The TWATs Team is 10 Years Old this year!

Given that the TWATS are 10 years old this year, any ideas or thoughts on how we celebrate this would be very welcome.  Forward any suggestions to ED in the usual manner, i.e. via Whatsapp, Email, or Verbally when you see me.

Thanks, Phil, What a "Great Idea" I think we should run with this. 

I do remember being at school and getting Gold Silver and Bronze Stars for achievements.  Through this our 10th Year we could have a little competition to see who can collect the most stars. A bit like an Olympic Medals Table maybe?   

Perhaps we should have a Dunces Cap too? A Booby Prize maybe?

I know you are all hungry for nutritious morcels of information, allowing you to cogitate and chew over the latest news. So for starters: 

Berty has been stuck in college trying to upskill his maths and English for work. 2 nights a week plus 6 to 8 hours of homework each weekend is I fear taking its toll.  He was last seen sitting in a corner "rocking" with his shoes and socks off. (I think that's so he can count to 21?)

Steve  has been sitting on his backside under doctors' orders following an MI (nice work if you can get it?)  The Team wish him well with his treatments and a speedy recovery.

Phil is still moaning so he is definitely happy! Last seen sitting in the snooker hall chalking up his bat! 

Martin has been busy winning new reels and spooling them up in readiness for the coming season. He is very excited to get out and on the bank. ASAP. He was sat down while spooling his reels!

Bob and his lovely wife Chris are living the dream while travelling around Espana. (avoiding the Great British weather no doubt.) But, definitely not sitting - unless it was in a bar with a jar of amber nectar!

It's been a hell of a start to the new year! ED.

Clearwater Lakes via the Sierra Nevada Bob lands the first fish of the season.

Now let's tuck into something meaty.

Early January, sees Rob (Bob) and Chris head off for a roam around Europe in their RV.  Late March 2023, Rob makes contact stating they are crossing the Sierra Nevada and will be arriving at Clearwater for a 4 or 5-day stopover before returning to Blighty.

Thursday 30th March 2023:

The guy who was in Peg 10 has moved out allowing Rob to make a swift entrance. He is planning on sticking his rods in the exact same spots used by his predecessor who has been banking a few despite the water being cold.

1 Hour in and Rob lands a 39lb Mirror.  WHAT A GREAT START TO THE SEASON! Well done our mate!

Friday 31st March 2023:

The following day Friday sees a storm running through  St Tugdual and so Rob spends the day in Peg 9 as this is a little more sheltered.  But only a little.  

The Water Levels begin to rise at Clearwater! Click here to watch Rob's video footage here.

Saturday sees Rob in the same Peg 9 with one small change, a tip taken from "The Kinky Mans Handbook of Autoerotic Asphyxiation" Rob uses plastic bags over his socks to keep his feet dry.  Personally, I find wellies work just great! 

Fishing close in and pretty much just under the rod tips on both days, Rob is hooking them but these wise old carp know exactly where to go and that's the snags.  There are runs and there are losses! DOH Rob is not happy at all  4 Runs to be exact and 4 losses. He is quoted as saying "it's bloody frustrating especially when you only have half a peg to play with. It's just so tough." Rob is at least out there trying, battling the elements and as we all know good things come to those who bait.

Sunday  2nd April 2023:

Rob is back in peg 10.

He is over the moon and absolutely delighted to catch a 41lb Mirror early into the session, frustrations alleviated and the last two days are forgotten.  

Rob has to call it a day sooner than he'd like after all, he will be packing up before the journey back to blighty tomorrow.

Well Done Rob! 2 gold stars to kick off this 10th anniversary of the TWATs Team. You are an inspiration, let's see if the others get their tackle out anytime soon. 

ED

8th April 2023 Top Barn Farm Worcestershire (The Mighty Woo.)

Let's start with a breakfast bite.

Rob and Steve head out for an Easter treat, A day in the fine early Spring sunshine fishing at Top Barn Farm in Worcestershire. Arriving at around 9:30 am

Steve is targeting an island swim with some frenzied meat on one rod and sweetcorn on another. Rob is targeting his nearside margin with a maggot clip on his one rod (Steve said his "Maggot Clip Rig" loaded with about 20/30 maggots looked so good he would eat it!), Rob had Krill-flavoured meat on the other rod. There are another 4 anglers on the pool, the truth is it's a slow day with very little to report until mid-afternoon.

