Fulling Mill Regional Final
It was a slightly changed team of Russell Cowell, Ian Gregson, Kevin Madigan, Graham Norman, Geoff Thomas and Kevin Walmsley who made the trip to Rutland water to contest the Anglian Water / Fulling Mill North of England regional final.
There were couple of days practice in “breezy” conditions, which caught a couple of the team out. We saw a snapped rod and a landing net disappear over the side. Still amongst the dramas there were plenty of fish caught by all members, many of which were grown on fish that were feeding on nymphs and small fry. Most productive areas were bottom of the South arm where the best fish seemed to be (check out the gallery) and the main basin which had plenty of stock fish which were up for a chase.
Competition day dawned with the anglers worst nightmare of not a cloud to be seen and a fairly stiff breeze. Still the team were fairly confident with their methods but were unsure whether to fish the South arm or main basin. A quick chat to their boat partners and most of the team were going to fish the main basin in preference to the 35 minute “motor” to the South arm.
From the off a few quick fish were caught by the team but as the sun got higher in the sky and the boat pressure started to put the fish off takes began to slow. Catching throughout the day and picking fish up regularly were Geoff Thomas and Kevin Walmsley with 6 and 5 respectively but doing exceptionally well and coming out as team top rod was Ian Gregson with 7 trout. Gregson Began the day in the main basin but eventually made the drive down the South arm to pick up his trout and but for a few slipping the hook could have finished early with his limit.
So at the weigh in the Manx team (Herring Boys) had once again caught 27 trout between them, exactly the same number as last years final. As other teams weighed in it became apparent that this once again was not enough with the team finishing a respectable 8th out of 15 teams. Again a few more tips were picked up which can only go to improve the team performance in future comps.
Eventual winners were the home team of Rutland Raiders with Ian Barr fishing second and Masterline Stocks B in third
