The draw was soon completed and we made our way to our pegs..
At peg 26 there was the option to fish against the island or go for open water..
With a clear view to the other side of the lake..
Looking right towards the far island..
and the island you see as you enter the fishery..
Today i had decided to leave my pole at home and decided on two methods. First, was a splash-waggler fished on a greys x-flite barbel rod with a 1.75lb test curve. Paired with a daiwa bait runner reel..
Second, was my trusty garbolino squad feeder rod, also paired with a daiwa reel..
Bait for the day was pellets and plenty of them. Mainly 8mm, which would be used on a size 10 banded hook to 8lb hook-length...
The "all in" was called and i proceded with the splash-waggler, feeding plenty of pellets. It took about 30 minutes to get my first bite, which shot across the lake and then spat the hook as it neared the side
After an hour i managed to land my first, a fine mirror of about 8lbs..
The match seemed to drag on, bites were very few on the ground for everyone. Two hours had gone by and i decided to employ the feeder rod. I had been baiting near the island from the off, so my cage feeder headed in that direction...
Half an hour of nothingness passed by, a chuck to the middle of the lake produced zilch. Things were looking grim
After an hour i gave that idea up and returned to my first option. As soon as my float hit the water a carp had itself hooked and headed off round the island. Needless to say, the hooklength parted.
I catapulted more pellets in, as i attached a new hook, cast in and away it went. I was determined not to let this one go and gave it some stick. Soon enough i had my second in the net..
I continued with this method for most of the match, but all had gone quiet again and i sat watching the red blob in the water..
With 45 minutes left, i had another try on the feeder and connected with a carp. That didn't last long either the hook parted.
30 minutes to go, back on the splash-waggler and hammer the bait in, i was feeding masses and it paid off. Another mirror was netted..
Next cast and another line breaker
I set up a new hook quickly and my float just hit the water and was away. This time a leather was mine...
The match seemed to end as the fish were getting in the mood...That's Life !
I managed to get a couple of pics from the weigh in, though Bob caught most...
Here is trevor bentley with second place. Though he should have won. I won't tell you what Kammy called him
John the owner of Blackpool Angling Centre and BLAS sponsor with his best carp..
Humpalumpa man (Phil Wilson) won the the match with 4 good carp for over 33lbs. Well Done
He was my next door neighbour today 
Me?, I managed third place with four carp for 27lb 12oz.
A great day, enjoyed myself and will be back for more