There is nothing coming out despite the efforts of all anglers.

Until...

Silver Star * Awarded for 1st notable UK fish of the season by a TWAT team member. 

Rob Packs up with Steve around 5 Pm, alas Rob remains a blanker! 

Not too worried and always looking for the positives, Rob was pleased to have spent a day in the early spring sunshine doing nothing at all! He was reasonably happy with his approach and pleased that he at the very least had been able to blow the cobwebs off his kit.

There was some discussion as to whether Rob should be awarded the "Dunces Cap"?

After some considerable deliberations and a Kebab and Chips as Editor I have decided that Rob does not deserve the aforementioned award today.  

My rationale for this decision is based on the fact he supported Steve in the landing of his fish, He accurately guesstimates the weight before it hit the BACK OF THE NET at 20lb. He was only 1/2lb out! When Mart saw the Pic on Whatsapp, he suggested 8lb. Miles Out Mart! With a guess like that it could be you in line for the first "Dunces Cap"?

Rob was at least out there on the bank! 

If you still haven't had your fill, here is a little something to chew the fat over. Mart if you do receive the Dunces Cap perhaps you could get Ali to sign it? 

FAKE NEWS and Misinformation 

It has come to the Editor's attention that there is some "Fake News" and "Misinformation" being spread around the team.  ED has fact-checked these stories and news bites for accuracy and in an effort to be MAGA (Make Angling Great Again).  Ed Is also known to be WOKE (Working On Key Editorial) 

Fact-check 1: There is NO evidence to support the claim that Martin is the lovechild of Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump!  We accept that the name "Martin" can be made from the letters used to create the name, "Stormy Daniels" however this does not justify such slanderous allegations. There is also "No Evidence" to  suggest that Martin is the result of a "lab  leak."

Fact-check 2: Any rumours regarding Berty and a certain ITV weather girl (unidentified) are completely unfounded, however, Berty is quite happy for you spread them around! I bet he is at his age! LOL.

Fact-check 3:  The Islands on Woodside Pool at Top Barn Farm do move! It seems these islands are floating islands and can move and shift a little with the wind! They are tethered to the bottom so watch your runs when playing a fish.  

Fact-check 4: Yes Phil is on the move again, we got it straight from the horse's mouth! (Phil is TINO) TWAT in Name Only! LOL

Fact-check 5: Yes Mart, Red Onions are in fact Purple! Unlike Steve's bite alarms which are clearly Pink!

12, 5, 2023 Bob turned back at the port. The French say "Non"

Our Robert is not a happy bunny at all, he drives down south only to be refused entry to the boat. He was expecting a week at Clearwater in pursuit of some "Lunking Carp". However, with only 3 months to run on his Red Book the French Boarder Staff said "Non." Has Rob got a Cap? He may be in line for one at the end of the year! In his defence, he was on to a renewal faster than a fit carp on a take! 

19,05,2023 Mart is at Barston 

Mart has decided to take his kit and blow the cobwebs off at Barston which is close to where he lives. It also gives him the opportunity to clear any curses that may or may not be linked to any new kit!

Mart reports catching babies despite there being reports of fish up to 36lb in Jake's Lake!

Steve is on hand to offer advice and ideas via WhatsApp and suggests that Mart changes his baits to some Charcuteries.  I know, I had to Google it too! Mart, it means Spam mate. Steve clarified his original message by stating Salami or Peperami, so Spicey Spam Mart. That should do the trick! 

At least your out there trying Mart! GOOD LAD!

27/5/2023 Top Barn Farm Rob and Steve. 

Rob and Steve head out to Top Barn Farm for an afternoon of fishing. It is Steve's choice of pool so they head to the Grebe Pool. It is a hot day with plenty of sun and no expectation of rain today! There is a competition on the main part of the lake so the lads choose pegs near the car park and what's more, they have shade from the trees.

