Gary's day

The small lake at Home Farm was today's venue with a bit of a chill in the air to start with. It was another new venue for me - I seem to be having a run of these - and a bit of a mystery. Mention of Home Farm in Rib Valley tackle brought a mention of lots of small carp - I think the info might have been a bit old - the carp have grown!

Fred got off to a flying start and did not look back as the rest of us struggled to catch up. I started on the long pole but it soon became clear the roach I was catching on 4mms were never going to compete. It was a lake of 2 halves with the far reed lined swims having steady start from the off whilst those of us on the caravan park side had a much slower start. It was a frustrating day even having me drag out a method feeder rod midway through - it didn't work. I had a final flurry of carp late on as the odd one cruised through just within range to end up with 6 and a few roach for 28lbs - not quite the 1 or 2 pounders I was expecting.

Fred and Mark ended up a clear top 2 but it was incredibly close for the last 2 framing places. Fred is to the left in the photo getting ready for the all in - after having working up a pre-match sweat with some gardening.

1st Fred Hunt 68lbs 1oz, 2nd Mark Halverson 46lbs 12oz, 3rd Gary Pickard 28lbs 3oz and 4th John Todd 26lbs 11oz.