Match Report

Our first trip to the river this season was Fittleworth. Looking at the state of the banks, the wind (it was quite breezy) and the position of the sun it was decided that the north bank would be the best bet. Just as we were doing the draw we had a phone call from Duncan to say he would be late but to include him, as the match was a walk off, he would fit in where he could when he arrived.

Steve Simmonds drew the last number but was able to get the second swim he had mentally earmarked before the match on the cattle drink area between the trees. He fished maggot over a bit of groundbait with hemp and maggot fed via a bait dropper in around 9 feet of water. Catching steadily through the match he had a mixed bag of Roach, Dace, Gudgeon and Chublets with one Perch and a small Chub to weigh a total of 5lb 4oz for first place. Early on he had a brief encounter with a good sized Pike close to the trees at the bottom end of the swim but managed to avoid it for the rest of the match.

Mick fished in front of the gauging station and had more serious Pike issues, landing and returning one estimated at 10lb and he was broken off by two more. Nevertheless, he did have some decent Roach for 4lb 1oz 8dm and second place.

Steve Penticost fished The Throat and had a mixed bag of 2lb 13oz 4dm for third place.

As for Duncan, on arrival he went in the first swim down from the bridge and made his first cast at 6.45. He was assailed by Pike which were very determined to get at his fish and he ended up with three big holes in his keepnet which will mean a trip to the tackle shop before the next match!