Rob's day

Hi All

At Taylor's Lake today for an Inter club match with Abbey Cross. 18 on today – originally was going to be over both lakes, however, as work was done on the weeds during the week, Martin decided we all fish the Top Lake. I drew 51 which was on the narrow arm coming out of the Top Lake. Never fished here, but plenty of room and a lot of lilies either side meant that main attack would be over the far side. Abbey had done a good job clearing the weeds although still plenty for the fish to bury in if we hooked any.

Set up pole rigs for across and close in, although the depth, just over 4 foot, was the same all the way across. Fed a couple of ball of groundbait across and started on just a top kit on maggots to try and get some fish in the net to avoid a DNW. Started catching a few small roach and perch, then an hour in hooked a better fish and landed a 2lb F1. Noticed some bubbling over on the 13m line so went out with maggots. After a few small roach intercepted the bait, had a better bite and hooked something a lot bigger. Unfortunately, half way back, the fish tangled up in a weed bed and came off. Next cast another bite and again went straight into weed. Luckily the weed was loose and a great clump came back and I notice a head in the middle. Netted it all and detangled a 3lb tench.

No more bites except micro roach on maggot – tried expanders and corn for no bites so alternated my short and long lines on maggot for a couple of more small fish. More bubbles so back out at 13m and another bite resulted in an angry F1 which managed to shed the hook. Was getting a bit frustrated but next cast hooked another large fish. Wasn’t sure what this was as it felt a bit strange then, as it got close, a pike around 10lb or more leapt out the water and dived at some pace into the lilies. Broke off and came back with a broken float.
Middle of the match very slow with little signs but into the last ½ hour and more bubbles coming on the feed over the far side. Had one good bite and managed to net another F1 around 2 ½ pound. Last 5 minutes and another bite resulted in the best fish of the day – F1 over 5lb.

Finished with 17lbs 13oz – wasn’t sure how the lake had fished as could only see Jeff on the other bank, but the weigh in showed it had fished hard with my weight being top with Steve Foster coming second with 13lbs 12oz. Abbey Cross members filling the next 3 places and only 3 weights were in double figures today.
Abbey won the match today 90 points to 80 – thanks to Martin and all at Abbey Cross for hosting the match today. Picture is my fishy, but snaggy peg.