Reports from the Portsmouth Game Section ~ 2009

Meon Springs Icebreaker ~ 7th MarchWoodington Fishery - 18th AprilMoorhen Farm ~ 23rd May
Manningford Fishery ~ 18th JulyJohn O'Gaunts ~ 17th OctoberDunction Mill ~ 7th November


Meon Springs Icebreaker ~ 7th March
Name Total lb kept C/R @ 2lb C/R lb Total lb Position
Report
The annual 'Icebreaker' meeting took place on 7 March at Meon Springs with a total of 18 anglers taking part (including 3 members of the Rother Valley Fly Dressers Guild). Everyone caught their quota of 2 fish to retain and the scores were mainly decided on the catch and release fish at 2lb each.

Once again Stu Ellins took the honours with his catch including 6 C/R fish obtained using a dubious 'bloodworm' imitation. Patterns used were varied as were the methods of presenting them - a fast strip often producing spectacular takes in the top 2 lakes. The 'bottom end' of the fishery was an entirely different matter, with wise fish ignoring most presentations though Stu Ellins managed to persuade a number of browns to take his offering.

2 new members joined us, brothers Tim and Chris Saunders who are relatively new to fly fishing and who are keen to learn some of our bad habits. We look forward to seeing them again at future events. Also welcome was Grant Maxwell-Thomson who is better known to the wider RN&RM membership as an organiser and keen angler whose expertise is a welcome asset to the Portsmouth group.

Weather conditions were relatively kind in being a dry, though cool, day with a slight breeze - about as good as it comes at this time of year. The water was gin clear enabling fish to be easily sighted and, in the main lake, they were easily tempted.

Overall, a most pleasant day with the service provided by Keith and the Meon Springs management being well up to their usual high standards. Rumour has it that the diggers will move in soon to commence construction of another lake and we look forward to taking advantage of that in our future visits.
Ted P