Conference wahoo::fishing

    
    Count me in, would prefer a friendly though...this weekend is out.
    Any place you'd prefer?
    
    
    			Simon
	@REO 7830 4502
    
    PS: I am considering setting up UK notesfile, when I get my
    workstation, stay tuned!

    Hi Simon,
    
    Are you a member of RDAA?  or even Adventure.
    
    If you are a member of RDAA you can join Adventure for �8 (I think). 
    They have a water called Wasing that is packed full of small (1lb)
    Carp.  I've been there 3 times this season and have caught 62lb, 75lb
    and 30lb.  It's dead easy and therefore might be a good place for a
    match, even while it's this cold.  It's also full of tiny Rudd (1oz),
    so you can get bites all day if you fish shallow enough.
    
    Another good place would be somewhere on the Thames.  Most pegs would
    be of the same quality and therefore it would be very fair.  But it
    could be hard in the cold.  But I'll fish anywhere.
    
    Or even the Basinstoke canal.
    
    Question - How many people do you reckon should be the minimum for any
    	       matches?
    
    Good idea about the UK fishing notes file - I can't wait.
    
    
    MattyB

    .2�    Are you a member of RDAA?  or even Adventure.
    
    Yep! 
    
    .2�    They have a water called Wasing that is packed full of small (1lb)
    
    Yes!, I know it, but I fished the upper lake, and hooked and lost a
    small mirror, I nearly went there the other week, but fished the Kennet
    instead, suffered from "guest syndrome", you know, you take someone to
    a water which previously fished really well, and now it's totally
    useless!
    
    .2�    Or even the Basinstoke canal.
    
    ANYWHERE! but THERE!
    
    .2�    Question - How many people do you reckon should be the minimum for any
    
    Don't really care, minimum of 2 I would have thought! :-)
    
    			Simon

    
    Hi Simon,
    
    The Basingstoke canal - ANYWHERE BUT THERE.  I had 47lb one day this season!
    
    The venue should be fair with equal chances in each peg.  Would you
    rather go to an easy venue?  Do you not like Basingstoke canal because
    it is hard?
    
    How about Beat 2?  I had lots of good chub this time last year,
    although it would be dodgy in the river was high, rising or tea
    coloured.
    
          
    MattyB

    
    Hi Simon,MattyB and all,
    
     count me in also for any matches.I'm not a member of RDAA (althogh
    I was once) and so far this season I've not even bothered getting
    a rod licence due to having no-one else to fish with. I'm no great
    angler and my best chub is 3lb 9oz from the Thames, but I'm ready
    and willing to compete and learn (and join a couple of clubs ?).
    
     Basingstoke sounds good to me, but I'd prefer something a bit 
    closer to home (Tilehurst,Reading) such as the Cottage Lane pits
    or even the legendary Sonning Eye Cut (da,da,da!).
    
        hear from you soon, cheers,  andy
    
    

    .5�    or even the legendary Sonning Eye Cut (da,da,da!).
    
    Tell me more!, I've seen this on the maps given out by RDAA, have you
    fished there?
    
    		Simon

    Hi guys... Count me in too please.
    I live in Basingstoke and work in Reading so either is fine by me.
    If you want an EASY day then there is always Headley pond (nr.Newbury)
    Loadsa small carp that eat 24 hrs a day ! (upto about 10 lb).
    It's day ticket about 2 quid I think.
    
    Steve 7830-4656
    
    

    Yeah I've heard about Headley pond! (small fish galore)
    
    I'd love to fish there, but I don't know where it is.  I suggest we
    fish at Headley.
    
    Can we all agree on Headley as the venue, it's not far from Basingstoke
    or Reading.
    
    Also how good are you?  Should I bring 2 pts of bloodworm and a stone
    of Marcel Van De Eyne groundbait, in order to win?
    
    
    MattyB

    .8�    Can we all agree on Headley as the venue, it's not far from Basingstoke
    
    Yea!, I'll try anything once!...it sounds good to me..
    
