Saucey Thief

I start this weeks blog on a sad note. Some low life has stole the Tomato and Brown Sauce from the Cafe. Both bottles were taken from the cafe late on Wednesday afternoon.  I know the cost of the bottles is minimal and it isn't the crime of the century, but it is the principal of the thing.

If some low life individual can stoop low enough as to take small value items that don't belong to them; then they will steal anything.  I would ask the culprit to mend his or her ways and rejoin the human race.  To take themselves away from the scum race they a present member of.  Honesty is one of the things that should separates us from other animals.  Be a Human not an Animal.

Stock Carp Growing Fast

The beautiful stock carp growing on the stock pond are increasing well in size.

The picture above was taken in March  only 5 months ago.when they were introduced. The fish have grown onto an average size of around 3 lb. The original number of 400 fish will improve sport even more; and will go in around the complex in late Autumn.

Thanks to Dave Higgins (above pic) for his and Mark Summers efforts.

23 lb Carp makes an appearance

I am composing this masterpiece on Friday 14.8.2015, and can report a 23 lb Mirror has come from Barnmoor today.  Once the heavy rain had ceased around lunchtime.  A few anglers ventured out. The 23 was the pick of the bunch from several doubles that came from Barnmoor and Sellwood.

Autumn on the Horizon

As mentioned last week smaller baits have been producing better results this week.  8 - 10 mm pellet have been responsible for quite few double figure Carp caught this week.  I hope I ma wrong but nature is showing us we may be in for a cold winter.  There are an enormous amount of Berries and other hedgerow fruit in and around the trees.  I took this picture of the Sloe (Blackthorn) drupes from the bushes around Witherington Farm.

There are far more berries than last year.Likewise the Blackberries though far from ripe are showing a large potential harvest.  The old adage is a large crop of fruit means a cold winter I hope I am wrong.

The Weather dictates

Lets hope the weather at the back end of summer is of the Indian summer variety and autumn doesn't rush to meet us.  It does surprise me how the weather has so much of an influence on our sport.  When the sun shines the anglers are out in force, only for inclement weather to make the numbers plummet.  I can remember reading books by Dick Walker and Peter Stone (who you might say, but I had the pleasure to meet him).  They always stated the best weather was warm and cloudy.  Something I have found to be very true and factual.  Yet in recent years have missed the best weather in preference to topping up their tans.

On Thursday this week we had perfect weather, ideal conditions I should say.  There was the odd shower, but it was cloudy and warm.  Barnmoor looked like fishing heaven but not a sole in site, what a shame to watch this perfect fishing day go to waste.  See below and I rest my case.

Witherington Lakes for the week ahead.......

Waters closed this week are as follows:

Wednesday the 19th August Sellwood and Cottage

Thursday the 20th August     Cottage

Sunday 23rd August              Cottage, Sellwood and Inner snake

Tight lines and see you next week.

Did you miss me?? (Don't Answer)

Sorry about last week with no report but I was fishing for three days at the Viaduct in Somerton Somerset.  This is an annual 3 day event Eastleigh v Isle of Wight.  Thanks to everyone it was brilliant three days and despite strong winds on the Wednesday it fished well.

Congratulations to Graham Tappenden who came third overall.  There were quite a few weights over 100 lb, however my best weight was only 95 lb 12 oz .  This did include over 65 lb of skimmers and Tench.

Pretty Boy still number 1

Before leaving for the Viaduct we completed the evening series on the Tuesday night.James "Pretty Boy Knight" dominated from the start to the finish.  Well done James you are a class act.  Mark "the Volcano Blake" was second showing consistency throughout the 8 match series.  The upset in the form book came from Dave "the walking dead" Moody who turned the clock back to days gone by when he picked up third place.

On the night the overall winner was Ray"Happy" Kelly  with 35 lb 10 oz, second Pretty boy with 35 lb 10 oz.  Second section winner Kev "Ce lo Green" Downer 28 lb 4 oz, 2nd the walking dead with 25 lb 12 oz.  Well done to all who took part.

Charity Match boost for Cancer Research

The annual Charity match for Leukaemia research was held on Saturday on Cottage  and Sellwood lakes.  The match is run by Colin and Lyn Sellwood in memory of their son Christopher.  Over £900.00 was raised by anglers and the raffle.

