COLTSFORD MILL TROUT CLUB
July 2009 NEWSLETTER

We are now entering the low season as far as club matters are concerned. Schools are breaking up and holidays may be upon us so at present there is not a great deal to report upon.

May and June saw a couple of events.

The May member & guest weekend was supported by a total of 28 anglers. The weather was not kind to us as high temperatures and bright sunshine made for less than ideal conditions. The honours on Saturday were taken by Clive Brewer and Rocky who found themselves losing by the smallest margin to father and daughter combination Keith and Lara Winchester who won on Sunday and took the overall event. It must be said that Lara saved the day as far as dad was concerned.

The Jim Jaycock pairs event in June saw everyone hoping for a draw with fish magnet Spud Taylor. To compensate for Charlton Athletic being relegated Ron Knight drew Spud as his partner and it will come as no surprise that this pairing won the day when again high temperatures and sunshine presented a challenge to the 14 competitors.

Some members have enquired in to club badges and I am pleased to advise that the committee have sourced a supplier and we expect to be able to order and distribute badges when we reconvene in September.

There are two post summer events to bring to your attention.

First is the dry fly late afternoon set for Sunday 6 September commencing at 4pm to take advantage of the evening rise. This will be a brace ticket of three hour duration. For any novices at dry fly we hope to have some experts around to assist and I will be interested to know if a dry fly works with a sinking line! Ticket price £21 and booking form is attached which should be returned by 28 August.

Steve Standen has booked Blackwool Farm for an away day on Sunday 11 October. If we wish to have exclusive use of the specimen lake we will need 20 anglers. This will be a four fish ticket costing £55. For those who have never been Blackwool holds some very fine specimens one of which weighing 19lb 4oz has been mounted and adorns the landing at Mutch Towers. A booking form is attached and this should be returned together with payment by 25 September. Please note your cheque should be made payable to BLACKWOOL FARM. Also once we have booked places we will have to pay for them so this really will be a case of no pay no play. Your cheques will not be cashed until the day of the event.

The fish of the month award for May and June go to:
May - Samantha King 6lb 8oz
June - Patrick Tory 7lb 10oz

The winners may select a bottle of spirit of their choice from the bar as recognition of the catch on their next visit. Past winners are listed in the tackle shop.

Please see the important note regarding catch and release. We will let you know when this benefit is reinstated.

I guess that is about all from me. Have a good summer and for those that are off enjoy your holidays. Kenya beckons the Mutch tribe where I learn that fish stocks have improved due to the actions of Somali pirates who have scared off the long liners. You can see the logic - would John West risk losing $1m worth of tuna to a bunch of pirates when they can go elsewhere so for once the pirates have done some good meaning all the more for me. If not kidnapped see you in September.

Good fishing to you all.

Greg Mutch
Club Secretary.

Fishery Report

As to be expected the fishing has become harder during July. This summer seems to have come earlier than in previous years. However anglers are finding fishing at present a good test of their skills having to use small very natural patterns. Hares Ear, PTN and damsels being the order of the day, the sparser the dressing the better. Fish are not being caught easily during the day as it is too bright. High water temperature is also affecting the evening rise with fish not feeding until after dark. Due to adverse conditions the catch and release option has been withdrawn for the time being as it is not possible to return fish safely.

Remember early starts will benefit you in the summer but please report to the shop at 8am to pay for your ticket.

Enjoy your summer holidays.

Tight Lines
Neil