Bristol Docks Xmas Match

The docks was in fine form for this years match, a hard frost in the morning did not put the fish off in the deep water, the water was a nice colour, not too clear and the recent rain had not put too much colour into the water. The recent thursday evening matches have been fishing quite well with most of the fish being caught on the ground bait feeder, its probably been too cold and clear for the fish to come in on the pole line.

So everyone was expecting a decent match and they weren't disappointed, top rod on the day was Pete Sivell, confirming his 'King of the Docks' status, with a fine 24lb 7oz all skimmers caught on the ground bait feeder, from an area of the docks that doesn't normally produce the winner, on the pontoon. It was very close for second, third and fourth places with shop regular, Lewis Walker catching 19lb 5oz from the back of the restaurant by the mud dock, he caught all his skimmers on the ground bait feeder. Lewis has spent a lot of time on the 'docks' this year and this is the reward he deserves for what he has learnt. A very close third was Dale Harvey with 19lb 2oz, also skimmers on the groundbait feeder, in fourth place was Steve Priest with 19lb 0oz. In fifth place was 'bunghole billy' Derek Coles with 18lb 2oz followed by Dean Harvey with 17lb 4oz and Pete Ellis with 17lb. Les Williams was eighth with 15lb 12oz in total there was 15 double figure weights out of the 24 anglers who fished.

This is the best the docks has ever fished for this years match, normally a big weight wins but the majority struggle, if it keeps fishing like this, I will try and get a ticket next year. Dave Clutterbuck who runs this match every year deserves a big pat on the back, he has been running this match for 'donkeys' years and it is always well run and usually sells out.

1st Pete Sivell 24-7-0

2nd Lewis walker 19-5-0

3rd Dale Harvey 19-2-0

4th Steve Priest 19-0-0

5th Derek Coles 18-2-0

6th Dean Harvey 17-4-0

7th Pete Ellis 17-0-0

8th Les Williams 15-12-0

Total of 15 double figure weights. Anyone who would like to fish next years match should book early with Dave Clutterbuck at the shop on 0117 950 8723.