As the draw wasn't until 2pm I had plenty of time to get down there from the North. Some people might think that driving all that way for an event you are not competing in is a bit of a waste of time, but hopefully you will have read my previous blogs and know that I am thinking of entering the competition. (Not read it huh? of ya go then, I'll wait........done? Good)
So I arrived at Oxlease around 1.30pm and had the pleasure of seeing some old faces from the BCAC final. Lofty, Ginge, Bonesy and Mr Rob Huges. After parking the car I noticed that most of the competitors where mingling about, Mark Bartlet, Callum Gutteridge, Harry Charington and Kev Hewitt to name but a few and that we were waiting on a few more to turn up. As we were waiting the fun and games began among the marshaling team with Ginge beginning the ever entertaining 'Cock Flicking' game! Ah the things that entertain us so! Bonesy was the first to befall the flick and from that moment on most of us were very keen to know exactly where Ginge was standing!
The man himself Chris 'Bonesy' Holmes
So the draw was taken care of with out a hitch and the competitors headed out to their swims and we gathered in HQ tent to have a quick briefing and to collect our equipment.
I was given pegs four through to seven to look after with Mad Mark. Mark took the scales and slings around to the far bank and I decided to tag along with Chris and Lofty as they had a walk around the lake to show the lads their swim boundaries. It was nice to have a good walk around the lake before the competition started as when the hooter goes the only time you can really leave your area is for food. The lake is stunning. So very carpy but also huge! At 26 acres it certainly is a big lake compared to what I'm used to but the lads seemed to take in their stride. I'm pretty certain that all of them would have had practice sessions on the lake since qualifying for the final. So after a good walk around I jumped in the car and set up camp in between peg six, Chris Donovan and peg seven, Calum Kletta.
As with all these events I like to get out and have a chat to the guys and see how they are getting on, I never pry for information and never divulge what is told to me. So I headed over to young Calum who was on his own for a few hours at the start as his runner and pals on Team FLE (Team Winners) were held up at work so I decided that I would keep him company for a bit, I'm not sure if I was welcomed but I tried to keep the mood light. As the first hooter sounded to mark the start of the hour of marking and baiting I watched Calum closely and noted the smooth and efficient way that he cast his marker float set up, I also saw the advantages on using a stem as well and even though I don't tend to do a lot of marker float work I will be investing in a decent stem and float set up. The young lad was also pretty handy with a Spod and Spomb! Apart from one occasion where the line wrapped around the butt eye the lad dropped it on the spot every time. Very impressive!
The going was slow on our side to start of with but Calum did manage a few on the first evening. I was only woken up once on the first night and then woke in the morning to my alarm at 5.30! Every morning you need to report your fish to the guys in HQ and as Chris is on the radio from 7am he needs all the information as quick as possible. So with the just the 3 fish to report I managed to get back to sleep for a few more hours. I woke and checked the clock and as it read 8.30 I decided to get my ass up and have a brew before wondering down the bank.
Marks 34lb Mirror
As we were stood waiting for the camera crew and watching the water Mr Ian Poole turned up and we all commented on how it looked really good for a bite. About 10 minutes later Mark's right hand rod rattled off and I put the call on the radio. In double quick time Rob Hughes was around filming Mark land another pretty carp from Oxlease and then they had a quick interview. While we where there I gained some tips on photography from Mr Poole which was great. Brilliant stuff and something I really need to look at investing in a decent one as I am a little low on the camera side.
So not much else happened on our bank during the day Saturday but on the far bank it was another story with Jack Stamp and Ryan Need trading fish for fish thrilling stuff over the radio with Bonesy shouting for extra bods to go over and help weigh the fish. By the end of the day it was by no means a one horse race and the top three guys all looked like they could take the win. Come Sunday morning Mark Fisher in peg five had three fish ready for weighing but unfortunately it didn't help gaining him first place but second looked on the cards for sure. The winner though was Ryan Need who put in an amazing effort ending up on 227lb, well done mate.
Ryan Need, worthy winner. Well done mate.
As the clock ticked down we were in Marks swim and as the hooter sounded and the competition ended we congratulated him and then broke down camp and headed over for the presentation. As I had taken some gear down with me intending to stop on for a long session, myself and another marshal Rich decided a bit of zig fishing down in the area where most of the fish came out for Ryan and Jack was defiantly worth a shot. We dropped our gear in a split swim and headed back for the presentation. It went of with out a hitch and we all said our good byes with high hopes for next years events.
I followed Rich down to the swim where he cast out two zigs at ten feet and six feet where I cast them at eight foot and two foot. Rich was into a fish a few hours into our short session and it turned out to be a right lump at 31lb dead on! Stunning fish. Any way afteer a few hours the temp started dropping and the gate would be locked soon so we decided to pack up and head home.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and the lads really do make you feel welcome. I can't wait for next year and to meet up with the guys again.
Must add, the pictures are not my own and I hope the guys don't mind me using them.
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