With the NFA National Division 2 practice match being held on the Wigan & DAA stretch of the Leeds - Liverpool canal on the same day a reduced turn-out was anticipated by some, but the attendance equalled last week's John Ball Trophy match which was good to see, as were (following on from last week) some more familiar returning faces.
Aside from Paul (I've eaten a Badger and left the tail hanging out) Clegg's clear winning weight from the top end of the permanent pegs on the match length, the other weights reflected the inconsistent form so far this season. Several pumping sessions towards the latter stages of the week had introduced some much-needed colour to the water, but with no pump activity for over 24 hours anglers were faced with a return to clear water which made fishing hard for the majority of the field. The fish are there in abundance, they just need some persuasion to get onto the feed which has recommenced in the last two weeks.
I had a month's worth of aerobic exercise with a jaunt down to peg 27. Graham Johnson followed later - sweat blinding him as he staggered to peg 28 - without a trolley (the hero). Expecting great things from the winning peg of a couple of weeks ago I 'went for it' with a big cup of chop and three big balls down the middle from the off and trickle fed two margin swims. What followed was a lesson in self-torture, with only Steve Barrett's rhythmic feeder casts for entertainment. He had a couple of 'flirters' on the feeder from the far side and I was neck & neck with two small 'uns from the middle. On the other side, Graham unveiled yet another new parallel extension for his pole and proceeded to haul a 4lb+ Bream from under the grass on the far bank with his first chuck - that was at 19m !!! I sat back expecting him t come up with another emptying session, but he never had another bite . We were agreed it was a match to forget.
Aside from Paul (I've eaten a Badger and left the tail hanging out) Clegg's clear winning weight from the top end of the permanent pegs on the match length, the other weights reflected the inconsistent form so far this season. Several pumping sessions towards the latter stages of the week had introduced some much-needed colour to the water, but with no pump activity for over 24 hours anglers were faced with a return to clear water which made fishing hard for the majority of the field. The fish are there in abundance, they just need some persuasion to get onto the feed which has recommenced in the last two weeks.
I had a month's worth of aerobic exercise with a jaunt down to peg 27. Graham Johnson followed later - sweat blinding him as he staggered to peg 28 - without a trolley (the hero). Expecting great things from the winning peg of a couple of weeks ago I 'went for it' with a big cup of chop and three big balls down the middle from the off and trickle fed two margin swims. What followed was a lesson in self-torture, with only Steve Barrett's rhythmic feeder casts for entertainment. He had a couple of 'flirters' on the feeder from the far side and I was neck & neck with two small 'uns from the middle. On the other side, Graham unveiled yet another new parallel extension for his pole and proceeded to haul a 4lb+ Bream from under the grass on the far bank with his first chuck - that was at 19m !!! I sat back expecting him t come up with another emptying session, but he never had another bite . We were agreed it was a match to forget.
RESULT:
1 - Paul Clegg 11lb 2oz
2 - Graham Johnson 4lb 70z
3 - Paul Clayton 4lb 4oz
4 - Bob Moss 3lb 10oz
Southport & District Angling Association's Summer League matches are held every Sunday from June until September on the Association Match Length at 1st Plank, Cabin Lane. All S&DAA members are very welcome to enter.
Draw: 8:45am sharp
Fish: 9:45am - 2:45pm
Pools: £6.00 all in.
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