Wednesday 28th December 2016 - Sedges Tile Lake

It was a white over today, I was first to arrive, and I could not see the other side of the lake it was so foggy!!  I thought I might be fishing alone, but no, eight of the hardy fellows eventually put their paws into the draw bag.   The biggest surprise I had was, my eight names matched the chaps who turned up!   But no surprise I failed to catch 2lb, and I will get more earache when Bend It finds out.

Danny drew the Golden Peg 39, but for once had to settle for second to Rob Eagle for silvers,  Roger winning overall with Kev coming second.

On a day when fish were hard to come by, the sun came out and for myself a warm pleasant day, even the resident King Fisher did a fly past in the sun showing off its colours.   What more can one ask for on the last week of the year.

               On Sunday we are fishing Sedges Brick, and next Wednesday its Viaduct's Match Lake.

                      Pick up the phone PLEASE

                              A Happy New Year to ALL and everyone who reads this Blog.

                                                    Chair Bob

Wednesday 21st December 2016 - Sedges Brick Lake

Fifteen of the lads turned out on a cold but dry day, for which we were thankful.   No Treasure, so I took care of the business, and Danny helped with the draw.   Kev drew the Golden Peg number 3, and I had peg 5 with Ninja Eric to my left.   No complaints, so I shouted all in and battle commenced; it was more like a minor skirmish for me, but I did catch a few fish.   I actually thought I had not done to badly, until I helped with the weigh in, and found that nasty Sheriff weighed 14lbs with the help of a nice tench, had won the silvers convincingly.   Peter continued his good run with a commendable 73lbs 4ozs, mainly of scaleys.   Sausage Bowyer was second with 65lbs.   Bend It kept telling everybody how I had amassed 7lbs in my last three matches, I say "beware of the tormented angler after a couple of good draws"!!!

Well done everyone, we return here on Tile on Wednesday 28th, and Sedges Brick on New Year's Day, do I have to say January 1st?

                              I wish you all the Seasons Greeting

                                              Chair Bob

Sunday 18th December 2016 - HLS Xmas Match at Emerald Pools

As the earth completes another circle around the sun, it was also time for another fur and feather outing for the master baiters of the HLS club. For the second year the venue was at the Emerald Pools but before that, the wonderful 37 club hosted us for breakfast, the draw and later for the prize giving.

All of the anglers turned up apart from Dave Allen who broke down at the Nunney Catch roundabout. I hope the Little Chef breakfast was as good as ours, Dave. Hard luck, Mate. We also had an appearance of Santa's Little Helper from Bolton and there were no complaints.

We were using all three lakes, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald. I had never fished this venue before but the lads said there were plenty of fish. The temperature had dropped 5 degrees over night and the morning greeted us with a fog. I think we were in for a day of hard, winter fishing. At the draw, I pulled out Sapphire 7 and looking at the pegging map I didn't have far to walk from my car.

Sapphire 7

There was about 3ft of water all over the swim. I had Rob Eagles on my right who was not happy with the small swim he had. I didn't have anyone to my left so I decided to fish predominantly on the left. I decided on 3 pole lines; one and two at 11m and 13m towards the Sapphire sign. The third was in the left hand margin. I also set up two tip rods to fish in the gap ahead of me. One rod with a simple lead and size 20 hook. The other was the same except with a banded hook. The rods saw minimal action with no bites so I won't say any more of them.

I decided to keep the baits simple with maggot and 4mm expanders on the hook and micros and groundbait for feed. At the all in I fed the 11m and margin line with a small ball of groundbait and the 13m line with a small offering of micros. I started on the 11m line and was surprised to get bites straight away from rudd and roach. I alternated this with the two other lines but didn't get a single bite on them all day. So, concentrating on the 11m line I continued to get bites but they had become finicky and hard to hit. Maggot was the better bait and feeding a few micros every put in, the rest of the day continued in the same vein. I did get bonuses of 3 small carp and a small tench. At the end of 5 hours my efforts gave me a total of 9lb 7oz.

During the day I could see that Baz Morgan on peg 1 was finishing strong after a blank couple of hours. Tony Fry on peg 3 had got a few carp which gave him 2nd on the lake. Paul Bowyer on peg 4 was catching a few along with specimen sized leaves. Chairman Bob was also having better luck with the leaves than fish. And Rob, next to me did manage to catch a few.

And so, after a pleasant day and company, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Tight lines for the future and don't forget the AGM on Friday 6th January at the 37 Club; 7:00 for 7:30 start.

The results for the 3 lakes are below, followed by some pics back at the prize giving.

Emerald

Ruby

Sapphire

Wednesday 15th December 2016 - Sedges Brick Lake

There were 13 smartly turned out men at muster, all keen and ready to go.  Denise made the hot drinks, and Jamie and I selected the pegs to be fished, peg 12 being the Golden Peg.

