Thursday 5 November 2009
Tuesday 3 November 2009
From Drumble Beginnings....
Session commenced at 6.32am with a positively balmy 15 degrees on the dash as I drove towards hucknall to collect the other lunatic intent on trying new venues with a view to catching anything in deepest October.
The car seemed to have shrunk since the Springlea Classic? Kit space a mystery...
Off we trot full of hope & anticiation as usual " which pool ? " (must be a Shropshire thing) "which tactics?" and " what you having from cafe?"......all key measures of success.
With one of the Spring Lea Classic invitees missing (wiring a plug for someones toaster apparently) it was a two man expedition.....CUDMORE Ahoy!!
At a rather random opportunity Derek announced he had Yoghurt with him?.....Bait? Snack? A Rash?...
After a swift and music filled 1hr 15mins journey we arrived safe and sound and walked around the 'pools' .....
What became apparent to both Anglers that despite being only 65 miles from civilisation the natives spoke a strange tongue?.....Sausage butties consumed and tea drank it was time to wet a line...
Drumble the lake suggested by the shop owner....
Derek opting for a feeder set up from the start casting to the island maybe 30 yards away. Nico setting up his new pole for its virgin voyage.
Plumbing up it approx 5ft close in with a fairly flat bottom. Both Anglers initially mixing small pellets with G/Bait and maggots / meat . After 30 mins Nico had taken 3 fish 2 x Tench and a decent skimmer falling to Maggot and Soft Pellet although it wasnt alive with bites.
Derek had been consistent but early doors but it wasnt delivering any fish after an hour with the tip rod only registering a couple of knocks. Nico's peg had also died with only another small tench being taken.The weather varied from bearable to debatable with a strong wind howling down the leg into our pegs.
Eventually Dereks peg began to pay off with a stream of small chub and Barbel to approx 1-2lb, both anglers not really understanding the method or bait but gradually putting a few fish together.
In hindsight the pole was used for at least an hour too long with Derek consitently taking fish while Nico tried to tempt a few at 6 / 9 / 11m and the margins.
An irritation for both anglers was the need to comply with the rule ' Toilets must be used', luckily Dumble was close but some lakes are a potential car drive away? - With Nico approaching 40 peg selection is taking on a new twist.
Derek using Fox Feeder and 16 feeder hook continued to put fish together, and with reluctance Nico retired the pole to the holdall for another day. Beastmaster Medium Feeder....
After 72 casts to get close enough to snare a few Nico was back in the fish, but the lost hours had put pay to any catch up, the match was Dels but it was of the poles making. It felt a bit 'woodend' at times and there arent any big fish in Drumble....fact
Derek took around a conservative 40 fish over the day Nico a more reasonable 20 or so...decent for both really in the conditions...nearly November.
Theres lots to go at and its a great venue.....Summer 2010 roll on...
Calling Papa Chav .....Calling Papa Chav.....
The car seemed to have shrunk since the Springlea Classic? Kit space a mystery...
Off we trot full of hope & anticiation as usual " which pool ? " (must be a Shropshire thing) "which tactics?" and " what you having from cafe?"......all key measures of success.
With one of the Spring Lea Classic invitees missing (wiring a plug for someones toaster apparently) it was a two man expedition.....CUDMORE Ahoy!!
At a rather random opportunity Derek announced he had Yoghurt with him?.....Bait? Snack? A Rash?...
After a swift and music filled 1hr 15mins journey we arrived safe and sound and walked around the 'pools' .....
What became apparent to both Anglers that despite being only 65 miles from civilisation the natives spoke a strange tongue?.....Sausage butties consumed and tea drank it was time to wet a line...
Drumble the lake suggested by the shop owner....
Derek opting for a feeder set up from the start casting to the island maybe 30 yards away. Nico setting up his new pole for its virgin voyage.
Plumbing up it approx 5ft close in with a fairly flat bottom. Both Anglers initially mixing small pellets with G/Bait and maggots / meat . After 30 mins Nico had taken 3 fish 2 x Tench and a decent skimmer falling to Maggot and Soft Pellet although it wasnt alive with bites.
Derek had been consistent but early doors but it wasnt delivering any fish after an hour with the tip rod only registering a couple of knocks. Nico's peg had also died with only another small tench being taken.The weather varied from bearable to debatable with a strong wind howling down the leg into our pegs.
Eventually Dereks peg began to pay off with a stream of small chub and Barbel to approx 1-2lb, both anglers not really understanding the method or bait but gradually putting a few fish together.
In hindsight the pole was used for at least an hour too long with Derek consitently taking fish while Nico tried to tempt a few at 6 / 9 / 11m and the margins.
An irritation for both anglers was the need to comply with the rule ' Toilets must be used', luckily Dumble was close but some lakes are a potential car drive away? - With Nico approaching 40 peg selection is taking on a new twist.
Derek using Fox Feeder and 16 feeder hook continued to put fish together, and with reluctance Nico retired the pole to the holdall for another day. Beastmaster Medium Feeder....
After 72 casts to get close enough to snare a few Nico was back in the fish, but the lost hours had put pay to any catch up, the match was Dels but it was of the poles making. It felt a bit 'woodend' at times and there arent any big fish in Drumble....fact
Derek took around a conservative 40 fish over the day Nico a more reasonable 20 or so...decent for both really in the conditions...nearly November.
Theres lots to go at and its a great venue.....Summer 2010 roll on...
Calling Papa Chav .....Calling Papa Chav.....
Monday 26 October 2009
You nearly had my f***ing eye out!
The usual story of only a wink or two.
The sleepless anticipation,
morning constipation no poo!
Coffee drunk,
Car packed,
a text message or two!
A dream that today,
Was the one
Woodend dreams come true!
Then it came,
a bolt from the blue,
news from the front
Every peg busy,
the puddles taken too.