    Also, what's all this about bloodworm and groundbait, you after minnows
    or summat? :-), a true matchman: 1/2 pound line, 24 hook, and all that
    garbage :-) :-)
    
    Could we have some directions to Headley?...(I have a nasty suspicion I
    *know* where it is, just wan't to clarify)
    
    			Si

    
     I bet I'm not the only one from the US scratching their heads while
    reading this note. It's tough to relate to some of the lingo. When
    we're running around in high powered Ranger bass boats and using such 
    high tech equipment such as LCR's, magnetic control baitcasters, with
    ss ball bearings, tapered spools, automatic triggered bail, high speed 
    retrieve, spinning reels with silent anti-reverse etc.. I may as
    well be reading a note written by Martians!!! 
    I guess we have to feel pretty darn lucky to live in a place that has 
    "public waters" as the NORM instead of being the EXCEPTION... 
    

    
    
    
    				Just a few thoughts...
    
    						Jim
    
    P.S. I'm still enjoying this note though!!! 
    P.S.S. After I reread this reply I need to say that I hope I 
    didn't offend any my fellow fisherpersons over there in the U.K.
    

    .10�    P.S.S. After I reread this reply I need to say that I hope I 
    .10�    didn't offend any my fellow fisherpersons over there in the U.K.
    
    Not at all!, and we have high-speed retrieve, and all that high tech
    stuff as well, where the differences are, I think are in the baits and
    techniques, more that the equipment, after all we all use rod and reel,
    don't we?
    
    More jingo for ya:
    
    Floaters: Soaked dog-biscuits (called Winalot mixers over here), these
    are used as floating bait for carp - the luv em!
    
    Self-cocker (!) - a type a float that is pre-weighted, so that you can
    use the minimum of shot to balance it.
    
    Swingtip - my favourite, used as a bite indicator when bottom-fishing,
    it screws in to the rod-tip, and is basically an extension of the
    rod-tip, a peice of silicon rubber then connects to a "tip" of about 6
    inches, which lifts/drops when the fish bite.
    
    		More later,
    
    			Simon

      Hi again,
    
      Headley park sounds great to me. As for sonning cut, I've fished
    it about five times but the club who own it were very tight about
    home matches (I think it is the Foley club ?). Certainly there were
    no shortages of fish for even the most inexperienced of anglers.
    Pike up to 25lbs, roach to 3lbs, bream to 3lbs and perch to 3lbs
    all realy easy to find.
      If anyone out there knows how to get into this place as a venue,
    it would be a match for the history books !!
               
    
             cheers,   andy.
    
    
       Tell me more about Headley.

    
    .12�      Headley park sounds great to me. As for sonning cut, I've fished
    .12�    it about five times but the club who own it were very tight about
    
    
    Sonning IS owned by RDAA, I'm going there asap if it's as good as you
    suggest.
    
    Diary looks like it's gonna be the weekend after next.
    
    			Si

    Hi again guys...
    
    OK... Headley. Well, it's more of a pond than a lake (no "swims", just 
    open bank). Basically it's a hole in the middle of a field !
    I suppose you can get about 25 guys on there at a time (at a push).
    It's full of nothing but carp ranging form oz. about 10 lbs but they
    average about 1-3 lbs. If you can't catch 25+ fish in a session then
    there is something seriously wrong !
    
    Where it is... On the A339 (B'stoke to Newbury road) just south of
    Greenham Common. There is a pub, transport cafe and used car sales
    just on top of a hill. Well, it's the field behind the cafe.
    Take the gravel road just on the right of the cafe and there it is
    in front of you. Day tickets sold on the bank by the lady in the cafe.
    It looks a bit of a kids pond at first sight but there's loadsa fish
    and it's easier than the Thames or Kennet this time of year for a
    "fun" type match.
    
    Is that enough info guys ?
    Anyone got any other venue suggestions ?
    
    Steve.
    
    

    .14�    Is that enough info guys ?
    