All the business was done and all set for the draw.   The brothers Tonto and Spod were drawn opposite each other, with Flo the dog watching out for any unfair play.   I had Baz to my right and Kev to the left, some good company for the day's fishing.  I am getting boring or idle, it was 11 metres straight in front with maggot and pinkie, but it seemed to be working as I caught small fish from the off.   Disaster, after an hour my seven section, which was recently repaired by George, decided to break in half, George swore he bought the very best glue at POUNDSAVERS?!!    Anyway it was back to 7 metres, to build a new swim, which started producing after a while.   A good day's fishing,  resulting in 10lbs 8ozs of silvers.   Not good enough to beat the other side of the lake, where Mike touched off Pete by ounces, with 12lbs 12ozs of small fish.    Tonto won overall with 33lbs.   3-30 was rather late to finish, it's not good weighing in when it's half dark.

Sunday it's the Fur and Feather, we are meeting at the 37 Club at 7-15 for breakfast, with the draw at 8-30, fishing 10-00 until 3-00 pm.  Back to the 37 Club for beer, buffet and prizes, and the usual lot of old Bull carp talk of fishermen's tails .   Let's have a good day of fun and entertainment.

         There are matches booked for both Wednesday the 21st and 28th December at Sedges.

                PLEASE give me your names if you want to fish

                                          TA

                                                Chair Bob

Sunday 11th December 2016 - Trinity Woodlands

We were graced with a fine day and no wind, so everyone was keen to get on with fishing.   There were nineteen fishing.     The peg numbers were selected and Golden Pegs numbers 10 and 17 were drawn; Danny took control of the draw and Treasure did the money business, it was nice to stand back and let others get on with it.

After the draw I was told I had peg 32, a short walk, which was just what I needed.   On my left was John Davies, and to my right Treasure.   Horny tooted and the match got underway.  Again I kept it simple,  with just one swim out in front, a pencil float, 20 hook, and maggot and pinkie for bait.   Surprise surprise I got bites from the off, but with fish that made whitebait look very big.   Still it was a busy little day, and I did hook a few bonus, just to help the cause!

That nasty little Sheriff drew a Golden Peg and was doing well again; I had not forgiven him for winning everything last Wednesday.   Back to the match, I could see the Wizard catching and GWR beside him too.   George was having his usual day,  looking into the sun but still catching.

A short toot and it was match over, GWR Martin was in charge of the weigh, and I was quite surprised at my 7lbs 14 ozs, which was good for second silvers, but nasty pants had done it again by a distance, weighing 15lbs 2ozs of silvers, well done Danny.   The overall was taken by Martin with 40lbs 1oz.  I must say I noticed a lot of fish lost;  Oh what might have been!!

            On Wednesday it's Sedges Brick, and next Sunday it's the Fur and Feather at Emeralds.   We meet at the 37 Club at 7-15 with breakfast being served. The draw at 8-30, fishing 10-3.   Afterwards back to the 37 Club for beer, buffet and prize giving.

                               Enjoy it all

                                               Chair Bob

PS:  AGM  at the 37 Club 6th January 7.00. 

Wednesday 7th December 2016 - Viaduct Lodge lake

What a difference three days can make! from all the arctic clothing and ice breaking to 14 degrees and a very pleasant day.   I was first on the scene, so a walk round the lake was a must;  I noticed some renewed platforms and lots of tree cutting back had been done.  Thanks Badger, I am sure the lads appreciated your efforts, its a good investment.

Daddy Badger was looking after us today, his first question was "how many"? My reply was "how the heck do I know" it could have been 8 or maybe 12.   I do wish my lads could use the phone and save me some embarrassment, anyway the final count was 11 fishing.   Steve was mumbling while making out the tickets and drawing the Golden Peg which was 68, I think it was a good natured mumble as I was taking a lot of abuse about how many fingers I had, and questioning my education.

Treasure meanwhile collected the money and completed the business.  We made the draw, Danny getting the Golden Peg.   I thought it was going to be a bad day when George drew his peg and said "I AM HAPPY WITH THAT"!!  which was a first for our George.

I drew peg 60 and set up just one rig to fish pinkie and maggot at 13 metres, hoping for bites on my 20 hook.  I had another senior moment finding I had left my keepnets  at home, but Steve lent me two saying "you never catch any fish to put in them anyway" nasty.

I had Ninja Eric on my left and Tonto to my right, with Spod and The Sheriff opposite.  It was Danny on the flyer who caught from the off, but after a couple of hours I believed I was in front, only for my bites to stop.   I caught very little from then on.  Danny kept catching and took the loot.  A few carp were caught late on, and Wizard Brian won overall

                 It was again another great day out, thanks lads.

                                On Sunday we are at Trinity, and Wednesday next Sedges

                                                            Keep catching

                                                                     Chair Bob

Sunday 4th December 2016 - Emerald Pools

This was going to be interesting, 20 of the lads turned up to fish an ice rink?  There were lots of jokes and discussions about what to do, and the end result was, 16 of us hardy souls were going to break the ice and fish, we must have been mad!!!

It was really a lot of fun, we launched a small boat with Rear Admiral Horny Blowers Beard aboard armed with a 10 foot scaffold pole.   A few able bodied anglers hauled him around the lake, while he beat 10 bales out of the ice, my only regret I had no camera.

George and I had pegged out, so everything back to normal?   It was all on the draw.  There was two numbers left in the hat 14 and 3, Danny got 14 and won the match, I had 3 and packed up early; there's just no justice.

