Tuesday 26 September 2017

Alders Farm Ash Lake 26 09 17

It was so good having Pete Morton stay over as we got talking about his blog and how the photos he takes are a great feature of it. Now Peter fishes for fun, but still has a competitive streak when required. He will regularly stop mid match and take a few snaps before going back to his peg and mugging a few fish to normally frame. However I took the opportunity to ask him how he does his photos. It was never this easy before. So now you get piccies.
It has been noticeable over the last few weeks that there are a lot of fish holed up on the far bank of Ash Lake. Some double tons at weekends and even when the rest of the lake has been performing below par there have been some good weights. That's not to say the cafe bank has been fishing badly, just that the fish have drifted in and out all the time. Getting a run of fish together is hard but if you can get them going then a very good weight is on the cards.
Today would see pegs 1-8 on the cafe bank and 27 to 30 on the opposite bank. Now we are entering October and the fish are still sitting in the shallow water, strange place Alders. With pools and pegging paid it was onto the draw. Peg 28 was to be my home and not where I fancied to be honest. It had some good form winning the JJL match and also framing the previous week, so there were fish about. Either side of me, I had Nick Pringle on 27, Peter Archer ( Waldorf from the muppets) and Trevor Price on 30 ( Statler also from the muppets). I knew the banter would flow and before a line was wetted a post was on Facebook highlighting the new parking arrangements and what sponsorship was all about. At least Nick would keep me sane.

I had decided to fish pellet on a top four and top six if things were not going to plan. I had the tree to my left and although I fancied it for a few fish was not comfortable fishing it, as it was fraught with danger. A couple of margin rigs one for pellet and the other with maggot would see me through the match.
At the all in I started off feeding a few micros with a pinch of 4mms. After 5 minutes the float dips and a 5lb carp is soon in the net. Feed again and same thing happens, The red hydro is doing its stuff. Then nothing, I started dropping in 4 or 5 pellets and I would get a couple more fish. A switch to maggot saw a smaller fish of 2lb so this was sacked off and I continued plugging away on the pellet.
Pete was catching well in between bursts of tourettes. Nick was proclaiming his ascendancy as the Alders Farm Perch Champion, Trevor was bemoaning his lack of fish. Across the pond I could see Alan Donnelly, Charlie Lancaster and John Clennet all catching well. Far better than I.
All I could do was to keep plugging away, I was switching between top four, margins pellet and maggots just nicking odd fish, but they were a decent size so you never know. I was seeing tails and fish down the edges but they would not feed. They were coming in and as soon as a pole went over them they shot off. The water was quite clear so this may have been a contributory factor.
Back out to top four and by fishing just dead depth and dotting the float to a dimple, I caught steadily to the end. Nick had finally got amongst the carp with a late run of fish. But the match would be settled from the cafe bank or Pete.
Overall
1st Pete Archer 212-03

2nd Charlie Lancaster 186-13

3rd Alan Donnelly 185-02 ( First ton weight of carp)

4th John Clennet 182-02

5th Keith Ashby 147-04

6th Trevor Price 111-15

Well where are they Trev?

Now all I have to do is check the Waldorf and Statler statuses on Facebook. It was promised to get messy.

