Runner Up On The Classic
I have just had a really nice and varied week, fishing all sorts of places, topped off yesterday with the runner up prize on the 70-peg Garbolino Stratford Classic.
I kicked off the week with a cracking session at Evesham catching a few bream. That film’s gone down brilliantly and I’ve had no end of nice comments, so thanks for that. Makes the late nights editing worthwhile!
Wednesday I fished the AT Silverfish qualifier at Meadowlands. Had a tough day on peg 61 on Lambsdown but was never really in contention from there. Well done Rich Chapman, Sam Collett and Simon Willsmore on qualifying.
Next up was a trip to Coopers Lake in Derby with my friend Craig. Never seen the place before and was really impressed with the quality silvers in there. We’ve had a great laugh and I’ve hopefully got a nice film from the day too… so watch this space!
Saturday was the second round of the Tunnel Barn Winter League and the first hard frost of the year has slowed everything down. I drew a very mediocre peg 5 on Extension and managed 43lb for 7th in my 15-man zone, so half-decent points and our team came 3rd on the day. Well done Steve Bellion winning the match with 90lb from House 19 and South West winning the day off a fancied set of pegs.
Sunday I finally managed to get on the Stratford Classic, which is a big river match I’ve always fancied fishing. I pulled out a really nice peg 20 on the Recreation Ground, which was right in front of the church, so I also had the privilege of listening to the Remembrance Sunday procession. Really moving to witness the centre of Stratford suddenly going so quiet.
Back to the fishing and I’ve had a cracking day catching on the pole over Sonubaits Black Roach, Deep Water, Sweet Skimmer and Terre d’Arthur with maggots and casters. Mostly small roach and dace, a few better roach to 12oz, plus two bonus perch over 1lb apiece.
My 21lb 8oz was 2nd on the day, just pipping Tony Marshall and ‘only’ 50lb adrift of winner Pete Morris! He gets his name engraved on the magnificent Billy Lane Memorial trophy and thoroughly deserved that for catching over 70lb of bream at Lucy’s Mill.
A big well done to Kelvin Tallett and Andy Bruce for organising the event, particularly after all the rain making things difficult.
It’s been great to get back on the river and i was so happy to draw my favourite section on the Rec. So long as you barricade your rods from the dogs, zip the hood up and pop the blinkers on the fishing can be fantastic!
