quid.  That said if it was on weight Leos fish were bigger.

Before long I had the dreaded call and had to head for home.  With Carp anglers queueing,  SPOD Rods in hand, behind me for my spot I departed with one more pic off the house wife's favourite , although the others were saying "more like readers wives" haha.

So and end to to a bonus trip, maybe 18 lb of Roach two 6 ounce Perch a bigger Perch and 6 good skimmers around 2 lb a piece. Lovely.........I wonder who did win the pound bet.  See you next week.

Pewsey - Chocolate Milk leaves bitter taste.

First Canal match of the new season and we gather at Milk house. Attendance is going to be low as sponsored anglers will be attending Ditchers spring league.

Atilla, Mike and Steve wait on the towpath , Simon and Leo are pegging out but others are arriving too.  Good mornings out of the way, I looked with dismay at the canal which was really chocolate brown.  Compared to the lovely water and day at Hungerford last week today was a real opposite.

The boat by peg 1 was holed and sinking and the canal was still suffering the churning , turning choppy effects of the Kayak race at Easter.  This year they have really smashed it up.

  I was last to draw and was left with peg 2.  which in fact was perm peg 12.  I set up reasonably quickly whilst the sun battled with the clouds and cold wind to try and make it a nice day.  The swim used to be a good one until recent slash and burn by the Canal River trust has left it a little barren.

Leo called it at 9.30 and it signalled two hours of nothing bite wise, and plenty more Kayaks and boats some of which were really motoring , their bow waves smashing the banks and stirring up the canal even more.  My enthusiasm was draining and I found myself devoid of ideas.  No use sulking fishing is for fun and I must get on with it.  

I decided to go across earlier than normal to try and get a bite.  4 Tangled rigs later I backed of a little and found the 2 foot line.  I had young Morgan Plank to my right on peg 1 

and Colin Weston to my left.  Chris Rushton had drawn the far end peg. Mike Marsden and Brian Shutler were walking the bank, and the news was grim.  Mike had decided to pack in.  Steve Dean was going home, and Brian was bemoaning only 1 bite.

The one bite was a skimmer that would in his opinion make a pound and a half.  And so the match dragged on the sun gave up and the wind increased.  With half the match gone I was sitting pretty it seemed.  I had a pound and 3 quarter Bream 3 tiny minnow size roach, 1 gudgeon a 3 oz Perch.  It seemed only Atilla Adam was going well he had a big hybrid, 2 skimmers and a Perch.

That was it till the end of the match.  I had three more little roach in the last hour , Colin to my left had a couple of tint fish near the end.  Brian was stuck on 1 bite one fish.  Chris on the end peg had 6 oz. Simon Burden won the section by default with 1 lb 8.  

Attila won the match with 3 lb 7 oz. Leo had a couple of oz,Colin 4 oz and Morgan 3 oz.  Brian was second with his one fish weighing in at 2 lb 7 oz - pound and half my arse.

Me, well not far behind Brian with 2 lb 4 oz, third place. 1 Bream and 8 little fish. 

As Leo payed top two, it meant I didn't pick up, but I did get a tenner for section win .So a free days fishing.  Areal shame to see it taking so long this year for the canal to get into fish bagging Spring condition.  But he ho never mind can't complain at third.

Top Three

Attila the winner in the middle - well done Dino man. Brian to the right me to the left.  Keep forgetting to photo score sheet but never mind.  Thanks to Leo for all the leg work.  Weekend off next week as its Hampshire and Broadlands show.  Kit needs some admin too.

Beautiful day so Rock on Tommy

Wasn't going to fish this week, but Chris "My Little Pony" Rushton. Talked me into fishing an open at Hungerford. Chris Wiltshire's  top stallion lover, or so he tells us, kindly booked me in and I headed fort he John O Gaunts pub in Hungerford for the draw and a bit of breaky.