No room at the inn,
Your names not down
you're not coming in!
Experienced showed,
lets hit somewhere new,
Off we sped,
hell bent,
on a Sutton Lawn view!
The mecca of fishing,
Ten years its been missing!
Out popped a baliff,
From nowhere he cameth!
Well that is where the bloody poetry ended. Wind like the north sea, aggressive one eyed locals, 1 roach and 2 skimmers beat 1 skimmer and two lost fish. Nico stuck behind a wall having a slash every sip of coffee. 2009 Champ my arse you can have it! Roll on Friday. Enjoyed being at water side again, but it was like scratching for fleas and catch only 4!
Lets fishing through the winter!"£$%£!!!
A bad days fishing is better than a good day at the office - so they say!
Mad for it!
Saturday 12 September 2009
" Still, Clear, and Bright - Ideal Bream weather"
A last minute change of plan left Nicholson with the opportunity to team up with 'oversteer' Nicholls for a Butterley classic.
Texts exchanged at 5.12am, Nicholson doing what do bears do best 'a la fresco' 40 minutes later on arrival. Both anglers had scaled down to ' Butterley' essentials Feeders , Rod , Reel , Bait bits...and nets. It makes the walk a little easier but still feels too much somehow.
The lake was shrouded in a dense mist and was very still not unlike Sleepy Hollow. Unpacking the kit the temperature was a comfy 14 degress, it was going to be another suprise late summer day...
Nicholls arrived in chavtastic style in the Zetec S on loan since the demise of the ' suede elbow' wagon.
Arriving in the pegs following the now familiar ' viaduct of death' Nicholls suggested it might be good to move ' one along' - how crucial this was to be.
By 6.38am first baited casts went in after 15 or so with feed of pellets / corn / and a new Bream Mix.......it was very still and very very quiet....you could hear the feeder splash even at that distance...lovely conditions.
Slowly rising to our left the Sun looked strong and clear, there wasnt a cloud in the sky.
Butterley traditionally takes some time to get going with the first hour almost always being a coffee / bait up time, today was different and within 5 minutes of the feeder landing nicholson missed a bite. The next cast and a clonking 4lb Bream almost pulled the rod off the rest. 15 minutes in - missed bite & 4 lb Bream....the rule book was being re-written,
In the next 45 minutes Nicholson put together a further 4 Bream with Nicholls increasingly vocal in his concern. 5-0 up after an hour??? Butterley? Whats all this about?
Nicholls to his credit stayed true and kept the feed going in at around 50 yards. Eventually taking a Bream of his own, and another not long after to make Nicholson start to get nervous. Had they moved on? Had Cliff prompted it? The lead was being eroded...
With the sun and temperature rising it was like a July day,T Shirts on and red faces guaranteed.
With the scores 5-2 it became clear that fish would be taken ' here and there' and anything now possible in the remaining two hours or so.
Nicholson took a further 5 fish at even periods to Boilie and Corn, with Nicholls managing two more also. 10-4 it finished. The sun killed it, and the weed growth continues to be a longer term concern.
A good win on an 'away' ground for Nicholson, it can easily go either way here. They turn up or they dont...
Texts exchanged at 5.12am, Nicholson doing what do bears do best 'a la fresco' 40 minutes later on arrival. Both anglers had scaled down to ' Butterley' essentials Feeders , Rod , Reel , Bait bits...and nets. It makes the walk a little easier but still feels too much somehow.
The lake was shrouded in a dense mist and was very still not unlike Sleepy Hollow. Unpacking the kit the temperature was a comfy 14 degress, it was going to be another suprise late summer day...
Nicholls arrived in chavtastic style in the Zetec S on loan since the demise of the ' suede elbow' wagon.
Arriving in the pegs following the now familiar ' viaduct of death' Nicholls suggested it might be good to move ' one along' - how crucial this was to be.
By 6.38am first baited casts went in after 15 or so with feed of pellets / corn / and a new Bream Mix.......it was very still and very very quiet....you could hear the feeder splash even at that distance...lovely conditions.
Slowly rising to our left the Sun looked strong and clear, there wasnt a cloud in the sky.
Butterley traditionally takes some time to get going with the first hour almost always being a coffee / bait up time, today was different and within 5 minutes of the feeder landing nicholson missed a bite. The next cast and a clonking 4lb Bream almost pulled the rod off the rest. 15 minutes in - missed bite & 4 lb Bream....the rule book was being re-written,
In the next 45 minutes Nicholson put together a further 4 Bream with Nicholls increasingly vocal in his concern. 5-0 up after an hour??? Butterley? Whats all this about?
Nicholls to his credit stayed true and kept the feed going in at around 50 yards. Eventually taking a Bream of his own, and another not long after to make Nicholson start to get nervous. Had they moved on? Had Cliff prompted it? The lead was being eroded...
With the sun and temperature rising it was like a July day,T Shirts on and red faces guaranteed.
With the scores 5-2 it became clear that fish would be taken ' here and there' and anything now possible in the remaining two hours or so.
Nicholson took a further 5 fish at even periods to Boilie and Corn, with Nicholls managing two more also. 10-4 it finished. The sun killed it, and the weed growth continues to be a longer term concern.
A good win on an 'away' ground for Nicholson, it can easily go either way here. They turn up or they dont...
Wednesday 2 September 2009
You Knew it was coming....
Peg 5 Sherwood Lake.
After a quick treck to Park Hall to find decent Anglers struggling and stories of a man dying on the bank on Sunday ( true) I listened to the omens and decided upon a trip to Sherwood.
Hucknall Tackle had taken £16 off me for pellets / feeders / maggots so I thought i'd better use.
After the days story of Matts incident Nico was alone and glad all was reasonably well with the two from Hucknall
The weather was a still / warm breeze with heavy showers promised, i just couldnt see it. ON arrival at sherwood there was two matches. Road side on Sherwood Lake and Holmedale. Typical...two venues in and its conspirinig against me ....
