Phil Cochrane 2 weeks on Mallard July 23
Phil Cochrane finally finished his 2 week stint on Mallard Lake telling us
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen
Friday morning and trying to get a couple more cats before the competition 
. 09:30 and the right rod springs into action and I’m into cat number 28
just as Andy Jenkins was walking by it wasn’t a big cat but he helped land weigh 33lb and photographs before carrying on his merry way
. A couple of hours later at 11:30 the right rod again called fish on and I’m into cat number 29 this was a little bit bigger and put up a a bit more resistance but was soon resting in the net. Photographed and weighed 44lb4oz.
. 09:30 and the right rod springs into action and I’m into cat number 28 just as Andy Jenkins was walking by it wasn’t a big cat but he helped land weigh 33lb and photographs before carrying on his merry way. A couple of hours later at 11:30 the right rod again called fish on and I’m into cat number 29 this was a little bit bigger and put up a a bit more resistance but was soon resting in the net. Photographed and weighed 44lb4oz.Lunchtime bite time approaching could I get to 30 cats before 15:00 
sadly not and my session was over 
.
sadly not and my session was over .I’m in the competition so till got 48hrs fishing but from what swim is the big question . It’s all down to the lauck or bad luck of the draw. With the weather going from bad to worse with 50mph winds and torrential rain coming from the south west ideally want to be on the opposite side of the lake. The draw done and I’m in swim 17 which means the weather will be coming from behind me . Just a small matter of moving swims before the rain 
. Well didn’t quite make as I got soaked . All set up and waiting for the start as the rain and wind we’re getting stronger by the minute 
.
. It’s all down to the lauck or bad luck of the draw. With the weather going from bad to worse with 50mph winds and torrential rain coming from the south west ideally want to be on the opposite side of the lake. The draw done and I’m in swim 17 which means the weather will be coming from behind me . Just a small matter of moving swims before the rain . Well didn’t quite make as I got soaked . All set up and waiting for the start as the rain and wind we’re getting stronger by the minute .Friday night and apart from having to witness two fish for Glyn Jones swim 19 the second being 77lb12oz nothing for me.
Saturday and the weather was deteriorating not very pleasant for swims 1,2,3,7 & 10 . There were the occasional fish coming out . It wasn’t until 19:00 and it was my turn to have some fun as my right rod was away and I’m in not a massive cat but a blank saver .photographed and witnessed by Tim in swim 16 38lb8oz it’s a start.
not very pleasant for swims 1,2,3,7 & 10 . There were the occasional fish coming out . It wasn’t until 19:00 and it was my turn to have some fun as my right rod was away and I’m in not a massive cat but a blank saver .photographed and witnessed by Tim in swim 16 38lb8oz it’s a start.Sunday 03:00 and the right rod woke me and I’m into cat number 31 my second cat of the competition . This one didn’t feel to big at first but it soon woke up and made a strong powerful run towards the boathouse 
as it turned it headed towards the reeds in swim 18 at which time I’ve got to move my left rod out the way and my rod pod so I can play the cat and not get wiped out. It tried going under the tree to my left and into the snags it was putting up one hell of a fight and now I’ve got to net it . I with it being shallow water 1 foot in front of me I could only just get it’s head and belly in the tail just didn’t want to follow . So I placed my rod down “bait runner on” grabbed the net and with my right hand started to hand ball it in the net nearly going in headfirst myself . Job done this better be worth the struggle . So I got everything ready to photograph and weigh and woke Tim to witness the fish. On trying to get the fish out it almost broke my wrist and pull me in again . Successfully out and in the sling she weighed 77lb12oz. Which tied with Glyn’s cat for biggest cat . There was no further action for me unfortunately but I did get a prize for equal biggest cat .
. This one didn’t feel to big at first but it soon woke up and made a strong powerful run towards the boathouse as it turned it headed towards the reeds in swim 18 at which time I’ve got to move my left rod out the way and my rod pod so I can play the cat and not get wiped out. It tried going under the tree to my left and into the snags it was putting up one hell of a fight and now I’ve got to net it . I with it being shallow water 1 foot in front of me I could only just get it’s head and belly in the tail just didn’t want to follow . So I placed my rod down “bait runner on” grabbed the net and with my right hand started to hand ball it in the net nearly going in headfirst myself . Job done this better be worth the struggle . So I got everything ready to photograph and weigh and woke Tim to witness the fish. On trying to get the fish out it almost broke my wrist and pull me in again . Successfully out and in the sling she weighed 77lb12oz. Which tied with Glyn’s cat for biggest cat . There was no further action for me unfortunately but I did get a prize for equal biggest cat .Including the competition I had 31 cats all caught using Catfish Bait UK Mack Attack pellets and pop ups. And one scaley thing .
.3×20 6×30 4×40 10×50 4×60 4×70 and 23lb linear scaley .
.I’ve had a great couple of weeks on the bank and would like to thank everyone that assisted me over that time. Thanks guys you know who you are
Thanks to Mo,Paula,Stu,Andy,Mike,Harry Pratt for making Wintons Fishery a great place to fish. I will be back .
. I will be back .Untill the next time tight lines stay safe.
Phil “the beard “