North through the villages left at the Shears pub and straight over the downs it was a superb life invigorating experience the sky was clear and the brightest blue  and the change over of shift from nocturnal to daytime wildlife was in progress.  The Daffodil heads pressed low to the ground by a brutal night time frost, were beginning to respond to the suns warmth.

The New Order (True Faith) song on the radio seemed perfect for the Daffies with its lyrics " I used to think the day would never come, that my life would depend on the Morning Sun"

Anyway as I dropped of the downs into Hungerford I looked right at the hamlets and was reminded of the Shire from the Hobbit.  Green, lush with crops burgeoning into life, willow the wisp smoke from the chimneys on the thatched cottages what a day good to be alive.

Into the pub then and oh very posh. We had already booked in for breaky and the tables were laid with pots of Tea and Coffee, little dish of butter posh knife and forks and various condiments.  As always the Matrix boys grabbed the end pegs on the table  - no change there from the end peg boys.

 The whole ambiance was way to civilised, but I loved it.  The banter and laughter was great and the conversation turned to football and Man Utd.  I did volunteer so football knowledge but as only one of two Leeds fans I was told I was wanted in the telephone box outside Leeds were waiting to start their AGM!!  Cheeky bastards.

Breakfast arrived and to match its surroundings it was perfectly displayed on the white China plates.  Complete with herbal green garnish (garnish no less at a fishing match) serviettes and side plate very nice.

Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Beans, Black pudding, Mushroom Tomato and Toast. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it.

To the draw and I drew peg 17 pretty much the centre of the 34 anglers.

The car park after the draw as people get ready to do battle

My peg looked ok but being on a slight bend had silted up quite a bit on the far line very shallow.  Mr Giddings advised me to feed heavy with ground bait caster and worm, and as he fishes it regularly I took his advice. So with equal numbers of anglers either side of me

The match started in glorious sunshine and stayed that way all day.. The downside was the sun brought out the boaters and towpath traffic but you can't have it all.  The Red Kite swooped and cried above us, mobbed by the crows; and a Grey Heron lifted lazily into the air.

First decent bite brought a crayfish .  And it appeared the worm line I had , had attracted 3 more before I changed a re-baited elsewhere. The bread line brought nothing to the net so it was into the deepest bit.  Sail away and Tommy Ruffe was swung in, amazingly i had 6 more in a row.  Even more amazing was I had 22 Tommy Ruffe by the end , the most I have ever caught in one session. Rock on Tommy

As it was though I was nowhere in the section the guy to my right had a big fat Perch and PG to his right a big skimmer.  PG however was now across and catching one a chuck.  To my left it appeared most were struggling like me except the end pegs which were going strong with Bream.

I did have a good fight with what I thought was my bonus fish, but it turned out to be a trout.  He Ho.  The all out was called and it was clear Alan Gibbs had won our section with a Bream and 3 skimmers PG was probably second.  I wasn't  going to weigh in but did, sure enough not enough weight to challenge but who cares I had thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the sun catching a few , trying hard to get a bonus fish but losing out on this occasion.  Thanks to the Match organiser for a good day.  Thanks to my little Pony for booking me in.  It was good to see Mike Marsden, Alan Brown, Gary Williamson, Chavey, Gary the Fish Etheridge and many others who I haven't seen for some time.  Good to see they are happy and angling well.

Now shall I fish Pewsey Canal next week????

Remember me the bloke who used to Blog

Well its been a few weeks.  Self imposed removal from the fishing world has been nice.  To be frank I have got fed up of the sound of my own moaning voice.  Even the sight of my tackle filled me with dread of having anything to do with fishing or Pewsey club.

Don't get me wrong the Pewsey guys past and present are superb human beings but I suppose its like any good thing, you can get too much.  The year ahead then - well I tried to disconnect from Pewsey the closer of my friends had decided to follow other previous good anglers and leave for the sponsorship scene.  Nevertheless the club still has many an angler to fill those boots and will go forward.  It was just a case of whether I, in my mind, I could offer anything more.

