The anglers were bracing themselves for a rain soaked match on the midweek open, and were not predicting good weights in any way. However, it turned out to be a very good match for all concerned.
Heading the list for the 3rd time in 6 matches was Rolfslake backed angler John Walker. The globe trotting matchmen has over the last 6 matches caught over 1300lb of quality Carp.
John today was fishing moody peg 32 on the small lake, he decided for a change in fishing styles and was to abandon his up in the water fishing for a days margin fishing. Attacking the bush to his right at 4 meters and the second buoy on the rope, John found by feeding heavy at the bush and fishing shallow 12 inches he was able to catch bigger fish [up to 15-08] for an on the board weight of 130lb 4oz.
Moving slightly deeper as the match went on, John was able to pick off the smaller carp by fishing meat and 8mm pellets for a winning weight of 304lb 12oz and a well deserved win .
In second place again was Fishermans Friends matchmen Colin Wedgebrow who was fishing inform peg 23 on the big lake. Colin started the match on the pellet waggler, by fishing 2 feet deep and fishing banded pellet and feeding 8mm pellet he managed to pick off some small carp to 6lb, but when he turned to his customary short range fishing his catch rate increased.
Fishing a combination of banded pellet and paste under the bush to his left he kept the pressure on John with a weight of 272lb.
In third place was local angler Ian McCulloch who gave Eddy Taylor Green a good battering off peg 30; also on the big lake. Ian started short range at 7 metres but fed a line at 16 meters for up in the water later in the match. The short range line was fished with pellet and meat hook baits for the first 3 hours then a change to the shallow rig increased Ian's catch rate for a weight of 220lb
Whilst parts of Oxford are under water, the hard work of John Bennett and a few helpers continues to keep the lake fishable. If your coming along to a match in the near future do remember to bring your wellies as the ground is soggy around the lake.
