First of our two trips to Kingsland Reservoir and a rearranged date see’s us on the Small Carp Lake. This visit followed the second major heatwave of the year where the temperatures during the week were mid to high thirties. A slightly cooler start to the day met the seven anglers with a much needed westerly breeze picking up.
First chance for most of us to meet the new owners Richard and Heidi. A wonderful warm welcome and great to hear about their plans for the future. But most of all, really exciting to see the maintenance that had been done to the pegs and the nice new landing nets. The club agreed with them to follow a World Cup “hydration break” format. Half way through the match we did a weigh in and released the fish back so as not to cause too much stress in the warmer conditions.
Today anglers would be competing for the Exeter Cup with current 2025-26 winner Jason Chatham looking to retain his title. This trophy was donated by the Marquess of Exeter (Burghley House) whose daughter is Lady Victoria Leatham and is the club’s patron.
Also, Round 2 of the Fenland Cup series and current leader Dave Preston looking to extend his first round points lead.
Setting a personal best match weight and breaking the club match record, as well as one of the seasons best recorded weights at Kingsland Small Lake was Dave Preston. Dave finished with 326lb 6oz from peg number 11. Fishing just his top sections in front using 6mm and 8mm hard pellets. Dave switched depths between 6″ and 12″.
Second place on the day just edging out 3 other anglers in the 130lb bracket was David Norville. Dave finished with 139lb 15 oz from peg number 13. Starting his day in the margins on worm but switching to top 2 shallow later on at around 18″ on 8mm hard pellets.
Full Result
1st Dave Preston 326 lbs 6 oz – Peg No. 11
2nd David Norville 139 lbs 15 oz – Peg No. 13
3rd Andy Wilson 135 lbs 13 oz – Peg No. 9
4th Jason Chatham 135 lbs 9 oz – Peg No. 15
5th Ray Torrington 134 lbs 5 oz – Peg No. 12
6th Harry Bearne 80 lbs 10 oz – Peg No. 14
7th Paul Sugarman 70 lbs 4 oz – Peg No. 10