Voted in again under duress to be Secretary, I will fulfill another year.  One thing my exile has done has reminded me its not necessary to devote every spare waking minute to the club and spend a little time enjoying angling for angling's sake.  The joy of catching my favourite Roach, sharing the delight of others successes even if the bastards are beating me.

I am just gutted that my dream of Pewsey rising again to be the main challenger in all competitions including the National, has floundered.  As talent has drifted to Devizes, Thatchers, Swindon Matrix, SENSAS and so on.  Oh well better to have tried and failed, than not to have bothered.

So the day starts with a little bit of excitement to be easing back into the scene, with a little Lake match.  Lets give a round of applause to Mark Russ for taking on the Lake matches and I look forward to supporting him when I can.

All round good bloke Mark Russ (grey top on right) accepting a trophy

When I can because this year in an attempt to freshen up the angling I wont be attending every match, there will be days when I think, bugger it I am going go there today, or I feel like a few hours Barbelling or god forbid a bit of Beachcasting.

The day broke early for me needing to get the dogs out before leaving.  Squeezing them into the van I was away to the woods.  Maybe a rabbit or pheasant for the new boy Jake,  Kip the old Terrier being too old to really compete anymore.  It was bloody surprisingly cold considering there was a little cloud cover and I smiled as an awesome sunrise was greeted by the sound of hoar-frosted turf that crackled underfoot.

Brock the Badger (ever on the increase) had been busy during darkness, scratching to the surface the grey squirrels winter hoard of acorns, there was little holes everywhere with tell tale acorn shells.

Rabbits were thin on the ground, in my old haunts as the third wet winter in a row has left the population short of dry warrens and the dry roughage diet they need to proliferate their population.
However the hardy rat population was running riot on the farmers winter feed supply.  Both dogs strained to have a go but the youthful inexperience of Jake led to barking. A strange linguistic brew of puppy yap and a growing dogs deeper more guttural sound.

A quick exit before a salt block or worse from the Farmers 12 bore skimmed my ear.

Still down by the river its always worth a stop to gaze into the Babycham clarity of a chalk stream.  To watch the now out of season Grayling dance like their nic name Ladies of the stream, a joyous moment between me and God , nature.

A keen sun pushed the sun higher in the sky and I knew I had to leave it, and get away to the Lake.  Still it would have been nice to bounce a nymph amongst the Ladies or even a dry fly upstream the way its supposed to be.

Back in the van and homeward bound to drop of the dogs.  In an attempt to build a little muscle on Jakes puppy body I had fed him a little raw tripe and cooked mackerel yesterday - pay back time now has an almighty fart mingled with a kilo of past their sell by date worm and the foul dry Bream slime from the last fishing trip. Which was still hanging on the keep nets.

Now its very hard to drive whilst your body convulses in involuntary dry retching, but drive I did as down came the van windows and I hung my head out to gulp glorious fresh air as the circulating wind dissipated the foul smell. Jake looked well pleased with himself at producing such an evil classic.  He didn't look so pleased though when I left him behind and got on my way.

I was drowning myself in nostalgia this morning, and backing that up with early Genesis albums on the cd player in the van.  I enjoy nothing more than bowling along in a vehicle on lowly populated roads music blasting , me banging the steering wheel like a joint smoking Phil Collins banging his drums in the late seventies.  Its times like this when you wish the journey was little longer.  So as I near the Lake "The Lamb lied down on Broadway " and we slipped into "Selling England by the pound" and aptly Phil told me he "Knows what he likes in my Wardrobe" considering the layers I had on today . Fashion was not a first thought.

The meet and greet for the new round of matches is always nice, waiting for those who have forgot to own up its new rod licence time and theirs is in the post etc etc. A poor turn out of 8 with the big boys attending Ditchers Spring League the attendance was low.  Additionally some, ahead of a trip to Ireland, were down at Shearwater practicing the long range Bream feeder fishing.

Grey Squirrels scooted up trees and a Buzzard floated heavily from a high branch his heavy outspread wings taking him clear of the noisy gathering anglers.  Even a distant Roe deer pressed itself as low as it could into the short sprouting rape seed crop. So as not to be seen.

