Sweepstake, Milton Country Park, 21st May 2017

Sweepstake, Milton Country Park, 21st May 2017

Several of us had managed a practice outing to The Deep Pool during the preceding week, expecting catches like Jason’s 30 lb+ net of rudd 3 weeks earlier. Most, however, had not had a bite, the best result being five small fish to Ken, and so hopes at the draw were very poor. Ultra clear water, low temperatures, and no rain except for the last day or so were thought to blame.

There was, however, some excitement, this was a new match venue with good potential and as a bonus, John Pope had kindly arranged with the Park Rangers to allow us to drive in and park in relative safety, also of course avoiding a longer walk. Our thanks go to the Rangers for this consideration.

The Deep Pool is indeed just that, about 17 – 18’ a few meters out with relatively little weed growth, quite a contrast to the adjacent swims on Dickerson’s, the majority of which were approx 3’, no more than 4’ at 20 metres, and very weedy! Equal numbers were drawn to fish each pit.

As it turned out there was one swim on The Deep Pool, drawn of course by Ken, that held a few fish and it produced a winning 8 lb 3 oz, almost the total caught by everyone else together!

John Read could only manage 2nd place this time with 4 lb 14 oz, a relatively good performance but again from The Deep Pool. This meant he didn’t collect any winnings as for this match there were to be only two payouts, one to the winner from each pit, better luck next time John.

Late in the match and with just a few fish for his efforts Glen Freeman netted a bonus 2 lb 10 oz eel tempted on a worm from Dickerson’s. A good fish to land in such weedy conditions and enough for the second payout, well done Glen.

Becky, the strong favourite, didn’t quite come home but did manage 4th place with a hard earned 2 lb 4 oz, again well done. I won’t mention the five who ‘Did Not Weigh’, including two Trevors and a Jason!

Our next match is at Mepal, again a silvers only match with carp counting as just 1 lb each. Rob was confident that this attempt to prevent him repeating last years win would fail as this time he would win with the large bream known to inhabit the water although he also suggested that even with carp only counting as 1 lb each he could still win by targeting them.

Hopefully the milder weather and rain will help improve catches compared with our April match.

As usual, please book your place via Trevor, details as per the club book.

Ian Claydon