The ‘Pleasure Buffet’ Open Match was held last Thursday 30 October 2003 when history was made on the Top Pond of Magiscroft Coarse Fishery when the first ever winner of a Scottish floodlit coarse fishing match was Dougie Wallace.
Paul Vernel had the same number of fish but Dougie’s 7 carp were bigger.
Though the night was cold the atmosphere was warm and all enjoyed the banter not to mention Frieda’s cooking before, during and after. Hot soup at their pegs kept fingers from freezing over!
1st Dougie Wallace 3lb 7oz
2nd Paul Vernel 2lb 3oz
3rd Chris Hughes 1lb 14oz
A Magiscroft spokesman said:”In a unique development for Scottish coarse anglers, the Top Pond has been fitted with a special set of six floodlights that enable our customers to enjoy catching fish into the dark hours. In this way you can choose to carry on catching for longer than usual … or even nip out to Magiscroft on a mild winter evening for a few hours ‘night fishing’!
“The lights enable everyone to see well and fish comfortably without the need for starlights. You can see a small float clearly right over to the island and there is plenty of light to do everything you need with your tackle including tying knots.
“The fish usually continue to bite through the night and people have carried on catching past 9pm already.
“It depends on just how cold it gets! WARNING : catching carp this way at night can be addictive and anglers have had to be dragged away!
“There’s no need to book or make special arrangements, just ask at the shop and we will switch enough lights on for you.”
