September Newsletter 2003

Shaun's Report (Fishery Manager)

The Autumnal look around the fishery apparent with heavy dews and coloured leaves on the trees. Apart from some wet days, some very pleasant Autumn sunshine being appreciated by anglers but not the Fishery. The effect of August needed a quick change in September. This started but as I speak this week has warmed up again. Fishing has improved a lot with fish now being caught freely around all the lakes and cascades. We hope that this warm spell does not affect the improvement at the start of September. Patterns being more lures than natural patterns. Tailed patterns black green and white fishing well, however still a favourite G H Daddy.

Members BBQ Result
28th and 29th June
Fine weather for both days. Great for a BBQ, however the summer sunshine made for hard fishing. Limits were achieved by a few.

Saturday:
Best bag – M Langford 12lb 5oz
Best fish – P Avis 4lb 12oz

Sunday:
Best bag – G Fleet 11lb 1oz
Best fish – T Martin 6lb 5oz

Well done to all the winners especially to Martin Langford for winning over the two days the Standen Trophy. All enjoyed a social afternoon with a BBQ, thanks to all who supported.

Dry Fly Result
5th September
A trying evening with the August sunshine affecting the evening’s sport. The fish were deep, with the surface water so warm and bright. Not an ideal evening!

We still had 11 anglers committed to the cause. We had 1 fish caught. Frank Youngmanaged to catch a fish on dry of 2lb 13oz. Thanks to all who commented on the great social evening completed by a free buffet and bar.

Catch and Release Voucher
This privilege will not return during the month of September because of the extreme summer this year. Also the late Indian summer experience this week has persuaded your Fishery to give the whole month of September a chance for recovery. We will keep you updated but I’m sure October’s newsletter will contain your catch and release voucher.

Forthcoming Events
Big Fish Weekend Oct 25th/26th & Mon 27th
People already keen to book. This is not fair, as it is known you have to return your entry forms with payment before you can consider fishing! A popular weekend and a Monday week event. You have an option on three days.

All fish stocked for each day at 5lb+, any fish under may be returned. Ticket price £50 subsidised by your club £5 and fishery £5.

As already stressed, booking sheets have to be returned and please indicate as to which day you are fishing, Sat/Sun/Mon. A buffet charged at £6 will be provided on each day.

Total cost for the day £46.

Shop Sale
A lot of summer clothing at half price. Also some good winter clothing, end of line sales at half price as well. Club cards cannot be used for these purchases, as an extra 10% would be obtained. This may be viewed in the tackle shop. Take advantage of the many special offers.

We hope to see many of you this month as the fishing is improving greatly. Let’s hope for a wet period during the Autumn but dry at times to keep fishing comfortable.

Remember your member’s tagged fish. This currently stands at a pot of £70. A good reason for a day’s fishing before winter sets in.

Tight lines!

Shaun
Fishery Manager

Secretary’s Report

At last the heat is dissipating and we can now look forward to some fine autumn sport although a little rain would not go amiss to cool and oxygenate the water.

Events
As promised in an earlier edition we are offering places in the Coltsford Mill team to all members, to fish against other clubs.

October 12 is set for the home leg of our annual challenge against Springwood. Anyone interested in representing the club should notify Shaun by 24 September. The team members will be drawn from a hat at the next committee meeting, which will be held on 25 September. We will be fielding a team of 12. The format is a four fish ticket and the match will salt from 8am to 1pm.

Back Home
A fading tan and melted credit card indicates the Mexican adventure is over.

A good time was had by all but being late in the season there were no monsters to report (save for some Americans in the bar) although some trophy sized Dorado, Wahoo and Barracuda were landed. A night trip for shark proved fruitless although the next day they were quite happy to chew up almost every tuna we caught but ignored the few whole ones chucked back as live bait!

For me the highlights were a free swim with the dolphins, my daughter landing a yellowtail jack on her birthday, and the stalking of the elusive bonefish on the mangrove flats. An easily spooked fish, the bonefish makes me realise how poor my accuracy and fly presentation really are. Matters were not helped when after an hours patient stalking the school were in reach only to be dispersed by the thunderous splashing approaching fellow member shouting – seen any fish! Once hooked however the fight is everything you read about.

Good fishing to you all.

G Mutch
Hon Secretary