Tuesday 19 September 2017

Alders Farm Tuesday Open 19 09 17

It is amazing what a couple of days holiday from work gives you. I have managed to fit three days fishing in at Alders plus managed to paint the landing and stairs, albeit it does need another coat. I would never make a living out of it that's for sure.
Still onto today's match. A nice and friendly do on Alders Ash Lake. It has been a bit funny lately, I think with the recent drop in temperatures especially overnight the fish are gearing up for winter, after all the scientists will have us believe that animals know whats coming before it arrives. Try telling that to a rabbit full of buckshot.
Twelve of us and we had the luxury of the whole lake. So we had a bit of space, I must admit I fancied a go on the far bank today pegs 27 to 30 but as is my luck peg 10 stick to my palm. Not to worry, Troy had a good weight from it on the MDs match so fish were there or there about.I had the whole corner to myself, unfortunately, it was hard to see any of it as the reeds and the tree have grown on. For company I had two bagging machines, Derek Smith on 18 and Lee Newson on 8 although I could not see him.. Both very capable of winning from there pegs.
I opted to fish three lines today, one at 9m, one at 5m and one just in front of my keepnets. I set up both a heavy rig and a light rig for each line, and would keep rotating until I could find a regular supply of fish and the ditch one if it was not working. Red hydro for the heavier rigs and black for the lighter ones.
Over the last couple of matches I have found that by feeding micros draws fish in and you tend to get a quick response, but it tends to die after an hour. I have prolonged this spell by adding a few 4mms to the tosspot. I have also been pinging a couple of 4mms regularly.
I started off on the 5m line and although it was slow going I was nicking a few fish fishing dead depth. After an hour I had seven carp and a couple of skimmers, which went back. Hour two and I was still nicking a couple of 3lb fish and a few good perch on the maggot, but felt it was dying. I decided not to re-feed the peg and go to 9m. I deliberately had not feed anything on this line and I had three carp without feeding a single pellet. I had to keep switching between heavy and light rigs as I could not get them lined up on one method. I would nick a couple light and then have to pin it on the deck.
By rotating lines and rigs I was able to keep the fish coming, I did have a couple of dry 20 minutes were no matter what I did I could not get a fish but that's fishing. I could see Derek catching steadily and Lee Wilson on 21 was also getting amongst them but I felt as if I was always just in front of them. Lee on 8 was catching well and word was the pegs 27 to 30 were catching. I just needed to keep fish coming.
Going into the last hour I made a change that would stick in the memory banks. I came off the deck by 6 inches. Still pinging a few 4mms and fishing a 6 over the top and by lifting and dropping regularly managed to put a late surge together of small carp.
Overall
1st Lee Newson 128-11 Peg 8
2nd John Clennett 116-10 Peg 28
3rd Graham West 109-14 Peg 1
4th Pete Archer 104-10 Peg 27
5th Keith Ashby 91-13 Peg 10
6th Mick Kelly 90-14 Peg 2
So overall it fished fair, no clear cut winner going into the last hour. Lee having 60lb in that hour with some horses down the edge.

Sunday 17 September 2017

Marsh AC Alders Farm Ash Lake 16 09 17

I must admit it has taken a while but I am gradually clawing my way back in the MK Nugget stakes. It is now 9-8 in Mick's favour but considering it was 9-3, I have done well. Today would see us lining the bank on Ash Lake at Alders Farm. A venue we both know well and one I fished the previous day on the Joseph James Law match, although I was on a different lake.
On that match, Ash Lake fished steadily considering nearly every peg was in. But it was noticeable that the fish preferred micros to 4mm feed pellets. Pete Morton, Clive and Dave Pontin had all fished that match and would have the insider knowledge to get a good result. Peter had stopped over at mine, as travelling to and from Barnsley would take its toll. 
Sixteen anglers descended upon the fishery and after a great breakfast in the cafe, it was draw time. We had pegs 1- 21, but it would mean tight pegging on some of the pegs. The fancied pegs, were 1-4 and 21. Pegs 12 and 14 could feature if the wind got up and started to blow into the corner. I placed my hand in the bucket and peg 7 stuck to my palm. This peg was the one Dave Pontin had the previous day and struggled on. I had for company Pete Morton on peg 5, Dave Collier on 6, Kris Old on 8 and Troy Hillier on 10. Mick however,stuck to his plan and drew another flyer, peg 2. Possibly the best peg on the lake this year. People though have started to notice how well you are drawing Mick!!!!
Bearing in mind the previous day's lesson I went armed planning to feed micros with a pinch of 4mms all via a toss pot. I set up to fish 4 lines. One at 12.5m in 4ft of water, .19 DS small diamond in .4g to a size 18 B911f1 hook coupled with Black hydro. My top four line would be a .2g version of the above set up but with red hydro. I also set up a duplicate rig as the peg shallowed up towards the right hand side. A margin rig and a slapping rig should I become desperate were also made up.
I started my match feeding 4 or 5 4mms with a pinch of maggot and a toss pot filled with micros on the top 4 line. Bites came thick and fast and I was catching well. Those around me were struggling, and I think the choice of micros was paying dividends. Troy was catching a few, although I could not see him, I could see the swirls at the end of his bush. I just tried to keep the fish coming but after and hour the line died. I went out to 12.5m and had a couple of fish on a 6mm pellet without feeding anything. But I was foul hooking lots of fish and not getting them out. So frustrating.
I really do not know what to do. I am fishing dead depth or an inch on I foul hook fish, if I come off the deck by an inch, I do not get a bite. They say to shallow up but if your not getting bites, then whats the point. I cannot understand it.
Coming back into the top 4 shallow side I was nicking odd fish, not setting the world alight but nicking fish all the same. A look down the edges saw a couple of small carp on maggot. 
By rotating all my lines I was able to keep fish coming throughout the match albeit with plenty of lost fish. Both Peter and Dave had caught well towards the end of the match but Kris had struggled throughout, losing as many as he had in his net. 
Overall
1st Mick Wright 128-08
2nd Gino Excell 116-08
3rd Tony Roberts 98-00
4th Keith Ashby 96-00
5th Peter Morton 89-00
6th John Holdsworth 77-08
7th Troy Hillier 77-00
8th Dave Pontin 73-00
9th Simon Watkins 69-12
10th Jim Etherington 667-00
11th Dave Collier 62-00
12th Chris Withall 49-04
13th Clive Pritchard 39-00
14th Kris Old 37-00
15th John Button 12-00
16th Barry Testro DNW
So another flyer Mick has drawn and done the business from, another MK Nugget has gone his way and sees his lead extend to 10-8. The match itself was a fairly steady match, plenty of frustration by everyone. those who managed to swap and change quickly caught well. 
On a final note I must say a big thank you to Lewis Monk at Alders Farm who assisted one of our members who managed to get his car stuck. With a lot of pushing and shoving and the help of a large piece of plywood we were able to free the car. There is a 4 car rule in place for reasons such as these. Lewis is not always there to help.

