Ringers Roundup - From Blanks to Breakthroughs in February

Boddington Fishery

I'll start off with Boddington, though. I used to have a brilliant record at Boddington, but it's been a real struggle this winter. The water has been far more coloured than usual, and the carp have behaved differently. I filmed a live match there this month, but I don't mind admitting it's been a tough nut to crack. The two blanks in a row are a testament to that. In the past, I've caught a lot of carp at long range at Boddies, ie 100m plus. Therefore, being able to cast a long way has been an advantage.

However, This winter hasn't been the case, and I've definitely come unstuck. The problem is that you are tempted to go long and get your own water when you are struggling. The problem, however, is that there don't seem to be any carp out there. This is because the water is coloured, so they feel safer and aren't pushing out. Either way fishing long has been a real struggle for me.

On a brighter note, I managed a zone win in horrific conditions off the dam wall on my last visit. My 9 lbs common carp winning the zone with no one else managing a bite! Interestingly, the bite came after the feeder had been out 1 hour and 2 minutes! Proof that when it's hard, the longer the feeder is in the water, the higher the chances of a bite. That said, it hasn't exactly been riveting fishing. I'll admit I haven't got it right at times, either.

Hallcroft Fishery

Hallcroft has been my other destination for the pairs with Frankie Gianoncelli. We had won the 6-round series the last 3 years, but like everywhere of late this year, it's been a struggle. We haven't drawn amazingly, but at the same time, we haven't had an edge either. In round 5, I drew well in the form of bridge 17. A peg I've done well from in the past but has had poor form this campaign. Well, I never got going, I had a few early skimmers, then 3 hours of nothing before a late flurry short gave me 8lb plus. I beat both sides, but I can't help thinking I didn't get it right, and if I had 12 lbs, it was on the cards. If you haven't guessed by now, I'm very self-critical. For me, it's the best way to improve. Frankie did better managing 12 lbs, plus we lost ground on the leaders as it's a weight-based league.

Come round 6, we needed a miracle. We were sitting third, well behind the top two pairs, 12lb behind second and even further behind third. A screaming draw was required, and my drawing arm didn't provide one. Croft peg 20 for Frankie and moat outer 26 for me. Again, I don't mind the peg, but it had no form in the last few matches. The mission, therefore, was to hang onto third.

My match was one of 2 halves, with the first half being biteless! But this time, I tried to be more patient and wait for an arrival instead of chasing one. This worked, and by sitting on one line, I managed 15 skimmers on 2 or 3 bloodworm fished on a size 18 F1 maggot hook for 10lb 8oz and a section win. Actually, I had my best match of the series. Frankie chipped in with 8lb, and we managed to jump into second by ounces on what was a rock-hard day for most. Must add a big well done to the Scotthornes Alan and Oliver on winning a very tough series in convincing fashion. Well deserved. Now, usually, I hate finishing 2nd. Still, it was a decent 2nd on this occasion, considering how the league had gone. Plus, we didn't have it sorted as a pair. I also love this league as it's one of the only opportunities we get to fish Bloodworm and Joker in the UK, and it's always very technical fishing. And although fishing has been challenging, I can't wait until next winter!

Well, that's me up to date. I have not got loads coming up as leagues have finished, and I'm taking a break from Boddington until the weather picks up. That said, I have a manic summer to prepare for with two world championships to fish in the form of Feeder in Lithuania and Freestyle Feeder in Portugal. With Lithuania being on a big river in June, I've planned a couple of trips on the Trent just to get a feel of things. The river is very powerful, with feeders in excess of 100g being normal. So, I want to play with a few things kit-wise as there is no opportunity nearer the time with the close season on rivers. I'll give an update on that next month! But until then, let's hope the fishing picks up for us all!