The first half hour was spent hauling out ice with landing nets, but we were all set for the toot at 9-45, mainly because it was going to be very simple.

Before the end I took a walk over to see Danny,  just to remember what fish looked like.  Danny had a smirk on his face saying "what fish" as he hauled in another.   I hate smirking especially as I had to part with another nugget.

         The full outcome of an interesting day is recorded below.

                          Next up it's Viaducts Lodge, followed next Sunday by Trinity Woodlands.

                                          Temperature rising, I hope!

                                                   Chair Bob

Wednesday 30th November 2016 - Avalon Fisheries

It was white over and -4 when I arrived at the car park expecting to be fishing on my own, and wondering what the hell I was doing there.  I underestimated the brave lads of Dad's Army!!! Tungsten was already there, and we ended up with eight fishing.

Chris was looking after us today, but no Treasure, his car is in hospital.   I did the business and selected the pegs, the Golden Peg was 11 which drawn by Tonto again.   We were rewarded for turning out with the sun shining and fish caught on what became a very pleasant day.   It was never going to be huge weights, but that bad old Sheriff managed 10lbs to win from peg 13.  He has accumulated quite a few of our nuggets of late, which is not good for my Karma.

Thanks lads for a rather special day, and also many thanks to the three who came and rescued my No 4 section from the murky depths.

                                  I am looking forward to Sunday when we fish Emeralds,

                                                     and next Wednesday at Viaducts Lodge Lake 

Sunday 27th November - Sedges Tile Lake

Just 18 of us today; Denise looked after us with hot drinks, and it all ran smoothly.   Treasure had the money sorted, and we had two Golden Pegs numbers 25 and 40 which he drew 40.

I drew peg 21, not ideal, but when I got sorted it was quite calm but very cold.   After one hour in the wind started to blow straight into my corner, I was so cold that, by the feel of my undercarriage I thought I had changed sex!.   I was catching small roach occasionally and one skimmer, which was a nice surprise.  Shane on the next peg had his first bite at two thirty. Bend It next again went home quickly followed by The Wizard.

It was a different story on the other side of the lake, with plenty of fish caught.  Ninja Eric won with 78lbs 7ozs, followed by Pete with 66lbs 8ozs.   The Sheriff won silvers with 21lbs 2ozs.   The three top weights and two top silvers all came from pegs in the thirties,  I think this tells the story.   It was still a good day with plenty of craic.

             We are at Avalon on Wednesday, and Emeralds next Sunday

Wednesday 23rd November 2016 - Sedges Brick Lake

Fifteen of Dad's Army were on parade , they all passed muster smartly turned out.   Tea and coffee was drunk,  while Treasure and I did the business.   Jamie selected the pegs, and Denise the Golden Peg number 10, and we were all set for the draw 

Tonto got lucky drawing number 10, but Spod, brother of Tonto, said we had nothing to fear, and Flo his dog barked in agreement.

So off to our positions, I drew peg 12, with Baz to my right and Brian the Wizard on my left.  I chose one pole rig for straight in front, and a ledger rod, ( which I had a job remembering how to assemble).    I shouted all in and threw out the feeder, but after three quarters of an hour with no indications, I went for my usual routine.   Another hour passed, and after two pork pies and a large chunk of homemade cake devoured, I got my first bite;  the small roach dropped off, but I was encouraged.   Time passed and I managed a few small fish, then a skimmer about a pound, which I missed the keepnet with (what a wally).

The guys either side were having it rough, but the jungle telegraph told me fish were being caught. The last couple of hours turned out OK, and I ended up quite happy with the day.  I shouted all out and packed up quickly to start the weigh in.  Pete won the silvers with a nice net of skimmers and roach for 20lbs 8ozs.  Treasure played the hog and bagged 77lbs 8ozs of carp.  Well done everyone.  Full results below.

                          Sunday its Sedges Tile, and next Wednesday Avalon,

                                    Keep Fishing

                                            Chair Bob

Sunday 20th November 2016 - Shiplate main lake

Twenty three hardy 'gentlemen' arrived at the venue, on a morning when staying in bed would have seemed a better option.   The last 24 hours has been nonstop rain with low temperatures, so the draw was crucial.  23 pegs on the lake and 23 anglers to fish, there were two Golden Pegs numbers 2 and 8.   Treasure sorted the pools and paid Steve.  The draw was made, so it was off to it.

I drew peg 9A,  which was not very inspiring.   I managed twenty little roach and did not weigh in.   In spite of the lack of fish and the cold weather,  the chat and banter going around the lake was still there.   I felt sorry for Martin Western who had been working all the week and got the bad draw; he retired for an early bath.  I think maybe he got some stick from Bruv Shane who won overall, an experience he doesn't get very often!!   The silvers was won by Rob the Big Bird with a commendable 15lbs 14ozs of roach and small skimmers; outstanding for the conditions.

I am sorry there is no score sheet today, I had another senior moment,  more than likely left it on the roof of my car and drove away!!  I wonder who is reading it?

Last Sunday Horny and Treasure were stopped by an unmarked police car on there way home from Landsend.  A young police lady walked around to Horny's side, took one look at him through the window and said "No thank you, not you" and went back to her car.  The conclusions were A She understandably didn't like the look of Horny   B Our friend can't sleep thinking of  suitably garbed WPCs.   Never mind Phil, Christmas is coming.

