Barclays National @ Pitsford

It was back to Mike and I to arrange for this year and to make it easier we bought it to Pitsford. A great couple of days with no rain saw the Northerners (Radbroke and North East) win with a maximum 24 fish between for 48lb 12oz.

Practice day went well and i was fishing with Phil, we didn't have a lot of fish but drifted all day. We learned what we needed in that the fish were close to the shore and hatches of sedges and buzzers. There were a few catching and those that had stayed around bog bay and the causeway seemed to have had more than their share. On the day itself i was fishing with Matt from Barclaycard and our info was about the same so after a little diversionary tactic in the small half we settled in and anchored in on North Farm Shore just below the causeway. We had a few takes and felt the fish were behind us as London Northern were catching well however expected a few fish to go looking further down the bank for food. I put a damsel on the point with buzzers on the droppers and fishing into the bank i had my first take and felt mighty relieved. Another followed but then it dried up.

We kept considering moving which in hindsight would have been the best thing to do but hey there were fish around and with Matt's first fish in the boat we were feeling better.

I added another but then it was early in to arrange the weigh in and to retire to the Westone manor Hotel for the AGM, Presentations and refreshments! The others had caught a lot of fish and the best catch was Gerald Farnell with six fish for 13lb 11oz including a 5lb 2oz Rainbow on buzzers and Daiwl Bach's. Surprise of the evening was Clearing who managed to come in 2nd place and achieved their target of beating Barclaycard - providing lots of banter for the evening.

Another good event - maybe we'll try the same venue next year.