AF fans were glued to their TVs during the season opener of the show last week and reviews have been pouring in ever since. The kickoff of the new season also launched the 2009 Mogan Tour. The Grand Opening of Dick’s in West Palm was a great success last weekend and moves to Melbourne this week. The AF Team spent the weekend prepping the tour bus and found that manual labor is for the birds but not for this bird. Strap yourself in - this wild ride has only just begun!
Mogan Maniacs across the state came out of their chairs when the opening sequence rolled on the season opener last week. Internet postings on FaceBook, MySpace and the AF Forum started popping up before the show ended as fans raved over the new looks and sounds of AF. Show #2 will prove to be no different. “Everglades Fly” will have everyone grabbing their seat cushions to keep themselves planted as Capt. Blair does battle with the “Leviathan”. Set the DVR for Friday @ 2pm on SunSports. Don’t forget you can also catch AF on Sunday @ 7pm, Tuesday @ 6:30am and this week’s bonus show on Thursday @ 8:30pm. If you missed out on “Bradenton Brawlers”, visit Addictive Fishing on YouTube for some of the video highlights.
The Mogan Bus retired its colors last weekend. The mobile MPI command center sported the likeness of the Mogan Man holding a tarpon larger than life across the side. The blue wave on orange background along with the AF and sponsor logos are nothing more than a pile left for Tuesday’s trash pickup. Many fans are sad to see the wrap go. Kevin and Patrice say that taking off the wrap was like peeling off their own skin. No, they weren’t being sentimental or metaphoric; they literally lost a layer of skin from their fingers as they peeled away at the sticky fabric. Pictures of the entire ordeal are up on Kevin and Trice’s FaceBook pages. Now that the bus is all cleaned up, it is ready to hit the road for the DSG Mogan Tour.
This weekend, the bus rolls into Melbourne, FL for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Mogan Tour. Capt. Blair Wiggins will be showing off the new AF Zone and sharing his expertise with seminars at 11am & 2pm. There will also be product demos, contests and giveaways. You never know what else the AF Team might pull out of its bag so c’mon down to Dick’s at 1700 W. New Haven Ave. on Saturday or you’ll be left out of the Zone.
Ripping good stuff!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Coming Unglued
Fish art, logos and shout outs
Well if you are a regular reader then you might have noticed the new log design at the top. This is thanks to Nick Hannan of Marine Graphics Ink. Nick is one of the most talented artists I have seen.
Tight lines and screaming drags
After I gave him my ideas he expanded them and added more than I could have imagined.
He is a great guy to work with and always kept me up to date with any changes he made or I made.
Enough of my blowing his horn. Here is a video from his website. Have a look and remember Marine Graphics Ink for any design work you might need.
Tight lines and screaming drags
Thursday, April 9, 2009
River Dove Ellastone
Whent for a couple of hours after work tonight, blanked for the first time on Ellastone, well i did fish a dry fly all night, met a nice bloke up there who said he had a couple a grayling to the nymph,
After a short rain pour while fishing there were loads of ldo's coming off everywhere but even that did not spark many rises, saw a few but nothing much, another few weeks and we should see some good dry fly fishing, I think you have put a jinx on me dave saying i was lucky
Glen
After a short rain pour while fishing there were loads of ldo's coming off everywhere but even that did not spark many rises, saw a few but nothing much, another few weeks and we should see some good dry fly fishing, I think you have put a jinx on me dave saying i was lucky
Glen
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lands End League Review
Those that regularly follow my blog will already know I was disappointed to finish the Lands End Winter League in 11th place, particularly since I thought a top 7 place and paying position was a realistic goal.
I then began to wonder whether I should have done better from the pegs drawn or had I been unlucky with my draws. The short answer is I know I should have done better in at least 2 rounds, which would have given me the points to break into the top 7, but what about the other rounds, did I make the most of them?
It’s easy to over analysis situations, but I thought it would be interesting to look over my results during the series. Many anglers have said you need a bit of luck to win an 8 matches series, but is luck really a factor? Or is it the angler who makes the most of the peg drawn? You are never going to win without some skill, which is why you always see the same names leading the league tables. There are of course other factors to consider, such as weather conditions, which can turn a good peg into an unfishable peg.
