Midsummer Madness Match 2006
Again, with much anticipation - and for the first time in a couple of years, a full book - the Midsummer Madness match was a raving success.
11 pairs of anglers, all keen to take the honours - and the money - teamed up and set up on the evening of 23rd June for what turned out to be a fabulous weekend of drinking, eating, merriment and fun. Sadly, someone forgot to invite the fish as catches were, well, poor to say the least.
The draw, which is always a vital part of the overall match, took place just before 7pm with 2004 winners Paul C and Kev P being first out of the bag. Choosing the Ballroom, Paul and Kev must have been confident as fish had been showing there during the ritual 'walk-around'. Others waited in anticipation to hear their names called to ensure they had a quality peg. As the best pegs fell, 2005 winners, Matt K and Mike W almost resigned themselves to failure as every other name but theirs came out. Finally, and last out, the current holders names were called. With a choice of West Wind, Snooker Table, Farmers and Number 5, Matt and Mike had little choice but to take the one peg left on the Wood Bank and lugged their geardown to their chosen peg - slowly.
Friday evening, as is normally the case with matches at Langholme, was totally fishless. With so many lines in the lake (44 in total) the fish hurriedly moved into their 'safe' position at the back of the Island peg and stayed there, taunting everyone as they lept and splashed about, just out of range. They were tantilisingly close to Shane and Andy who had bagged the Island peg. If they could get fish through the islands they were surefire winners - but Langholme carp are smarter than that and held beck just enough to cause massive frustration.
Saturday morning came and went but still there were no fish on the bank. Saturday afternoon was much the same and, as the teams wound in for the 'Social', anglers wondered if anything would be caught at all. Indeed, there was talk about 'what if...' and refunds, and roll overs during the barbeque. Just a word on the barbeque - I think we've cracked it! Historically, we have used an old barrel, split in half and crammed with white hot coals to cook our food on. Well, if the chefs could get to it, that was. The heat was often so fierce that, even at arms length, the chefs took their lives in their own hands. Not any more. Oh no. Mick Pease has put a stop to that by providing us with a wonderful gas barbeque which, and I speak from experience here, makes life so much easier. Mick even donned the chef's hat and treated us all to a proper slap up meal which was perfectly cooked and very tasty! Cheers, Mick!
So, with full beliies and beers in hand, the anglers returned to their pegs for a second evening. As darkness grew the first of the bites came and the shrill sound of a screaming Delkim was heard across the lake. Mike was in! Never has a fish been so carefully landed, never has a fish been given so much line, never has a fish meant so much. Banked and weighed at a shockingly low 11lb 04oz, the little common was kissed, hugged and carefully placed back in the water.
Sunday morning was almost as quiet as the rest of the weekend for all but Elton who, again, and for the second year in a row, landed a 10lb 06oz common to claim second place. Time ran out and with only 2 fish caught all weekend, Mike and Matt claimed the Midsummer Madness title for the second year in a row - a hat-trick for the latter.
Winners - Matt K & Mike W (11lb 04oz common)
Runners up - Elton & Steve (10lb 06oz common)
Need more info?
If our website leaves you with any questions, please feel free to contact Shane Thompson, Head Bailiff, on 07967 678938 or Steve Hall (Deputy Head Bailiff) on 07967 283033.
All enquiries for membership should be forwarded to the Carp Society - telephone 01367 253959 or alternatively please contact the Carp Society directly via email by using the link at the foot of the page.