Eliminator Fun Day

This year’s eliminator day, as the result of the International in Scotland having been cancelled, and no team to be determined, was treated as a fun day afloat.

12 anglers took part, in not too pleasant conditions. A dull damp morning with a nagging Northerly breeze greeted the anglers, gone were the balmy shirt sleeved days of the last couple of visits to Eyebrook. Today called for a bit more warmth. Whilst the anglers were tackling up, we watched the last few remaining Swifts and House martins wheeling above our heads and shortly after the angler’s departure the Osprey made an appearance and swoop out in the middle but didn’t manage to catch. Most of the boats made their way across towards the Rutland bank to try and find a bit of shelter.

At the end of the day, which was fished to a 2 fish limit, then C & R, 20 fish had been taken, and 32 returned, giving a rod average of 4.3. Chairman Jim Watts had the best bag of 12 fish, followed by Steve Cranston with 8. Jim caught his off the Rutland bank drifting along Weedcutter Bay towards the Dam on a slow glass line using two small blobs, one orange and the other orange and yellow.

Other flies were used by the other anglers including Owls and Daddies, with plenty of interest. Once again a superb buffet was presented by Pauline and her helpers, and the Boat voucher, Kindly donated by Flyfishstore, was drawn out of the hat, and that went to Jim as well, obviously it was his day.

Thanks to the staff at Eyebrook for their help on the day, it was nice to have a chat with ‘Legend’ Andy Miller before the proceedings started, many smiling faces and some awful jokes, thanks Andy.