A great effort and well done to Colin, Lyn and Paula for all their efforts.  Results on the day are as follows 

Cottage Lake:

1st Malc Peppperell 62 lb 10 oz

2nd Martin Rodgers 52 lb 4 oz

3rd Colin Sellwood  46 lb 12 oz

Sellwood Lake :

1st Brian Shutler 37 lb 10 oz

2nd Paul Barnard 37 lb 8 oz

3rd Geoff (Speed) Andrews 25 lb 8 oz

Terry tames the Monster

On the big fish front Terry Neville was the man to watch this week.  On Monday from the top bank of Barnmoor he banked Carp of 29 lb, 20 lb, 19 lb, and 17 lb.  I managed to get a picture of the 29 lb Common well done Terry

Lakes closed this week.

Saturday 15.8.2015  Sellwood Cottage and Inner Snake.

Sunday 16.8.2015 Sellwood, Cottage , Inner snake, and Outer Snake pegs 23-41

Time for a change

August though still in the middle of summer always seems to change the fish behaviour.  All the baits that worked well through the summer months of June and July, will still catch but the rate will slow down and a reduction in the hook bait (size)  is a good idea.

Reduce your pellet in size, and try a single grain of corn instead of multiple grains.  Maggot or worm are also worth a go it is surprising how big carp love small items of feed. Remember without anglers baits the Carp would be eating blood worm and snails.

Fish Care

Please remember if you are aiming for big Large sized Carp be in possession of a Carp Mat.  These come in many sizes and designs.  Please make sure you use them.

Reids Tackle Wednesday Open

The match was fished on Cottage Lake and was a match of two halves. The bottom end of the lake pegs 3-8 fished well, however from pegs 9-16 top weight was 47 lb 4 oz. 

Individual winner was Paul " the Hoffmeister" Hough from peg 3 with 86 lb 2 oz.  Well done Paul.  Pegs 5 and 6 had a tight fight for second and third Daryl Mayer sneaking it with a good weight of 68 lb 14 oz and third from Peg 6 was Gary Etheridge with 60 lb 10 oz. The next match will be on August the 19th (Wednesday) Sellwood and Cottage the venues.

If your interested ring Reid's Tackle on 01722 - 711616.

Much ado about nothing

Sorry readers the author has been on a jolly boys short holiday to fish against the Isle of Wight with his Eastleigh colleagues to the viaduct in Somerset.  To that end has not prepared notes or stories for editing / blogging.  I am sure this short interruption in service will be over soon; and you will be updated with the results of the Evening series last match etc. Did Pretty Boy win I hear you ask!

Last Gasp Carp gives Pretty boy the title

First thank to the wife for the loan of her laptop whilst mine receives mouth to mouth.

The penultimate round of the Evening series seemed the final match on Sellwood would decide the title. James Pretty Boy Knight was on the way to a lake win and Mark Volcano Blake looked odds on for second place.

With the best of 6 counting, either could still win.  However a 6.5 lb Carp caught by Dave Walking Dead Moody in the last minute pushed the Volcano back to third on the night.  This means that regardless of the last match, Pretty boy can't be caught.  The fish section was won by Dave Moody with 34 lb 14 oz and second was Gary the Fish Etheridge with 30 lb 14 oz.

Second section Lake winner James Knight 41 lb 2 oz second Mark Blake 30 lb.  Mark place looks certain to take the runner up spot next Tuesday and third is up for grabs between Dave, Barney and Gary the fish.

Reids Tackle Open

Despite some very stormy strong winds leaving some finding the conditions almost impossible.  There were some good weights on Cottage and Sellwood.

Cottage
1st Daryll Mayers 122 lb 6 oz
2nd Graham Tappenden 83 lb 2 oz
3rd Gary Wright 81 lb 8 oz

Sellwood
1st Ian Goodfellow 96 lb 3 oz
2nd Gary Etheridge 91 lb 8 oz
3rd Dave George     79 lb 14 oz

Barn Moor Report

Barnmoor has produced 5 fish over 20 lb this week in addition to a load of higher doubles .  Top rod has been Nigel Tapper with a string of big fish. The majority have been evening diners showing late for their supper.

Method Feeder all the same?

A lot of companies have over the past few years have produced their own method feeders and accompanying moulds. A huge amount of ground baits, pellets and other baits have also grown  to support this  highly effective and very effective style of fishing.

