After a spell of temperatures into double figures, the last two weeks of November came as a shock to the system with ice forming on Alresford Lake and daytime temperatures hovering around the 5 degree mark. There has been, though , some very welcome rain and the levels in Cox and Alresford Lakes are slowly creeping up.

November has been an uneventful month with not a great deal to report, regarding good or bad news, ignoring politics. The Pike season has started on Alresford Lake, with fish falling to lures in preference to dead-baits. This may reverse as the weather turns colder and the fish become more lethargic, but no-one tells the Pike this and they remain a law unto themselves. With low pressure, rain and westerly winds which should have created perfect conditions, nobody told the Pike that this was what they needed. Can we remind members that any lure fishing on Alresford require an 18" wire leader attached to the lure and not to fix them straight to the reel line. Pike will bite through mono or braid and will result in a fish swimming round with end tackle in their jaws.

Matches last month were fished without any problems ,other than wind and rain. The OAP matches have been halted due to the time of year and will resume again next season.The first of the November matches was the Ron Tickner Float 2 which was fished at the Abbey with Paul Barrell and Adrian Loughton tying for first place, although, with the water level up to normal, it did not fish as well as a previous match. Next came the 4 Float Challenge, again fished at the Abbey Lake, which was fished in sections with Ged Spurgin winning this leg. After a points count which left Adrian Loughton and Jim Martin tying with 14 points each, it was decided on overall weight with Adrian winning the series with a weight of 122lb 12oz against Jim's 82lb 1oz. The 3rd Ron Tickner Float match was fished on Bramley Lake with Nick Austin taking the podium and the previous rain resulting in everyone bringing fish to the scales. The last match of the month was Winter 1, again fished on Bramley, but proving to be a hard venue this time with Steve Baynton taking 1st place.

These next few months of indeterminate weather, where fishing may take a bit of a back burner, there is still work to do to prepare the lakes for next season's sessions. Wednesday and Thursday mornings for 3 hours a session at either the Orchard or Alresford lakes respectively take place through the winter months. These mid-week sessions are chosen to leave the weekends free for working and family members. Anyone who can spare the time and blow the cobwebs away, rather than watching cyclops in the corner of the room, your efforts will be greatly appreciated.

Hopefully, January with bring a few clear days where your Christmas presents can be put to the test and result in a bend in your rod. Over-eating seems to go with this time of year, but think on as Edward 1 died, aged 66, after eating a surplus of Lampreys. Had he gone fishing and used the Lampreys as Pike bait, his 35 year reign could have been extended.

And finally, can we, the Committee, take this moment to wish you All and your respective Families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thank you for your continued support through the season.

As always,stay safe, look after one another and enjoy your fishing.

Tight Lines