            Wednesday it's Sedges Brick, and Sunday next Sedges Tile.

                         Get your LJs on

                                   Chair Bob 

Wednesday 16th November 2016 - Emerald Pools

I was first on the scene closely followed by Tungsten, so off we went to select and number the pegs to be fished.  On returning to the car park quite a few had turned up and the final count was 15.   George was wandering around spreading rumours about which lake and swims would fish the best, we all knew he would draw the worst peg and we were not disappointed.   We got all the business done,  I drew last,  getting the Golden Peg number seven, I was happy with that.   I trudged after the rest, I was on the far corner of sapphire with Pete to my right, I expected a lot of banter and a lesson on fishing, he is one of the best.

I had just two rigs fishing in two feet of water against the far rushes.   I knew I would have my fair share of carp, but roach was my objective, which I started catching straight away.   After an hour I was into carp, followed by hours of quiet reflection watching Pete pulling carp through the rushes. One of these he pulled out of, and his bomb flew like and Exocet missile, narrowly missing me,  thudding into the platform beside me.  It's time to take out extra insurance I thought!!!

At three thirty and all out, Sausage offered to weigh, with me doing the board, and others helping. The weights were good,  plenty of 20 and 30lbs, but Paul was top with 64lbs 14ozs.  George got the silvers with 9lbs 10ozs.  I was second with 9lbs 3ozs.  All the top weights came from Sapphire which surprised everyone, but that's fishing.   The full results are below.

                        On Sunday we visit Shiplate, and next Wednesday it's Sedges Brick.

                                        Keep your bait dry and your rods loaded.

                                                               Chair Bob

P.S. Date for your diaries AGM Friday 6th January 2017 7-30 at 37 Club

HLS would like to send its condolences to Jamie and family on the death of his father Les.   We have all had our little chats with Les and he will be missed.

Sunday 13th November 2016 - Landsend

  It was still cold and the prospects not good, but the lads were in good fettle, it's good to have fishing mates like this.  Mike advised us to spread ourselves over three banks, giving us a better chance to catch.  With this in mind we chose the pegs to be fished. At the draw two Golden Pegs were chosen numbers 7 and 36.  Horny tooted and everyone got busy.   George across from me baited up his swim while I just put my rig out 9 metres and started on my doughnut?  I was on peg one, and after half an hour I caught a minute stripey, what a bite!!    George on peg 24 was mumbling about going home early, and Tonto was short of inquiries.   Everyone seemed to be struggling, and later on this was emphasized by some of the lads on the walk. 

At the all out Horny and Steve were doing the honours with the scales.   They started at my peg, and on the scales went my one carp at 8lbs 1oz. Next to my silvers net, I was thinking tops 4lbs,  but on lifting my net everyone started laughing!!! that's when I noticed fish coming out the bottom of my net, I said it's not funny lads I have got feelings, which started another round of hilarity.!!

As the results sheet shows Specie Lake fished the better, although Tony Newell won overall on Match.  I would point out I was second on this lake, even after sportingly letting most of my silver catch free!  Well done Dave Allen winning the silver, the full results are below.

    On Wednesday its Emeralds, followed by Shiplate next Sunday.

                                  Up your Noses

                                               Chair Bob

P.S.    Anyone wishing to fish the Fur & Feather on the 18th December must contact me on 01278683243  before the 1st December, don't forget your tenner!!

Wednesday 9th November 2016 - Viaduct Spring Lake

There were eleven on parade on this cold morning, with a stiff breeze just to make it uncomfortable.   Young Badger Matt looked after us, we got our heads together and decided which pegs to fish.   Treasure did the finances, so we were all ready for the draw   Tivi Dave drew peg 1 which was the Golden Peg; I got peg 25 and was not disappointed, so off we went to do the business.

I shouted the all in, and from the start I was catching small fish.   The only other angler I could see was Tivi who seemed to be busy.   I got very frustrated, ducks and leaves being the culprits.  It then rained for the last one and a half hours, but I had a busy day for my 8lbs 7ozs.   George on my right smashed me with 17lbs plus.    Danny did well with just short of 17lbs.   This match was the first I've fished at Viaducts without a carp being caught, it's been a strange year, never settling.

        On Sunday we visit Landsend, and next Wednesday Emeralds. 

                  You know what to do.  PICK UP THE PHONE

                                         Chair Bob

Sunday 6th November - Trinity Woodlands

All the fisheries in the area had been knocked by the sudden drop in temperature this week and we weren't expecting anything different at Woodlands. Frost and 2 degrees greeted me when I went outside to load the car. Apart from a few micros I decided to leave the hard pellets at home and selected some 4mm expanders, casters, maggots, corn and worms for the silvers I intended to target.

When I got to the fishery, Mr Spurs had turned up without any bait and said he would see how the draw went and then maybe ask around for bait donations. However with the London derby being played on tv in a nice warm room, he opted for that. That left 23 fishermen ready to face a cool NW breeze although the sun was out and adding some warmth. I drew peg 11 and was happy to be on the north side of the lake for once. The hedge was going to shield me from the wind and the sun would warm my face. Hopefully the fish would brighten my day too. To my right was Pete Cooke and left was Brian Chivers.