    Yep, sounds fine, you probably already mentioned this, how much is the
    day ticket?
    
    			Si

    RE.. The Match
    
    Hello all
    
    So far I have the following names ;
    
    
    Simon Moxley  @REO 7830-4502 TMCUK2::MOXLEY
    Andy Hobbs    @WLC           REPAIR::HOBBS
    Steve Burke   @REO 7830-4656 RDGENG::SBURKE
    Matthew Brown @UCG 7781-4022 SHAPES::BROWNM     <- Me!
    
    And maybe also Brian Leach from Theale and Andy Barefield from PRC @WLC
    
    Some of you probably know the above 2 hooligans.  Any objections to
    these two also entering?
    
    How about the following rules?
    
    1...No dynamite or likewise!
    2...Only 1 rod in use at a time.
    3...No wading (into someone else's swim)
    4...No shooting fish. (or shooting someone else's fish as they are
                                                           landing it)
    5...Normal match rules with no bait bans?
    
    Is that lot ok?
    
    How long should this match take?  For me, the longer the better, but
    then I don't have the commitments that most you will have.  But I would
    like to use up the day ticket, so may I suggest at least 6-7 hours.  We
    could start at 8.00am or 9.00am and finish sometime before 4.00pm.  Last
    night it got dark about 4.45-5.00ish and it was easy to fish till 4.30
    with just a tiny pole float to watch.
                                                                          
    Now we need a date.  How about the weekend after next - 20/21 Jan?  I have
    to state a date or things will drag on.  Which day will be most appropriate.
    
    
    MattyB
    
    ps.  I think some of this arranging has to be done by phone instead of
    using this conference all the time.

    .16�    Now we need a date.  How about the weekend after next - 20/21 Jan?  I have
    
    Fine by me, also agree with the rules, and the time we fish (also the
    longer the better)
    
    May I suggest 1 other person, Richard Buxton @reo, I will contact him
    and ask if he wants to fish or not.
    
    			Simon

    RE : The Match
    
    Hi all...
    
    Headley is about 2 quid (maybe 2.50) on the bank.
    
    9.00am to 4.00pm sounds fine to me and either day is OK.
    Whatever suits everyone else as my diary is pretty empty.
    
    As for the hooligans...the more the merrier.
    
    Not too pleased about the rules tho'... You mean I went and bought
    all that Semtex for nothing. :-)
    
    
    Steve.
    
    

    If de clan entered de tornneymint dey wud hab to wear skirts ober
    dere!!
    
    Coonass

    Hi all,
    
       let's get someone to organise this match properly. 20/21 sounds
    ok to me. Here's my work number 7852 4343 and I'll need better
    directions or a lift or whatever. Do you need a rod licence to
    fish on Headley ? If so, I'll have to get one.
    
       cheers,  andy.

    Hi Andy..
    
    Headley is on the A339 (Newbury to Basingstoke Rd.) about 2 miles 
    south of the Greenham Common air base. Coming from either direction,
    Headley is signposted. It's a "you are now in Headley" type of sign 
    as Headley is actually a 1/2 mile stretch of the A339. You can't miss
    the Pub, Cafe and car sales in the brough of the hill. The pond is 
    behind the cafe / car sales.
    
    I suppose technically you should have a rod licence but it is a small
    private day ticket water so the chances of the TWA coming round are
    ??? (small) - 1. It's up to you really.
    
    Who's gonna commit a date and time and get organising ?
    I think Matty and Si started this idea off so does one of you fancy it?
    
    Also, just in case any of you are interested, Headley also has NO
    closed season !
    
    My number is 7830 4656 or 4832 in case "the organiser" wants to sort
    things out direct.
    
    Steve.
    

    
    
    SUNDAY 21ST JANUARY 0800 is my time. How's that for selfish ?
      please answer and I'll put it on the filofax, yaaaah!
    
    cheers, andy.
    
    p.s. Mattyb...... Don't invite the barefield yob. We don't need
     football hooligans at the match (joke ha ha).
    
