ThePaddler 80
So 27 kayak anglers
faced the prospect of breaking the ice and getting out onto the lake and catching some fish. It was not the great rush that might have been expected. I think the haste to launch was inversely proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed the previous evening. Believe me there were some very slow starters.
Rob ApplebyGoudberg with his pike. A decent fish – but what made it even more impressive, was that it was Rob’s first crack at pike fishing!
The sun shone and paddlers paddled to every corner of the lake. As they crossed the wind many had to learn about changing paddle techniques and seating positions to combat windage. A great
Results
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Paul Fennel (pike est 17-21lbs) Alistaire Cole (pike est 9-11lbs) Ian Harris (pike est 6-7lbs) Dave Morris (pike est 4-6lbs) Martin Hurst (Roach)
The weekend finished as it had started for many, a little liquid refreshment and a singsong before another night of sub-zero temperatures in tents.
Events like the Langorse Species Hunt are a great way for novice kayak anglers to quickly gain knowledge of their chosen sport. Experienced guys are around and are always keen to offer advice and guidance on tactics, kayak rigging and safety. Fishing is done in company thus giving a secure feeling for early fishing trips.When these events are organised by the likes of Ed and Martin you are assured it will be a quality event and very safe.
lesson for all paddlers to learn. Many ran for the flat water at the east end of the lake in the lea of the tree lined bank. Some braved the wind and anchored in the windy deeper water and some just paddled around the lake trolling brightly coloured lures in the hope of finding a pike. The sun came and went the wind blew and eased and anglers worked and worked. It was obvious that the fish were going to be few and far between. Ed had manage to get three trophies and prizes from the event sponsors Escape Watersports, it was beginning to look like that might be too many.
Keep your eyes open for the next big competition: Oxwich 2013 at Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsular on 20th July. Many thanks to Ed, Martin and all staff concerned for a very safe, friendly and well organised event at a great location with a stunning backdrop. Also to Escape Watersports for providing the prizes.
Acknowledgements: www.swka.org.uk/ www.llangorselake.co.uk www.escape-watersports.co.uk/
were circulating of who had done what but no one Word came that Ian (Dizzyfish) had caught a pike knew for definite what had actually been caught. on his very first cast of the day so we did indeed Eventually just after 4pm Ed did the necessary with have one prize winner at least. Everyone fished on checking everyone in off the water to make sure we with renewed enthusiasm, most of us to no avail, it had not left anyone behind. A lot of cold and did give time to soak up the scenery and wildlife forlorn paddlers started to to pack their gear away though. Seagulls were grazing on a new hatch of and keep their ears open for news of fish caught. midges competing with the low flying swallows Now was the time for everyone to gather at the skimming the surface of the lake and I saw several clubhouse to eat drink and be red kites patiently patrolling the Ian Harris (Dizzyfish) with his pike. merry. Results were assessed and woodland and fields. In a place and the only four anglers lucky like this, catching a fish is second enough to catch fish were to the privilege of being here announced. All the guys had enjoying the stunning landscape worked hard for their fish and surrounding you. deserved the praise they received. Slowly people started to feel the Ed, Martin and Gus from Escape bitter cold and drifted back Watersports did the presentation. towards the launch point. Rumours