Bailiff Comments

Week Commencing: Sat 19/02/2022

Road lake re-opens

It’s the first week of the road lake re-opening, with a lack of angling pressure over the last 4 months and the weather being very changeable at this time of year, who knew what to expect?

First out in the draw was Thomas Fraser, who wisely chose to fish “Tea Party 2”. Having not done much spombing and longer-range fishing before, this swim was a perfect choice, with very good spots to fish at 14 wraps towards Turtles corner.

Tom settled on a little and often baiting approach, introducing 8 spombs of Gigantica maize and hemp mix over all 3 rods.

Using Korda, pre tied blow back rigs in wide gape size 4 pattern and fishing with double slow-sinking I B maize.

His first fish coming on the morning of the second day a lovely common weighing in at 28lb 8oz, shortly followed by another at 24lb.

Second out of the draw was a Gigantica regular Richard Winter, who broke the record of number of fish caught last year. So, it was no surprise when he decided to return to “Turtles Corner” the swim where he achieved this feat.

Fishing all three rods at 21 wraps towards the 3 Christmas trees, again fishing over house maize and hemp with IQ D rigs using I B slow sinking maize.

The first fish on the first night was “4 scale” at a top weight of 47lb 8oz.

Following up the next morning with the “Grim Reaper” another top weight at 46lb 8oz and “Long John” at 33lb it was turning into a good session. After a couple of quiet nights one of which spent in “The Beach”, he finished the session with commons of 25lb and 15lb which he did self takes of before slipping back.

Richard being the sly old fox he is and having more tricks than Paul Daniels, left it right until last knockings of the final morning to land “nailed” at 51lb 8oz,great effort mate.

Last but know means least in the draw was Gilly Black, who chose to fish “Tea Party 1” a great choice meaning he could double up with his mate and have “the crack”, but also very productive swim without having to fish at range.

The first take on the lake was none other than the “Flying dutchman “another top weight at 47lb 4 oz, smashing his P.B by 20lb(good skills mate).

He followed this up with “the poacher” at 27lb which was aptly named as he caught it on Tom’s rod whilst he was sleeping.

You know what they say Tom” you snooze you lose”, tell him to buy the beers when you get home.

Well, all in all the guys fished well and the week really was a tale of two halves, with pressures rising and freezing temperatures at night later in the week it was anything but easy, with the fish feeding in short bursts you just have to try and utilise your time efficiently in these brief opportunities.

Until next week.

Best regards.

Paul