Saturday 16 September 2017

Alders Farm 15 09 17 Joseph James Law Event

It is not everyday you get to fish in the company of some very talented anglers, anglers who have fished for their countries, anglers who have qualified and won some of the most prestigious events in the angling calendar. Joseph James Law, an enterprising Law firm has helped give us mere mortals the chance to do just that. They had invited 11 of the most noted teams in the match fish world, and us the mighty maggotdrowners. An opportunity not to miss.
Unfortunately Dave Webster, or Wibblester if you know him well enough was unable to attend, but his able Deputy Pete Morton was on hand to be able to bring together a team. Pete, Dave Pontin, Clive Pritchard, Adam Daniells and myselfgathered like a Marvel Comic assemble. Barry made up the final member of our team as it was felt that we needed to keep an eye on the opposition and relay any vital gossip.
Dave W had kindly provided us with a hoodie and I must say they are very warm, but they do tend to soak up plenty of rain water throughout the day. Anyway I digress.
With a donation from Maggotdrowning towards our bait bill for the event, (I bet the other teams had to pay for there own). See how professional maggotdrowners are.I opted for some 4mm pellet and some maggot. I have always got some corn in my bag, so did not need that. A walk to the cafe where a bacon, sausage and egg roll awaited, washed down with plenty of tea.
Our draw saw Pete on Oak 5, Adam Ash 23, Dave Ash 7, Clive Pines 15 and myself Peg 8 on Pines.  I really like Pines Lake but today we had nearly every peg in and it would fish harder than normal. I had Dave Pez on the next peg 9 and John Beasley on peg 7. Both very tidy anglers and with Mark Skeggs and Pete Archer also within viewing range I could see how the section was going.
I set up a rig to fish 14.5m with a DS Diamond to a 16 B911f1 black hydro and .19 line. Two rigs to fish corn and pellet at 10 and 2 on a top four plus a margin rig to the right. I also set up a small hybrid feeder to the island in front of me.
I started off on a top four with corn on the hook feeding 4 or 5 grains every 30 seconds, Nothing after 10 minutes saw me switch sides to the pellet line, again feeding 12 pellets via a toss pot, nothing. A move to 14.5m saw my first fish, a skimmer around 2lb after an hour. I had not even seen a carp. Another skimmer and I now had 3.5lb in the net. John, Pete and Dave had all had a carp and I was going nowhere. I played around with shotting to no avail. I changed depths regularly, getting foul hookers on the deck or just touching and nothing 2 inches off. After 3 hours I sneaked 3 carp in 3 chucks and thought at last they had turned up, but just as quick had they arrived it was soon back to foul hookers.
My margins never produced, I could see fish coming in and going out but they never settled. All in all a frustrating day. I felt as though I never did the peg justice. I know it was hard with all the anglers on the lake, but I felt I missed a trick on the day, but a lesson learned. Unfortunately, I came last in my section with 12lb. Clive had fared better with 26lb and a welcome 7 points towards the team cause.Peter had fished a blinder from his peg on Oak with a very creditable 6 points including a fish of 12lb 8oz . Andy Kinder winning the lake with over a ton.
Over on Ash, Dave had struggled on peg 7 with 41lb and another last in section, whereas Adam had fished a blinder beating some very good company to secure second place in section.
Overall as a team, we came 10th out of the 12 competing teams, we had beaten our nemesis Match Fishing Scene again and BAE. Steve Tucker( Garbolino) won on Ash Lake and  Simon Skelton (Mallory Park). On the team front the Lads from Mallory Park won the event with 15 points from the Joseph James Law side. Mosella NW and Drennan International tying for third place.
In summary, an event like this takes some organisation, the staff at Joseph James Law have come out of their comfort zone and performed miracles on a day where the weather did not help. It has rained nearly all day, they have stood out in it in T shirts and wellies, never once did I see them moan or not smile. Every thing from checking in to photos, to drawing to free snacks and refreshments was laid at their very capable hands. If you need advice on any Legal matter give them a chance to prove themselves to you. I am sold. To the team at Alders Farm. You never cease to amaze us anglers, Smiles, chuckles and nothing too much trouble. You know us by name and make us all feel very welcome. Thank you. Lastly but not least, to all the volunteers, who weighed us in, kept score on larger specimen fish, walked around the complex offering advice and refreshments, never encroaching on the angler. Finally also to Andrew Settle, who without his vision and foresight has created a fixture that all the top teams look forward to. We certainly do at Maggotdrowning.com.

