Officially, this match is titled the Keith Culley Memorial Match and it just happens to have been fished on Clattercote Reservoir north of Banbury, Oxon, for the past …. goodness knows how many years.
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| Stu tests his groundbait |
It commences with the keenest of keen meeting up for a hearty breakfast (these days at the Brasenose Arms in nearby Cropredy, but it is optional) followed by the draw and then the final preparations. Groundbait is soaked and finely mixed, maggots riddled and awoken from their slumber, rods assembled with carefully tied rigs, and landing nets and unhooking mats laid out ready for the off.
The tension mounts until the call goes out and then all hell is let loose as method feeders scorch their way across the skyline to marks some 50 to 80 yards away. Eyes are set on well tuned quiver tips watching for that telltale movement that the carp are in your swim and most of all ….. feeding.
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| The temptations of fishing the boardwalk |
So the long wait begins as early expectations diminish and hopes become prayers. Desperation sets in as attention turns to the boardwalk and the potential of carp lurking beneath and behind, but these beasts demand the stiffest of rod, “hook ‘n’ hold” tactics are used for these fish have no wish to be drawn away from the safety of their haven.
As fish after fish is lost through straightened forged sized 8s hooks and broken 15lbs line, disappointment and depression sets in. In the last hour, many try the last ditch all or nothing approach, the “Hail Mary” of tactics, the dreaded … BAGGING WAGGLER! (NB: if you don’t have one already a water bailiff will be round early in the day with a bucketful of them only too willing to sell some to the mug.… sorry, hopeful anglers.)
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| Mark Wintle catches a male tench with maggot |
Out they go fully loaded with huge balls of groundbait under gigantic floats only to land on the surface and sit calmly drifting with the wind, unmoved by any aquatic beast tempted by the morsel below. Two minutes pass and in the floats come, loaded up with a fresh groundbait and out they go yet again only to repeat the same performance time and time again.
Eventually the call that many are by this time glad to hear; “All out!” and the end of another gruelling year’s match has arrived. As many begin packing away their gear amongst dry nets and many wet, but empty nets, some have been lucky to land a few and eagerly await the weigh-master’s adjudication on what their personal total is and question will it be enough?
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| Never rule out Granville |
Sadly, the truth is unveiled as one Stu Dexter (Editor of Coarse Fisherman magazine) just about manages to lift his nets to dash any last remaining hopes and sweeps the board with his usual massive haul. But wait, there are new contenders to the throne as witnessed two years ago with Steve Wilson and one can never rule out our very own Granville Murzdinn. And should Gary Knowles turn up, do not lend him any bait whatsoever lest you wish to seal your own fait.
You see, the right tactics in the right swim on the day can throw up all sorts of surprises and it’s that last little variant that springs hope for all the regulars for next year. Or put in into other words – you only stand a chance of winning if you’re there with a bait in the water. Clattercote is as much a test of endurance and resolve, of will over nature, and yet like lemmings we all return year after year to repeat the same enjoyment.
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| Even Kevin can catch the odd “perch”? |
Join us, take a chance, because you never know, this year Stu Dexter could be presenting the trophy to YOU! Whatever the day brings, it’s a great day and terrific meeting everyone.
Now, how did that quick change rig go with the loop method, 20lbs line, and hair-rigged banded pellet?
This year’s event is being organised once again by Nigel Connor and is being held on Saturday April 17th and full details are in this thread.
