though it still had a sharp edge to it

Conditions on the first two days were very poor for catching trout as the wind blew with a chill factor that is rarely experienced in April. The fish that were caught were feeding deep in the water and in general super fast sink lines were the order of the day. However, there was a pleasant change for the Saturday session as the sun made an appearance and the wind abated – though it still had a sharp edge to it – and, with a good hatch of dark buzzer on the water, trout came to the surface to feed.Day one saw 55 competitors try to gain one of the five qualifying positions – to say nothing of the generous prizes on offer. Winner Mark Withyman, Bristol Reservoirs Fly Fishers Association Competition Secretary, took the only ten fish limit of the three days of fishing. Mark fished around the dam and North Shore with a DI-7 line and mini-lures. He won a “Diamondback” rod valued at £200, a Masterline fleece, a Cortland shirt and a cheque for £200. Second place went to Devon angler Pete Kempton who caught six trout for 11lbs. 15oz. Peter won a finely machined large arbor reel made by Masterline, valued at over £150, and a Cortland shirt. Mike Clancy filled third spot and claimed a shirt and a Cortland flyline, whilst fourth position went to Paul Butler who likewise won a shirt as well as a flyline.This year at each event we are giving a “wild-card” route through to the final to the holder of the largest trout, although if that happens to be an angler who finishes in one of the top qualifying places then we look to the next best fish captor! On Thursday Paul Savigar only managed to catch one trout, but that was the best of the day so, in spite of finishing in 28th place, Paul won through to the final.Friday proved to be the least popular day for fishermen and the field comprised only 28 anglers. First to weigh in was Tony Baldwin and his nine fish catch, weighing 15lbs 8oz, proved to be unbeatable. With just three places up for grabs second spot was needed to guarantee a place in the final, and that went to Chris Bobby who managed to catch eight fish for 14lbs. 1oz. Junior international Russell Rowbotham landed just two trout, but one of those weighed 4lbs 4oz and gained Russell the “wild-card” spot in the final.Day three promised a better weather forecast and sure enough the temperature gradually warmed up (there was a very heavy frost in the Bristol area in the early hours) and the trout came up in the water. Many competitors caught on either surface flies or nymphs just below the surface. My friend John Braithwaite (a man so consistent over the years that I nickname him my “Yardstick”) was the captor of seven trout for a total of 16lbs 4oz and this was almost three pounds clear of second placed Simon Dorras. In Simon’s bag was the biggest trout caught so we needed to look for the second best. This proved to be one hooked by John Braithwaite, so the lucky fellow who caught the third heaviest fish won a place in the final. This was achieved with a trout of 3lbs 15oz, caught by Richard Evans.Paul Edwards caught 6 trout for 13lbs 5oz and qualified in third, whilst the last spot in a very tight finish went to Alan Williams who also caught six fish. Robert Dadd was unlucky in catching seven trout, all of a small average weight, and his total of 12lbs 10oz was FIVE ounces short of Alan’s qualifying weight. Dave Monks and Mick Heelis must also consider themselves unlucky as they too caught seven trout. It was interesting to note that although the trout were feeding on the surface all day long, they were incredibly difficult to catch. The wind didn’t help matters as it went round the points of the compass least three full times! But it was more the fact that the trout seemed far more boat shy than they usually are at this time of the year. John and I had a couple of hours out with the dry flies set up and although we caught six trout we really would have expected more with so many showing. Many times we spotted a group of half a dozen fish feeding, only to frighten them away as we approached. We are generally pretty good at “creeping up” and ambushing fish feeding on the surface!Reports are coming in that several good pike have been caught “accidentally” on flies already this season. I am looking forward to my first trip after them in the next couple of weeks. I will keep readers informed as to the results. I am still taking bookings for pike fishing trips – and for trout trips. Call me on 07747-843548 and I will tell you what the rates are.The next round will take place on Tuesday at Hanningfield where, according to reports, fish are practically jumping into the boat as the water is so heavily stocked. A friend reported to me on Saturday that he caught a limit of trout in under an hour and a half, yet ended up in SEVENTEENTH spot! There was great discussion about this and, amongst a fairly sizeable crowd gathered for the Chew heat, not one angler thought that this was a good thing for competition fishing.It seems that what anglers want in a match is one when the average “bag” is around four to six fish, with a smattering of limits, and the possibility of some anglers struggling. But for every one to catch a limit in very little time is not conducive to the promotion of competition fishing. I hope my next report doesn’t make sad reading.So, the first rounds of the new competition completed, the general response from the anglers is very positive and many thought that they might try to qualify at a future event at another fishery. That is one of the aspects of this event – anglers may enter as many times as they wish!Tight lines,

Martin Cottis