Catch and Release Social at White Springs in Wales
The 190 Miles from my home soon flew by and in only 3 hours I arrived at the lakes to be greeted by the lovely John Flewin from Tales Media. Lets just say the banter started very early as the rest of the guys turn up. The joy soon fades, as I was drawn 14th out of a possible 15 people for a swim. I chose Peg 11A as it gave me part of an island and a good left-hand margin. I did share the small island with peg 12 (Lee Slater) and peg 11 (Owen Hayward), so was pretty penned in! but in it to win it. 1 rod went down the left margin; 1 rod was clipped up 2” off the island in 2ft of water and the final rod at the base of the marginal shelf in 4ft of water.
With a few fish landed early including a 30lb 12oz to Ethan Thomas things looked promising. Friday night even Owen (peg 12) to my right got in on the action with a mid double mirror, but alas the “No fish Corner “or “Slater’s baron bay” as Lee and myself were calling it continued. We both sat drinking copious amounts of coffee working out how we could get the most out of out area. I’d even resorted to a pint of red maggots! And as we went into the second night we were both questioning area and rigs.
So you can image my delight after a gruelling 36hrs of camping when I was rewarded with a stunning 26lb Common from the island rod. The single beep followed by a slow take had me lift into an epic battle. With no less that 5 attempts to net the fish, before it powered off on another run. With a shout of “COME ON” across the lake the catch and release camera crew were on their way! So much more banter and high fives followed, with a little filming and pictures. Then the kettle went on for a cuppa tea and time to reflect on a game plan that had worked.
The winning rig was a Mad Baits Wicked White boilie and Dispersion pop up, fished snowman style, using a size 6 long shank hook and Blackout hook link from G-Force Tackle. Fished over a bed of Wicked Whites / ASBO / Winter Zing.
What a great event with some amazing people, well worth the drive.