Gary's day

Today was an away trip to Bordeaux Pits, one of Saffron Walden's waters. It was my second visit so I had a bit more idea of what it was like although they have been stocking some more silvers since my last visit.

Peg 35, the beach peg, was my home for the day. As you can see from the photo it is on a point with my swims being in front and then pretty much behind me into a very inviting tree line. We were in a silvers match but with F1s and carp under 2lb also counting. With this in mind, a quick try in the corner for a bonus fish whilst priming the swim ahead was needed. Well there were some bonus fish in there but sadly well over the 2lb mark. I did though get 1 small F1 but there was no way I was getting through the big king carp (a new fish for me, long with an underslung mouth) to something smaller.

So it was out on the long pole. The odd strong gust of wind made it interesting especially when the tiny, float wobbling bites I was getting made it seem like fishing for winter F1s. It was fun fishing though never knowing what the next fish would be with roach, rudd, perch, skimmers and hybrids turning up.

A late try in the corner netted me a small tench and a common sadly about 1lb too heavy before the big carp arrived again.

All in all a lot learned and looking forward to the next visit. The lake fished harder than expected with bonus F1s, tench and bream making all the difference. My fish went 7lbs 11oz and just out of the frame.

1st Roger Phillips 10lbs 2oz, 2nd Stuart Bradford 10lbs and 3rd Brian Mizon 8lbs 8oz. Saffron Walden won with 89 points to our 48.

Many thanks for hosting us.