Peg 11

I set up a waggler rod and 3 top kits. The 3 pole lines were 8m in front, 2+1 in front and a margin rig. Fishing 9:45 to 3:30, I fed the pole line and tried the waggler starting on caster and feeding with the same. I also tried soft pellet and maggot and had one bite in the first 30 mins. The guys around me had started on the tip and Steve King and Pete Cooke were rewarded with carp very quickly. I went onto the 8m line and again rotated the baits until I got a bite. A single maggot was the only bait to register any interest, mostly from tiny roach not big enough to pull the elastic.

The margin and 2+1 line did offer any hope and so I plugged away at the 8m line and a couple times went back to the waggler. When it got to 3:00 my count was one nice Perch of about 3lb and 20 ish roach and skimmer 'whitebait'. By then the cloud cover had caused the temperature to drop and it became chilly so I took a leisurely 30 mins packing up before horny honked the end.

Talking of Horny, he found that the best thing to do with his Preston M90 pole was to bash one of the resident swans. I don't remember Des Shipp advertising this feature!!

From my position I was directly opposite Tony Newell on one of the golden pegs. Tony had spent the first 4 hrs cold and fish less. Then he had 6 carp take and interest in his bait and although he only managed to land 4, it was enough for overall on the day and the golden peg pot. Well done Tony.

Although I couldn't see him, I saw the waggler float of Mike Bendell on peg 8 being cast. His efforts were rewarded with a steady stream of small fish to take the silvers top position.

On Wednesday the match is at Viaduct Spring and next Sunday is at Landsend. If you're interested, book with Bob.

Wednesday 2nd November 2016 - Landsend

This month has begun with the lowest turnout the club has ever had, I sincerely hope this does not happen again.   Having said that the company and craic was great and. although the fishing was not good, the result was interesting.

No Treasure today, so I got on with it.  I selected the pegs, the Golden Peg, number 21, was drawn by George AGAIN!!    The rest of us had a plan?? to catch more silvers than George, which Robot Duck, Tungsten and myself did.  But that sneaky little bugger George caught the only carp to be landed on the day, and got his grubby little paws on the money.   The plans of mice and men went astray!!!

         On Sunday its Trinity (road open) and next Wednesday we are at Viaducts Spring.

                               Hope to see you there!

                                               Chair  Bob

Sunday 30th October 2016 - Avalon Fisheries

Possibly one of the most consistent fisheries in the mid somerset area and always a favourite with the HLS club. Pegs 1-34 were closed to us and 24 were fishing on a mild Autumn day with a slight breeze and a heavy covering of leaves on the western side of the lake.

The crazy batter was in full swing from the moment I got out the car and some conversation kept going around like a broken record.... you know who you are, Mr Spurs and Mr Jurgen Klopp ( or Krotch) as you kept saying.

I had come totally focused on silvers for the day and hoping to see a few of the lovely bream that the fishery holds. Anywhere on the lake can offer a good net of silvers so I wasn't fussed where I drew although I hoped for something higher than 5. There were a lot of carp on the surface and so I was wondering if a pellet waggler should have been the weapon of choice. I'll never know!!

Mr Bush and the Chairman sorting the draw....... seniors trying to count is a wonder to behold.....

I drew 'unlucky for some 13' and marched of to my peg. The water was clear of leaves except for close in. I decided on an 11m line with two rigs, one with a plain size 18 hook and another with a banded 18 hook. The depth of these rigs also suited a 2+2 lengths so I decided to feed that as well. Lastly, I set up a margin rig for my left hand side. The right margin was full of snags so left that alone.

We were fishing 9:45 to 3:45 because the clocks had gone back and I was just ready on the hooter. I fed the two forward lines and had a play in the margin for 10 minutes catching small roach. I went out to the 11m line with 4mm soft pellet and had no indications. I then tried various baits in the next 30 mins to see what was of interest. The last resort was a single white maggot which was immediately taken by an 8lb ish common which stretch my size 4 elastic. It came of at the net but happily I didn't lose the hook. I persevered on this line and the next bait to get some interest was a banded 8mm pellet, but the carp acted like it was foul hooked and never saw the light of day. Again the whole rig came back. this happened once more and that was the last 'bite' on that line. The 2+2 line was biteless and so I had to satisfy myself with the small silvers in the left margin, which if I had known this was my only silvers at the beginning I could have put together a reasonable weight. I tipped back my 5lb of silvers with 30 mins to go and went home early.

I was only really able to hear what was happening to the left of me and most of that was a non stop conversation between Neil, Horny, Martin and The King on the other bank. Due to the lack of fish being caught there was a varied number of topics including Ladyboys, Amanda Burton, Anika Rice and some other woman on Coronation Street. Most of these topics were chosen by Horny.

From a fishing point of view I detected that Martin on 19 and Paul on 26 were catching a few silvers and Mike Davies on 33 was catching regularly in his left margin. It turned out that Mike had done better than it appeared and weighed in 20lb 14oz for second silvers, 7oz behind Bob the Badger who took first. Robot Duck sniffed out the winning weight on 24. See the results below.