The draw was imminent and in a final tip of hat toward Genesis.  It was time to "Turn it on Again".  So what would the gods of the draw bag offer me this time.

Well after last years disastrous draw bag, a pleasant surprise to draw at the Carp end, and an end peg 15, and to top that the golden peg.

I ran to my peg and set about kitting out the peg a cold bitter south easterly cur across from the right, and following the snow and hail from yesterday I didn't hold much hope of Carp feeding in the icy water.

I was glad to have layered up movement was difficult but plenty of clothing would keep me warm.  To my left Mark Russ then Brian on the peg that's won the last three matches. Then the rest of the fellas through to Nic Worters on the other end peg.

I started on the splodger and was rewarded with two pup 6 oz Carp and another around 2 lb.  We all chopped and changed trying to find the magic formula but to be honest the very cold water and ever increasing icy wind were making it difficult  to hold a pole or indeed present a bait well.  Raspberry Tea and chicken and ham pie made a nice distraction as I watched a dormant quiver tip.

Time to catch some silvers.  So a change to maggot and I was away catching the normal stamp of small roach.  Back wards and forwards between two different swims I eecked out the fish by swapping depths and combinations of maggot, caster and pinkie.

Two hours without a fish I was desperate to get a few more Carp.  Simon had, had a big Chubb, Mark a skimmer and Brian several little pups.  If I was to win the match and take the Golden peg i needed a big Carp.  I swapped to a pop up pellet and coated it in pineapple smoke bomb goo from the carp bag of tricks in my trolley. Poured the tea and cast.  It had been in the water about 10 seconds when the rod was wrapped around.  The Carp ploughed through the bull rushes and snagged.  I eased it out into open water then it headed for the steels on the right and tried to wrap around them.

Then it tried to get around the peg platform to my right.  Finally after a great fight I got it to the net, one final dash away and some frantic back winding and I still had her,  So to the net again and I could see her, a known fish I had caught before.  Always around 11.5 to 12.5 in weight I knew I had the golden peg and match in the bag.  I stretched with the net at which point the landing net pan began to unscrew.  Frantically trying to scoop , I clipped the method feeder and the loosening knock sprung the feeder and it flew past my ear leaving me to panically stab at the fish as it slipped into the depths.

Deep laughter from Mark and Brian and I would imagine a few others as everyone realised I had not put the match beyond them.

I squeezed the rod butt in silent rage and started again. Thank fully I had a few more small Carp before the all out and with minutes to go, rumour on the bank was I was looking good. A slight fly in the ointment Nic Worters on the other end peg had had, a large carp on the whistle and got it in.

So to weigh in with me on the scales 2 lb 3 oz of Roach

AND 12 lb 8 of Carp

Gave me 14 lb 11 oz.  Mark pipped me by an ounce, on the silvers with 2 lb 4 oz his big skimmer meaning he led with the silvers, but had no Carp.

Brian outdid Mark with 2 lb 15 oz of Silvers and with his pup Carp a total of 6 lb +  We made our way along , Jim Broomham had 1 15, Will had blanked , Simon's Chubb gave him 4 lb + and the lead in the silvers , and Neil Pegrum had struggled to a low silvers weight.

Nic pulled out his Carp and it was a fat 8 lb 9 oz, bugger what silvers did he have .  Blast it he had a bream and a biggish skimmer and a load of bits for 7 lb+.

So Nic had beaten me with his end of match Carp and denied me the Golden peg, by a pound.  Never mind he ho, I had second in the match and second in the super pools.  Gotta smile at that.

The framers, Nic left. Bri keeping the wind of our backs; and so it was home to get the layers of clothing off and down some Mulligatawny soup.

 Lucky Bri picked up third. See you next time , not sure when that will be , but I will be there.

Pewsey AGM the Beer and the prizes flow

Well a short blog to showcase my club.  It was the end of the season and to be honest I was glad to fall over the finish line and think job done.

