Draycote weekly report 24/03/2013
I am sure the saying for March is “comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb”. I think this phrase needs to be re-written after the last few day’s weather. Bitterly cold winds and driving snow has certainly put a dampener on the fishing, however those that did venture out had a bounty of fish as the rod average hit a staggering 17 fish per angler !!
Welsh International angler David Hoppe managed 25 + fish to the bank on the 23rd, whilst Keith Eastbury also managed 17 fish, whilst fishing A damsel, buzzer and hares ear on his cast.
John Hoskins managed the best fish of the week, a fin perfect bar of silver rainbow. John took the fish on a dancer booby from the Flash Attack range of flies. His 8 fish went a fantastic 33lb !
Reports are coming in of periods of times during the day when over wintered fish are going on the feed and are moving close to the shores. Loren Serrano from Leicester has had numerous over wintered fish this week from the bank, including several to 5lb’s.
The bank remains in outstanding form, as fish continue to be caught at every fishable point on the banks. Floating lines have worked well with a gold head lure and a team of nymphs on the same cast. Intermediate lines have also produced plenty of fish, mainly using such lures as blobs, boobies and gold heads.
Boats have also produced amazing catches. J.H Hurst caught 37 in a day’s fishing, drifting along the Biggin Bay, using sinking lines and lures.
Today(25th-March) the snow and the freezing conditions have forced us to stop boat fishing for the day, although we predict all things to resume as normal tomorrow. The perimeter road is totally clear of snow, and access is perfectly ok around the lake.
We now have the dates for our competitions on Draycote Water. Our matches are held on a fun and friendly basis, and everyone is welcomed to enter.
JULY 13TH IS THE RIO MASTERS BOAT PAIRS COMPETITION. Prizes will run down to 10th place, with the winners winning a £1000 worth of Rio tackle. Entry is £50 per pair + normal fishing costs. A deposit will be needed at point of booking . You will fish with your chosen partner in this event.
AUGUST 4TH £1000 cash boat pairs match. This match will be FLOATING LINE only. The best pairs combined bag weights will win £1000 cash (subject to number of entrants) Entry fee per pair will be £50 + normal fishing fees. Boat pairings will be drawn the evening before.
OCTOBER 13th the 2nd £1000(subject to number of entrants) boat pairs match. This competition will be fished to reservoir rules, and you will fish with your chosen partner. Entry fee will be £50 per pair + normal fishing fees.
If you have ever wanted to enter a competition but feel scared to, then these are the events to enter to get a feel for why so many people compete in this sport. A friendly, yet competitive atmosphere awaits, but a lot of fun along the way too.
To book a boat in any of the above competitions then please call the fishing lodge on 01788 812018. A deposit will be required at the point of booking.
Total fish caught 233 Total fish returned 1056 Total rods 75 Rod average 17
Tight lines
Craig Barr
Purchase Craig’s winning patterns at www.flashattackflies.com