Wednesday 26th October 2016 - Trinity Woodlands

My main concern at this venue was access, the reason being, the road was closed for resurfacing.   So Treasure did sentry duty at the end of the road, guiding the troops through, while I sorted out the lake end, scales, money,  and pegs etc.

The result was a well worked operation, with eighteen lads on parade, another good turnout.

The Golden Peg was 22 and Tonto struck again, the downside of this was Spod brother of Tonto drew 21, and as his main aim in life is to beat brov, this was not ideal!!!!   I drew peg 9 next to Bolton George, I'm not moaning but I needed some peace as I had received some very bad news about my little dog Mitzi, which I heard later was not to bad, she will recover.

It was good to see Danny back, but he said he may not stay the course with his problems.  I blew the whistle for all in, and we got underway.   I only set up one rig, half my mind being at the Vet's surgery.   I intended fishing eleven metres coming back short later, with the bait maggot and pinkie.

Everyone I could see seemed to be catching some fish, I was quite happy catching roach and the occasional skimmer, as for me silvers are what it's all about.

At the final whistle it was pack up quickly and start the weigh in.   The Golden Peg was quite safe , Spod assisted by Flo (his dog) smashed Tonto.  The Wizard came out on top overall, and Bend It won the silvers, just another routine great day out, with lots of chat and good weather.

The full results are below.

            Next it's Avalon on Sunday, and Landsend on Wednesday next.  Pick up the phone, I need to know.

                                                    Keep casting

                                                                 Chair Bob

Sunday 23rd October 2016 - Shiplate main lake

Twenty one members arrived all chattering away, with nobody really knowing what they were talking about!!! A load of Ed Balls I think. 

Steve and Carol made us welcome, and we sorted 20 pegs for the match.  John Newell, our very senior member, was not fishing the match, so Carol let him fish for FREE; the HLS club appreciated this little gesture, and we thank you.

Treasure took the money, so next was the draw with two Golden Pegs numbers 13 and 3A.   I drew 13 and Gerge 3A, both of us going for silvers, it turned out neiher of us were good enough.  

Weatherwise the low numbers benifited fishing in relative calm, while the high numbers suffered a strong, easterly, very cold wind.

Horny tooted, and from the off I was catching small roach just over the ledge at eight metres.   I had a very busy day for 12lbs 8ozs,. all caught on a single maggot.   Everyone caught some fish, but it was always going to be a difficult day.  The plus being , as the results show, the fish were spread around the lake, pegs 14,2, and 9A in the first three places overall, and pegs 6,15 and 13A the silvers.

Winter has arrived, and I believe this will lead to more even results, making it in my opinion, more like match fishing, as todays results show.

Our next venue is  Trinity, Woodlands on Wednesday. As the road is marked closed, Tony will be at the road to make sure you all get through; arrangements have been made with the contractors, so please turn up.  Sunday it's Avalon, don't forget the clocks go back!!!!   The draw is still 9-0 o'clock

Wednesday 19th October 2016 - Emerald Pools

This was our first visit to Emeralds for some time, but its popularity was proven by a strong turnout.  Two sections of Dad's Army were on parade to assault lakes Ruby and Sapphire which both needed pegging.   I new it would mean more earache for me, but the job had to be done, so assisted by Treasure off we went.  On our return to the car park quite a number of the troops were milling around, sorting their weapons and chatting.  I allowed for 12 pegs per lake and did slips for them both.   As the final count was 21 I selected three pegs and took them out.

Treasure and I did the money business and explained how the pegging went, I don't  think anyone listened to me, because after the draw I spent fifteen minutes directing people, who then set of to all quarters of the planet!!!

Eventually I got my gear out of my car, sorted out the paperwork and headed for my peg, which was five.  I was sandwiched between "Bend It" to my left and Sausage to my right, so plenty of chat.   We all started to try for silvers.  Bend It got off to a flyer after I blew the whistle, catching roach and rudd.  I did not do so well with the roach, and after two hours Sausage reckoned he had two nets of leaves, all foul hooked?

The beauty of this venue is we all catch fish, and we all had some feature to fish to, this proved to be the case.   Although the weights were only half what were expected, everyone agreed it was a cracking day.

                  The full results are below.

                          On Sunday it's Shiplate Main lake and Wednesday we are back to Trinity Woodlands.

                                     Ring the number if you are up for them.

                                                   Chair Bob

PS: Blog man reckons that a lot of these 21 were skiving off work and getting tactics for the Xmas match!!!!

Sunday 16th October 2016 - Sedges Brick Lake

My Sunday morning started at 5:00 am when the our dog announced he wanted to go outside. But when he poked his nose out the door at the pouring rain, he decided to cross his legs for a while longer. It continued pouring until 7 and then I loaded the car and headed off to the Sedges fishery. When I arrived the usual early birds were supping on their teas and debating what the lake had instore for us. A southerly wind was rippling the lake and pushing from peg 20 down to the favourite peg 10.

I had come with all baits but would be happy to get a good silvers peg. However, I drew out peg 11 and was shouted at for drawing another corner peg, especially a good carp peg. So, out came the pellets and meat. So, did a pellet waggler rod, tip rod and two pole rigs for to corner margin and 2+3 in front of me.