Sat on Peg 5 and it looked really inviting , never fished this close to 'hut' and wondered what the session would bring. decided to fish the NEW Kobra elasticated pellet feeder....£2.40!!!
No one reporting much caught and it was still...
First cast on method and liners were a plenty but no real takes. Oily pellet initially....15 minutes in and a small stockie almost pulled the rod off the rest. Quite slow....the weather was odd...still / warm breeze... a couple of decent skimmers and a carp followed....nothing over 2lb...very shallow...
in the distance everyone was watching a dark mass make its way towards us....complete with lightening. Odd experience sat in Sun and T Shirt knowing doom is approching
The peg was also proving a snag pit with two hooks ruined..one lost one straightened...
The Rain started and sensibly I put the holdall and carryall in the car along with anything non essential.
Waggler rod went up and maggots sprayed around the area. For next hour it was bite a chuck Skimmers / Roach / Lost Carp....lots of missed bites....wish I had new pole!!
The heavens opened and it was raining so hard....couldnt see float in water..drops bouncing up. Sat tight under brolly, no wind making it comfy....but difficult
Then as quickly as it started the rain cleared and sun came back out. Grass literally steaming. Funny session.
Finished with 3 carp / Approx 10 Skimmers ( 1oz to 1lb) / 4/5Roach to 6oz
All stop / start not in peg fancied, slow all round, only saw two carp caught on Match...lots of deckchair brigade until Rain stopped their play....
Thinking of emigrating.
Monday 31 August 2009
Peg One and weed
Butterley Res - 30th August 2009
Sometimes I don't know why I bother. Drag myself out of bed at 6am after a late 1am night before. Alcohol still on my breath and in my blood system. A forced breakfast and coffee, which gives me the strength and courage to face organising my tackle after failing to do it the night before. In stealth mode, acting like a burglar in his own home, in an attempt not to wake PB, I manage to finally sort a scaled down feeder set up in a record twice the time it would normally take me. Hit the open road, sandwiches made! and flask awaiting.
Arrive at Butters at 7am, quick walk reveals that peg 20, the Peg recommended by Peg One is empty, the match stretch only has a few carpers on it - should have seen the signs!
Set up, windy and cold but looks like sun later. 10 feeders put in and weed on feeder every put in. The weed looks to have grown in places, as it does! Not a touch, two and a half hours later - nothing!
Pack up, speak to a bloke who has been fishing it since a boy. Knew what he was doing. Key pegs are the rocks, but you now have not not only rock climb but go further across past peg 82 due to the weed. Or the pegs behind the garages towards the corner. He gets them on all sorts, feeder, at distance, usually has 10 plus fish.
Stick to what you know!
Sometimes I don't know why I bother. Drag myself out of bed at 6am after a late 1am night before. Alcohol still on my breath and in my blood system. A forced breakfast and coffee, which gives me the strength and courage to face organising my tackle after failing to do it the night before. In stealth mode, acting like a burglar in his own home, in an attempt not to wake PB, I manage to finally sort a scaled down feeder set up in a record twice the time it would normally take me. Hit the open road, sandwiches made! and flask awaiting.
Arrive at Butters at 7am, quick walk reveals that peg 20, the Peg recommended by Peg One is empty, the match stretch only has a few carpers on it - should have seen the signs!
Set up, windy and cold but looks like sun later. 10 feeders put in and weed on feeder every put in. The weed looks to have grown in places, as it does! Not a touch, two and a half hours later - nothing!
Pack up, speak to a bloke who has been fishing it since a boy. Knew what he was doing. Key pegs are the rocks, but you now have not not only rock climb but go further across past peg 82 due to the weed. Or the pegs behind the garages towards the corner. He gets them on all sorts, feeder, at distance, usually has 10 plus fish.
Stick to what you know!
Thursday 27 August 2009
Margin Mania at Spring Lea
Friday 21st August 2009 - Horseshoe - Fished 6-8pm
Windy and cool evening. Decided to fish side furthest away from the car park with the wind blowing over our shoulders. Nicholls fished like a monkey at 8 metres catching silvers on maggot. Nothing on corn, pellet or prawn. Carp just not interested. Ended up with 6lb ish mainly due to skimmers. PB caught silvers plus one carp 3lb and a bream 2lb to take the honours on day one. A night in the tent to reflect and prepare.
Saturday 22nd August 2009 - Orfe - Pegs 23/24/25 8am until 2pm session.
The coldest night of the summer, during which we shivered in our sleeping bags and slept in our clothes, saw a calm and very still morning. Fished pole at 9 metres with pellet the main bait. Picked up an early carp close in on double red maggot as advised by Papa Chav. The day really warmed up and remained very bright/still. Not the best for fishing. PB caught silver fish continually on waggler for 6lb of fish. Papa finished with 9lb, fishing maggot at 5 metres, taking three carp and silvers. Nicholls ended with 14lb mixed bag of skimmers, carp and tench all fairly small. The new radio birthday present provided much of the sport as the Ashes were listened to during the session.
Monday 24th August 2009 - Orfe - Pegs 23/24 - 8.30am until 7.30pm
Monday saw a marathon of fishing. The evening before had been spent 'knitting' rigs for the following day and putting together a picnic including cava and strawberries. It was a pity that this prep didn't also include some bait additions.
Started the session around 8.30am. PB was straight into a bream, followed by a tench 1lb and a 3lb carp - would Nicholls ever get started or would he just be PB's gilley all day?
Luckily a succession of skimmers, small carp and tench were caught at 9 metres for Nicholls on small pellet, however the bait was lacking with only maggots and pellets available. Fishing steady, breaking for lunch and enjoying the session fish kept coming at a nice pace. But the bait was running low - time to call Papa Chav for supplies.
