2019 Championship: Round 1

Points Match 1, The Cam, Baits Bite, 16th June 2019

A gusty downstream wind made presentation in the middle ½ of the match length very difficult for most of the match, with many resorting to ledgering when a pole became impossible to control. It was frustrating to know fish were there but being unable to tempt them properly. There were a few reasonable weights from both ends, Jason on favourite peg 2 and Rob on the last peg towards the lock both had a few bream, the biggest of 5 lb 2 oz falling to Rob. Jason also found a small tench which are usually only seen further upstream.

New boy Russ Smith made his mark early in the match by managing to land a huge eel of 4 lb 3 oz, it was truly a real specimen that looked more like a conger from boat fishing than something you’d expect from The Cam. It seems however that the adrenaline rush was so high that he was unable to concentrate and stop shaking enough during the rest of the match to catch another.

Overall it was good to see there were some bream present although numbers are obviously still well down on historical levels. It was not so good to see only minimal numbers of roach, even those that did show were small, generally no more than an ounce.

Thanks again to the O’Dells, Trevor S and John Pope for arranging our parking and saving the long trek from Fen Road. Also, thanks to the rowers who in general respected the agreement not to use the match length while we were.

Our next points match is on 30th June on The Lark at Prickwillow. Trevor would like help to clear some swims, please contact him ASAP to volunteer and also to book on, details as per the club book.

Don’t forget there is also the over 60s match next Saturday, 22nd June, again on The Cam above Baits Bite lock. You need to book on with John Pope if you wish to fish.

Ian Claydon