Float Fish Farm 2 Islands Junior Match 19th Aug 24

🎣 Ella’s Match Report – August 19, 2024
📍 Float Fish Farm & Fishery, Peterborough – Peg 8, 2 Islands Lake
🏆 Section 1 Winner – 97lb 4oz

What. A. Day! This was hands-down my best fishing result ever, and it all happened at one of my favourite places – Float Fish Farm. I drew Peg 8 on 2 Islands Lake, and after a slow start, things really came alive… I ended the day with a massive 97lb 4oz, winning Section 1!

🌤️ The weather was warm and sunny, but it got pretty windy at times, which made presentation a challenge, especially when casting into the crosswinds. Early on, the fish weren’t having any of it, and I had to stay patient. But after midday, the lake switched on – and so did the fish!

🎯 The bomb rod was doing most of the work all day. I was fishing with an 8mm hard pellet, paired with a small method feeder and occasionally switching over to a straight bomb with a short hooklength. The fish were responding better when I kept things tight and accurate – regular casting and feeding small amounts helped keep them in the swim. I was casting at around 25-30 metres, tight to a feature I’d found early on.

💥 The bites came in waves. Sometimes I’d have a quick run of three or four fish in a row, then it would go quiet. I realised later that if I’d been feeding more consistently, I could have kept them in the area longer and maybe even pushed my weight over the 100lb mark!

🎣 I also tried the pellet waggler at 10 metres, fishing around 2ft deep, which brought some bonus fish, but it was really the bomb rod that did the damage. That rod was bending all day… and so was my arm by the end of it – I was absolutely aching! 😂

😬 One thing I’d definitely change if I could go back: I would’ve changed my mainline the night before! I had loads of problems with it during the match – tangles, wear, a few hook pulls… maybe it was just overstretched from the amount of fish I was hooking, but lesson learned! Always go in with fresh gear when you’re chasing big weights.

📦 With my prize money, I treated myself to a brand new keepnet – because I’m coming back for that 100lb+ weight next time and want to be ready!

Huge thank you to Chris, Jamie, and Ben for their support and encouragement – they always look after me at Float Fish Farm and make it feel like home. ❤️

👏 Big well done to all the Juniors who fished – there were some top performances all around. Can’t wait to see you all again at the next match!

🎣 Tight lines,
– Ella