The arrival of Papa Chav around 5pm allowed for a switch of bait to corn, a tench and carp quickly followed at 9 metres. A further switch to the margins saw a succession of fish - tench to 2lb and carp to 6lb followed.
PB claimed a 6lb carp at the death. Nicholls could hardly lift his net out at the end, a good 50lb plus. On reflection the 100lb is possible. At least 10 fish lost during the day due to light blue hydro. What would corn and black hydro have brought? Spring Lea classic next year could be interesting if we get some weather, focus and bring some corn.
Windy and cool evening. Decided to fish side furthest away from the car park with the wind blowing over our shoulders. Nicholls fished like a monkey at 8 metres catching silvers on maggot. Nothing on corn, pellet or prawn. Carp just not interested. Ended up with 6lb ish mainly due to skimmers. PB caught silvers plus one carp 3lb and a bream 2lb to take the honours on day one. A night in the tent to reflect and prepare.
Saturday 22nd August 2009 - Orfe - Pegs 23/24/25 8am until 2pm session.
The coldest night of the summer, during which we shivered in our sleeping bags and slept in our clothes, saw a calm and very still morning. Fished pole at 9 metres with pellet the main bait. Picked up an early carp close in on double red maggot as advised by Papa Chav. The day really warmed up and remained very bright/still. Not the best for fishing. PB caught silver fish continually on waggler for 6lb of fish. Papa finished with 9lb, fishing maggot at 5 metres, taking three carp and silvers. Nicholls ended with 14lb mixed bag of skimmers, carp and tench all fairly small. The new radio birthday present provided much of the sport as the Ashes were listened to during the session.
Monday 24th August 2009 - Orfe - Pegs 23/24 - 8.30am until 7.30pm
Monday saw a marathon of fishing. The evening before had been spent 'knitting' rigs for the following day and putting together a picnic including cava and strawberries. It was a pity that this prep didn't also include some bait additions.
Started the session around 8.30am. PB was straight into a bream, followed by a tench 1lb and a 3lb carp - would Nicholls ever get started or would he just be PB's gilley all day?
Luckily a succession of skimmers, small carp and tench were caught at 9 metres for Nicholls on small pellet, however the bait was lacking with only maggots and pellets available. Fishing steady, breaking for lunch and enjoying the session fish kept coming at a nice pace. But the bait was running low - time to call Papa Chav for supplies.
The arrival of Papa Chav around 5pm allowed for a switch of bait to corn, a tench and carp quickly followed at 9 metres. A further switch to the margins saw a succession of fish - tench to 2lb and carp to 6lb followed.
PB claimed a 6lb carp at the death. Nicholls could hardly lift his net out at the end, a good 50lb plus. On reflection the 100lb is possible. At least 10 fish lost during the day due to light blue hydro. What would corn and black hydro have brought? Spring Lea classic next year could be interesting if we get some weather, focus and bring some corn.
Thursday 20 August 2009
Park Hall - Feeder
Arriving at Park Hall i discovered the owner has decided to build himself a house in the car park! Strange but True.
It was clear sky and 21 degress as I pulled in at 6.30am . A long time since Ive sat in a T shirt anywhere...
Feeder all the way. No pole in the bag. Three other anglers already there, one catching a carp as i pulled into peg 25 on the long straight. Car right behind me. Happy days...
Beastmaster Medium and Open Feeder fished in the loop. 16 Drennan Carp Match hook with hair rig and 8mm oily pellet. Feeder filled with Swim Stim pellets and Ringers Dark.
very comfy...always a bad sign...Made 8 casts half way between the island and lillies to put in some bait and then a real cast....coffee opened....sun out...After 20 mins without a bite i was a bit nervous. A guy to my right had a couple more on waggler and i felt i was due a knock.
The tip went round and continued going... A common about 2lb fought very hard for its size. Over the next hour I had two more then a lull....the peg was very shallow. 2 ft or 2 max.Every bite was a real take....one I had to grab the rod as I poured coffee...(typical)
Tried method after a tangle on the feeder but the pellets and G/Bait were a bit wet for it. Need to crack the bait for longer casts on Method.
A further 4 Carp and a Skimmer fell to either Sonu Oily Pellet or Match Boilie and I packed up at around 11.30am as it was very bright and needed to return to base.An angler sat opposite me later in the morning and catapulted around 6 big balls of groundbait in as soon as he arrived and caught three fish in the first 45 mins or so....small method feeder about 3/4 way across.
I like the much maligned Park Hall....I just dont understand it. Regret not taking the pole. Carp rolling in pole distance and i kept casting over them....again typical...
Saturday 8 August 2009
Fish in Springlea? - Orfe course!
Nicholls Senior posts first report.
Orfe Double Red Maggot at 6m and newly acquired pole. Easy!
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Monday 3 August 2009
Sunday 2 August 2009
God put a smile on my face ...Spring Lea Day 2
After pasta, 3 black sheep, a meeting with Cecil and Clarence it was time to hit the canvas andcatch some Z's....
At 6.07am after a dream about stealing a push bike? it was time for the decider in the SVC...
Nicholls Snr rolled down the soddened track at 6.18 and it was a swift tent clearance and shower before hitting Orfe. ("its rammed - " 50lb easy" - "Mixed bag" - "boiling when you feed")
With the rain holding off it looked promising as we made our way up to the lake full of anticipation. With hindsight we picked the wrong pegs ( shocker) and should have foreseen gods plan of very very heavy showers in... ohh the next 30 mins.
Poles for Matt & Mick and feeder for JN it was to be with a worrying breeze skipping across the lake...Within 30 minutes Nicholls Jnr had taken a skimmer and a elastic stretching Carp of 6lb putting pressure on the two anglers from very early. 
