Christmas Fun Match at Bushlease, 27/12/2008

The turnout was good for the depths of winter,8 club members and 5 visitors.

This year there was a moderate biting north-east wind. On the far west bank one felt it full in the face but at both ends of the lake, around bushes or trees , one could get some shelter. However, it was that windward west bank where more of the fish were but of course it was difficult to cast into the wind. Not many were brave enough to have a go there, Mick, Malcolm, Colin and Ron being the few.

For Mick it paid off on that far bank not far from the small bay. Using a very slow sinking line together with a gold head damsel he managed to have some casts that made a distance. By about 9.45am (having kicked off at 8.50am) Mick had his 4 fish. At that stage it was only Mick and Ron who were on the far bank, Ron still having blanked. Ron moved further towards the bay where Mick had been and slowly (very slowly!) pulled out the fish. I think that Mick must have been in the right place at the right time before the fish moved on.

Meanwhile, on the near eastern bank many were struggling. By about 11.00am most had a few in the bag, but it was hard. Ray had two from the northern arm but most members were fishing between the jetty and around the bend to the north of the clubhouse, George and Craig being some who was having some success there.

Malcolm, who had tried his luck in amongst the bushes at the southern arm (hiding from the wind!) had one at this stage but had lost a few. He then braved the elements and wind and went on to the west bank opposite the club house. Here he was having much more success and had pulled out 2 more quite quickly. He then eased off because, as he put it, it was so easy. However, he spoke too soon and then struggled . His luck had run out. He went back to barbed but it took him well over a further hour to catch his last. As they say, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!!!

Craig persevered on the near east bank but Colin moved from here to the far west bank around the bay area. There he then managed to finish off his limit. Ray, with two in the bag, also moved to the far bay and was rewarded with another. However, he could not catch his last and at 11.40am he quit (for the moment) as it was time for he and Mick cook the food – many thanks to them for doing such a good job – the rolls, sausages bacon and coffee were excellent. With the food done/under control Ray then went off the jetty and on his second cast caught his last fish. He then concentrated on helping the visitors, some of whom were struggling – many thanks from them for the assistance.

By lunchtime every member had finished with 4 fish including Ron and John who were last home.

Mick had the heaviest bag with John at the least heaviest bag end but with the heaviest fish.

By about 2pm the members had had their fill of catching fish and rolls/coffee and started leaving. Unfortunately some of our visitors were still struggling in spite of the help that was at hand. But we all have to start somewhere.

Note. A landing net was left behind by someone – contact Ray.

Name	Num Fish	Total Weight	Best R-Bow	Comment
Mick Hill	4	11lbs 09ozs		Best Bag
Craig Lippitt	4	11lbs 00ozs	3lbs 06ozs
Malcolm Golding	4	10lbs 10ozs
George Bartlett	4	10lbs 12ozs
Colin Winterbourn	4	10lbs 09ozs
Ron Lusardi	4	10lbs 12ozs
Ray Simpson	4	10lbs 00ozs
John Weaver	4	10lbs 02ozs	3lbs 08ozs	Best R-Bow
D Haskins	4	10lbs 14ozs
B Brooks	4	10lbs 09ozs
A Simpson	1	Not weighed
T Shephard	2	Not Weighed
F Hastings	0