Shearsby Valley Lakes 09 09 17 John Buxton Memorial.

Many, many, moons ago a Gentleman by the name of John Buxton started posting a few threads on www.maggot-drowning.com. One of those was a charity match. It was fairly local to me and as I had a free Saturday I promptly put my name down. I had never been to Holly Farm before, so a quick practice was called for. I tried a couple of things on the day and they all caught me a few fish. I was happy and looking forward to the match.
Match day duly arrived and it was a pleasure to see such a great turnout for the event. John had badgered and pestered nearly everyone he knew to raise a few extra quid for the chosen charity. That was the measure of the man. He was a mountain of a man, big and strong, but with a wit and charm that you could not forget. I have never forgot him or his lovely wife Lynn. Always doing something for charity, even though he himself had a disability. I have met and befriended many people through John and for that alone I thank him. Sadly John passed away a few years ago and his friends have tried to remember him this way.
I had never been to Shearsby Valley Lakes before but the little information I managed to glean was it was fishing below par. A lot of the weekend and midweek matches were being won with around 40lb. Pellet was the dominant bait but corn could also work.
I arrived nice and early to be one of the first people there. I popped into the cafe and felt compelled to eat a large breakfast. Pete Morton, a long time friend from Maggot Drowning, Jinx and Marsh AC arrived from a rather leisurely trot from his new home in Barnsley, Match organiser Dave Pontin and Henry Williams arrived along with around 40 other anglers. I am glad I arrived early.
Dirk Williams and Mark Causer, again from over 10 years ago arrived and it was great to see them again.
The match was to be split over two pools Alders and Willow. I drew Willow 33 and after a quick chat was told it was not the best of areas, but fish swim so I went there with a positive attitude. My peg was to the right of a gap between islands. It was not in my peg but I did have a couple of features on the island. Two bushes either side at 14.5m and a clump of grass again at 14.5 in between them. It was a fairly uniform far edge and I set up a .2 NG ghandi float for tight across. Coming back towards me I had around 3ft at the bottom of the shelf and a DS .4 diamond to a size 18 B911 F1 banded pellet on a hair. A couple of margin rigs either side completed the set up. I had a nice depth and plenty of natural vegetation.
What was really disheartening was seeing nearly everyone chopping worms and preparing maggots and casters. Things started badly just after the all in and the lad on the next peg caught a skimmer on the worm. The lad opposite was also catching small silvers, also on the worm.
I started off fishing pellet at the bottom of the shelf feeding via a toss pot so it was not overfed.A couple of grains of corn with 4mm feed pellets. After an hour I had nothing to show for my efforts, I had tried the margins for no bites. I decided it was long or bust. After 15 minutes a small dip on the ghandi and a carp around 4lb was in the net. His mate followed 20 minutes later by the clump of grass.
Sadly that was my lot, I did have another bite I missed on corn and I also foul hooked a fish last put in. The regulars either side beat me but not by a lot. I reckoned on 8 or 9lb and threw back. One of them weighed 11lb and the other 15lb, so one or two fish.
Overall it was an enjoyable day, the organisation by well run, the staff at Shearsby Valley are match anglers and know there stuff. The cafe is clean and food is good. Would I go back? Yes I think I would but once the weights start going upwards rather than downwards.
John would of been proud of the efforts of Dave and his team. It even rained on us.