The heavens then decided to open with raining lashing down as all the anglers held onto their brollies....the peg selection was looking shaky at best as the breeze turned into a wind and bright skys turned into a dark dark mass of rain and cold.....it was like the first day on the Somme sometime later as the soldiers came out shellshocked and wanting pipes of peace...
In between times Nicholson had sneaked 3 x carp to push Nicholls solitary effort, and Nicholls response was to bizarrely fish maggot in a force ten gale on a top three? Nicholls Snr had stuck with the feeder and with the exception of a Perch , and Skimmer or three was struggling
a tad....
Nicholson kept the Meat & Corn faith and took another two skimmers and a small stockie. It was looking very very tight....
The rain was determined to spoil the day and all three anglers surrended by 12.30...it was hard to hold the pole
At the weigh in Nicholls started to regret the maggot as nicholson pulled the net out....Nicholson took a damp classic for 2009 .....Roll on Summer...( oh it is)
Regardless of win - Banter and friendship played a bigger part....maybe we should have gone to Horseshoe again
Saturday 1 August 2009
It never rains it pours - UK becomes a Lakeview
Captains Log Star Date 1st August 2009. Planet Lakeview in the solar system UK. A watery wet planet with continual rainfall. Decided to do some samples of lifeforms. Well in reality - fished Lagoon from 9am-1pm. Stop start session again rigs not ready!!!! Caught 25? fish - all carp except one bream 2lb. All fish in good condition and have certainly grown, most 2lb smallest about 3/4 lb. Weather was cold, wet and still. Place has really matured but was very quiet. On Lagoon only 2 others fishing - other lakes similar. Total lack of match action for a weekend. Nice and private, tiny walk from peg, trees both sides. Originally set up in peg with wasps nest so had to move!! Fished down margin later in session and across other side with meat at first. Biggest fish 4lb. Well worth another visit but this time prepared - footplate, rigs, aim to change rigs to pick up carp and silvers. But once again need the bloody weather, always fishes better when warmer. Peg 24? Beam me up scotty to a warmer and drier place!
Nothing like this!
Nothing like this!
Thursday 30 July 2009
The Springlea Classic 2009.
After much anticipation the Springlea Classic was finally upon us.
Upon arrival it was clear that the axles of the Mondeo were going to work a bit, Edmund Hilary probably taking less on his jaunt to chilly climes some years earlier. Packed to the rafters we set off 6.15am. Making good time on a quiet, cloudy Sunday morning we arrived at Springlea around 8.45 ready to fish.
Nicholls Snr rolled in around the same time and the job of unloading kit seemed daunting, bib and braces were immediately donned as the rain began to fall. It was looking like White Acres all over again.
Quickly it was decided that Horseshoe lake would be sensbile. An unknown quantity in terms of previous form, but shelter and banter dictated the selection. It was to prove wise.
Setting up to fish from around 9.30 Nicholls Jnr declared ' match on' when he was ready...no change there then. Nicholson and Nicholls Snr enjoying banter and optimistic about the day....
Poles x2 and Snr choosing Waggler to begin the opening exchanges.
The pole boys began to pull away.....John caught an Oak Tree and the catapult in the branches was no longer quite the amusement it had been earlier.
By lunchtime it was tight. The heavens had opened approx 12 times by then, with excess kit being saved ' panzer division' style to keep the rain off. Where were the carp?
By 11.30am fresh cups ot tea had been delivered to pegs and we moved into phase 2 .....
It was tight throughout the day in terms of fish, but Nicholls Jnr began to hit decent skimmers while Nicholsons peg went dead....meat, pellet, maggot, and corn resulting in nothing....worrying...
Fishing at 11m and 4m resulted only in small silvers....The margin by now had resulted in two small stockies on meat, but it too died.
Nicholls Jnr peg slowed and he moved into the margin spraying pellet / maggots that resulted in two quality fish...blue hydro saved the day and Nicholson was now a good three fish behind. They had to be carp....
Nicholls margin went dead, and by this stage John had been given a " how to pole fish in 30 easy seconds" ....Total Angling must have though he said 'North Pole Fishing" in the shop as one rig carried 7lb line....we were safe if a caravan needed towing.
To his credit John began to catch fish with regularity and maybe find an elusive carp or six from his peg.....meanwhile Nicholls was having a red letter couple of hours with 'sneaky skimmers' being landed quietly every few minutes.
Nicholson knew he needed something and quickly. as if by magic the peg became alive again after a pole cup of pellet, meat and corn and the biggest fish of the day ( around 5lb) took off ...white hydro piling out of the top kit all over the lake... there was a groan from Nicholls....
Seconds later Mr Dog Carp took the hydro for a wander all over the lake but the hook pulled and sighs all round....it was going to be close....
Nicholls stuck to the skimmers with double red fished at dead depth taking fish....Nicholson took another carp 2lb and skimmer 1lb and the gap was closing....
John landed a stockie or two on the pole and was seeing the advantages ( catching fish)....good perforance from the newbie to the carbon stick world...
In between the action a rather attractive lady turned up to take some photos for the local rag...word had spread that the Classic was on....( ahem)
Finally after tons of banter, wet kit, totty, carp, monkey tennis and seeing monsters leap of out the lake all day it was time to weigh in....
Unbelievably Nicholls and Nicholson weighed in exactly the same weight. John weighed in a respectable bag of silvers and stockies....
It was to be a rollover to day two.
Nicholls Snr, Nicholls, and Nicholson had all made preparations for what was to be a classic encounter.
The adventure started at 5.08am to Nicholls reminding him to get his jacksie out of bed. 6am pick time agreed.Upon arrival it was clear that the axles of the Mondeo were going to work a bit, Edmund Hilary probably taking less on his jaunt to chilly climes some years earlier. Packed to the rafters we set off 6.15am. Making good time on a quiet, cloudy Sunday morning we arrived at Springlea around 8.45 ready to fish.
