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



Moorhen Farm ~ 23rd May
Name Total lb kept Total lb Position
Mike Baker (Guest)7.8757lb 14oz1
Ewen Greenlees (Guest)6.6256lb 10oz2
Chris Saunders6.56lb 8oz3
Stu Ellins6.256lb 4oz4
Robbie Pearce5.55lb 8oz5
Bob Jones5.55lb 8oz6
Iain Greenlees4.54lb 8oz7
Dennis Law4.254lb 4oz8
Ted Grant3.3753lb 6oz9
Mike Collins3.3753lb 6oz10
Iain McAllister2.52lb 8oz11
Jonathan Williams
(Fly Dressers Guild)
2.3752lb 6oz12
Ted PeckBlanked13
Dominique Willer
(Fly Dressers Guild)
Blanked14
Simon LewisBlanked15
Mike HayesBlanked16
Report

Our spring visit to Moorhen Farm was supposed to be a relaxing event following the keen competition of the Spring Cup event however, the finicky fish created considerable frustrations. The 16 participants were again very well looked after in their pristine fishery by Mark, Wendy and staff with a break for bacon butties at lunch time as well as 'on the bank' deliveries of tea and coffee all included in the price. Once again Bob Pearce provided anaesthetic in the form of a tot to each in celebration of his 77th birthday and the event commenced by a lusty rendering of 'Happy Birthday'.

The fish had tended to assemble in 2 hot spot areas though these were accessible from several points which enabled (with the help of our catch and move on policy) everyone to drag a fly through the favoured areas. Many fish were 'head and tailing' on the surface but steadfastly refused to respond to surface presentation and most that were caught fell to high speed lures with the odd fish succumbing to a nymph. A total of 19 fish were landed, all rainbows and many more came off in lively fights. Unfortunately there were 4 blanks (including me) with fish being credited by the fishery, to our next visit.

2 of our guests took the heaviest weights but the liquid awards were given to Chris Saunders with 6lb 10z and Stu Ellins with 6lb 8oz and Iain Greenlees with the largest fish at 4lb 8oz. Full results are in the table below. Catch and release figures did not include a few small rudd which surprised a couple of piscators.

Overall, an enjoyable day in pleasant surroundings at a very well managed fishery in good weather.

Ted P