Job done as I was stepping down as Club secretary and even stepping back by a long way from fishing to try and regain the enthusiasm.  But as I said in the last blog you cannot change the way people feel and despite my vociferous protestations I was press ganged (at least it wasn't gang banged) into one more year of duty.

And those who are reading this.  I heard the whispers "don't worry we have a year to work on him he'll do one more" No I bloody well wont!.

So with the best of friends moving on to their new projects; lets see what this year brings.  I might just join another club as well just for some variety.

So to the pictures and presentations.  House wife's favourite and our Chairman Leo presents Simon Burden (our President) his trophy(s) as the Fisherman of the year and overall Club Champion

Simon takes over as presenter and starts with our Junior Champ (again) Morgan Plank.  Its Morgans last year as a Junior, so the new rod will help him out in the senior ranks.

Next the inimitable Brian Shutler this years Canal Championship winner

Sorry to Leo I somehow missed him picking up his third in the canal Champs and Simon second in canal Champs.

So onto the Lake Championship Simon the winner and Brian and Mar Russ tied for third.  Mark picks up his trophy below.

Now to Andrew Chatterley and Alan Gibbs our Pairs Champions.  With neither showing to collect. James Carty very kindly will pass on trophies.

So to me then.  Incredibly after the worst ever season of draws I somehow managed to scrape together enough points to collect second in the Lake Championship, fourth in the Canal championships for an overall third in the combined Pewsey Club Angler of the year competition.  My friend Christine Moody has put a more positive spin on it than I would have and said " just look at it as a positive, if you can pick up when all is against you it can only get better"

Well done to all who picked up, and commiserations to all those who came close.  A special mention for Will Tapper who picked up his award for "The Outstanding Achievement for the past year" Will receives a free membership for next season for his outstanding contribution to work parties, attending every single organised party and many other days when he worked alone (safely) for the benefit of those who fish the Lake

So raise your glass

Here's to the survival of small Club Fishing

Double header ends the season

The season came to an end with a bit of a whimper really.  So much has happened in recent times, that I have realised that in life you have very little control; and as much as you wish for good things.  You have to take em whilst they are there, as within a flash they are gone and its all change.

I suppose its natural to re-evaluate where you stand in life and with your friends.  But being a naive soul, I hope for good times not to change.But you cannot change or be surprised by those around you.  Things inevitably change and people move on.

Talking of moving on - it could well be time for the new dog to go.  He is pushing my patience.  Bought a pair of Chubb Thinsulate boots at Christmas for fishing.  Worn them once and decided to wear them today as it was unlikely I would be getting in the "Basey" Canal.

Chewed to bits and Jake looking like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, big brown eyes of innocence were the only thing that saved him.

So to the last of the Basingstoke Winter Canal teams of four.  I have missed one of the 5 matches but paid for a replacement so as not to let the team down.  It started badly and to be frank why wouldn't it, I am in the worst run of my fishing life.  You cant turn up at a new rarely fished venue (at least by me) and expect to set it alight.  But even those that now the venue were struggling.

But as its gone on I have got better and in regards to our team have fared well.  Today though Brian couldn't make it (Car MOT) and we one down and on back foot from the start.  Nevertheless see it through, we are after all fishing for the club Pewsey not ourselves.  Doesn't matter where you finish just that you do Pewsey proud.

If I was honest though I would say that's the root of my sadness.  Pewsey have tried to build a solid match team over the past three years; and although on our day we can beat or compete with all comers.  Sure enough this last season has seen far too many anglers drift away.  I suppose my hopes viewed through halcyon rose tinted glasses of seeing Pewsey being the force they were in my youth have died.

I don't think its RIP club fishing, just time to choose between ambition for the club, personal ambition or an acceptance that perhaps fishing clubs are a thing of the past.  Certainly, despite a rise in the popularity of natural venues.  Commercial venues, and matches with big money prizes and Kudos seem to be at the forefront.

