Sorry about the delay but after a busy week at work and fishing finally here is the match report. 7.30 am on a cold and grey may sunday morning saw a motley crew of pike anglers gathering in the lime kilns car park by Exeter canal. Not a massive turn out but good to see some new faces.
(L to R) Ian N, Steve, Dave, Baz, Dave, Dom, Rob(Norbz), Ian and finally Seb and Marlena his girlfriend/ghillie.
We decided to make the event a pairs match- a good move, I thought, because it added a cooperative spirit as well as a further element of surprise. 9 anglers split into 4 pairs and myself Ian N fishing and taking pics but not competing as I didnt have a partner. At the start 7 headed towards the turf locks end and Rob and Seb headed towards the double locks (nothing to do with the nearest pub being that way?)Everyone had bites, but the fish seemed to be pecking at lures rather than trying to murder them. Top man on the day was Barry Thomson with two jacks like peas in a pod at five and a half pounds each
Rob Darby took the best pike at over seven pounds on his travels towards Double Locks.
Over the course of the match almost all people caught fish (sorry Seb)
All in all we had a terrific day out on the canal and in spite of less than spectacular results, the whole event was fished in the right spirit, with good banter and excellent sportsmanship. In what other match would you see anglers helping to net and weigh fish for rival teams?
Above is a picture of Rob with a fish smaller than most of his lures!
