TOM EARLY’S Match Review
Our annual Christmas fly fishing competition at Bulldog Fisheries proved to be another memorable day, even if the fish didn’t quite follow the usual Bulldog script.
The morning session started slower than expected, but it didn’t take long for the excitement to kick in. Colin Combe was well and truly put through his paces when an impressive 8.09lb tiger trout took him on a wild ride—charging into the neighbouring swim, burying itself deep in the weed, before finally surrendering to the net. Colin quickly followed this with another quality brown trout, and at that stage his day was shaping up very nicely.
As the morning progressed, bites came steadily if not spectacularly. Pegs 2 and 3, positioned near the main water inlet, proved to be the most productive areas, with fish coming to the net at a consistent rate.
By lunchtime, rods were down and spirits were high. Nigel did a fantastic job in the kitchen, serving up a full turkey roast dinner, complete with Christmas pudding for dessert. A festive nip (or two) of whisky followed—carefully monitored in the hope that nobody took an unexpected swim!
After a hearty feed, the peg redraw saw anglers return to the water for the afternoon session. This proved to be a testing few hours. Persistence paid off for some though, with several cracking spartics landed. The standout of the afternoon was a 5.15lb spartic landed by father & son team Dave and Freddy Chapman!
Results
1st – Roy Pink: 5 fish – 16.13lb
2nd – Colin Combe: 3 fish – 16.02lb
3rd – Dave & Freddy Chapman: 13.01lb
Biggest Fish of the Day – Colin Combe: 8.09lb Tiger Trout
While the fish weren’t quite on form by usual Bulldog competition standards, plenty of fin-perfect trout were landed throughout the day, even the smaller rainbows gave a good account for themselves! This combined with excellent food, festive cheer, and great company, all added up to a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas competition.
A huge thank you to everyone involved, and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 
