Second Annual Staff Fishing Day at Salford Lakes, Chipping Norton

Eleven of us arrived at Salford Lakes to take part in the second annual Fishing Day—including some ‘newcomers’ to the sport of fly fishing—only to be met with a constant howling gale that was making casting very difficult, especially for those who had never cast a line before.

Dan was under pressure from the off, as he had started the day ‘under the thumb’, with strict instructions to be back for SWMBO’s friend’s wedding reception...and someone else was on ‘his’ peg!

First strike of the day went to Mark Young, who was being given expert tuition by George the ghillie...unfortunately he lost the first fish, but made up for that later on.

Felix Milne showed up with Dad, and promptly showed up his Dad, by taking 3 good trout—he’d obviously decided to carry on where he left off last year—as did his Dad!

Lunch was again provided in the fishing hut by Nigel (the owner of the water) and his wife, and was soon scoffed by people looking for some relief from the wind. Simon decided that a beer in hand improved his casting...

Lyndon came back from a successful foray to the Bottom lake with some tales of one monster that got away—luckily Simon had taken photographs ...

The wind dropped late in the afternoon, and this enabled Russ Wilkes and Stuart to take advantage and finally get amongst the fish.

Chris Jones took advantage of Dan’s disappearing act to make a late run and finally take the honours...

Results:

Chris Jones: 1.08, 2.05, 1.08, 1.08 (6.13)

Dan Masters: 4 fish (6.08)

Russ Wilkes: 2.10, 1.12, 1.06 (5.12)

Stuart Tod : 2.00, 3.00 (5.00)

Felix Milne: 1.04, 1.04, 1.14 (4.06)

Simon Stewart: 3 fish (4.04)

Lyndon Barton: 2 fish (4.00)

Mark Young: 1.08, 2.00 (3.08)

Nick Jasper: 1.04 (1.04)

Rob Ewens: 1.03 (1.03)

Simon Crossingham: (0.00)

Andrew Milne: (0.00)