Our team leader Kev did the draw and not only did I have a long walk I had the scales .  My swim was much of a muchness , no features full of twigs and detritus and sod all else.  I could of course sit it out for the big fish and hope or just enjoy the day.  The thick, thick fog clung to every patch of uncovered skin, leaving a dewy drop of moisture joining with another to cause a rivulet to run between the goosebumps.

I had a bite straight away and another and another.  All the fish were small but at least it was fish in the net.  That was until they guy to my left had a skimmer, and to my right he had 3 Perch all over 2 lb in ten minutes.  The guy to his right was also bagging with Bream big Perch and even a big Roach.

The match went reasonably quickly , tow path bikes and dog walkers causing there issues with the guy on my left breaking his 7 section (expensive) trying to appease a impatient dog walker.  I caught steadily all day and probably had the beating of the guy on my left and a few others in the section.  However, indicative of this past season, no bonus fish would cost me.

Weigh in, and a decent roach on the whistle from the guy to my left meant he he pipped my 50 fish (1 lb 14) with 2 lb 1 oz. The two to my right (1st one) 8 lb 4, 7 lb of which was 3 Perch. To his right the Bream, skimmer and big Perch accounted for 8 lb 9 oz and a section win.  I ended up mid section and with that anglers tale said by all " If only............"
..........................................................................

Above Mark and Brian stare lovingly at the wallets held in their marsupial pouches.  Mark is  amazed by the size of Brian's packet

A pathetic gathering on the last day of the lake series saw us shivering in the morning fog waiting for the sun to burn it off.  It meant only one section so for only the second time this year I got down the Carpy end.

The fog took a while to burn off and the cold easterly right to left wind made for an uncomfortable  hand numbing morning.  Simon the championship leader on the favoured 13 peg had one 11 lb Carp and a 5 pounder in the net in the first ten minutes.  Me a couple of squat Roach.  Mark Russ was doing his normal on 14 catch one , lose one; and Neil on the end had a 1.5 lb skimmer.

I plugged away trying to catch the elusive Carp and Chubb.  Brian tried the mental stuff by asking how many times I would hook my float in the tree.  Of course I did, but I got my float back.  This led to complaints and much angst by all, as they apparently rely on me to decorate the trees.

Of course I took the bait.  No fair says I, this entire season as much as sure as I have had the mother of all draw bags I have only lost 2 floats to the trees.  To try and be clever I then offered to buy them all a complete set of floats boasting ( not true) that I was rolling in money and could afford it.

However, Brian did make me laugh and up staged my floored boasting; by saying " if you have that much money you should spend it on fishing lessons you need em"!!!

Sometimes a comment like that makes you laugh and realise fishing is more than big prize money, its about being with your club mates.  Everybody was laughing loud and heartily and I didn't mind being the butt of the joke - fair play Brian.

Proving his skill even more Brian then lassoed a Perch, and after announcing Carp o'clock finally hooked a huge Common Carp.  After dollying it in for a good 15 minutes he finally got it close and reached for his landing net.  At which point the hook pulled and his terminal tackle flew behind him.  A mixture of delight for me and sadness for him ( we have all experienced it).

Will Tapper has had 4 Carp but I don't know how big , but as it stands I was last for sure.  I just kept plugging away but it was the staple diet of this past year plenty of fish but all tiny.  I don't get it its not bait size some of these fish are taking bait bigger then them!

I then hooked my keep net and ended up with a mother of a tangle I mean it looked like a snakes wedding - knot on knot.  I rigged up again and resumed the Gary can catch small roach routine.  Before I knew it, it was all out and stared at last on the last day.

Simon weighed in a lovely 11.5 lb Carp.

and four other Carp.  For 20 lb + and another win  As for the rest of us, I expected to be last but as it was not so.

Neil first to weigh in and having chased Carp all day, breaking his feeder rod, his Bream was the only fish. Mark Russ (cant one lose one) 4 roach and four Carp for second and 10 lb 1 oz.  Me 35 fish for 2 lb 7 oz.  Brian next and a painful half an ounce behind me.  Then Will , his four carp being "pups" not enough.