Since I produce the league tables for Mike, it allowed me to provide an accurate review of my series. For this purpose I calculated the average points gained from each peg, which highlighted the best and worse pegs. So could I find an excuse for my shortcomings? A little, but that’s not my intention, since I wanted to identify were I could improve.
During the series a section win attracted 6pts, whilst a section last was 1pt. The issue when calculating averages is if all the good anglers fish the same peg, then the average points gained will be higher than if the all the poor anglers fish the same peg. Whilst not scientific, it does provide a guide since even the poorer anglers will have their day on a good peg and a good angler can increase the average of a poor peg.
What I also did to help put the peg averages into context was rate them A to C. The top 4 pegs on the lake were rated A, the middle 4 were B and worse 4 pegs were rated C.
Round 1 – 12lb 7oz - Match Lake P24 – 5pts (peg average = 5pts – A rated)
A good initial start to the league which went to plan and I felt I got the most from the peg on a cold day.
Round 2 – 1lb 9oz – Johns Lake P41 – 2pts (peg average = 3.67pts – B rated)
This round was a nightmare and one were I should have done better, however there was a number of factors against me, not least my mental state. Around this time I was under a great deal of stress with work and my wife losing her job, so my mind really wasn’t were it was suppose to be. As a consequence I didn’t make the most of the peg.
The other factor was the weather. It was a really windy day, which was blowing straight into my end of the lake and bait presentation on the pole was very difficult. And now the luck bit, or lack of it. With 30 minutes to go I was 3rd in section (4pts), but 2 anglers managed late carp on maggot to beat me.
Definitely a day to forget and a below average performance form the peg.
Round 3 – 13lb 14oz – Sydney’s Lake P78 – 5pts (peg average = 3.5pts – C rated)
I was determined to make up for my last round, but this wasn’t a great draw. I kept working to keep the fish coming mainly small roach & skimmers, plus some small carp down the edge to claim 2nd in a very tight section. Over the series this was the best result form the peg, so in hindsight a really good result.
Round 4 – 7lb 15oz – Speci Lake P34 – 6pts (peg average = 5.17pts – A rated)
A section win, from what has been a good peg. So at least I fulfilled the pegs potential on what was a cold day.
Round 5 – 26lb 3oz – Match Lake P16 – 5pts (peg average = 5.25pts – A rated)
Interesting one here. Yes I got 2nd in section, but should I have won the section? Probably. A lost carp hooked on my silvers rig ruined the swim for at least an hour. Had I been patient and struck with the carp rig, I would have probably landed the carp, had a settled swim and caught a few more.
Round 6 – 29lb 14oz – Johns Lake P51 – 4pts (peg average = 3.67pts – B rated)
Despite a good start to the match I struggled until the last couple of hours. The weather was a major influence today due to very heavy winds. On reflection, I am not sure I could have beaten the pegs at either end of the lake, although another 30 mins I could have pushed peg 55 (end peg to my left) for 2nd in section. 4 pts was probably a fait and average result.
Round 7 – 14lb 2oz – Sydney’s Lake P84 – 2pts (peg average = 4.33pts – B rated)
This is 1 round that deep down I know I should have done better. Although the weather conditions were against me, being bright & flat, compared to the rest of the lake which was rippled by the wind, I cant place my finger on what I could have done better. Having an empty peg opposite didn’t help either, but I’m not convinced that could be used as an excuse. A very frustrating day.
Round 8 – 20lb 9oz – Speci Lake P36 – 3pts (peg average = 2.4pts – C rated)
I was defeated by the draw for this round and needed another 13lb to claim just another point, which on the day wouldn’t have meant much, since as it turned out, I needed at least a section win to get back into the leagues top 7.
I finished the league with 32pts and 11th place. Based on the average points from each draw, I should have claimed 33pts for 9th place, so overall a slightly below average performance. However, I reckon I should have gained at least another 4 pts, which would have pushed me into 5th place, but how many times have you heard that from anglers? There are always hard luck stories after each match.
