Fishing on top of the Gravel Bar just 6m out from Peg 19, Ton Up Baits backed matchman recorded the best weight from the peg ever. Gary also wished the fish would have shown that sort of form when he drew the peg to fish against Andy Findlay last month in the Angling Times Plus 'Beat the Expert' article.
Gary took the bulk of his fish from on top of the bar - one that many overlook and fish at 7-9m at the drop off point. He also took a good number of fish from a small bush on his left hand side bank to help boost his weight to a match winning 303lb 12oz.
In form Kevin Arathoon (Cokeheads) had drawn fancied peg 8 and at one stage looked a likely winner, however a smashed top section cost Kevin both lost fish and time at a critical time of the match.
The Cokeheads man produced a weight just over 200lb with 202lb - well clear of Bernie Fraser in 3rd place with 154lb from peg 5.
Elsewhere
First few hours of most matches very slow going. Carp seem to be on BMT - British 'Manyarna' Time. However, expect fireworks as the fish come into the margins to feed in the last few hours. Fantastic.
Kevin Arathoon
The Art of Landing Carp...... On a broken Top 2.
a. Break the Top 2
b. Get Hold the Elastic.
c. Hope your lucks in.
A. Hang On
B. Hang On
C. Hang On
Gary Thorpe
Ton Up Baits
Bank on Gary to produce a 300lb weight .... just a few weeks late for Peg 19. Nothing like rubbing salt into the wounds I guess. However, a good match win for lake expert Gary Thorpe. I'm sure Andy Findlay is happy the Peg didn't show that sort of form last month.
J Robinson
S White
S Tubb
Perry Stone
Les Williams
Always has a smile... ............................
A Buckley
Waiting for better luck.
The Rat Race.......
Susie Smith
Did
you fish this match and I've missed out (or messed up!) some of the details?
Let me know all the info - admin@rolfslake.co.uk
A. Hang On