At Around 12;30 midday shortly after arriving Steve takes a 8 to 10lb carp on Dynamite Sweetcorn.

At 4:15pm Rob takes a 6 to 7lb carp on sweetcorn.

There is evidence that the fish in front of them are getting ready to spawn.  There are not many fish coming out at all and the highlight of the day was hearing a top section of a pole shatter when a guy in one of the roadside pegs hooks something bigger than his pole can deal with. It headed straight in to the lilies and after trying to bully this fish out the pole just said no! 

Where was Mart?? Taking the Rabbit to the vets and doing housework?  TWAT!

28/5/2023 Barston Lake: Mart on the Bank.

Mart sends a picture of his rods in Barston Lake, where he hooks a Red Signal Crayfish. Where as far as we can tell this is the only thing he hooked and pulled out. When asked for a full report Mart was a little coy saying "Nothing special today boys."

 31,5,2023 Gold Star * Awarded to Steve for the best catch of his life! 

Mate Don't forget this date!

4th 6th 2023 Top Barn Farm Worcestershire (The Mighty Woo.)

Arriving at midday ish, and settling on their respective pegs they fish a mixture of baits in the hope of a large carp.

There are only 4 others on Woodside Lake. There is no sign of Spawning, unlike last week when Rob and Steve were on Grebe. Martin reports that he can't see any fish at all,  none can be seen basking on the surface which is a little unusual.

Mart was ready to call it quits at 6 pm but the lad convinced him via "Twitterapp" or "Facetube"  to stick it out a little longer into the later evening and witching hour.

Martin tried everything in his armoury but to no avail. 

Still, it is character-building Mart. Remember that without highs and lows in life, you are flatling, and to quote the 80's superstar Yazz "the only way is up". 

As editor can I remind you that "No one succeeds like a budgie with no teeth" Your Welcome!

6th 6th 2023 Noordley Pools BAA Waters at Bridgnorth. D Day.

Steve takes a day off from work and heads up to the pools at Nordley Nr Bridgnorth. BAA Pools is set in the idyllic countryside of Shropshire. 

So what prompted Steve to head to this venue? Well, Martin had not done so well at Top Barn Fm. Steve had just taken receipt of some new bait to try. (NASH Citruz Special Edition Boilies in Pink). It says in the advert "One bait to get you a bite when all else fails is Citruz" 

Arriving at midday and deciding to fish pool 2, Steve sets up and sits back with an abundance of PMA and a little excitement about potentially catching on this new bait.

After sunny days and hot weather Steve is reporting an overcast sky with a cold wind. there are only a few other anglers on the venue with no reports of fish being taken at this point in the day.

Steve also reported on the significant changes to the area surrounding pool one. The vegetation has been stripped back a new path installed and new platforms to fish from. 

Steve was hoping to use bread to surface fish but reported there was a wicked wind with very few fish being seen on the surface.

What Can I Say? Steve BLANKED and as far as we know only the guy up on pool 1 took caught taking 7 fish. (Roach that is.) 

A Point worth mentioning is that Phil is the only team member not to BLANK this year. That may be due to the fact he hasn't been out fishing yet. LOL. 

Here is a little something for you all to nibble on, " It seems Nordley Pool 2 is yet another place Carp can't be found" 

Not Even a Booby Prize! DOH!

Certificate of the  Tea * Awarded to Steve for "Drinking Tea by a Lake!"

 Our rivers need our protection. Take Action Now!

I'm sure we have all seen or heard about the documentary by Paul Whitehouse (Et Al) where he highlighted the issue of water companies discharging raw sewage into our rivers. Paul (Et Al) has also covered the impact that some intensive farming practices are having and contributing to river pollution. Thanks, Paul.

This topic is certainly is something to chew over.

What can you do? Consider all the time you have spent by one of our beautiful rivers and give something back. 

Local Rivers like the Avon, Teme and Severn need our protection.

Visit this site from time to time and look for petitions you can sign up to and support the cause.

UK Government parliament petitions

Write to your Local MP. 

Follow this link to a Letter template which you can print and send to your  local MP

River Action

Follow this link for more information at the River Trust

To do nothing is to accept the status quo, and we don't need this sh**! 