My main problem is patience. I don’t like sitting and waiting, whilst those anglers who have done the best in this league have on the whole adopted a single minded patient approach, waiting for the carp to arrive. My busier approach has been successful, but this season only in winning the silvers or picking up sections.
Adrian Clarke who won the league, only dropped 1 point over 8 matches, which is a fantastic performance, but did he have the luck of the draw? Well yes, but that shouldn’t distract from the fact he kept things simple and got the most from the pegs he drew. Just wish I could have drawn 5 A rated pegs, 3 B rated peg and no C rated pegs.
In conclusion, yes the draw bag didn’t do me any favours on occasion, but neither did my ability to get the most from my peg. There is always the next league, which will be Tony Rixons Float Only League and with any luck or skill I’ll get into the money winning positions.
1-Adrian Clarke 47
2-Nicky Collier 43
3-Anton Page 39
4-Andy France 37
5-Mike Duckett 35
6-Kev Molton 34 (197-5)
7-Rod Wootton 34 (180-10)
8-Larry Burns 34 (144-3)
9-Alan Oram 32 (216-14)
10-Martin Pettifer 32 (148-12)
11-Ken Rayner 32 (126-9)
12-Mike West 32 (126-1)
I then began to wonder whether I should have done better from the pegs drawn or had I been unlucky with my draws. The short answer is I know I should have done better in at least 2 rounds, which would have given me the points to break into the top 7, but what about the other rounds, did I make the most of them?
It’s easy to over analysis situations, but I thought it would be interesting to look over my results during the series. Many anglers have said you need a bit of luck to win an 8 matches series, but is luck really a factor? Or is it the angler who makes the most of the peg drawn? You are never going to win without some skill, which is why you always see the same names leading the league tables. There are of course other factors to consider, such as weather conditions, which can turn a good peg into an unfishable peg.
Since I produce the league tables for Mike, it allowed me to provide an accurate review of my series. For this purpose I calculated the average points gained from each peg, which highlighted the best and worse pegs. So could I find an excuse for my shortcomings? A little, but that’s not my intention, since I wanted to identify were I could improve.
During the series a section win attracted 6pts, whilst a section last was 1pt. The issue when calculating averages is if all the good anglers fish the same peg, then the average points gained will be higher than if the all the poor anglers fish the same peg. Whilst not scientific, it does provide a guide since even the poorer anglers will have their day on a good peg and a good angler can increase the average of a poor peg.
What I also did to help put the peg averages into context was rate them A to C. The top 4 pegs on the lake were rated A, the middle 4 were B and worse 4 pegs were rated C.
Round 1 – 12lb 7oz - Match Lake P24 – 5pts (peg average = 5pts – A rated)
A good initial start to the league which went to plan and I felt I got the most from the peg on a cold day.
Round 2 – 1lb 9oz – Johns Lake P41 – 2pts (peg average = 3.67pts – B rated)
This round was a nightmare and one were I should have done better, however there was a number of factors against me, not least my mental state. Around this time I was under a great deal of stress with work and my wife losing her job, so my mind really wasn’t were it was suppose to be. As a consequence I didn’t make the most of the peg.
The other factor was the weather. It was a really windy day, which was blowing straight into my end of the lake and bait presentation on the pole was very difficult. And now the luck bit, or lack of it. With 30 minutes to go I was 3rd in section (4pts), but 2 anglers managed late carp on maggot to beat me.
Definitely a day to forget and a below average performance form the peg.
Round 3 – 13lb 14oz – Sydney’s Lake P78 – 5pts (peg average = 3.5pts – C rated)
I was determined to make up for my last round, but this wasn’t a great draw. I kept working to keep the fish coming mainly small roach & skimmers, plus some small carp down the edge to claim 2nd in a very tight section. Over the series this was the best result form the peg, so in hindsight a really good result.