Nicholls Snr rolled in around the same time and the job of unloading kit seemed daunting, bib and braces were immediately donned as the rain began to fall. It was looking like White Acres all over again.
Quickly it was decided that Horseshoe lake would be sensbile. An unknown quantity in terms of previous form, but shelter and banter dictated the selection. It was to prove wise.
Setting up to fish from around 9.30 Nicholls Jnr declared ' match on' when he was ready...no change there then. Nicholson and Nicholls Snr enjoying banter and optimistic about the day....
Poles x2 and Snr choosing Waggler to begin the opening exchanges.
On the Journey it had been discussed when the phrase " its not normally this bad" or " its slow" would be thrown into the banter.....true to form it surfaced around 10.30am....all anglers having a slow start taking silvers and the odd skimmer into the nets....
The pole boys began to pull away.....John caught an Oak Tree and the catapult in the branches was no longer quite the amusement it had been earlier.
By lunchtime it was tight. The heavens had opened approx 12 times by then, with excess kit being saved ' panzer division' style to keep the rain off. Where were the carp?
By 11.30am fresh cups ot tea had been delivered to pegs and we moved into phase 2 .....
It was tight throughout the day in terms of fish, but Nicholls Jnr began to hit decent skimmers while Nicholsons peg went dead....meat, pellet, maggot, and corn resulting in nothing....worrying...
Fishing at 11m and 4m resulted only in small silvers....The margin by now had resulted in two small stockies on meat, but it too died.
Nicholls Jnr peg slowed and he moved into the margin spraying pellet / maggots that resulted in two quality fish...blue hydro saved the day and Nicholson was now a good three fish behind. They had to be carp....
Nicholls margin went dead, and by this stage John had been given a " how to pole fish in 30 easy seconds" ....Total Angling must have though he said 'North Pole Fishing" in the shop as one rig carried 7lb line....we were safe if a caravan needed towing.
To his credit John began to catch fish with regularity and maybe find an elusive carp or six from his peg.....meanwhile Nicholls was having a red letter couple of hours with 'sneaky skimmers' being landed quietly every few minutes.
Nicholson knew he needed something and quickly. as if by magic the peg became alive again after a pole cup of pellet, meat and corn and the biggest fish of the day ( around 5lb) took off ...white hydro piling out of the top kit all over the lake... there was a groan from Nicholls....
Seconds later Mr Dog Carp took the hydro for a wander all over the lake but the hook pulled and sighs all round....it was going to be close....
Nicholls stuck to the skimmers with double red fished at dead depth taking fish....Nicholson took another carp 2lb and skimmer 1lb and the gap was closing....
John landed a stockie or two on the pole and was seeing the advantages ( catching fish)....good perforance from the newbie to the carbon stick world...
In between the action a rather attractive lady turned up to take some photos for the local rag...word had spread that the Classic was on....( ahem)
Finally after tons of banter, wet kit, totty, carp, monkey tennis and seeing monsters leap of out the lake all day it was time to weigh in....
Unbelievably Nicholls and Nicholson weighed in exactly the same weight. John weighed in a respectable bag of silvers and stockies....
It was to be a rollover to day two.
Saturday 4 July 2009
Ain't Orfe Hot Mum!
A sprint across the midlands saw Nicholls and PB in Papa Chav country for a quick over night stay and session at Spring Lea, legendary Orfe Lake. Up at the crack of dawn saw a warm day ahead. Small carp to 3lb, tench, bream and a number of crucians followed. The water fizzed as pellets went in - 'its alive'. Mixture of prawn and pellet saw around 25lb in the net, plus over 50 silvers contributed by PB. The summer Fish-o-mania three fisherman challenge awaits, fingers crossed for the weather 26th/27th July.
Friday 26 June 2009
Desperation, Airation, and Thumbless Nation....
The quest for venues reaches ever increasing desperation. Nicholls wanting a Non Commercial - Commerical, Privacy, Mixed Bag, Nets, Any Bait, Any Method, Car in Peg,Cafe, £2 Ticket, Fishes Well all Time...... and all within a 10 min drive from work...mmmm.....the quest goes on.
This evenings jaunt was to a new venue - Spring Oaks.
Parking across the road and entering the place by someones Garden is odd. The lakes are split into two. Lower Lake and Match Lake.
It was pole all the way here. Nicholls decided to fish in a Mango Grove (One that came with a light!!!?) , Nicholson taking a sensible peg where the corner and island were about 11m away.
There is undoubtedly 000's of fish in both ponds. The trick seemingly to be able to catch quickly as the small stuff far outweigh anything decent. ( for now)
A Good session was had by both anglers. A true mixed bag....Carp, Tench, Roach,Rudd,Barbel,Skimmers,Chub, .....biggest fish probably only 2lb but good sport.
Nicholson shaved it in terms of numbers. Nicholls dreaming of Higham....
This evenings jaunt was to a new venue - Spring Oaks.
Parking across the road and entering the place by someones Garden is odd. The lakes are split into two. Lower Lake and Match Lake.
It was pole all the way here. Nicholls decided to fish in a Mango Grove (One that came with a light!!!?) , Nicholson taking a sensible peg where the corner and island were about 11m away.
There is undoubtedly 000's of fish in both ponds. The trick seemingly to be able to catch quickly as the small stuff far outweigh anything decent. ( for now)
A Good session was had by both anglers. A true mixed bag....Carp, Tench, Roach,Rudd,Barbel,Skimmers,Chub, .....biggest fish probably only 2lb but good sport.
Nicholson shaved it in terms of numbers. Nicholls dreaming of Higham....
Park Hall - A Dozen Bream
Quick sunday session at Park Hall - 6.30am to 10.30am
Pole 9m, Corn / Hair Rigged 18, White Hydro, Cupped Dynamite Expanders with Gravy.