Thanks, Rob. You are right and if you are going to choose a fight choose one close to your heart. Ed.  

22/6/23 Dormston, Coppice Lake BAA Waters

Steve takes his new wonder bait (Nash Citruz) to Dormston the BAA Lake known as Coppice Lake in search of a few Carp.  Arriving around breakfast he fished in the afternoon a bit before teatime.

Steve reports there is plenty of fish to be seen cruising the surface layers and taking in a little warmth from the sunny weather.

When asked for a catch report and update, the text back said: "2 Kg of Nash Citruz for sale, does anyone want to buy this shite?" See the post above 6/6/23 Nordley 2!

Now I may be wrong but I think when translated that reads BLANK! DOH!

But at least he was out there trying! 

Rob's in France June 2023

Robert heads to France having got his passport renewed. You just can't keep him away from Clearwater Lakes.

Not everything goes to plan and this trip is certainly eventful.

June 19th sees Rob taking a mid-twenty from peg 10 shortly after arriving on Pink Nash Strawberry Crush.

Tuesday the 20th sees him take another mirror at around 33 lbs again from peg 10.

Wednesday he takes a 25 lb Mirror .

Thursday sees him take a fall down the steps of the RV and significant cuts to his Dumpling, That's an head to those who are curiously thinking. After a little trip to Pontivy Hospital Rob is back there fighting. Quote " A cut on the dumpling ain't gonna slow me down, I didn't feel a thing either" No Sense No Feeling I'm thinking. 

24/6/23 Erdington Brook Section for Berty BAA Waters

Rob decides to head up river  in pursuit of Chub and Barbel. Its  a very warm evening and hard work walking in to the upstream section so when he finds the barrier swim available, Rob jumps straight in!

29/30 June 24Hrs The Gage Pool Kingsnordley 

Martin Rob Steve and Martins Brother Cameron all head to the Gage Pool part of the pools at Kingsnordley  in search of a few fish. Thursday is hot and sunny, there is a cold night and rain from Friday morning  onwards.

Prior to the session there is expectations of Cats, Sturgeon, and a big Carp.

There is much talk about Charcuterie baits in the Margins. This Boilie and that flavour boilie being used to target carp.  Martin cooks breakfast a traditional Bacon Sarnie with brown sauce. Spot on! 

Rob and martin even hatch a plan to use Lob Worms on a rig used to target all 3 species. 

Steve take the Boat swim and is only there until tea time ish, he is not staying for the 24 hours. He catches 2 carp an 8lber and a 12lber.

Rob is on the point looking southeast and tries the far margin with Spicy prawn boilies and then cheesy garlic as Steve had reported fish showing all  morning in one particular spot.  Later robs goes mid water with the Cheesy garlic before coming in closer to the nearside drop off  in the evening, here he tries Bloodworm Boilie  and does take a small 6lb carp at 10:45 on Thursday night. He takes nothing on his other rod which is of course Charcuterie in the margin on his right.

Martin takes his first Sturgeon a cracking 17lbs from the point swim and after some difficulties in unhooking the beast they spend a good time with it in the landing net recovering before it is successfully released .

Cam next to Martin  takes a Small carp 6lb ish on his first ever overnight session. Well done Cam!

Not a completely unsuccessful session for the lads, It could have had more sport and fish but thats why it is call fishing and not catching! A Great man once said: "Todays sweat and tears become tomorrows rainbows and at the end of a rainbow there is hope" 

Rob did get the opportunity to try his new barrow which he is said to be very pleased with. He also used his lightweight alcohol stove to cook his tea! 

Steve decision to only do a day ticket was an inspired decision, has there was a cold nigh and rain awaiting the team on Friday  from dawn.  So while Robbie got cold and damp, Steve gets soup of the day!  

One last little snippet of information came to my attention, and was substantiated by Rob and that is that martin's casting has actually improved.  I Know who ever thought he would manage 100 yards with not just accuracy but a good level of  consistency too.  Gold Star for Mart!

Gold Star * Awarded to Mart for the best catch of the session. His first ever Sturgeon! 