    

    Right, Here we go.  - THE MATCH
    
    Sunday 21st Jan it is!
    Meet at the cafe (I'm sure we'll find it) at 8.00am.  We can start
    fishing as soon as everyone's set up.  That'll probably be about 8.30
    to 9.00 (It takes me ages to set up).  We also have to get day tickets. 
    If we finish at 4.00pm that will give us time to catch something and
    we shouldn't have any trouble with the dark.4
    
    We might as well start baiting as soon as we get there - start bagging
    up straight away.
    
    I'll bring some paper for the draw.  We'll try to find 5 pegs in a row,
    call them 1 to 5.  I'll write the pegs down on the papers and bung them
    in a bait box.  We can then pick out our pegs.
    
    RE. pegs.  Steve, if there is a good bank, or anything, we will want to
    pick five pegs from there so we get the best fishing.
    
    I have some scales that go up to 14lb and a weigh net.  Hopefully we'll
    all need at least 3 trips to the scales!
                                     
    The good new is that we're gonna have a sweepstake.  You don't have to
    put in any dosh, but then you can't win any either.  Me, Brian Leach
    and Simon have all agreed on �3 each - winner take all.  If I win the
    �12 it might cover my bait bill!
     
    If anyone knows how to fish Headley and happens to be a sporting chap,
    then I would appreciate being given the lowdown of what's in it, what
    they eat etc.
    
    
    Mattyb_who_won't_forget_his_keepnet_and_wishes_you_all_good_luck
    
    ps.  I will set up a distribution list for Brian, Simon, Steve and Andy
    (Hobbs).  Also Andy Barefield isn't coming to fish in the match, but he
    might pop down to watch.  There is also a possibility of another 2
    people from Theale logistics and Brian Leach's Dad joining in.  More
    money for the winner!

    RE: How to fish at Headley...
    
    Well, i'm a "sporting chap" so here's what goes on at Headley.
    
    As far as I know, there is ONLY carp in there. The bait is just about
    anything. I've seen then take floating cigarette ends in the summer
    evenings !  The usual maggot, bread, tin if luncheon is the normal
    stuff they go for. I've seen guys try the boilies (the big 'uns) but
    most of the fish are a bit small for that. There are some heavy fish in
    there but most are 1 - 3 lb.
    
    There are no best swims. It's only pond sized. You can hit the far bank
    with 1 lb line and a 2 BB. It's so small and there are so many fish
    that you can fish anywhere with equal chance.
    
    Don't worry about getting the day tickets. The lady from the cafe comes
    round about midday and sells them at the bank (and sometimes doesn't
    come round at all !), so as soon as we are all there, just set up and
    go for it...
    
    See you all 8:00 on the 21st.
    
    Steve.
    

    Ok guys you have heard the name but not from me directly, so i thought
    i'd better answer you now.
    
    You can count me in as the 21st is good for me.
    
    I don't know much about Fishing but i'm willing to have a go!!
    
    I have a couple of friends who don't work for Dec who would like
    to come aswell, any obections to non DECies.
    
    If you need to contact me then give me a ring on 7769-3002
    
    p.s.
        I have also a couple of more hooligans here at theale who might
    be interested but i'll get them to add an entry if they want to
    commit themselves.
    
    Regards Fisherman Leach {Brian}.

      Sounds like a nice day out. With the chance of catching something.
    Isn't it a bit early for carp? I thought they were hiding in the
    mud at this time of year.
      I will be at a DEC dinner dance the night before so I may not
    be wide awake at 8.00 am, but there again, I may go straight there!
      Brian has kindly let me borrow a rod. What a mate to have. He
    said I could have his short one, just aswell it is a small water.
      Looking forward to meeting you all, bar Matty:-).
                                     
       Martin Hooker Hallam
    

    Brian you $od,
    
    >  Looking forward to meeting you all, bar Matty.
    
