CATCH REPORT TO 20^th MARCH.

Highlight on the day ticket water was Pete Elbourn, with a 24.10 mirror, 41.04 sturgeon and a new lake record common of 31.06, whilst his fishing pal Andy Buchanan struggled for commons of just 12.04 & 13.12.

Pete Elbourn with his 31.06 common and 41.04 sturgeon.

Alan Morris with a common of 35.04.

A few reports of catches on the syndicate lake, with Mark Owen taking two 20lb plus commons, both home grown fish, and Alan Morris with an unidentified common of 35.04 and a mirror of 29.12, both in pristine condition. Chris Rodgers took a common of 23lb plus and Steve Burgess landed a 30.04 mirror.

Iain Turner, the Programs Manager for the Bridgwater College, Cannington, bought a group of fisheries management students to the land last week. They took part in a netting of one corner of the day ticket lake for fisheries training purposes. Despite a brand new net failing due to a manufacturing fault, resulting in numerous lost fish, they still managed to land catfish to 60lbs, a number of teen & twenties carp, topped by three 30lb plus mirrors, tench to 9lbs and a few jack pike. Good experience for the students, and a chance to check the health of the fish, and the tench and jacks were moved to the small pools. Anyone interested in fisheries management should look on the college website at;- http://www.bridgwater.ac.uk/ where they will find details of the courses.

The Emperor Lakes open specimen matches will be on the last Saturday of every month, starting in April. Maximum will be ten rods, first come first served. Entry fees are £50 per angler, inclusive of 24 hours fishing and prizes will include £150 for the heaviest bag and £100 for the heaviest fish, (one prize per angler), giving everyone a 1 in 5 chance of the top prizes. Other prizes may be offered by our sponsors. The draw will be at 1500hrs with fishing from 1600hrs Saturday to 1600hrs Sunday. Normal lake rules will apply. Day ticket anglers fishing Friday night on these match weekends, will be able to fish on till 1500hrs Saturday for an extra £5.

The match pools Aimees’ and Teardrop are now fully stocked and open, and are barbless hook only waters. Daniels’ Pool is micro barbed hooks only, due to the carp to over 20lbs. The first trip to these pools will be free from 1^st April, thereafter a loyalty system will be in force, where, after 5 paid trips, the 6^th will be free of charge. Cards will be issued and signed by the bailiff, and advice and tuition will be given, if required, at no charge. Coaching days are now available at very affordable rates to schools, clubs and other groups. This is not a profit making exercise, but aimed towards the growth of the sport. All novice anglers and those interested in trying out this sport, youngsters and not so young, will be made welcome by our fully qualified, in house coaches. The new road is now complete with plenty of parking available.