29,07,2023 Birds Meadow BBA River Severn:   ZANDER HUNT

Given that Steve is resting and recuperating in the QE, Rob and Mart decided on spending a day in search of Zander on the lower Severn. BAA Water  below Mythe at Birds Meadow.

The road down from the A38 is rough and not for the faint hearted of those with little cars and low profile tyres.

Arriving after lunch (early I know) he choose the peg No 4 before the meadow.

Rob has of course wanted to catch a Zander for some time and in the years pre Covid pandemic he would target the lower Severn in search of Pike and Zander. Without any luck he knew he was clearly doing something or many things wrong. During the Covid lock downs he undertook some study of the topic and realised he needed to go much lighter with his end tackle, fish further out in the flow and not target the marginal areas which he would normally do for Pike.  

Rob has been watching online Videos of those who hunt Zander to glean every tip or trick, piece of information that may prove useful that he could.

Rob Fished one rod a 1/3 out and another slightly closer in to his peg. Small Roach dead bait was used on Esox Soft Strand, tied with a single size 6 carp Krank hook, and he used a running lead set up.

31st July to Aug 2nd Swan Valley Lake at Yateley (Martin 1 Fish) 

Martin is invited to attend a session at Yateley the famous Swan Valley Lake. This is an offer he can't turn down. After all this is known as the "Home of the 40's" In association with Big Fish UK Luxury Carp Tours.

Arriving on Monday 31st July around 10am (Breakfast Time), his plan was to have a look around the lake while trying to identify any clear spots (Before Lunch). We heard very little from mart all day other than a text mid afternoon saying " I've been being filmed all day just got my bivvy up and making rigs now" It seems he got his rigs out by around 6pm on Monday evening, (Tea Time). 

He is actually in Peg 3.

Mart did report seeing plenty of Pike there, although as Steve pointed out , he wasn't fishing for Pike! LOL

Nothing is caught it is a quiet session until Wednesday morning when Mart takes a 12lber. They say "Every wait is a long wait"

Mart did say he has enjoyed the trip and he feels he has benefited from this trip immensely, learning a lot. 

He was also keen to point out he had made friends with Roo Abbott from OMC. 

Martin was filmed landing this fish, so we may be able to add alink to a clip? He is to this point still the only one to catch. So mart is gonna be a film star, a bit like James Bond 007 0 Bites, 0 Fish 7 casts! LOL

I'm pleased Mart didn't let the team down and caught when all others failed. Well Done Mate! 

Gold Star * Awarded to Mart for the best catch of the session. (actually the only catch of the session) LOL 

11,08,2023 Berty goes all James Bond 007 for a evening??

19, Aug, 2023 Larford Lakes Nr The Port of Stour

We do know, that he didn't get Twiggy as they did not arrive,  but we do know that we have no idea what bait or tactics were being deployed at what range, etc Like I said very sketchy indeed?

My role as editor relies on those members of the team that are out their on the bank supplying the relevant information for a detailed account to be recorded. 

Dunces Cap * Awarded to Mart , for not playing the game and supplying the relevant information for a BLOG! 

25,08,2023 Knowle  Sands BAA River Severn.

Rob took a day off work to go in search of a few Barbel and Chub, his catch rate recently has been appalling to say the least. He has considered is it pollution, wrong spots (as his old haunts and prefered  spots just aren't producing) at all? He has seen reports on FB of fish being banked around Arely area and around the Bridgnorth area. So today saw him tackling Knowle Sands section 2/3. It was a long walk in from the car park  giving Rob the opportunity to look at a few pegs in this area which is a place that Rob hasn't visited for many a year.  In his head he had decided beforehand to find a spot above the Sewage works outlet, given all the talk and concern about pollution. He was very surprised to see just how popular the spots opposite and below this point actually was. 

Setting up he had one rod fishing meat over a bed of hemp and another rod just in the center flow with a range of baits from Pellet 10mm and 8mm Boilies to include Cheese and Garlic and Salmon and Shrimp Response by Mainline.    

No one seemed to be catching anything, the river is low and despite some rain fairly clear. 

It was around 6pm Rob took a chub at 2.5lb on a cheesy boilie and then again at 7:25pm when he took a second Chub a bit bigger at 3lb. That was his lot!