Despite this many anglers have struggled to get the mix right with bait flying off the feeder by the time it reaches the lake bed its empty.  This is especially true in very deep water.  The new Guru hybrid feeders should solve all the problems.  There is no need for a mould, all types of pellet and ground bait can be used with confidence.

It will keep pellets in the feeder and gives you prominent hook place placement.  As it states on the Guru web site it is "idiot proof" so give it a go

 

When I started fishing, ledgering was undertaken either with a quiver tip, swing tip and target board or a bobbin.  But for many years now electronic bite alarms have been the way forward.  It has revolutionised and some say invented the specimen hunting world.

There are of course a huge range of alarms available.

The most popular at the moment is the third from the right the Delkim (high end) This alarm will not let you down.  However at £122.50 its very expensive but you cannot beat quality.  At the lower end you will have to go a long way to beat the Fox Mx. Very popular this year is the Korum Alarm and at £14.99 is in every ones price range.



It may not be my style of fishing however its a system I have used to good effect with Carp and Tench.  You are never to old to learn.

Lakes closed for the week ahead

Tuesday 28th July Cottage
Saturday 1st August Sellwood and Cottage
Sunday 2nd August Snake , Sellwood and Cottage

Café News - Café supplies energy to increase your catch

The juice is loose  with Monster Ripper, assault and Energy drinks now available. 3 different flavours to tempt your taste buds and improve your strength to bag the monster Carp or win the match.

Do not drop any of the drinks in the lake if the carp get a swig you will never land them as they will drag you in !!

Air Pressure or have they just become hungry

As editor come number one slave to Mr Moody I must start this week with a disclaimer.  As you all know Mr Dave Moody is perfect and never makes mistakes and that is why the content of this blog is so good.  So you can imagine I was a little aggrieved to walk into tackle shop heaven this morning and be greeted by "ere, you've buggered up my camera"

Apparently Dave has been accumulating photos for this weeks blog and flash on the camera didn't work.  Which by all accounts is my fault as I took a photo with his camera last week and must have changed the settings or something.  So for a peaceful life, sorry Dave; but to the rest of the readership, well you make your mind up as to who is at fault.

Latest news

This week has seen a vast improvement in feeding fish at Witherington Farm on all lakes.  Especially the Bream.  Large weights of skimmers to over 31 lb have come from all lakes.

Corn and soft pellet over soaked coarse pellet has been the number one method. As proved by John Clark, who was bagging on peg 4 on the Snake.  Corn was the number one bait; and I managed to catch John in full flow. (ED. sorry Dave one of the action pictures was corrupt and wouldn't upload)

On the same day Bernie Rose  and his mate were banging out the carp on peg 15 and 16 on Cottage Lake. Hair rigged hard pellet on the method feeder saw a succession of Carp between 5 lb - 12 lb mark netted.  Action was so fast at one stage to sit down or weigh in the fish.  Bernie with one of the many below at 6 lb 7 oz.

I bet the lads slept well that night after a very, very busy day.

Best fish of the day again came from Barnmoor and was on the lead again.  Caught by Terry Brown on his first trip to Witherington Farm this year it weighed in at a stonking 18 lb 8 oz - lovely.

I was pleased to manage a 4 hour pleasure session myself on peg 5 of Cottage this week. I know the water levels are low, but half the depth must be skimmers.  I lost count of skimmers in the 12 oz to pound and half mark.  Along with 7 Carp to 12 lb I was busy all day.  All of the fish came to pole fished paste.  Yes Paste!!!!!  and that to the worlds worst paste fish angler.  Lord only knows , what an average or even a good paste angler would have caught!

Match News and results

My call was right, the big boys lead

Tuesday saw the 6th round of the evening series fished on Barnmoor.  With two rounds left it looks like a straight fight between "Pretty boy" Knight and "Volcano" Blake.  

James Knight won the match and the island section with 37 lb 12 oz and Mark Blake was second with 27lb 14 oz.  The open section of water was won by Dave "Walking dead " Moody with 25 lb 2 oz, followed in second place by the ever present Gary "the fish" Etheridge with 20 lb 2 oz all skimmers.  Both James and Dave landed Carp of 14 lb plus on the night ( Ed - sorry no photos , my fault again apparently).  Although Paul Barnard , Gary Etheridge, Ray Kelly, and Dave Moody are still in contention it does look like a Pretty Boy, Volcano 1 - 2.  Make your mind up on who took the photo and whose fault it was it came out like this.