Round 4 – 7lb 15oz – Speci Lake P34 – 6pts (peg average = 5.17pts – A rated)
A section win, from what has been a good peg. So at least I fulfilled the pegs potential on what was a cold day.
Round 5 – 26lb 3oz – Match Lake P16 – 5pts (peg average = 5.25pts – A rated)
Interesting one here. Yes I got 2nd in section, but should I have won the section? Probably. A lost carp hooked on my silvers rig ruined the swim for at least an hour. Had I been patient and struck with the carp rig, I would have probably landed the carp, had a settled swim and caught a few more.
Round 6 – 29lb 14oz – Johns Lake P51 – 4pts (peg average = 3.67pts – B rated)
Despite a good start to the match I struggled until the last couple of hours. The weather was a major influence today due to very heavy winds. On reflection, I am not sure I could have beaten the pegs at either end of the lake, although another 30 mins I could have pushed peg 55 (end peg to my left) for 2nd in section. 4 pts was probably a fait and average result.
Round 7 – 14lb 2oz – Sydney’s Lake P84 – 2pts (peg average = 4.33pts – B rated)
This is 1 round that deep down I know I should have done better. Although the weather conditions were against me, being bright & flat, compared to the rest of the lake which was rippled by the wind, I cant place my finger on what I could have done better. Having an empty peg opposite didn’t help either, but I’m not convinced that could be used as an excuse. A very frustrating day.
Round 8 – 20lb 9oz – Speci Lake P36 – 3pts (peg average = 2.4pts – C rated)
I was defeated by the draw for this round and needed another 13lb to claim just another point, which on the day wouldn’t have meant much, since as it turned out, I needed at least a section win to get back into the leagues top 7.
I finished the league with 32pts and 11th place. Based on the average points from each draw, I should have claimed 33pts for 9th place, so overall a slightly below average performance. However, I reckon I should have gained at least another 4 pts, which would have pushed me into 5th place, but how many times have you heard that from anglers? There are always hard luck stories after each match.
My main problem is patience. I don’t like sitting and waiting, whilst those anglers who have done the best in this league have on the whole adopted a single minded patient approach, waiting for the carp to arrive. My busier approach has been successful, but this season only in winning the silvers or picking up sections.
Adrian Clarke who won the league, only dropped 1 point over 8 matches, which is a fantastic performance, but did he have the luck of the draw? Well yes, but that shouldn’t distract from the fact he kept things simple and got the most from the pegs he drew. Just wish I could have drawn 5 A rated pegs, 3 B rated peg and no C rated pegs.
In conclusion, yes the draw bag didn’t do me any favours on occasion, but neither did my ability to get the most from my peg. There is always the next league, which will be Tony Rixons Float Only League and with any luck or skill I’ll get into the money winning positions.
1-Adrian Clarke 47
2-Nicky Collier 43
3-Anton Page 39
4-Andy France 37
5-Mike Duckett 35
6-Kev Molton 34 (197-5)
7-Rod Wootton 34 (180-10)
8-Larry Burns 34 (144-3)
9-Alan Oram 32 (216-14)
10-Martin Pettifer 32 (148-12)
11-Ken Rayner 32 (126-9)
12-Mike West 32 (126-1)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Marlin World Online Magazine
Marlin World Online Video Magazine
The latest issue of Marlin World online video magazine is out today and has 50 pagesof information including:
• Advice on buying a boat
• Fishing off Coiba Island, Panama.
• Winter in Paradise, Isla Mujeres.
• Bad Company team and the Humpback Whale they collided with.
• World launch of new attraction device using nature's lights.• Report on Loreto, Mexico.
• The Billfish Foundation 'Tag & Release' awards.
... and much more news, tournament results, articles and product reviews!
CLICK HERE to see your copy ONLINE
Thanks for opening this newsletter!
Paul Watson
Editor, MARLIN WORLD
www.marlinworld.tv
Editor, MARLIN WORLD
www.marlinworld.tv
Marlin World Online Video Magazine
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Fish caught recently
I have been out many of times over these last couple of weeks with some blanks and some success. This is what i have caught :
2 small Bass both caught in harbour daytime (Picture to come)
Pollack are getting smaller but this week having them up to 13lb
No sign of Rays but my first Turbot of 5lb 5oz (No picture)
Small Wrasse shore caught using Worm.