So amazingly I was third. As Simon never did super pools, I got cash for third , second in super pools and the silvers.  Brian was not looking pleased.

Never mind Brian after beating you today " I will put the money towards fishing lessons!"

AGM tomorrow night we look back on what has been Simon's year. Next weekend I am under orders from the wife to put her first so no fishing blog next week.

Sorry in advance to Cliff Dutton and others who complain in a nice way when I don't go to print.

Kintbury V Pewsey return Match

Out with the dogs early today and what a lovely day too. Jake's puppy feet found the snowy/sleety frosty ground a little too much.

But another new experience for him out of the way he dived straight under his warm bed when we got home and promptly went to sleep saying you go fishing I am staying here.

Even though I have been nesh lately; the frosty start had left me wanting to keep walking. Indeed I was neither mickling or muckling today as my mum used to say, about going fishing.  I have enjoyed having a few weekends off fishing and one more wouldn't go a miss.

However the fact I had put my name forward to Leo.  I couldn't back out now; and Kintbury lads are a good bunch of fellas and there stretch of canal offers something different.

So I arrived last to the draw. With old friends all the lads shaking hands and welcomes abound, as we dressed against the northerly and loaded the trustee barrows all of us hoping for a good draw.

All of us wished for a low number draw top 6 would be nice although Kintbury secretary explained peg 27 won it last week with 18 lb. Although someone else shouted that was 3 pike!  On that Pike don't count neither did trout.  Trout? you might say but as I said earlier this stretch of the Kennet and Avon offers a little more in that the River Kennet runs in, and then out of the stretch in a diagonal way.

This leads to Bream, Chubb, Trout and a whole range of other fish as well of all sizes.  Last year I had won my section with a 3 lb Chubb from peg 26.  It would however be good to draw single figures that's where the weights normally come from.

Short walk draw first for the old infirm and disabled.  I tried to get in on this saying I was mentally handicapped but it didn't wash.  The first 4 pegs taken the rest of us drew and Nic drew 6 Chris drew 7, spanners 8 me 9 and then the others had the long walk with Brian on 12 to my left.  Leo the long walk to the other end.

The good thing about the first pegs (see photo below) is they are in a calm non moving flat water.  A canal boat permanently moored of the end of the spit that separates the River / Canal offers an all year round holding spot.  Nic and Chris had the advantage of the crease as the river comes in from the left.

By the time it gets to Spanners (fore-ground) there is no slack just flowing water so for me the first choice was a John Allerton stick float and Drake waggler.  Both of them set I went for a 4 gram flat float and a couple of variants on shouldered body up garbolino floats.

I ran the stick through but it seemed a bit light, so being of capricious nature I snipped it off and made quick change to a heavier John Dean this "sat" better and ran through lovely. Match under way I baited the main line and ran the float through for 40 trots without a sniff.  Fiddled with shotting moving away from shirt button style to a bulk dropper, dropper. Through again getting longer and longer until the guy to my left frowned as I encroached on his swim..  I haven't had a bite yet he says.  I took it as a " oi fish your own swim" and backed off considerably.

No joy on the waggler either, so with the first bite less hour out of the way I stopped for a change in tactic.  Flat float and hold was the tactic but twenty minutes with no bites made me give up on that.  Spanners was doing no better to my right , his pole feeder tactics producing nothing.  Chris however to his right had been catching from the start and some of them were net-able fish.

Spanners made a change and went long were the main track shelved up into slower moving slightly shallower water.  Brian Shutler the guy to my right and James Carty were all walking the bank now.  With tales of woe , no bites as you went further left of me.  Except one of the Kintbury guys who had a bush feature opposite and had , had, three Perch for 4.5 lb plus.

Bugger.

I flicked out the feeder whist I sat up a shallower rig for across, as Spanners was now one a chuck and Chris was going even better.  As I finished setting up the tip belted around and the first of 2 trout came to the net.

