Boddington Winner

A bit cold and wet yesterday at Boddington on the latest Angling Trust CRT Classic qualifier, but I had a really good day. I drew peg 96 in the sanctuary, which is historically a good area, and had 13 carp for 71kg (157lb).

A great start, catching one on the first cast. Second cast was not so good… If you’re going to crack off loudly, you might as well do it with the best feeder angler in the world sat on the next peg!

Re-tackled up and had a couple more on the bag at long range, but Steve Ringer was showing his class at long-range fishing and forging ahead next door. I knew I needed to make my bomb line work to stand any chance and thankfully it’s paid off. You have a little bit more room on this peg, which I’m sure has helped.

I assumed that I was a fish or two behind all day, plus next door’s fish always look bigger, so I was really pleasantly surprised to win the match and qualify for the two-day Final. I must also say a huge thanks to my friend Dave who brought me some extra layers of clothing to wear mid-match!

Conditions were poor and I didn’t think we were after many bites, so I only set up two rods; a 13ft Ethos XRD with a 6000 HX Pro reel for long-range and an 11ft Horizon X Pro Commercial with a 4000 HX Pro for the bomb line. Sonubaits Fin Perfect 8mms on the side tray, plus the ever-faithful Fluoro Bandum wafters.