Junior Carp Match 2024
Due to the high water levels at Tufnell Mere this year a decision was made to hold the annual junior match at Braxted Reservoir. Nine young competitors turned up in anticipation of winning this prestigious event. The weather was set fair and early fears of some rain were quickly erased. Warm sun and an easterly breeze blowing made for a very pleasant day.
The draw which was due to take place at 8am changed to 8-30am due to a few late stragglers not being able to find the lake. Each competitor received a goodie bag worth at least £100. This pushed back the finish time to 4-30pm. Mr Thacker sounded the klaxon and we were underway. Fish came straight away on the far bank in pegs 12-13, Defending Champion Ava in 12 and Bradley in 13 which kept poor Mark Reynolds very busy until help arrived.
Although in peg 16 (far bank 1st swim) Roman was catching plenty, though they didn’t seem particularly big.
It was noticeable that the middle swims on both banks fishing was a bit slow. The fish came thick and fast at one stage, some with double takes which was kept everyone on their toes.
Fishing slowed a bit at one stage giving everyone a bit of a breather with just the odd fish coming out.
It felt like someone somewhere flicked a switch and the fish started feeding heavily again and they started coming out regularly again. Fish were showing close to the bank so tactics changed and instead of casting to the middle of the lake, less than rod length out was all that was needed, either straight out or to both side margins, the fish were getting bigger with a lovely 19lb 14oz to Roman in peg 16. Ava in peg 12 had one at 18lb 4oz, Vinnie in peg 2 with a 17lb 2oz were some of bigger fish to come out. The average was about 10lb, smallest being just over 2lb.
About 2-45 the decision was made to finish the match at 4pm, and with everyone was in agreement the final push in the last hour was on. Drama late on saw one lad, not content with hooking fish decided to hook himself in the knee. A trip to the hospital loomed large despite Ian`s attempt to take it out. Gear was tidied up ready for departure when Adam worked his magic hands and removed the offending hook. Rods were hastily set up and cast out and more fish were caught which made for a better than expected ending.
The final half hour made for some more frantic action with everyone catching with every cast right up to the final blast on the klaxon.
With everyone back at the tent the presentation could begin.
| Name | Peg | weight | biggest fish |
| 1st Roman | 16 | 341lb 0oz | 19lb 14oz |
| 2nd Vinnie | 02 | 284lb 6oz | 17lb 4oz |
| 3rd Ava | 13 | 271lb 0oz | 18lb 4oz |
| 4th Bradley | 12 | 245lb 15oz | 16lb 2oz |
| 5th Riley | 04 | 162lb 7oz | 17lb 4oz |
| 6th George | 15 | 155lb 8oz | 15lb 12oz |
| 7th Owen | 03 | 95lb 3oz | 16lb 6oz |
| 8th Bailey | 01 | 78lb 11oz | 11lb 8oz |
| 9th Henry | 14 | 46lb 1oz | 12lb 0oz |
| TOTAL | 1680lb |
Biggest fish prize went to the biggest fish caught outside of the top 3 and went to Riley with a fish of 17lb 04oz
I would like to thank all the Bailiffs for giving up their time to help the competitors with advice and marshal the event, without them we couldn’t hold the event. Billy, Ed, Nick, Mark, Ian, Dave, Alex and Clive.
They all worked very hard and was very much appreciated
Thanks to Adam for organising and running the match, our President Gary for presenting the prizes.
Barry for sorting out the prizes from our sponsors. And Ed for running round Friday collecting said prizes.
And lastly to our sponsors for generously providing some great prizes for everyone. They were gratefully received by everyone.
Ian Stokes
Chairman
CAA MATCH SPONSORS