Lakes closed the week ahead

Tuesday 21st July Sellwood

Wednesday 22nd July Sellwood and Cottage

Saturday 25th Sellwood and Cottage

Sunday 26th All of Snake, Sellwood and Cottage, leaving only Barnmoor open.

Tip of the week

If you are staying late at the venue it pays to use paste down the margins of all the lakes.  Most of the big Carp are being caught in the Margins on soft paste and Corn.  Either on a straight lead or float fished as close as possible to the bank.  Find two foot of water and you will be in with more than a good chance.

Don't forget if you catch a good carp and the shop is open we will come and weigh , photograph and publish it on this blog.  The one below may not be too big but when you consider the size of the bloke holding it , it gives it some scale. ha ha

I know a lot of anglers like to catch a good size Roach.  As yet no Roach over 1.5 lb have come out.  However, Barnmoor is the number one lake for Roach, and loads are coming out to the pound mark .  Nothing can quite beat a light float rig fished with caster, producing bags of around 20 lb, they are there to be caught.  This rig or style will also pick up bags of skimmers.  I remember both Dave Hydes and Graham Tappenden having 60 lb + Roach and skimmers  from peg 12 (Barnmoor) in separate matches.

 

If you are after plenty of bites that's the method.  Tight Lines see you next week.

Words and pics Dave Moody

Boycott 120 Not Out!

Gareth Boycott was always trailing Martin Rodgers in the Reid Tackle Wednesday open on Cottage Lake.  Both Martin and Daryl Mayers had the Carp lined up from pegs 9 to 10 on the method feeder.  Right from the start they left the rest of the lake in their wake; and when bites stopped on the method the Carp duly started feeding down the edge.

Gareth was like the rest of us a long way behind; but on the half way point started catching the odd Carp from peg 3 also on the method. Again his method line slowed and he put three quick Carp in his net from his 11 meter line, including one good fish of around 15 lb.

The last hour seen him bag down the edge on his paste rig; and by the end he thought he may have secured third place.  Not at all, his 120 lb 10 oz had given him a win and Dave George the scales man back ache.

Martin Rodgers was the unlucky angler being pushed into second place with 112 lb and 10 oz and Daryl a close third with 107 lb.  Either one of these anglers must have thought they had done enough to win.

On Sellwood lake weights were equally as good. Dwayne Seed again leading the way winning from peg 6 with 95 lb 2 oz.  I am sure he was happier taking a quid side bet of me then the winnings for the lake.  I tell him hes an old age pensioner mugger.  Second was Gary the Fish Etheridge from peg 9 with 84 lb 14 oz.  Third Paul Barnard with 68 lb 9 oz.  Top silver fish weight on the day went to Graham "Tappy" Tappenden from 15 on Sellwood with a 37 lb  bag.  Well done the silver King!!!

Next Wednesdays open is on the 22nd July on the same lakes to book in ring the shop (below) on
01722 - 711616

Terminator Pips Volcano

Mark "the Volcano" Blake and Martin "the Terminator" Rodgers drew next to each other in the 5th round of the evening series.  The match was fished on the outer Snake and continued to prove better weights are coming out all around.

Martin won the match with 62 lb and a close second was Mark who weighed in 55 lb.  Those of you who know both anglers will realise it was a peaceful evening as they both very quite all night...........sorry, I was distracted..........."is that a large bright pink pig in the sky?"  The other section was won by Paul "Barny Rubble" with 31 lb 2 oz and second was James "Pretty Boy" Knight with 25 lb 3 oz.

Big Fish Scene

The Big Girls in Barnmoor are back on the feed and at last the lake has produced 2 fish over 20 lb.  First a mirror of 22 lb 3 oz and one of 21 lb 9 oz.  Both fish were caught by local angler Simon Kirsten.  Both fell to a zig rig (black foam) popped up 6 inches.  Both fish had been cruising sub surface about a foot deep all day and didn't seem interested.  It just shows how perseverance can work well done Si , but sorry we have no pictures.

How things Change...

Last Year Witherington Farm  was dominated by anglers fishing Luncheon meat. Pallony being the favourite.  Match weights on all the lakes were topping 100 lb all on meat.  Many of the Large fish on Barnmoor fell to Meat an big bits of meat at that, fished over 8 mm cube meat and pellet.