Walking out he was shocked at the number of angklers situated opposite and below the water outlet of the sewage works, sections 3 and 4 were rammed as was opposite the Danery? 

Bad choice of Peg maybe? What do they know that Rob doesn't? Still he will keep looking and keep the faith!

22nd Sept 2023 Norton Disney Turners Lake 

Martin is booked in to Turners Lake at the Norton Disney Complex for 4 days at the end of September where he will be fishing with Dave Solman. Martin is moaning before he has even left home £10:50 for a cooked breakfast, Maybe he has a point?  Still it is what it is until it isn't and we wish mart Luck on his trip. 

Martin drew peg 10 a double with 9. Peg 9 does have the marginal area on the right while 10 is fishing open water.

Mart began fishing 12.3 wraps out with one rod and another was fairly marginal just off the reeds in front of peg 10. Mart was experimenting with distance and tried 16.5 wraps out. He also tried a zig rig at one point.

Each day came with an update from Mart and I quote "Nowt" cus he's like that, a man of few words. To be fair despite not catching and struggling he did sends a message saying "Hard water trying something different, An amazing venue and highly recommend it!" When he says trying something different a little bird clarified this a being ,, He tried a chod rig over some light weed. He was 5 rod lengths out with a pink choddy? 

On the plus side Mart did get to spend some time with Dave Solman who was one of the coaches on hand giving advice and encouragement to those attending this session.

When the Gentleman next to Mart in Peg 9 left on the Sunday at 3pm Mart was hatching a plan to fish the margin on the right .

Ultimately Mart did Blank,  He is reported as saying he enjoyed his trip , learnt loads and wants to go back definitely.

Mart was asked what advice did dave give you?  Now either Mart is being very conservative with the truth, playing his cards close to his chest. or being his usual self a man of few words?

This didn't stop Rob and Steve having a bet on what was said. So far the best guess is " Don't eat Yellow snow" ? REALLY Rob you TWAT!

23 Sept 2023 AM Syndicate The Pit Warwickshire 8.5 Acres 150 Fish

Rob and Steve head to "The Pit" just one of their new syndicate's eight lakes. This trip really was to have a look and reccy the venue in readiness for next spring.  It is around 27 miles from home and took around 40 minuets to get there.

Arriving by 8:30 am the lads were met by some very friendly people, Shaun,  Adam and Matt initially made them both feel very welcome. Shaun was just leaving the Car Park Swim and was happy for Ste to move in straight away. 

After settling in to their Pegs: Steve choose the Car Park swim and Rob chose Haza's. the lads sat back to enjoy the autumn sunshine and simply take in the atmosphere and surroundings. there was plenty to see with wildlife abundant wherever you looked.

Later Rob took a walk around the lake and spoke to others syndicate members who were fishing on the far side and he noted they were all friendly and welcoming, all were happy to chat and share their knowledge and information. 

Back in his peg Rob noted the wind blowing from the car park towards Broom so a westerly or there abouts. This did not seem to push the fish to the bottom end of the lake has he saw a few fish showing. Some were right in front of him and some over towards the island.  

Neither Rob or Steve caught any fish today but, they did enjoy their day out and felt they had learnt so much in readiness for the spring of 2024.

The Pit is a very nice lake indeed, clean and good comfortable pegs. 

It was nice to see steve out following his spell of poor health, Really pleased he is on the mend even if the road is long and slow.

Gold Star * Awarded to Steve for getting out on the bank and to Rob for taking him!

29th and 30th Sept 2023 Overnight at AM Syndicate Helga's Creek 1.2 Acres 

Rob and Steve head to the AM Syndicate at LS for an Overnight session.

On arrival they have a look around the 3 lakes and make a decision to fish Helga's Creek. There is no one else on this lake at the time.All three of the lakes on this site look ace.

It is a warm day with a southerly wind blowing in to the bays. Rob takes the peg by the steps to Molly's and Steve the corner near the gate. Steve needs a barrow in case anyone is looking to buy him a Xmas present.

They know to target the margins and Rob tries the far corner of the top bay and his nearside margin under some overhanging vegetation. 

