Stathe Drain – Dave’s Match Cup – 24th September 2023
I’d really enjoyed fishing this match for the first time last year and managed a third place thanks to a late bonus tench (you can read that match report here). Dan Baldwin was the first name on the trophy with a lovely net of hemp roach weighing 16lb 14oz, so who would be next? The day started off well with a nice …
Acorn Fishery – Open – 23rd September 2023
On Saturday I was back at Acorn for the latest of Chris Fox’s matches, my last visit was six weeks ago but I’d been keeping an eye on the results and peg 40 has been the one to draw for silvers. After breakfast, Nick and me were at the fishery in good time to get some bait along with bits and bobs …
River Parrett – J. Irish Trophy – 17th September 2023
On Sunday we were back on the Parrett for the J. Irish trophy which was also the culmination of the Memorial Shield (six river matches with the best five results to count). This was my fourth year fishing it and since finishing second to Bob Newbury three years ago, I’ve been in the mix right up until the penultimate rounds when my …
Dorset Stour – Air Ambulance Open – 16th September 2023
One of my favourite matches of the year, I always look forward to this one, after meeting Nick we made good time and were soon arriving at the pub for breakfast followed by the draw. There was a great turnout of 60+ including lots of familiar faces including Steve Maynard who was on his way back to Cornwall after fishing the festival …
Coombe Farm – IAA Summer League 6 – 10th September 2023
Sunday we were at Coombe for the final round of the IAA Summer League (very kindly sponsored by the SPAR, Ilminster). After five matches, there were only two anglers in with a shout of winning it, Norts and Bagger Burton. If Chris won his section again, he couldn’t be caught but if he finished second and Ian won his three peg section, …
Summerhayes – Silvers Open – 9th September 2023
The forecast was for another scorching Saturday Silvers Open on Sellicks at Summerhayes! I met Nick and Jenny for breakfast and it was really disappointing so not the best of starts to the day. Only eight of us fishing today so we’d have lots of room, as Pete went to draw the golden ball, I predicted peg 17 and that was the …
River Parrett – Axminster Cup – 3rd September 2023
Only one outing this week, the penultimate match in Stoke AA’s summer river series at Parrett Works. The Breakfast Club were well looked after by Charlotte before we headed to Martock for the draw. I decided to delve in the bucket early this time and peg 5 was the result, it wouldn’t have been my first choice but it’s normally a fairly …
Jurassic Mountain, Thailand – August 2023
I haven’t been to Thailand (or had a holiday) since 2018 due to the pandemic and losing my dad so a break was well overdue and much needed. Since my love affair with the Land Of Smiles began in 2010 I’ve visited several fisheries all over this beautiful country but one I hadn’t been to yet was Jurassic Mountain near Cha Am. …
River Parrett – Mrs Williams Cup – 13th August 2023
It was back to Parrett Works for this one and after a lovely breakfast at the Ranch, the 18 anglers assembled hoping to draw a good peg. My day started nicely when the Grand Wiz presented me with an envelope containing £35 for finishing third in Ruthie’s Cup. On my personal wish list were the numbers 1, 5, 8, 9, 16, 28 …
Acorn Fishery – Open – 12th August 2023
Saturday and it was back to Acorn and Norts (Stoke AA’s ex Club Angler of the Year) was looking forward to fishing it for the first time. After the usual breakfast stop we made the short drive to the fishery. Chris Fox announced the draw and it was back to drawing the same pegs for me when I pulled out number 1 …