Steady throughout. 12 Skimmers / Bream to 1.5lb or so. No sign of carp. Weather bright and warm. Still think theres a decent day to be had here. Peg chosen for me by match from 20-40.
Pole 9m, Corn / Hair Rigged 18, White Hydro, Cupped Dynamite Expanders with Gravy.
Steady throughout. 12 Skimmers / Bream to 1.5lb or so. No sign of carp. Weather bright and warm. Still think theres a decent day to be had here. Peg chosen for me by match from 20-40.
Monday 15 June 2009
Lets take out those 88's.
Arrived at Butterley at 6am and the sun was already high. Checking the notice board revealed that a match put an end to fishing the rocks. Decided to investigate the peg next to the hole through the viaduct. Eventually fished peg 88 - see map casting 40 yards into the middle. 5 fish followed all to shell fish bollie. More fish are to be had and a red letter day awaits. Bung that bait in!
Sunday 14 June 2009
Weed Better Pack Up....
Tuesday 9th June
Butterley Reservoir opposite the 'rocks'. Fished from 16.30 until 19.00. Temp around 16*.
A 'light' session with both Nicholls and 'son being sensible for once. The kitchen sink was left at home.
Feeder rods, and enough feed to build a sandcastle topped with boilie decorations were prepared. The ducks would love it in the margins later that evening.
15 minutes in, and it became apparent the pegs were located on a mass jungle of weed at about 40 yards ( make that 20/30/40&50 yards).
As is always the way, when the weather is good & we are comfy, something else will prevail....on this occasion bloody weed...
Battling on, Nicholls finally snagged a decent enough Bream of around 3lb but its friends couldnt find his bait again, nor Nicholsons....
After winding in weed for 2 hours the joke wore off and it was pack up time....
Papa Chav dialled in....Spring Lea seems a good bet...
Chief dialled in...Demi Lee doesnt...
Butterley Reservoir opposite the 'rocks'. Fished from 16.30 until 19.00. Temp around 16*.
A 'light' session with both Nicholls and 'son being sensible for once. The kitchen sink was left at home.
Feeder rods, and enough feed to build a sandcastle topped with boilie decorations were prepared. The ducks would love it in the margins later that evening.
15 minutes in, and it became apparent the pegs were located on a mass jungle of weed at about 40 yards ( make that 20/30/40&50 yards).
As is always the way, when the weather is good & we are comfy, something else will prevail....on this occasion bloody weed...
Battling on, Nicholls finally snagged a decent enough Bream of around 3lb but its friends couldnt find his bait again, nor Nicholsons....
After winding in weed for 2 hours the joke wore off and it was pack up time....
Papa Chav dialled in....Spring Lea seems a good bet...
Chief dialled in...Demi Lee doesnt...
Sunday 31 May 2009
Rubber in the Air - Park Hall
Decided to hit Park Hall for a short session after hearing a few decent stories ( as ever) regarding Carp / Mixed bag since the weather changed.
Comms with Nicholls revealed a plan to have "picnic a la Cust", but a match on pegs 22-40 and the deckchair brigade put pay to that.
Plonked myself on peg 53 as the majority of the roadside was taken, but it wasnt to prove a bad choice...Plumbed up at around 9 metres and found approx 3 feet all the way across. White Hydro and 16 hook with pellet the plan.
Fed around 30 pellets and maggots to start with top ups every 10 minutes. When I arrived at the peg i wasnt hopeful. Still...very still with no signs of fish anywhere....that was to change.
After around 10 minutes the float slid away and I missed.....1-0
First Carp of around 2lb took a bit of hydro but was soon in the net. The bloke next to me was fishing method, I was keen to see if he could do anything...
A lull then 4/5 unhittable bites, followed by two more carp to around 3lb. All pole pellet, just touching bottom. Bites finicky
The sun was up with one half of the lake in vests and skins, the other in shade and cold.....Have a guess...
Between lulls and missed bites I managed to snare a total of 6 carp to around 4lb and a skimmer in the margins ....
Short session but enjoyable and comfy...
Still need to crack this place...deffo fish here
Comms with Nicholls revealed a plan to have "picnic a la Cust", but a match on pegs 22-40 and the deckchair brigade put pay to that.
Plonked myself on peg 53 as the majority of the roadside was taken, but it wasnt to prove a bad choice...Plumbed up at around 9 metres and found approx 3 feet all the way across. White Hydro and 16 hook with pellet the plan.
Fed around 30 pellets and maggots to start with top ups every 10 minutes. When I arrived at the peg i wasnt hopeful. Still...very still with no signs of fish anywhere....that was to change.
After around 10 minutes the float slid away and I missed.....1-0
First Carp of around 2lb took a bit of hydro but was soon in the net. The bloke next to me was fishing method, I was keen to see if he could do anything...
A lull then 4/5 unhittable bites, followed by two more carp to around 3lb. All pole pellet, just touching bottom. Bites finicky
The sun was up with one half of the lake in vests and skins, the other in shade and cold.....Have a guess...
Between lulls and missed bites I managed to snare a total of 6 carp to around 4lb and a skimmer in the margins ....
Short session but enjoyable and comfy...
Still need to crack this place...deffo fish here
Baking Butterley
A brief but interesting visit to Butterley. Played at it from 8.30am until 11. Helped PB most of the time. Only put in about 15 feeders fished peg 72? to the right of the rocks and right of the lilly bed peg. Deep water but gin clear. Three metres out over 6 ft depth. PB had nothing on waggler not a touch with maggots being sprayed in. Ended up with 4 fish all to shellfish bollie. All between 4-5lb. Lessons learned 1. Don't need much kit 2. Not a silvers place in hot weather 3. Red letter day awaits 4. Need to throw some serious bait big bream equals big hunger.
Saturday 30 May 2009
Goodbye spring hello Sunny Shropshire, Spring Lea and the return of captain prawn!!