Peg 11

There was lots of fish topping and at the all in I went straight for the pellet waggler. 30 mins later and not a sniff. The wind wasn't very good and so I changed to the tip and an 8mm pellet. The others had opted for either pole or tip and at this point not a carp had been landed. As time went on and still no bites I had an bit of inspiration, I wrapped the pellet in a 'conker' of soft micros and around went the tip on my first cast. Two more followed in the next half hour and I thought I'd cracked it!! Next to me, Dick Hurford had a battle with something large which turned out to be a 14lb common; nearly as much as the 3 I had in my net. Pete Cooke on peg 14 had started building a weight too. In fact he seemed to be leading the pack.
I had been loose feeding the corner margin and so I gave it a try with an 8mm hard pellet. First put in and a small common was in the net. I tried that line for 20 mins but no more. So, back out on the tip and three more carp took the 'conker'. Dick had another battle but it was only a 11lb 9oz. He had another 3 large carp and I reckon he was ahead of me. I tried the margin again and hook a good fish but I never saw it as my hook length gave way. That was my last action and the last hour and a half was biteless which is strange for Brick Lake as the carp tend to turn up towards the end of the afternoon.

Pete Cooke had been steadily catching and would likely take top spot. From the corner I couldn't see or hear much but I could see pegs 1 to 5 getting up and walking about as they were having a barren day. Come the end and seeing the results it was clear that the lake had been quiet and most felt it had been the large amount of cold rain that had fallen in the night.

First on the day was Pete followed by Dick and myself in 3rd. Baz came out top in the silvers followed by Steve and Tivi Dave. Interesting to note that all the top weights came from one half of the lake.

Wednesday 12th October - Shiplate Hawthorns

Eleven of Dad's Army mustered for an assault on Hawthorns.  I could tell by the way they rushed around that they were very keen!!   I had another senior moment, leaving all the paperwork at home, but Steve supplied all that was necessary.

The pegs were selected, the golden peg came out of the hat; it was 12 which George got at the draw.   The monetary business was completed and Steve paid.   The weather was good, so off to the bank to set up. 

I drew peg 3 with Robot Duck to my left and Tungsen to my right, both competitive, so it helped me to concentrate.   It was" keep it simple" for me, with just two rigs both the same depth, fishing two thirds across, just off the ledge down the side, with maggots caster and pinkies the bait

I shouted all in feeding very little, and it was not long before I was playing a carp which climbed into my landing net, it was the best part of 5lbs.   This started Tungsten off asking questions, and telling porkies for the rest of the match.   I don't know where he gets all this chatter from, he is normally so quiet?

Anyway for myself it was a very pleasant match, catching most of the day with 15lbs of silvers, and four small carp weighing 14lbs 5ozs.   This was enough to win the silvers.  "Bend It" won overall with 44lbs 12ozs,  on what turned out to be a tough day's fishing.  The full results below.

                Sunday we are at Sedges Brick and on Wednesday next a trip to Emeralds

                                         Bottoms up  (HORNY)

                                                       Chair Bob

Sunday 9th October 2016 - Landsend Fisheries

16 Hopefuls turned up at Mike Duckett's little oasis on a gorgeous Sunday morning with the prospect of sunshine for the whole day. When I turned up the Chub Cafe was fueling up a number of the HLS gang. I had had my Weetabix at home and so was ready to conquer the the fishes of Landsend. When Badger Bob consulted the main man, it was decided to peg 6 on each bank of the match lake and 4 on the south bank of speci lake.

I had a wander around the match lake and noted that the end with peg 1 was covered with a lot of debris so that would be entertaining. The sun was climbing and starting to shine on pegs 1 to 12 while the opposite bank was looking cold and dark. Draw time and one of the golden pegs was 17, a good performer in the past...... who would get their sticky fingers on it? It turned out that Tony Newell had that luck. I drew 11 which pleased me as it gave me the options of silvers or carp and when I found out there was no one on 12 then I immediately decided to go for the carp. I did feel alone in the corner with the next man on peg 8, Paul Bowyer, but my tranquility was shattered when Bob turned up on 13 and Horny Beards on 15.

Peg 11

Getting to the peg, I decided on 2 carp lines; first at 13m on the end of the island and second on my right by the empty peg 12. After I had set up those rigs I also put up a couple of silver rigs in case the main plan failed. Meat was my main bait and on the all in I cupped some in on both lines and then had 5 minutes of silvers. First put in with meat by peg 12 and I had a liner. Second and I had a common of about 5lb. I then went out in front and was frustrated with liners and then then the inevitable foul hook, in the tail, what fun!!!! I got it in the net and continued to alternate the two carp lines. I continued to hook fish within the first hour but also found trouble with underwater snags. Whether this scared the fish or not but the action died off as the sun got to it's highest and brightest.

The only other person I could see was chairman Bob on 13 and he was catching a few small roach. I could hear reports that Tony was catching well on the golden peg and Horny was hooking (and losing ) too.

