IT WAS a memorable afternoon for Steve Bellion at Alvechurch Fisheries as he claimed the biggest weight recorded at the new Canal Lake.
Strong winds which swept across the lake last Saturday threatened to spoil the competition which saw a record breaking turnout of 26 anglers.
But Bellion (peg 20) used the shelter to his advantage as he secured victory with 130lbs 6oz. This impressive weight came after fishing pole and banded pellet up to the island over constant 4ml feed to weigh three nets of stockies up to 3lbs small carp and silvers.
Off the next peg, Graham Upton also produced a strong performance to finish second as he fished pole and pellet at five metres and switching to long pole in the latter half for a similar weight of stockies and silvers for 91lbs 5oz.
Another to benefit from the sheltered canal side was James Turner (peg 16) who fished pole and pellet at five metres for stockies to weigh 77lbs 12oz and claim third place.
Glen Maxwell (peg 22) finished just outside the top three with 70lbs 4oz, while Darren Beech (peg 23) initially started short before switching to long pole and pellet for his weight of stockies and silvers 66lbs 1oz.
Ron Taylor battled through some of the worst conditions from peg ten, but he still landed a place in the top six after fishing tip and method feeder alternating pole and pellet in front for 64lbs 13oz.
