IBM Hursley Fly Fishing Club - News & Blog
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Wherwell Estate Lake, 9th July 2016
This is one of our favourite locations, and despite a brisk wind, and lumps of 'scum' rising to the surface making the fishing a little more challenging than normal, it turned out to be another splendid day. If anything, the lumps rising off the bottom seemed to get the fish going as, presumably, various food items were also brought to the surface, with buzzers proving very effective. We welcomed new member Phil Hyde, and Chairman John brought his neighbour Ewan to have a try at fly fishing, and Ewan duly caught a couple of nice fish, including a lively 'blue'. Attendees were treated to bacon butties in the morning, courtesy of Jocky Wilson, and a magnificent BBQ from John and Ewan with snack contributions from Ian Wyatt. No monster fish were caught, best around the 4lb mark, but Bob Hanley caught a terrific 3lb 4ozs brownie which leads the brown trout league at the moment.IBM National, Rutland Water, 3rd-4th June 2016
With Andy Parker pursuing trout in the Italian Alps, regulars Bob Hanley, Neil Postlethwaite and Tony Hogg were joined by a face from the past, Mark 'Jocky' Wilson attending his first National in more than 20 years. And what a comeback it turned out to be with Mark ending up being top rod for Hursley and arguably a couple of lost fish from having a shot at individual honours. Unusually for the national, the weather was kind, with relatively light winds and clear water. On the first day we caught well drifting in the main basin, with lures and damsels fished quickly in the upper layers on Wet Cel II and intermediate lines the most successful method. But the second day those methods resulted in only a single fish, so we moved down the South Arm, and found fish in the sailing club bay. This time the fish were feeding very high in the water on buzzers, and diawl bachs and buzzers fished on 'washing lines' proved most successful. We all caught fish on both days, Mark and Tony both caught 14 fish over the two days, Neil had 6 and Bob had 5 and the Hursley team finished 3rd overall, a good result though we were way off the top two teams, with the winning team all getting double limits. But it was great fun, excellent company, superb accomodation and food as always, and very enjoyable fishing. And we stayed dry!John O'Gaunt, 7th May 2016
A good turnout for the club with 9 on Saturday and 2 midweek. Another beautiful morning on the Saturday, with plenty of fish being caght, including some decent ones (notwithstanding the fishery's rather 'optimistic' scales!). Lures were as reliable as ever, but imitative methods also worked well, with buzzers (including shuttlecocks on the surface) doing particularly well. There was even a small mayfly hatch which Dave exploited to catch on a dry adult. Ian and Jim both caught brown trout, our first this season. Rod fished on Monday and said it was quiet until some fresh stock arrived :-)Church Paddock, 2nd April 2016
The trip to Church Paddock for the second trip of
the season for Spring Cup was rather like the
proverbial curates egg. It was a fine day with light
winds. The fishery appeared to be well stocked, the
water was generally clear but was rather weedy in
places despite the fishery’s efforts to clear it
during the proceeding week. The hospitality and the
breakfast were good and cooked to order at 10:30. The
cost of which was settled at £5 after the manager
asked ‘how much does a breakfast cost these days’? The
fishing: it seemed that you either had a very
successful morning, or a pathetically poor one. I was
in the latter category with just one take (missed)
during the morning. A few others like Jim R and John
Wiseman seemed to catch their quotas with relative
ease. I did not keep detailed records for the Spring
Cup. It didn’t seem worth the effort after Ken Jones
pulled out an 11+ pounder and was the clear winner
(probably with this one fish alone). A few of us did
discuss claiming that an even weightier catch was
achieved after Ken had left, but this plan was not
executed. Congratulations Ken.
Wherwell, 18th March 2016
The first (or, thinking financial, is it last?) trip
of the year was again a return to Wherwell Estate
lake. Another twelve rod turnout found the weather dry
but chilly due to a brisk north eaterly. Thankyou to
Robbie the keeper for turning on the fire in the
clubhouse to keep us warm, fortunately this wasn't
needed much as the lake fished well, and all those
taking fish caught hard fighting, well conditioned
limits. Most successful methods were damsels fished
briskly and buzzers, with the fish surprisingly near
the surface on a cold day (even dry fly worked later
in the day). Top bag went to Ken Jones and included
cracking fish of 5lbs 13ozs and 5lbs 8ozs. Thanks to
Pete Dean for organising and also providing excellent
bacon butties, John Wiseman for soup and Derek
Antrobus for doughnuts. And well done to 'novices'
Isaac and Andy who persisted in the cold and were
rewarded with quality fish.
Wherwell, 7th March 2015
The weather was again kind to us on the first trip
of the year, to one of our favourite venues, and the
lake didn't disappoint. Despite twelve rods the lake
fished well with everyone catching, and in particular
congratulations to Becks and Lauren who came fishing
for the first time. Becks' boys James and Charlie also
did well, christening their new outfits on only their
second trip. A fine social day of sunshine, good
fishing, good food and good company.
Wherwell, 15th March 2014
The club's year began with the traditional outing to
Wherwell. It was a pleasant day weather-wise, but with
the car park partly under water, and very little of
the lake's edge dry it was a day where wellies were
essential and waders a good option! But the fish
obliged, including 'first fish on the fly' for our two
guests, Andy's friend Dave and Josh and Dan's friend
Brandon. And we also enjoyed our now traditional pies,
bacon butties, soup, and cakes and biscuits: thanks to
all who brought something along to share!
Church Paddock, 12th October 2013
Club Championship day, and another good turnout saw 9 anglers enjoy good fishing, good company and a bacon butty courtesy of our hosts Jamie and Eddie (thanks lads!). The fishing was good despite the low water levels (keep doing the rain dances!) everyone caught and Tony thought he was on to a winner with a 7-12 fish, only to be pipped by Paul B who caught an 8lber to clinch the championship and probably best rainbow too. It was good to welcome back Josh and Dan, and founder member Bob, and Jocky even found time for a spot of treasure hunting but unfortunately found a wasps nest!
Wherwell Estate Lake, September 2013
A very enjoyable day at this popular venue on the club agenda. Twelve anglers braved the autumn drizzle to enjoy good fishing and good company, and a lunchtime BBQ. Pete was the excellent chef, ably assisted by sous-chefs Jocky and Dave, and Melita provided some superb deserts. The fish also obliged, with fish being caught on dries, nymphs and lures. Jocky had the best fish of the day at 5lbs 13ozs, and Andy provided the entertainment by bringing his new 13'9" double hander.
Church Paddock, August 2013
A first club trip to this venue near Kingsworthy, and despite low water and tricky conditions, the attendees enjoyed a very enjoyable session, with the club's first Brownie of the season falling to Clive, closely followed by a second to the same angler! A good range of fish were visible, and Andy picked up a cracking 6lbs 8ozs blue. An impromptu committee meeting with the backing of the members present decided to switch the October trip to here rather than Dever, and our Chairman promised us some rain! Thanks to Jamie (and Eddie) for making us so welcome, we'll be back!
Club Outing to Wherwell March 30th 2013
The club's year began with the traditional outing to
Wherwell. It was a bracing day, with spring held at
bay by low temperatures and a biting North Easterly,
but the fish were obliging and many were caught, even
on dries when the wind dropped and the sun came out.
Bacon butties, pies and soup were contributed by Tony,
Andy and John to help warm people up. It's normal to
forget something on an early season trip, like a bass
bag or priest, but Paul E managed to forget his rods,
fortunately Andy had a spare. We welcomed Jocky's son
Patrick who caught his first trout on the fly, closely
followed by his second.
Old news can be found in the News Archive