    Martin,  I was gunna lend Brian my spare carbon.  How's he gunna lend
    you a rod if I don't lend him one!  Also the Carp still feed in winter,
    but obviously not as much as the summer.  But with this mild weather we
    should get some decent catches.  From what I've heard about Headley,
    15-20lb could be well in sight.  All the match reports in the Angling
    Times & Mail are showing plenty of Tench!
    
    Does anybody know what types of Carp inhabit Headley.  I've only ever
    caught 2 Mirror and I've never caught a leather, and I'm completely
    sick of Commons (ala Wasing).  Are there any Crucians - I just love
    Crucians.
    
    MattyB

      Bad news Matty, I am afraid I will have to pull out of next Sunday,
    due to another engagement. As I am sure there will be another one
    in the future keep me in mind for that one. 
      Good luck
                Martin Hooker Hallam.
     
    
    P.S. It sounds like I will be missing a great day out.

    
     Raring to go,
        got all the kit now (took a while), but can anybody lend me
    a keep net on the day ? mine is a bit tatty and may let the small
    ones out. I hear you have tons of gear Matt, so I hope you can
    oblige. 
    
        Do you reckon we should get down there any earlier than 8am
    to guarantee a peg ?
    
      cheers,  andy
    
    

    Sorry Andy,
    
    I only have the one and that is is a bad way.  (It is held together at
    the bottom by and elastic band!)
    
    Anyway, who says you will catch anything!  You might not need a net!
    
    As for going earlier, I would prefer to start as soon as possible, i.e
    dawn.  But trying to motivate everyone else to get up earlier will be
    difficult.
    
    I will send out a memo today to all concerned, stating that you and I
    wish to go earlier, and see what the replies bring.
    
    
    Mattyb

    
    Hey, cheers Matt,
      but I intend to catch a great deal more than you pal (he said
    with a confident smile), so I'll buy a new net at great cost.An
    elastic band won't be able to hold any fish I catch anyway!!!!!
     Send some sort of map with the memo, eh ? I'm still a bit lost.
    How many are going now ?
    
     cheers and see you all on Sunday,  andy.
    
    

    I've never been there, so I can't give you a map!
    
    I will state who's turning up the memo.
    
    
    Mattyb_who's_gunna_sew_his_net_up_tonight.

    Hi, Guys I have done some digging around and guess what?
    
    I got a map!!!!
    
    I have photocopys if you need one.
    
    Give me a ring and i'll fax you a copy.
    
    P.S. 
        About mattys keep net every time he goes fishing he fills it
    to the brim, with all sorts of fish.
    
    The problem is, his net is only 12 inches deep :)
    

    Bri,
    
    How we gunna get them by tommorow?

    The results:
    
    1..	Matty		10 Mirror Carp	10lb 5oz
    2..	Andy		12 Mirror Carp	 7lb 5oz
    3..	Brian		 2 Mirror Carp	didn't weigh
    4..	Simon		 1 Mirror Carp	didn't weigh
    5.. Colin, Shaun, Steve, Tony all blanked.
    
    Every one had bites and most at least lost fish, but fishing was
    difficult.  This was because the lake was small and too crowded.
    The weather was also depressing, but I think we all had a good time
    anyway.
    
    Most of those who came have said that they would like to fish agian, so
    if anyone has any venue suggestions, add a reply.
    
    I will add my suggestions later on.
    
    
    Mattyb_who_hooked_and_lost_JAWS_on_his_first_cast!!!

    
    Hi all,
       as we briefly discussed on sunday, the lakes behind Young's
    garden centre are pretty damn good.
    
     more info;
    
    six lakes ranging from mainly perch, mainly carp to all fish types.
    the carp lake is really stuffed with fish (some big) but is snaggy.
    each lake has day ticket sales at bank or garden centre.
    one guy I know very well has pulled 107lbs in 6 hours of mixed fish.
    
    directions
    
    I'm a bit iffy here, but all in Tadley, off the A4 dual carrageway
    between Theale and Woolhampton, know where it is.
    
    date 
    
    How about in two weeks time on sunday (4th Feb ?).
    
    
    lets have another sweep (collect at start!!!).
    
    cheers all and it was good to meet a bunch of guys and get on
    so easily, special regards to Si who deserved better on sunday,
    
    
     andy.
    