Dogfish, Poor Cod, Pouting, and Rockling.
Today went out Sam Chapon had a Bullhuss of 10lb 4oz and my step-dad had a black bream of 3lb 8oz.
2 small Bass both caught in harbour daytime (Picture to come)
Pollack are getting smaller but this week having them up to 13lb
No sign of Rays but my first Turbot of 5lb 5oz (No picture)
Small Wrasse shore caught using Worm.
Dogfish, Poor Cod, Pouting, and Rockling.
Today went out Sam Chapon had a Bullhuss of 10lb 4oz and my step-dad had a black bream of 3lb 8oz.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
29/03/09 - Lands End - Speci Lake
Weight – 20lb 9oz
Catch – 21 Roach, 10 Perch, 8 Chub, 4 Rudd, 3 F1, 1 Bream, 1 Crucian.
Weather – Sunny, slight breeze.
Water Temp– 10.5c > 10.5c
Match – Lands End Winter League rd 8 – 16th overall, 4th in section, 1st in Silvers
After the last round, I needed to finish the series with a section win or 2nd to get back into the top 7.
I was on Speci Lake and I needed to draw either end of the lake, so I was distraught when I found myself on peg 36, smack in the middle of the lake and based on results so far in the series the worse performing peg.
Oh well, I had to give it a go, because you never know. For what it was worth Rod Wootton, Mike Duckett, Nicky Collier and Kev Molton were all in the same section between pegs 25 & 32, so at least they would be taking points of each other, but I knew deep down I needed a get out of jail free card!
Whilst setting up it became obvious that Nicky's peg was solid, when he foul hooked a double figure carp on a bare hook, in the top lip!
On the all in, I cupped in some micro pellet 13m at the bottom of the far shelf and caster at 6m. I started off fishing tight to the island hoping for an early carp, but after 15mins had no indications. A switch to the 13m the line and I started to get indications straight away, soon landing a F1. Over the next hour I added another 2 F1’s and a skimmer, all on pellet, however the bright flat conditions meant the fish weren’t biting confidently and more importantly no carp. In the meantime Chris Konieczwy on peg 34 landed a foul hooked 12lb grass carp and Mike West in peg 40 also landed a carp, so I was already behind.
With no signs of carp in my swim, I had a decision to make. I could have waited it out for the carp, but I would struggle to compete against the end of lake pegs. So I decided concentrate on the silvers, hopefully picking up some coin and with any luck a carp or 2 late on.
I had kept the caster going in at 6m, as well as down my left hand margin and finally I cupped some caster tight to the island next to a small bush. My 6m line only yielded small roach and it didn’t matter whether I put on maggot or caster, although I caught slightly bigger roach at half depth, but again the bright, flat conditions were having an effect. My margin didn’t produce a bite on caster, which was a surprise
The only place I could catch properly was tight to the island, which was shaded from the bright sun. Since I was beginning to run out of caster (had 1½pt) I decided to stop feeding my 6m line and swap my feed to micro pellet & 4mm down my left hand margin and 4mm pellet & corn down my right hand margin.
I kept drip feeding my 13m line with micros & 4mm pellet, hoping for the F1 & skimmers to return. In the meantime my island swim was getting stronger, by toss potting caster with some atomic worm. Although I had to occasionally wait for bites, it was usually a decent fish (chub up 1¾lb, roach & perch to over a pound), using mostly double caster and occasionally double maggot. If I put on a single caster or maggot it got nailed by tiny roach and 15m is a long way to go for a 1oz fish.
As the swim slowed I rotated my other swims, but could only catch a chub and a crucian over my pellet lines, but still no carp.
During the weigh in Nicky was doing his best to wind up Mike, who struggled on a flyer (peg 31) and started throwing his toys out of his pram, because he might drop out of the top 7 (know how he feels!). Anyway Mike managed to stay in the top 7, so he was much happier when the final results were calculated.