Steve chucks one to the tip around a rod length off and the other in the corner closest to the gate. 

They discuss the possibilities of working together  and putting  their nearside rods opposite on Saturday .

Despite trying their best the two lads have long period of sitting around and chatting. Two other members join them on Helga's almost dead opposite them. There is also a member fishing Mollies Mere he is sitting directly behind the two lads and not one of them takes a fish. The weather changed for the Saturday with the skies turning cloudy and light rain showers on and off throughout the day! Beautiful lakes and setting.

Rob and Steve take solace in the fact that no one is catching, which means it is not them or their tactics. It must be down to one of the many variants such as  weather, Wind direction, Air Pressure changes, and every other excuse fishermen come up when not doing as well as they would hope. Rob put it down to the curse of the New Kit, New overnight Bivvy, new bucket, new cradle. Still this wont be an issue next time out!

Despite not catching the lads are happy to discuss tactics for the next trip and hatch a plan for success, they are also considering all the opportunities on all the lakes as they decide there is  no one lake they favour. They all look good and a the lads can't wait to throw a line in each of them in turn. 

Todays sweat and tears become tomorrows rainbows!  This is their first trip to this site and please bare in mind that preparation is key PPPPPP.  

6, Oct,2023 Steve takes on Mollies Mere at LS Syndicate Lake

It has been a warm overcast day with the odd hint of sunshine in very brief spells. 

Steve was set up and fishing by 8:30 am and reported he had placed both his rigs down the left hand margin which is reedlined in the main.

In collaboration with our berty they are trying different flavours to try and suss out what work on these pools.

Today Steve was trying a bed of pellets with Sweetcorn and chickpeas, glugged with Tutti Frutti? He was fishing a Popup sweet fruity boilie over the top.

Even I could eat that!

But alas Steve Blanked! You gotta be in it to win it. GReat rewards come to those who wait!

Certificate of the  Tea * Awarded to Steve for "Drinking Tea by a Syndicate Lake!"

End of Year Report 2023 by ED

What can  I say its been a strange old year to say the least. 

Steve is back in work for at least a few days a week, following his MI in January at the start of this year. Clearwater Lakes has as far as we know closed down and is up for sale. What the future holds for this venue is anybody's guess.  

Phil is still moaning which is a good sign and Martin has at last managed to improve his casting. 

Rob and Steve also apply for and are successful in securing a place in the  Arrow Meadow Syndicate.  

The 10 year celebrations show 

Robert (Bob) scores:

2 x Gold Awards at Clearwater (one for a 41LB + Carp) He also takes a 'Certificate of Tea' for cracking his head. Best Fish of the Year Bob! 

Steve scores:

2 x Gold Awards. 1 is for managing to get out on the bank following a MI and major surgery. 

1 x Silver Award for a 19lb Common in the uK and Steve also takes  2 x 'Certificates of Tea'

Martin Scores:

2 x Gold Awards. 1 for a stunning 17lb Sturgeon from the Gage,  and another for being the only one to catch at SWan Valley Yateley.   Nice Sturgeon Mart.

1 X Bronze Award  and 2 x Dunce's Caps.

Berty Scores:

1 x Bronze, awarded for effort and perseverance in the pursuit of Zander.

1 X 'Certificate of Tea' and 1 x Dunce's Cap 

Come on Berty you really must try harder. Berty caught nest to nothing this year! DOH.

With 2 Golds and a Silver Award, Steve is announced the TWAT of the Decade. 

Looking forward to 2024

2024 approaches with the uncertainties of every new year. What will 2024 bring? 

Im guessing there will be a lot more in the news about sewage being dumped in to the rivers. I hope this is a major topic in the forthcoming UK elections. Same Sh** different day!

It is looking a bit more exciting for Berty and Steve who have joined the AM Syndicate. 8 Lakes across the West Midlands with another coming online soon.  

The lads do have Blavet Valley to look forward to in Oct of 2024. A new Venue for Berty and Mart and a trip down memory lane for Steve. 

Whatever happens in 2024 I hope it is positive brings you joy and worth sharing with the rest of the fishing community via this our 10 year plus BLOG.

ED