Steve Brindley (far right) alongside the two other qualifiers – Dave Wood and Adam Jones
Last Saturday, at the first time of asking once again, reigning Golden Rod Champion and Maver man Steve Brindley aims to maintain a firm grip on his title, after winning his zone on the Golden Rod qualifier held at Larford Lakes.
With plenty of cold rain entering the lakes the days prior to the match, and with minimal visible fish activity the morning of the competition, it was clear that a tough day would be on the cards.
Steve holding the trophy after securing the champion title last year!
Steve’s home for the day was Match Lake, competition peg 2 – equating to permanent peg 4.
Taking a simple approach to this rod-only match, he’s fished three lines – one short and one long straight in front of him, with an edge line in the hopes of snarling some of the larger residents.
Throughout the match, numerous carp came into the edges, but just like what most anglers also experienced that day, they proved to be difficult to catch. Deciding not to chase these awkward eaters, he’s stuck to his guns and continually picked fish off his long line, with a small 20g feeder and an expander on the hook doing the damage.
On the weigh scales, his perseverance paid off and Steve’s 67lb 11oz total was enough to win the zone and grant him that all-important qualification place.
Steve now goes on to fish the two-day final, held in late March 2024, where he’ll be hoping to secure back-to-back wins, lift that trophy once again, and bank that cool £10,000 cheque!