    How about the following;
    
    River Thames - Reading Prom or King Meadow.
    
    Both places very near to the centre of Reading and easily accessible. 
    All the pegs are roughly equal quality and therefore fair, and the
    fishing is free.  The prom has concrete banks which are clean, while
    the bank at Kings Meadow is grass, with lots of sandy pegs.  Therefore
    both venues are comfortable.  There are plenty of pegs available, and
    it won't be half as crowded as Headley was.
    
    Fish include Dace, Perch, Roach, Bleak, Gudgeon, Ruffe, Skimmers with
    chances of big Chub, big Perch and big shoals of Bream.  The fishing
    could be difficult at this time of year, but no-one should blank if
    they use maggots and lightish line.
    
    River Kennet - Reading walkway (1m from Duke st bridge to Kennet mouth)
     		   (Free fishing)
    
    The problem here is the bank.  There is a fence between the angler and
    the water which make getting to the water difficult.  The fence is
    great if you fish the feeder or leger, because it makes a great rest. 
    But to get the best from fishing a float it helps to get into the
    water. The water down the edge is about 1 ft deep and therefore you can
    only stand in it if you wear waders (or get wet).  In places wellies
    would suffice.  Sometimes it can get relatively busy at weekends.
    
    The fishing is good, with all the species mentioned above.  But there
    are more Chub and a good head of quality Roach.  Two weeks ago I was
    walking down there and 3 blokes each had between 15lb & 20lb of Roach
    each!  I also fished there the following day, but only caught 101 (6
    species) small fish for 8lb.  I had plenty of bites all day, and so did
    everyone all along the length.  I think everyone caught at least 10
    fish, except 1 bloke who had 3 chub for 6lb.  1 bloke caught 15lb of
    those roach, just in the morning!  I heard that in the summer someone
    caught 120lb of Roach, so there are endless possibilities.
    
    I don't know any other places that have enough pegs for a match that
    are either free or day ticket, except for Youngs garden centre, but
    then I've never been there.  I suggest if you fish matches like this in
    the coming season, that a Reading & Dist. A.A. permit as bought.  They
    cost �14 for the year and cover about 30-40 venues, all of which are
    well stocked with big Barbel, huge Chub etc.  But of course I won't be
    here!
    
    I would prefer to fish the Kennet rather than the Thames, because it
    has better winter fishing - but then I have some waders.  I would enjoy
    fishing the Thames, but the fishing could be more difficult if the
    river was bombing through after heavy rain.
    
    
    Mattyb
    

    Andy, how much are the day tickets at Youngs (I want to cut costs)?
    
    Also I would rather fish Sun 11th Feb, becuase I'm almost skint until
    pay day!
    
    As for the sweepstake.  If we fish a free water and put the would be
    day ticket money in the sweepstake also, we could have a 3rd prize, or
    even a 4th prize if we had enough people.  The more prizes the more
    intrest and thrillability.
    
    I forgot to mention one of the pluses about the Kennet walkway - two
    Pubs on it!  You could cast out, drink your pint and strike!
    
    A little sidenote;
    
    Does anybody want to go fishing at the weekend?  I plan to get the 6.45
    Basingstoke to Reading on Sunday, then walk 3 miles to my favourite
    Chub spot, on the Kennet near Calcot.  There is also a weir near there
    and there are about 3 pegs that are free fishing.  I have caught and
    lost plenty of chub in this weirpool and have seen a 70lb Bream catch
    (last winter in the rain).  If no-one wants the walk I might go to the
    Kennet walkway in the centre of Reading as described in a previous
    note.
    
