Neal Rodgers managed to catch this nice Perch from the boat at Weirwood recently. It was a tough day with Easterly winds and a water temperature of 4.7 degrees. Not many bites but this was the best fish of the day at 2lb 11oz..

This season’s Houghton Cup will be decided in the last round of matches. Round 5 was a very close affair with the current top 2 both framing on the day. Colin Fowler and Tony Crossley could not have made it any closer as Colin took the honours with 7lb 15oz and Tony took second place with 7lb 14oz. Colin’s bag included Roach to 8oz. In third spot was Roger Trask with 4lb 7oz.

One round to go and standings are:
1st   – Tony Crossley   44pts
2nd – Colin Fowler      36pts
3rd – Mick Smith          27pts
4th – Ray Allen              25pts

15 anglers ventured out for this popular yearly gathering. Although the river had been up and coloured leading up to this one, 14 of the competitors managed to register on the scales. Taking the honours in top spot was Match Secretary Martyn Hill with 13lb 12oz which consisted of two Bream, the best one weighing a very impressive 8lb 15oz. In second spot with 7lb 13oz was Bob Doyle and in 3rd spot with 1lb 5oz was Ray Allen.
Match winner Martyn Hill with a fine slab of 8lb 15oz.

The Pike fishing has begun to pick up of late on Barden Lake, with some good upper double figure fish being reported. Lure anglers have done well recently as the water has stayed clear and the weed has now died back which makes it easier to fish with sinking or floating lures. Lots of Jacks have been caught on the Lures, whereas deadbaits have produced the bigger fish. Steve Twort recently caught a nice 18lb 4oz fish, backed up by a low double figure fish. Society Chairman, Austin Battell has recorded the biggest fish so far, with a lovely plump, well conditioned 18lb 15oz specimen. This was caught on a large deadbait and backed up by 2 other fish to 8lb 9oz. The following day, Austin returned and had several dropped runs, follows and pull outs but did manage another 3 fish to 9lb on small deadbaits.

 Jason Craven 2lb 12oz Roach – New Lagoon Austin Battell 3lb 4oz Perch – Weirwood

 Austin Battell 26lb of Roach & Rudd Ben Groombridge – Tench – New Lagoon Neal Rogers – 2lb+ Perch – Weirwood Aaron McGinty – Tench – New Lagoon

 Jason Craven – 10lb+ Bream – Barden Lake Roger Fermor – Carp – New Lagoon Lisa Bedford – Carp – New Lagoon

 Anita Ayling – Carp – New Lagoon Bogdan Pascaru – Perch – River Medway Bogdan Pascaru – Chub – River Medway Jamie Hawkins – Carp – Ballast Pit Jamie Hawkins – Carp – Ballast Pit One of our little stockies doing well  Some lovely stocked Rudd – New Lagoon Two new floating islands – New Lagoon

July’s picture of the month award goes to Jason Craven for this shot of his 32lb+ Carp from Weirwood Resevoir.

Picture of the month award for June goes to Lee Wakeman with this shot of his match winning bag of Bream from the New Cut.

All members please note that the Old Ballast Pit will be closed this Sunday, 14th January as there is a work party booked and tree work will be carried out. Any overnighters must be away from the lake by 8.ooam Sunday morning.