A mad dash across the country saw Nicholls Jr back in Gods own county. After being guided in by Nicholls Snr, the tent was quickly set up and Nicholls Jr headed off toward Orfe lake.
Little did Nicholls Jr know that Nicholls Snr had chosen the end peg, end of the bloody world peg. With all the kit that can be purchased and with Geoff Capes strength Nihcolls Jr headed towards the distant peg, only to be greeted with comments from those on the bank of has it also got a kitchen sink etc, 'yes hot and cold taps too!' came the reply. As David Bowie and Queen said 'Under Pressure' as Nicholls Jr considered his options, hot, humid and still - had to be the margins all the way.
Greeted by I've just lost one in the margins on feeder by Nihcolls Snr!!!The brow folded as confusion spread across Nicholls Jr's face and it was obvious it was going to be one of those sessions.
The session progressed with cupping in pellets, corn and the odd bit of prawn, at 8 metres to the right in the margin. After half an hour the first carp appeared, with black hydro steering them into the net. Five others then followed and a few lost. Those seen averaged 2-3lb. The net went in. Nicholls snr caught a few in the margins and christened the new waggler rod, quality purchase. The odd shark and need for a beacon at three yards became less as time went on.
Ended session with over 20 fish and could have had more if more focused and less interested in coffee, the constant battle with rain and umbrella. Day two looked good.
Day two saw an early start as the camp site of fellow anglers stirred at 5am. Coffee made and kit loaded Nicholls Jrn headed for the peg at the end of the world (minus some kit). A mixed day followed. A few carp and a few bream. Bits and bobs. Constant but not manic. Well worth another session soon. May be even that Nicholson will make an appearance ? Where is that guy?
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Sunday 26 April 2009
The monster still sleeps!
Butterley when it last fished well!
Butterley at the crack of dawn behind the garages. Fished at a distance. Ringers dark and pellets, shellfish on the hair. Nothing not a single touch, zip, zilch, nout. Fished from 8-11am. Whole place asleep, needs a good month, nothing caught by anyone and as the baliff said its been 'steady' - in other words its been shite! The monster still sleeps and it will awake! Evetually!
Pole Dancing!
5th-7th April
It all ended with Nico reaching an all time low. Sunday saw warming temperatures and a flood of anglers to the waterside. No where to fish, Calvo rammed with anglers at least saw the three musketters on Cavendish. Dick and Derek on pole and pellet catching skimmers and roach. Papa Chav catching nothing and striking for sharks. On well always tomorrow.
Makins on the monday after beers and curry looked a better prospect. Lizard with pegs by the car park saw Dick pick up a few carp, Papa in second with 6 and way out in front Derek with 14 fish.
Sherwood was the final straw. Cold cold cold. A few fish for Nico and one carp for Nicholls Junior, Papa had a few small bits. Team broken yet again by weather and the predictability of not catching. Dick headed off for the world's biggest clear out of kit on Ebay, Derek in panic - The caped crusader without the boy wonder! Papa headed off to reflect on his pole dancing exploits the previous day! It must, must get better!
It all ended with Nico reaching an all time low. Sunday saw warming temperatures and a flood of anglers to the waterside. No where to fish, Calvo rammed with anglers at least saw the three musketters on Cavendish. Dick and Derek on pole and pellet catching skimmers and roach. Papa Chav catching nothing and striking for sharks. On well always tomorrow.
Makins on the monday after beers and curry looked a better prospect. Lizard with pegs by the car park saw Dick pick up a few carp, Papa in second with 6 and way out in front Derek with 14 fish.
Sherwood was the final straw. Cold cold cold. A few fish for Nico and one carp for Nicholls Junior, Papa had a few small bits. Team broken yet again by weather and the predictability of not catching. Dick headed off for the world's biggest clear out of kit on Ebay, Derek in panic - The caped crusader without the boy wonder! Papa headed off to reflect on his pole dancing exploits the previous day! It must, must get better!
Sunday 22 March 2009
Fifteen Carp on a dead mans chest - Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!
Spring is bleak I thought as I dragged myself out of bed this morning.Painful, really painful at 6am. It was cold, dam cold, the skies were blue but the wind was a blowing! Arrived at Portland 8am already busy with the pleasure crew, no sign of the match boys. Room on any of the 4 lakes as they allow pleasure anglers on any free pegs. After a wander round taking advice, decided to fish away from everyone else. Wise move? they have the knowledge? they know where the fish are? So fish on your own - miles away almost in another county. Set up at Peg 26 on the canal lake. Some monkys set up but even they left after 30 mins. Very silimar to Lakeview but 15 metres to the other side. Fished the other side with corn. Wind was a rising! Fish on second put in - barbel 2lb. I thought here we go. Yes another one on but bumped it and then another again bumped. And the North wind did blow. Away went the pole quite literally and hello method feeder. Not worth a second break - and the North Wind did blow!
Well I had the space - so as long as I cast right or left? Nothing, not a touch, zero confidence in set up - method bolox. Then went for good old cage feeder, tail and corn. Barbel, carp, carp, barbel followed ended with 15 fish between 1lb and 3lb. Place appears rammed plenty topping in area I was casting to and where the match won yesterday with 119lb. Spoke to lady owner who said that 100lb+ regularly wins the match on canal, 60lb had won on larger lake yesterday. All get big weights, 5th lake will open in summer mainly with chub plus small carp, barbel etc. Lady owners said they are trying to keep the match weights high as it attarcts people in and they need to be 100lb+.
Enjoyed the session, wind and subsequent red face. Loads of potential here. Spoke to people all very positive. All catching, saw fish coming out as I left. Just needs some sun and no North wind! Happy with 30lb of fish! Will defo go in a few weeks where else could we get 15 fish in these temperatures fishing on a canal lake with a feeder?
Tuesday 10 March 2009
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