The scene was set for the final South West Lakes Trust Mainline Baits pairs competition for the year. The sold out competition has become a popular event in the calendars of many local anglers as well as anglers from afar. The anglers walked around the lake before the draw but were keeping quiet as to where they had seen fish on their journey and where their preferred areas were. 

Soon the draw was done, everyone got a Mainline baits goody bag and then settled into their pegs. The horn sounded at 2pm and started the competition. The marshals didn’t have to wait long to weigh the first fish as Simon Newby and Greg Cole from Peg 9, in just a couple hours landed the first fish with a stunning 19lb 10oz common from down the Bradworthy arm.

Simon and Greg with 19lb 10oz common

More fish were landed during the afternoon and throughout the night, and in the morning Chris Budd and Chris Wadge, who were first time entrants to the competition were in first place; Simon Newby and Greg Cole were in second and two of the most consistent anglers we have on the competitions, Nige Woods and Rich Ford, were in third. 

On the second day things started to heat up as more fish were getting landed, as other parts of the lake started to produce fish. Rich Harman and Richie Eaton started to pick up fish in West bay point; it soon became clear most of the fish were hanging around the bottom half of the lake.  The lead changed numerous times with Stefan in peg 30, Chris and Chris in peg 27, Mike toms and Aaron Rundle in peg 34. Nick Harvey and Stuart Rann in peg 31 and Rich Harman and Richie Eaton in peg 28 battling it out for the top spot, with just 11lb separating first to seventh. But going into the final night Stefan in peg 30 was in the lead. 

Nick Harvey and Stuart Rann in peg 31 with a double figure common.

The final morning was upon us and during the night the Devon bank swims in the main bowl had a busy night with pegs 2,3 and 6 all landing fish. There was only 9lb separating first and sixth. But one pair had an awesome mornings fishing landing a 20lb mirror and then with twenty minutes to go landed a 18lb 3oz common. The pressure was on while they were playing the fish as an audience gathered to witness the capture. These fish shot Aaron and Mike in peg 34 into first place and as the horn sounded to end the competition for them realisation sank in that they had won the £2000 first prize and the celebrations started.

The final results were:

1^st Mike Toms and Aaron Rundle with 52lb 11oz. They take home the £2000 first prize. 

2^nd Stefan Dziadulewicz in peg 30 with 40lb 04oz. He takes £1000 prize money for his efforts.

3^rd Rich Harman and Richie Eaton in peg 28 with 38lb 13oz to bag the £500 prize.

Section winners were:

Section 1 - Nige Woods and Rich Ford

Section 2 - Matt Pepperell and Chris Hudson

Section 3-  Chis Budd and Chris Wadge

Section 4 - Nick Harvey and Stuart Rann

Mike Toms and Aaron Rundle in peg 34 with a 20lb 1oz mirror.

A massive thank you to the marshals that have helped on all the competitions in 2023: without you we couldn’t do it. Also a big thank you to John Kneebone and Mainline baits for sponsoring the competition. 

The three events in 2023 were fantastic and we are please to be doing them again in 2024. The tickets for the 2024 competitions are on sale now, please book online on our website at https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/mainline-baits-carp-open-pairs-competitions

We look forward to seeing you in March for the first competition of 2024.