Sunday 3 September 2017

Marsh AC Orchard Place Lake 6 02 09 17

I must admit my fishing has been put on the back burner for a few weeks. One of the factors associated with packing up smoking is that your sense of smell returns. I used to smoke 30 a day for the last 40 years and many of them were inside the house. Now, with my sense of smell returning, I know that the house needs decorating from top to bottom and this has taken priority.
However, I still had a club match to fish at a new venue to me, the lads fished it last year and were impressed. Orchard Place near Kings Hill, Kent.The complex has a lot of lakes and we were on Lake 6. A quick chat with Mark Hathway, put me straight on tactics and baits and I was ready with a plan.
Mick was driving and another early start beckoned, but the motorways were clear and we progressed calmly towards an awaiting breakfast.
With monies paid, and peg numbers sorted, we decided on 11 to 22, as someone has mislaid 1 to 10. We had 12 anglers but Tony, Jim and Terry managed to squeeze everyone in although some pegs would only offer room for 2 keepnets. Mick as usual would draw first, Peg 21 whilst my right hand pulled 18 from the bag. Mick seemed happy with his draw, just off an island with good looking edges. I was a little further up on the same bank on the end of the point. Again I was happy with the peg, although the lake was flat calm.
My plan was to fish 6mm pellets feeding 4mms and switching to sloppy ground bait if it goes off. I was going to fish at 2+2 trying to bring them in closer to a top kit if possible. I would start off on the deck and gradually fish up in the water under a jigga to .17 mainline to .15 B911X size 18 hooklength. I set this for 2ft but had another standard rig set at a foot deep. My deep rig was a DS float taking 3 number 8 shot to a 18 B911X hook. It is a strange float to use as it takes ages to settle but once you are used to it brilliant for this sort of fishing.
At the all in I started feeding 4 or 5 pellets every 20 seconds and fishing on the deck with white hydro. A few missed bites before fish number one was in the net. an F1 around 2lb, another couple followed and I was getting into a rhythm of hook, feed, land, feed, ship out, feed and so on. It was busy fishing but worth it as I was catching. With an hour gone, I reckoned on having 20 fish for about 42lb. Others around me were nicking odd fish with Gino next peg on 12 fish, Dave on 7. I could see Mick's landing net handle going in and out regularly so knew he was doing well. The others were behind me, but Tony Roberts and the Watkins Brothers were catching well.
I was now on the Jigga, lifting and dropping all the time, and catching well on it, this lasted for about another hour before the rig got smashed. Out with the foot deep rig and I was able to carry on catching. After 3 hours I knew the ton was passed. It was now a case of juggling keepnets. I could only get two into the water and with a 70lb limit I knew I would need a third, maybe a fourth. In the distance you could hear the drone of aircraft, a look up though and you saw a spitfire on rehearsals for a show. Well done the pilot, amazing to watch and worth a few missed bites.
I managed to keep fish coming throughout the session, but had to keep adjusting the feed. 4 or 5 pellets when the fish were coming up and 20 to 30 when they dropped back down. I was now on a top three but as I was fishing shallow a lot of the time it was not a great deal of difference. I even had a spell where the float was set up 8 inches deep and I was still catching. A steady end to the match would see me finish with around 120 fish. 30 in each net. I had caught well throughout, a couple of small things have cost me. Word was Simon had 150 fish with brother Tony also admitting to 120 fish, and he was in my section, Tony Roberts was owning up to around 180lb and Mick was admitting to having had a good day and a grin.
Chris was first to weigh in with 94-04, Jim followed with 75lb. Tony Roberts was then next to up the stakes to 184lb. Simon then tipped 6 keepnets onto the scales for 298lb 8oz. Brother Tony could not match the exploits of Simon but still managed 233-08 for second so far. Terry kept the ton weights coming with 104lb, whilst Richard placed 43-12 on the board.
I was next and was thinking that 3rd place on my first visit to the venue would be nice, couple that with a MK Nugget off of Mick and I would be happy. However, my four nets went 237lb and into second. Gino was next to weigh. Having persevered with paste throughout the match he had done well with 157lb. Dave again was struggling with his health but still crept in with 61lb 4oz before we got to Mick. Mick was admitting to a good day and knowing Mick as I do, know that he rotates his fish so there is not normally a lot of difference between them. So first weigh goes 58lb and I am thinking 58 x 4 nets equals 232lb it will be close for the MK Nugget. Fortunately for me the other nets came up just short and the scales settled on 213lb 12oz. Rod brought up the rear with 42lb 8oz.
Overall
1st Simon Watkins 298-08
2nd Keith Ashby   237-00
3rd Tony Watkins 233-08
4th Mick Wright   213-12
5th Tony Roberts  184-00
6th Gino Excell     157-00
Well first time at Orchard Place, excellent fishing and made to feel welcome. To come second on the day to stop a Watkins 1-2 was pleasing and to take another MK Nugget off Mick was also a highlight. Mick reliably informs me the the score is now 9-8 to him.
Next week I am at Shearsby Valley Lakes for John Buxton's Memorial Match with a few maggot drowners. Another venue I have not fished before, hope its as good as this one.