Clean Sweep For Roger at Heacham

It was a welcome return to Heacham for this second match of the winter league, last fished October 2020. Not only were we joined by both Ian, Luke and Jamie Childerhouse we also had the pleasure of a return of Joey Childerhouse and Jackson Sennett (Luke’s step son). Looks like we need to set up a Junior League. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Olivia Ford again soon. As it was a Childerhouse family gathering, Dad decided that Luke & Jamie should peg out the beach – thanks boys. So, with 16 adults and two Juniors we all met at Heacham’s South beach car park and waiting for the tide to come in (HT 21:05) it was a slow walk to the beach with a kick off planned for 7:00pm. It’s amazing how quickly the tide comes in. Would we find a few bass, and flounders?

As we set on the beach it felt strange to pitch up so far up the sand/shingle but seasoned hands said it was a 7 metre tide and not to worry we would have enough water. What was noticeable across the mud flats was the amount of weed on the tide line. With hope everyone set up as the water started to rise, there must be a few flounder? Great to see the array of beach buddies anticipating the planned showers – better to be prepared. Chicks new beach buddy seems to have landed from another planet.

As dusk arrived Roger picked up a flounder, then we started to see a few eels appearing on the end of traces. It became an “eel fest”, just a reminder if under 45cm then 25 weight points awarded, and if over 45cm then 45 weight points, just for the record.

How were the Junior Childerhouses doing, I hear you ask, well looking at the scoreboard young Jackson was picking up a few eels along with Luke, and Joey, our 2021/2022 one to watch out for, also picked up an eel. So, both Juniors were on the card, and actually out performing a few of the grown-ups.

In the meantime, Roger was continuing to pick up a few more eels, and a 47cm bass. At the other end of the beach Luke was also pulling in the eels. As the end of the match was called Chris pulled in another 47cm bass. In total of 31 fish caught, 27 eels, three bass and one flounder.

Congratulations to Roger on achieving a clean sweep and conquering weed (see results below), and well done Joey & Jackson, must have been all the coaching from senior Childerhouses. As NAC we’ll keep a tab on our new Junior members and set up a mini league so they can claim match points.

See Pond Pete’s latest instalment on Facebook where Roger gives a masterclass on bait and traces – maybe we’ll all learn something.

Match Result

Roger Cunnington Peg 14 5 fish 227 weight points (4lb 12oz)

Luke Childerhouse Peg 3 6 fish 190 weight points (3lbs 15oz)

John Spalton Peg 17 5 fish 145 weight points (3lbs)

Match average 31/18 = 1.72 per angler (includes Junior fish totals)

Biggest round fish – 47 cm Bass Roger Cunnington / Chris Gates

Biggest flatfish – 29 cm Flounder Roger Cunnington

Lucky peg Peg 1 Chris Gates