I dispatched the Trout into a small Kennet tributary behind me so it could live to fight another day.  Then went across.  Straight away the float dipped and a Roach came to hand followed by 5 Dace.  9 oz in the net was not going to win but at least I wasn't blanking and there was a number of very good quality anglers wandering the towpath with bemused looks.  Brian and JC were asking a few questions.  It appeared they were doing no different to those catching, so the fish were not in their swim  - bugger all you can do about that.

Me I was now catching one a chuck but they were 2 to an ounce.. The Pike were playing havoc with Spanners and me.  We both had pike on for three times only for the Pike to eject shredded tiny fish at the landing net stage.  Chris too had Pike trouble and the more he slowed down the more I started to catch.  Just couldn't get the nice size Dace and Roach going.  In fact the fish were getting smaller and I was now onto minnows and Bleak.  So I came of feeding fish and tried the stick again. Thirty trots through saw nothing so a little ground bait some hemp and dead pinkie and I was back into the Dace and roach. Small that they were , at least it was fish in the net and you never know a bonus fish could grab the bait.

Chris got his nose in front with a big Perch and it looked as if he had  us beat... But on the whistle Spanners had a 3 lb Bream.  Me I ended up with 45 fish for 2 lb 2 oz. Spanners second in match with 6 lb 14 oz  Kintbury bloke on peg 1 won it with 8 and half pound of whip caught Roach.

In fact, the first 8 pegs all had over 3.5 lb . Shame my trout didn't count.  Still at least 7 anglers including Bria, Kev Chubb, Steve Dean and JC, had walked by me early doors going home and with all the dry nets to my left I couldn't complain.  Even Paul Giddings and Leo only had an ounce.  John the Kintbury guy ended up with 5 bites 5 fish for 6 and half pound all Perch.

So with that and Peg 1 it was going to be close for which club had won it.

Scores checked and double checked saw Kintbury with a total of 23 lb 9 oz.  Pewsey though had pipped them with 24 lb 10 oz. Great for the 3rd year in a row we had done the double over our Kintbury friends - can we keep it going??

Finally the journey home offered some action too.  A complete knob head in front of me was all over the road  - slowing too 20 mph and then up to 50 mph, and back again.  I got quite frustrated trying to overtake, but not having the guts in the vans engine.  First long straight I came too I built up momentum and went for it.  Only for him to pull across the middle of the road to stop me.. He then stuck the 'v's up' out of the window!!!!!!

By the time I got near Bedwyn I was fuming but hanging back a little to avoid and accident .  He turned Salisbury way and so did I.  Then right on the junction inexplicably he did an Emergency stop and with a mighty slice of luck.  I don't know how I avoided ploughing into him.  My stop left 2 inches of rubber on the road and all my fishing kit slammed into my back through my drivers seat.

I looked up amazed that I had stopped within a fag papers gap of his bumper.  Gobsmakingly he was getting out of his car and heading toward me. I don't know what possessed me but I was fuming and I too got out and stridded toward him.  My blood red rage must have spooked him as he jumped back in his car, and lowered the window a bit. He then said

" I am out for a Sunday drive and I don't expect to be bothered by White Van Man!!"  Well says I you listen to me you F'in Knob Head you could have killed me , you and your mum here with that stunt " Other drivers were now getting out and joining in the abuse of Capt Slow. 

Meanwhile his passenger was having a go at him and me.  Me because I had called her his mum and she was his wife and younger than him!!!! And at her husband for not sorting me " the ruffian" out.  I told her to get some wrinkle cream and him some driving lessons from age concern and went back to the van.

I left other driver s given him the bird and various other hand and knob head gestures and drove home.

Don't know why I was so angry its not like me  - blood must be up.

Double header next week last round of both Basingstoke canal and Pewsey Lake Championship.

PS any Pewsey members or potential members its the AGM next Monday 14th March at Royal Oak 8 pm all welcome.