GOLD Valley Middle Lake played host to Kennet Osprey on Sunday last, where Graham (Shaggy) Shadwell top scored with 32lb 8oz of carp on the bomb and pellet, Glen Wills put 27lb 12oz on the scales for second spot again carp, but caught on pole and maggot.

Gerry Nickells employed the method feeder for his 23lb 4oz of carp, while Andy Leith caught 21lb on the bomb.

Eighteen anglers took part, but there were blanks.

Basingstoke Railway Club Piscatorials, were at Cheriton Farm Lake for their latest match and Rob Carr (Superstar) took the honours with 24lb 8ooz of carp on pole and maggot.

Ben Truman also utilised pole and maggot pole and maggot for his 22lb 4oz. I managed third place with 21lb 12oz of carp on pole and a variety of baits, while Keith Brown caught early and late for his 14lb 8oz. All 17 caught.

Adventure AS were at the prolific Cove Pit at Theale last Sunday and match secretary Nick Sargent secured the win with 134lb of carp on pole, groundbait and maggot.

Dave Straford-Way used the method feeder for his 100lb 8oz carp, Mark Blackmore 88lb 10oz was a pole and corn affair, while Steve Hunt fished with pole and maggot for his 77lb 4oz. All 16 caught.

Camrose AC fished their latest match at Old Barlow’s Lake where Colin Thomas used pole and maggot to put 15lb 9oz of mixed in the sack.

Peter Morris used pole and corn for his 9lb 11oz of carp, while Brian Orchard caught 7lb 9oz on pole and pellet. All eight caught.

From the 1950s until the 70s and even in the 80s to some extent anglers used to travel hundreds of miles for their sport.

I can remember Basingstoke club’s sending teams to Somerset, Nottingham and even further north to the Stainforth and Keadby Canal and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Bristol Avon, the upper Thames and the Dorset Stour were even on club’s fixture lists.

Now I know that a lot of modern anglers are averse to fishing natural venues, but within a 50 mile radius of Basingstoke.

There are many good commercial fisheries that for some unknown reason are not used, football fans travel hundreds of miles for 90 minutes of pleasure.

Anglers get a whole days fishing, but won’t leave their doorsteps.

Catch me next week