The Windmill Angling Club Trophy – July 2025

Pictured from left to right: Bob Hallworth and the lady that beat all the men, Sandra Carter.

“A bad day’s fishing is still better than a good day’s work…”

Eleven hopeful anglers arrived at Hunters Pool full of anticipation – although some may now claim it was more like blind optimism. The forecast teased us with light rain, which politely held off long enough for the draw, allowing everyone to get set up in the dry. Spirits were high. Hopes were even higher. But Hunters had other ideas.

Following a slow-motion draw thanks to the club’s new high-tech peg-number generator (Andy’s phone, which displayed almost every peg not in the match), we finally got underway. Sadly, the fish didn’t get the memo. It was one of those classic Hunters days: no carp in the net (two were hooked on peg 2, one under the bush that pulled the hook on its way to the small pool and the other which kindly came out of pads nicely and then decided to spit the hook out too). Bites were rarer than a free pint from Boycey, and more blanking than a pub quiz team at a maths convention.

Three anglers deserve a mention (and possibly a medal) for enduring the entire match without a single bite. Yes – not a bite. Not even a liner. Not even a twitch. A masterclass in stoicism.

Nick, in true “go big or go home” fashion, decided to fish for the elusive carp. It was, as he later reflected, a “shit or bust” strategy. It went bust.

Elsewhere, one angler (who shall remain nameless for the sake of dignity – OK, it was Pete Boyce) drew their favourite peg yet again, bravely shunned the pole, went ‘all-in’ on feeder… and was duly rewarded with 3 hours of almost nothing. Two Ide on the float early doors looked promising. They lied.

Mark entertained the bank with a full demonstration of snag removal techniques. There were more hook-ups in the bushes than in a Love Island villa. Rare to see him struggle – which, naturally, lifted the mood of everyone else who usually does.

Sandra, the sole female angler and early arrival, showed the lads how it’s done. Prime parking spot. Sorted and ready in minutes. Then quietly went about catching 9lb 10oz of proper fish to walk off with the match win from Peg 12. Fair play – class performance.

Bob and Mark completed the podium in second and third, respectively, with some tidy silverfish weights. The rest of us limped in behind like a defeated pub darts team.

There was also a lively underground bait trade pre-match – castors fetching premium prices after the early-week bait shortages. Rumours of profiteering may have been exaggerated. Or not.

Some thought the lack of fish was down to the air pressure drop. Others blamed the temperature drop. Or the fact that there were anglers round the full pool. Or maybe Hunters is just being Hunters. Either way, the carp were definitely present – they just weren’t playing fair.

The video below shows Nick Hunt, an exceedingly good sport, receiving his just rewards!

So, the final results were…

As for Andy’s new bait experiment? Let’s just say: don’t give up the day job. And yes, Andy – you do owe someone a pint.

Tough day. Tough venue. Still better than work.