First match of our 2010 Winter League took place today at Hampton Springs.
A decent Autumn day today saw temperatures at about 17 degree's with a cool breeze blowing across the lake. Before we started everyone had a breakfast in the cafe and stocked up on bait from the shop.
Eighteen members fished today and after the draw took place the match was to start at 10.00am and fish until 3.00pm. Golden Peg today was drawn by John Bryan who had his eyes focused on £200.
The match started under grey skies and brightened up as the afternoon went by. Unfortunately the weather improvement didn't see an improvement in the fishing, it was very sporadic which was also the same on the other pools for other clubs. Baits used varied from maggot to corn to caster, no particular bait was dominant today.
The match soon passed by with the usual friendly banter and towards the end a 'crack' was heard as Mike Lewis's pole bit the dust. Ah well, he did say it was a cheap pole!. We also heard a few curses from those landing on the island and losing tackle.
The match concluded at 3.00pm with the weigh-in orchestrated as usual by our match referee Paul Rowlands.
The Golden Peg was safe again as John only managed 5th place in the match. He did however in this first match of the new 2010/11 season get biggest fish with an 8lb 12oz Carp, beating Tom who got an 8lb 8oz Carp earlier in the match. No doubt as the season progresses, that weight will be beaten, but it stands at present.
Thanks again to all those who turned out and for the friendly manner in which it was contested. Only one week to go and the second match will be here....Yes we are at Lathom on 16th October, hope to see you there.