Some good weights in the Martin Eustace match but Match Series weights are low

Martin Eustace Memorial Match

This annual match commemorates the hard work and commitment of former club chairman, Martin Eustace.

Light drizzle turned to heavier rain as the sky brightened. The wind remained fresh from the south, creating a distinct chop on the water. Prior engagements reduced the turn out. However, four members braved the elements to fish this match.

Wet weather gear and brollies were necessary, although "Prof" Moriarty spurned his brolly to test the effectiveness of his waterproofs. They were semi effective but he was able to catch 7 lbs 5 oz of carp and 8 lbs 1 oz of silvers including a bream just over a pound. This gave a total of 15 lbs 6 oz for third place.

A lot of fish activity was spotted off swim 13 prior to the draw and it was felt that this swim was the banker to draw. Roger Pilling was the lucky one although he had experienced mixed fortunes from this swim in the Evening Matches. Using banded bread at distance, he feeder fished, accruing 22 lbs 5 oz of fish, mainly carp, for second place.

Chris Shepherd fared less well. He had trouble at the start with his mainline breaking. He was forced to change tactics. His slow start did not improve as the match progressed. He weighed in 3 lbs 15 oz.

The winner was Andy Weavil. Initially he fished his favoured bomb method with small pva bags of pellet with a bright hookbait. This proved successful as he bagged his better fish until the heavier rain made using pva unwise as it melts before hitting the water. Andy resorted to his back up method for the majority of the match. Using banded bread with the bomb was less selective and it was not until the final hour that he netted two more small carp. Nevertheless, a final weight of 25 lbs 5 oz won the day. Well done to Andy.

Despite being wet but warm, over 65 lbs of fish were weighed in. One carp showed signs of possibly having recently spawned. Overall the catch was reported to be in excellent condition. Perhaps the fish now sense Autumn and are switching on to feed in order to build reserves for the winter months ahead. Fishing could be improving at long last.

Weights in the first two matches of the Match Series were low

The new Match series opened with five competitors as some of the regulars could not make it. It was a warm morning, with light rain but not sufficient to need a brolly. Andy Weavil won the match with just 9 lb-8oz of fish, unusually low, especially when compared to the Martin Eustace match results.

Weather conditions for Match 2 were abysmal, wet, cold and very windy. Competitors fished the Mill side of the pond which turned out to be a mistake as the wind blew into their faces and brollies were in danger of taking off. At the weigh-in, winning weights were up slightly on Match 1 but competitors resembled drowned rats!

A second floating island installed

A second floating island has been constructed which will provide a refuge for both fish underneath and water birds on top. Unfortunately duck activity on the first floating island has destroyed some of the planting which needs to be protected until it has become established. Netting is being put up around the edge to discourage them, until the plants have become robust enough to withstand their activities.

 A floating Island

November & December activities

The 2018-19 Match Calendar is up on the website and a copy can be downloaded for reference.

Joining the Club

If you are interested in joining the club please contact our membership secretary Cathy Naylor on 07934-895513 for an application form. Alternatively, applications can be made by downloading a membership form from the website and sending, with an SAE, to our membership secretary (details above and on the web site). The membership year runs from mid-June.

Membership is open to anyone who lives in Bishops Waltham, plus a number of Associate membership places (for those living outside the Parish). Priority is given to Parish membership (especially juniors), but anyone living outside of the Parish wishing to join should contact Cathy for an Associate Membership place.

Club web site

For more information about the club and its activities, the club's web site can be found at: www.bwpfc.org.uk

Steve Edge and Barry Jerome