I continued to plug away at my two lines and a couple others to increase my haul but when it got to three o'clock, I decided I'd had enough for the day and tipped back about 20lbs. I went on before the weigh in but the results showed that the golden peg money survived for another match with Steve King taking the top spot. Martin Western obviously managed to get through the surface cover of leaves and find enough silvers to take that prize for the day. There were no big weights for the day but it was a pleasant day to be on the bank.

It's Shiplate on Wednesday and Sedges next Sunday. Book with Bob if you're interested.

Wednesday 5th October 2016 - Viaduct Match Lake

Young Badger Matt looked after the eleven of Dad's Army who were attacking the lake today.   Matt selected the pegs and the Golden Peg.   I handed over the lads loot, so business was completed.

The draw was made, and the last peg out of the hat was number 44 the Golden Peg, which was mine, it was the first time I had drawn this.   I made quick phone call to the wife, who is also our club secretary, as she likes to know all is well, and the numbers fishing; then it was off to the bank to set up.

It was a bright sunny morning with a blustery wind, not the best conditions, but I was sure we would all catch fish.   I plumbed the depth, and had just 18 inches of water, so I decided just top two, long line, to hand, I did not want my pole over their heads SPOOKY.  It was maggots and caster over groundbait, an 18 hook and hopefully a busy day.

At 10 o'clock I shouted all in and fed a little groundbait and caster, then in with the rig, 6-8 elastic, I did not want to bump to many, but hoped for bigger fish   After just a few minutes in I was catching roach and perch.   Shawn on my left was catching too;  I did tell him if he stopped skinny dipping and concentrated on fishng, he would do beter as the match progressed.

I got the occasional 2lb fish, Tonto on my right got busy, and the noisy varmint disrupted my karma, but I couldn't complain, I was having a reasonable day, which passed all too quickly.

It was all out, and Matt and Colin came around with the scales.  Tonto weighed in with 53lbs 14ozs, which was good enough for overall.  I was next to weigh, with 18lbs 6ozs, enough to win the silvers and the Golden Peg also. 

The full results are below.

                      On Sunday we are at Landsend and next Wednsday its Shiplate Hawthorns.

                                         Keep at it!!!!

                                                          Chair Bob

Sunday 2nd October 2016 - Trinity Woodlands

An autumnal morning with temperatures dipping to single figures greeted the 23 HLS fishermen at Woodlands. The forecast did suggest a day of sunshine and little breeze, which is good for sunbathing but not for fishing. Horny Beards had returned from holiday sporting shorts to show of his Moroccan tan and disturb the peace and quiet that we had for the past 2 weeks.

Treasure Tony was on his way to Lanzarote and so Bob took charge of financial operations and the book keeping. Golden pegs 22 and 30 were selected and with 22 being a favoured peg, there was expectations of a golden payout. Well, guess who plucked out 22? Yep, the second time in my life I have had that pleasure. I had the Bolton Boy Fletcher next to me on 23 and directly across was Brian Chivers on 15, a peg he has performed well on in the past.

I had come to Woodlands without any plan and so packed my bags with a great variety of baits. After picking 22 I knew that it was to be a carp day. Upon reaching the peg, I decided on 3 lines. One, across to the right hand pallet with a method feeder. Two, 8 metres in front. And, third, my right hand margin at about 5 metres. All the rigs had banded hooks because I was going to fish pellet, meat and corn.
I started by feeding the 8 metre line and the margin and then concentrating on the feeder. What I found after the loss of two feeders was a snag to the left of the pallet. So, third feeder and I cast further left. I continued with this for an hour changing between pellet, meat and corn to no result.
In this first hour it became clear that no one was off to a flying start. George was already stating he'd never known a day like it!!
In a moment of inspiration, I put a corn/meat combo on the hook and a small common of 4lb graced the net. However, that was the one and only action from that line. I tried the 8 metre line because I thought there was some 'blowing' over the feed I'd put in. Although I had some bites, they never materialized into fish.
It was about 2hrs into the match by now and I had been feeding the margin line all along. I decided on meat and was rewarded with a nice common of about 10lbs. I continued this line for most of the remaining 4 hrs and hooked a further 7 carp and unfortunately I only managed to land 4. To my dismay, 2 of the fish managed to snap my elastic at the dacron connector. A lesson to us all to check this area of the elastic.
In among the carp, a nice bream and equally nice perch fancied the meat. So, at the end, I had 4lb 13oz of silvers and 47lb 4oz of carp.

Peg 22

From my position in the corner, I wasn't able to see much of the action on the lake, although I could hear Horny and Bob up in the opposite and furthest corner!!! I could see that Brian was performing to his usual standard and depositing carp into his net regularly. George was hooking carp after carp, so he said, but only landed 3. The overall impression I got was that everyone was struggling but I reckon they would do well to beat Brian. At the weigh in I was quickly corrected by the fact that Neil Woolaston had posted 75lb 13oz on peg 33. Brian was a close 2nd with 71lb 10oz and I came third with 52lb 1oz.
It turned out that George had managed better than his whinging suggested but he was thwarted into second place by Paul Bowyer who had 13lb 12oz for first. Badger Bob took the third spot.
Overall, it was a very pleasant day in the Autumn sunshine but Woodlands wasn't kind to us on this occasion.

Next, it's Viaduct Match lake on Wednesday and Landsend on Sunday. Book in with Bob!!!