As for me, I ended up having an enjoyable day. In a funny sort way, knowing I had drawn so badly took the pressure off. Winning the silvers was some consolation, but I would have preferred to finish the league in the top 7. Instead I finished 11th overall, which if I am honest is disappointing, however I was a little unlucky with some draws, although there was 2 matches were I should have done better.
Well done to Adrian Clarke who only dropped 1 point over 8 matches to pick up £550.
Catch – 21 Roach, 10 Perch, 8 Chub, 4 Rudd, 3 F1, 1 Bream, 1 Crucian.
Weather – Sunny, slight breeze.
Water Temp– 10.5c > 10.5c
Match – Lands End Winter League rd 8 – 16th overall, 4th in section, 1st in Silvers
After the last round, I needed to finish the series with a section win or 2nd to get back into the top 7.
I was on Speci Lake and I needed to draw either end of the lake, so I was distraught when I found myself on peg 36, smack in the middle of the lake and based on results so far in the series the worse performing peg.
Oh well, I had to give it a go, because you never know. For what it was worth Rod Wootton, Mike Duckett, Nicky Collier and Kev Molton were all in the same section between pegs 25 & 32, so at least they would be taking points of each other, but I knew deep down I needed a get out of jail free card!
Whilst setting up it became obvious that Nicky's peg was solid, when he foul hooked a double figure carp on a bare hook, in the top lip!
On the all in, I cupped in some micro pellet 13m at the bottom of the far shelf and caster at 6m. I started off fishing tight to the island hoping for an early carp, but after 15mins had no indications. A switch to the 13m the line and I started to get indications straight away, soon landing a F1. Over the next hour I added another 2 F1’s and a skimmer, all on pellet, however the bright flat conditions meant the fish weren’t biting confidently and more importantly no carp. In the meantime Chris Konieczwy on peg 34 landed a foul hooked 12lb grass carp and Mike West in peg 40 also landed a carp, so I was already behind.
With no signs of carp in my swim, I had a decision to make. I could have waited it out for the carp, but I would struggle to compete against the end of lake pegs. So I decided concentrate on the silvers, hopefully picking up some coin and with any luck a carp or 2 late on.
I had kept the caster going in at 6m, as well as down my left hand margin and finally I cupped some caster tight to the island next to a small bush. My 6m line only yielded small roach and it didn’t matter whether I put on maggot or caster, although I caught slightly bigger roach at half depth, but again the bright, flat conditions were having an effect. My margin didn’t produce a bite on caster, which was a surprise
The only place I could catch properly was tight to the island, which was shaded from the bright sun. Since I was beginning to run out of caster (had 1½pt) I decided to stop feeding my 6m line and swap my feed to micro pellet & 4mm down my left hand margin and 4mm pellet & corn down my right hand margin.
I kept drip feeding my 13m line with micros & 4mm pellet, hoping for the F1 & skimmers to return. In the meantime my island swim was getting stronger, by toss potting caster with some atomic worm. Although I had to occasionally wait for bites, it was usually a decent fish (chub up 1¾lb, roach & perch to over a pound), using mostly double caster and occasionally double maggot. If I put on a single caster or maggot it got nailed by tiny roach and 15m is a long way to go for a 1oz fish.
As the swim slowed I rotated my other swims, but could only catch a chub and a crucian over my pellet lines, but still no carp.
During the weigh in Nicky was doing his best to wind up Mike, who struggled on a flyer (peg 31) and started throwing his toys out of his pram, because he might drop out of the top 7 (know how he feels!). Anyway Mike managed to stay in the top 7, so he was much happier when the final results were calculated.
As for me, I ended up having an enjoyable day. In a funny sort way, knowing I had drawn so badly took the pressure off. Winning the silvers was some consolation, but I would have preferred to finish the league in the top 7. Instead I finished 11th overall, which if I am honest is disappointing, however I was a little unlucky with some draws, although there was 2 matches were I should have done better.
Well done to Adrian Clarke who only dropped 1 point over 8 matches to pick up £550.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons
