Back comes the Rain, the Wind and the Cold

Anglers needed their Brollies this week to protect them, rare was the moment when the brolly would come down

Words and Pics Dave Moody

I knew I had started back too early.  No sooner do you start thinking about good weather and it changes. However, its not as bad as it was a few weeks ago.  This weekend sees winds from the north and 13 knots on Saturday but just 8- 10 on Sunday; and thankfully not too much rain.

Perhaps I am being a bit of a pessimist.  The weekend match on the snake was fished in bright sunshine after a night frost.  Not the best conditions.  The match was won by Lee Woodhouse with 52 lb, followed in second by Pete Newman with 45lb.  Third was my benefactor Super Ray Kelly with 39lb.

I managed just over 22 lb which was not a bad result on the day. However I was on the next peg to Ray so he gave me a hiding.  On the bright side we share our winnings by going halves, so i went home with £37.50p Thanks Ray!

Barnmoor 20's

This week has seen a few of the larger residents feeding and coming out of the Lake top of the pile has been the big mirror caught by Mic Taplin weighing in at 28 lb 7 oz.  Ian (Brillo) Barlow has had a couple of 20's best being 24lb 4 oz.  It seems the Ladies are waking up.

Mid week Open

This Wednesday sees the next Reids tackle Open.  To be fished on Cottage and Sellwood.  If you are interested in this popular friendly match call me on 01722-711616 or put your name on the list in the shop.

Whats New

The new Sensas Jumbo 3700 + 3300 seat boxes are now in shop.  The boxes give you the same appearance and feel as the Rive box but are much more affordable price. Sorry about the out of focus picture shaky hands when i realised just how good value they are! Come in and see in the flesh has to be seen to be believed

I have also introduced the new Flouro Carbon hook lengths of this  line by Drennan.  Alan Scotthorne is a great fan of this hook length and he as multi world champ knows quality when he sees it.  Quite a few have asked for the hook length.  At present the lowest breaking strain is 2.6 lb to up over 6 lb.

Once we get back to winter we will stock the lower breaking strains.But lets not talk winter yet. Come on Summer.

CC MOORES new Pacific Tuna Boilies, dips and pop ups have already gained a good following.  They are without doubt going to gain even more popularity and account for a whole host of Large fish this coming year.

One of the biggest mysteries to me over the last few years.  Has been the increasing cost of big pit reels.  It seems certain companies can bring out an even more expensive product, that does the same job as last years model but is over £50 dearer!

This year we have found a product that not only does the job but at a reasonable price.

The Fish Zone Big Pit.  Weighs in at a third of the price of some models, and yet a quality reel that does what it says on the tin.

Tight Lines see you soon at Witherington Farm

Its Back the Withy Blog

Words and Pics Dave Moody.

I have been getting some stick lately for not posting anything for a while (since the 25 Nov actually Dave!! - Editor)I have considered writing a blog for weeks but the thought of writing; it was cold  and windy.  Followed by it was wet and windy, and then its been bloody windy was too much.  The winter has not been the wettest but it has been the windiest..  Week after week the weather has destroyed the plans of many anglers.  It is so annoying the thing preventing catching is the weather.

I can't promise the stormy winds are behind us .  Especially when you have to work behind Frank Gumbleton on a Saturday.  However there has been a few days recently when the winds have been light and the sun has come out.  The first evidence that spring has sprung was the sight of frog spawn in my pond at home.

A few days later a sight for sore eyes as not a breath of wind on Barnmoor lake, the sky a bright cloudless blue.  The surface water a glassy smoothness betraying no ripples.

Barnmoor has recently been producing quite a few Carp over the 20 lb weight mark.  The reports are few, as the half a dozen anglers who have been catching have been playing their cards close to their chest.  So I will now be in the dog house for letting the cat out of the bag.  Never mind I am used to the dog house as my wife Christine and I have just celebrated 34 years of marriage so I know my place.

Wednesday saw the first of the Reids Tackle mid week opens fished on Cottage.  There have been a few successful silver only matches (with Johnny Grey dominating with 40 lb + weights) but this one saw the return of Carp included.

This Wednesday saw an all in match.  First 3 overall and 1st and and second in silvers.  Sharing the love in the prizes seems to be popular with the anglers.  The match was held on cottage in great weather.

It was a very close match for the top three anglers, and at the end I was uncertain who had won.  First to put a good weight on the scales was Gary the Fish Etheridge who despite not getting amongst the carp had 16 lb 4oz of skimmers from peg 2.

Jem Turner on peg 7 and Chris Opie on 9 had a head to head battle for a top three place.  Chris started well but Jem came back in the last half of the match.  Jem was first to weigh 43 lb 6 oz.  

The Chris on 9 weighed in just enough to pip him with 44 lb 2 oz.

Next to push for a prize was myself Dave the walking Dead Moody  A bag full of Skimmers and Roach weighing in at 18 lb 2 oz pipping Gary the Fish.

The final angler to push for the prize was Steve Pommie Pomeroy on peg 15 With a mixed bag of Silvers and Carp 41 lb 6 oz for third overall.  I didn't manage to photo his bag of fish but instead got a a handsome pic of the fishing god himself (left in pic below) supported by Barry James who fished the next peg.  Barry is soon to go into hospital for heart surgery and I would like to take this opportunity to wish him well and all the best.  I along with many friends and anglers hope to see him on the bank again soon

So whats new Dave...............

So with the new season, improving spring weather comes the new tackle and bait from companies.  The companies like Dynamite Baits have brought out a mixture of bait and feed for the Carp Angler.  Spod Mix, Carp feed and Zig clouds, along with pre drilled pellet in the source range.

E S P have introduced new tackle items like the Barrell Bobbins and of course the new ESP Reel.  This year will see a lot of new products and a revamp of their famous Carp range.  Just like their parent company Drennan.  They (Drennan) have developed the most popular Acolyte rod and pale range; and the must have Alan Scotthorne float range.  E S P will be the one to watch on the Carp front.

Sonubaits, Ringer and Drennan have all increased and improved their bait range.  Mostly aimed at the Carp Match angler, they will be sure to find their way into every discerning anglers bait bag(s).

Hot of the Press!

Since Thursday there has been 3 Carp over 20 lb reported caught in Barnmoor.  I things are getting better lets just hope those strong winds stay away.

Tight Lines