Only on the odd occasion this year has meat showed any where near that form.  Why?  Why is this year different?  Do fish have good memories or has the colder spring weather changed their eating habits.  I bet before this blog has gone "live" meat will be working again.

The one exception to this, has been the success of "Old Ghost" hook bait  In different flavours of Sweetcorn, Blood worm, snail and squid they have all caught well. Oddly especially well on the Snake lake, where the squid variety seems to be preferred. Small pieces hair rigged or punched pellet style is the way forward; and at only £1.00 each it is a cheap hook bait.

The week ahead and closures

As always there is plenty of room for all at Witherington Farm but to help you better plan.  This weeks closures will be as follows:

Tuesday 14th July Barn Moor Closed

Saturday 17th July Cottage Lake closed

Sunday 18th Outer Snake, Sellwood and Cottage Lakes closed.

Cafe' News - Cards on the Rise.

Full steam ahead in the Cafe as the team put out quality food conveyor belt style to many a happy customer.  The recent innovation of Card sales goes from strength to strength. Already new card holders are in place which has increased the volume and variety on sale.  The Cafe is at last being used to its full potential.  All power to Rachel and Glen.  Lovely people and great mates.  You have saved my life.

Words and Pics by Dave Moody

The Golden Generation

I have been very fortunate to met most of the great anglers of our time.  My personal hero Ivan Marks, Bobb Nudd, Alan Scotthorne and Steve Ringer to name but a few.  On the political front , Michael Meacher and Dame Shirley Williams.  Other sporting superstars include, England World Cup winning Rugby player Richard Hill and several times Ladies World Snooker Champion Kelly Fisher.

However , this week I had the good fortune to meet two more Golden superstars, namely Frank and Doris Higgins.  Both soon to be celebrating their 93rd birthdays and both still out enjoying their life and their fishing.

During the war Frank was in the Royal Air Force, and Doris was on her own front line.  In the East end of London facing the blitz head on.  These two knew exactly what the second world war was all about.  I was very moved  not only by their war time memories, but that they obviously share a great love for fishing and each other.  We could all learn a great deal from this wonderful couple and we hope to see them again at Witherington Farm for Years to come.

Cafe News

Food and Cards.  It is now not only possible to get a great hot meal, a hot or cold drink or even a huge range of snacks at the Cafe'; but Rachel and Glen have introduced a range of Cards.

Covering a range from Birthdays, Anniversaries and leaving cards this new feature has a full range for every occasion.  It will certainly get the angler who has forgotten that important occasion out of a hole.  That reminds me its my mate Gary's Birthday soon!!

Match Results from the past week

Favourites back on TOP.  The fourth round of the Tuesday Evening series saw a return of the "names"to the top of the leader board.

On an evening when the inner and outer snake fished like two different lakes.  James "Pretty boy" Knight showed his class with an easy win and top points from his section with 80lb and 8 oz.  Mark "the Volcano" Blake was an impressive second with 67 lb.

The other section produced much smaller weights with Malc "Jedward's dad" Pepperell.  First  with 31 lb 4 oz, second was Kev "Ce Lo Green" Downer with 21 lb 10 oz.

The North Wx Winter League also came south to the Snake last Sunday.  Seeing Steve Trevett and Gary Williams both of Pewsey first and second respectively with Brian Jackson Swindon ISIS third full story at:

http://midsectionblues.blogspot.co.uk/

The week ahead and lake closures.  Please be aware that the following lakes will be closed at these times:

Tuesday 7th July Barnmoor all day
Wednesday the 8th July Cottage and Sellwood all day
Saturday the 11th Inner snake all day
Sunday the 12th Sellwood all day and Outer Snake from 1.30 pm onward.

Tip of the week

With the weather so hot and the fish slow to respond.  Now is the time to turn to paste and pellet.  There are plenty of different types to choose from

Though the light slow sinking pellet is very good often ringing the changes to a dark pellet will bring excellent results.  My favourite change is to the " Robin Red" either in 8 mm or 12 mm size.  Fished either 12 to 18 inches deep under a float or on the bottom attached to a PVA solid bag filled with mix  robin red and other pellet.

Finally;

There has been quite a lot of work completed over this last week with Islands being cut back and cleared and more platforms repaired. Plus some good work on the banks of the Snake.  Well done Glen and Tony.

Words and Pics 

Dave Moody