    
    Mattyb (Matthew Brown @UCG or SHAPES::BROWNM 7781-4022)

    Nearly forgot, there is always the day ticket stretch of the Kennet at
    Aldermaston, but �4 is expensive.  This is the stretch that the 14lb
    Barbel was taken from this season, it would have been the record if the
    BRFC had accepted it.
    
    I was thinking (shock! horror!).  Could we get any support from th
    Sports & social club, van hire, day ticket money or whatever?
    
    Finally - Does anybody out there want to by a 13ft laser nova carbon
    waggler rod?  It weighs about 7oz, carbon grey finish with black
    whippings, hyperlon butt (sponge), Seymo dialite rings.  I has a
    reasonably good action capable of landing good fish on hook lengths
    down to 1lb.  It is ideal for far bank waggler fishing for Chub of
    2-4lbs.  To be honest the action isn't as good as todays top flight
    rods, but then they cost �100 +.  It is in good condition and comes
    complete with cloth bag (made by Tommy Pickering's [world champ] wife) 
    It cost �60 about 4 years ago, has a better action than cheap carbon
    rods and all fibreglass rods, and therefore is a bargain at �20.  I'm
    selling it because I have one of the �100 jobs and because I need the
    dosh.  I always keep it in my holdall, so if you're interested you can
    see it at the next match.  If there are no arguments you can borrow it
    then.
    
    
    Matty (i ought to be in sales!)

    
    Hi all,
    
       Mattyb, the day tickets are 4 quid each (so I've been told) for
    the Young's lakes. I'd like to fish at the lakes rather than on
    a river at this time of year, as I find the float rather tedious
    on the Kennet stretches due to the speed of the flow and I'm not
    used to the method of holding back.
    
     cheers,  andy.
    
    

    
    Let's set a date !
    
     I know most people said that next weekend was out, so as a prelim
    suggestion, I'd go for sunday the 4th of Feb at Young's garden
    centre.
    
     Talk to me !!!!
    
    cheers, andy
    
    

    Hi Guys...
    
    Thanks for the match last Sunday... Really enjoyed it even though I
    blanked !!!  
    
    4th Feb at Youngs is OK by me for the next one. (But Andy had better
    bring his own landing net this time. Do a bloke a favour and he beats
    you !!!)
    
    Do any of the Sunday crowd fancy a bit of serious Piking over this
    weekend ?  I can only take one as a guest as it's a private syndicate
    water but some BIG pike (upto 25+ lbs) if you fancy it.
    
    It's in Aldermaston near Youngs. I'm going Saturday night through to
    Sunday evening but if one of you fancies the idea then you could either
    come along with me or meet us there on the Sunday.
    
    By this weekend I mean Sat. 27/1 - Sun. 28/1 .
    
    Any takers ???  (You'll need at least 10 lb line and a strong rod !)
    
    Steve Burke    RDGENG::SBURKE  or  UBOHUB::BURKE_S
    
                                          

    I can't fish on the 4th.  I'm skint and will be visiting grandparents
    anyway.  At least I won't win it!  I wanna come next time though.
    
    
    Mattyb
    
    
    As for Piking, I already have my bait for the weekend and fancy doing a
    bit of Chubbing.  I'm fishing in Reading (or around there) on Sunday
    and Andy might be coming, so if anyone's interested...  It'll be free
    fishing.  Steve, How about the weekend after payday.  I wanna catch a
    30lb Pike - I have the tackle (3lb line, quivertip rod etc!)

    Can anyone verify the receipt of a message that I sent?  If not I'll
    send it again.
    
    
    Mattyb

    Yeah Matty, I recieved your message (I think).
    
       Still ok for the eighth(sp?) of Feb ?
    
     cheeeeeeeeeeers, andy
    
    
    

    Nobody has replied to the mail I sent out, nor has anybody from the UK
    entered a note.
    
    SO THE MATCH IS OFF!
    
    If I can get a response I will try and arrange it for the following
    weekend, or the weekend after that.
    
    
    Matty