Reports from the Portsmouth Game Section

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



Manningford Fishery ~ 18th July
Name Total lb kept Total lb Position
Tim Saunders8lb 8oz10lb 8oz11=
Chris Saunders5lb 14oz5lb 14oz15
Stu Ellins12lb 2oz16lb 2oz1
Robbie Pearce8lb 8oz8lb 8oz14
Bob Jones12lb 8oz12lb 8oz6=
Chris Anderson10lb 8oz10lb 8oz11=
Ted Grant10lb 3oz10lb 3oz13
Mike Collins12lb 14oz12lb 14oz5
Ted Peck11lb 8oz13lb 8oz3
Dominique Willer (FDG)13lb 1oz15lb 1oz2
Simon Lewis11lb 3oz13lb 3oz4
Kim White (FDG)11lb 14oz11lb14oz9
Dave Morton12lb 2oz12lb 2oz8
Richard Moon (FDG)11lb 4oz11lb 4oz10
Steve Gibson12lb 8oz12lb 8oz6=
Note: FDG = Fly Dressers Guild
Report

This visit revealed considerable improvements over the past year to the facilities at this fishery. A smart new lodge and revised car park, together with careful management of the vegetation surrounding the waters being most apparent. Costs were very reasonable with 4 fish + catch & release for £30.

Stocking was taking place as we arrived and later results showed that the fish had settled quickly after their short trip from the adjacent trout farm. Unfortunately the water was slightly coloured following the previous day's torrential rain though the forecast for the day proved correct with the overcast skies not yielding rain until after the 3 p.m. finish.

15 anglers partook of the sport on the day and all caught fish as can be seen from the scoresheet below. There were no exceptional fish (heaviest at 4lb 6oz by Steve Gibson) but they were in good condition and gave a good scrap. Flies with a wiggly tail and or bright colours seemed to be most favoured by the fish with damsels being second in popularity. As ever, Stu Ellins racked up the best bag.

The staff were most helpful and explained the difficulties they had encountered in making the improvements especially with regard to getting services laid on and, whilst mains electricity was now available the drainage and waste disposal was still 'in course of development' being subject to the whims of the council planners. The catch and release pools are due for further development in the near future though how the management would utilise the complicated stream structure to best advantage is still being decided.

Overall a good day was had in very pleasant surroundings and ideal weather conditions.

Ted P