Creech Canal Match
The juniors will be fishing along the Creech stretch of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, a scenic and well-stocked section that offers plenty of bites and va...
Match details
The juniors will be fishing along the Creech stretch of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, a scenic and well-stocked section that offers plenty of bites and variety. This stretch is perfect for whip and short pole fishing, with roach, rudd, perch and small skimmers making up the bulk of catches. On the right day, there’s also the chance of a bonus tench or bream.
The match length will be pegged along the towpath, with safe access points marked out for juniors and parents. All pegs have been chosen for their suitability for young anglers, with safety and fairness in mind. The towpath remains open to the public, so participants will be reminded to keep tackle clear of cyclists and walkers.
This is a fun, friendly event designed to encourage juniors to enjoy canal fishing, learn match skills, and experience the excitement of weighing in their catch at the end.
Sponsors
Junior Results
| Place | Peg | Angler | Weight | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | Jaxon Rogers | 0 lb 0 oz | 0.00 |
| — | — | Jack Hartley | 0 lb 0 oz | 1.00 |
| — | — | Zephyr Setter | 0 lb 0 oz | 1.00 |
| 1 | — | Barnaby Hilton-Mee | 2 lb 9 oz | 20.00 |
| 1 | — | Ava Crandon | 4 lb 7 oz | 20.00 |
| 2 | — | Samuel Evans | 1 lb 2 oz | 19.00 |
| 2 | — | Ryan anderton | 2 lb 6 oz | 19.00 |
| 3 | — | Harry Clark | 0 lb 11 oz | 18.00 |
| 3 | — | Olly mullins | 0 lb 11 oz | 18.00 |
| 3 | — | Charlie Anslow-Boyd | 0 lb 14 oz | 18.00 |
| 4 | — | Freddie Canvin | 0 lb 12 oz | 17.00 |
| 5 | — | Maddison Hall | 0 lb 9 oz | 16.00 |
| 5 | — | Archie Canvin | 0 lb 2 oz | 15.00 |
| 6 | — | Frankie Link | 0 lb 5 oz | 15.00 |
| 7 | — | Thomas Clark | 0 lb 3 oz | 14.00 |
| 7 | — | George Bond | 0 lb 3 oz | 14.00 |
Venue & tackle
The Creech stretch of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal offers a beautiful and peaceful location for anglers of all abilities. Nestled between Taunton and Bridgwater, the canal here runs through the heart of the Somerset Levels, with open countryside, reed-fringed margins, and an abundance of wildlife all around. It’s a classic canal fishery that combines traditional angling heritage with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favourite with both pleasure anglers and those looking for a competitive edge.
The canal at Creech is renowned for its variety of species and the quality of fishing on offer. Silverfish dominate catches throughout the year, with healthy stocks of bleak, roach, rudd, skimmers, and perch providing consistent sport. On the right day, nets of silverfish well into double figures are achievable, and it’s a brilliant venue for juniors, beginners, or anyone looking to enjoy plenty of bites. The perch in this stretch can reach specimen sizes, with fish over 2lb regularly reported, and occasional larger specimens lurking beneath overhanging trees or near moored boats.
In addition to the silvers, the Creech stretch also holds some excellent bream shoals, offering exciting prospects for those prepared to fish the longer pole line or feeder towards the boat channel. Tench are also present in good numbers and add variety, especially in the warmer months when they feed confidently in the margins. For the more specimen-minded angler, the canal is home to carp that run into double figures, often patrolling reed beds or snaggy areas. These carp provide a different challenge compared to stillwater venues, rewarding patient and skilful anglers with powerful, hard-fought battles in the towpath’s narrow confines.
Access is straightforward, with several entry points along the towpath at Creech St Michael, making it easy for anglers to find a comfortable swim. The towpath itself is generally well-maintained, providing safe footing for trolleys and tackle, though care should be taken in wetter months when it can become slippery. Parking is available nearby, and the location is easily reached from both Bridgwater and Taunton, making it a convenient venue for local anglers and those travelling from further afield.
The canal environment itself is as much a part of the experience as the fishing. Kingfishers flash along the water, dragonflies hover above lily pads, and you’ll often spot herons stalking the shallows. It’s a tranquil setting that appeals to anyone looking to combine their fishing with time spent outdoors in nature. For families and juniors, it provides a safe, calm, and welcoming place to learn angling skills and enjoy a day together on the bank.
The Creech stretch is regularly used for club matches and coaching events, with the even depth and fair pegs lending themselves to competitive fishing. The canal responds well to classic tactics such as pole with maggot, caster, or worm, waggler fishing close to features, or the feeder across to the far shelf. For those who enjoy lure fishing, perch and jack pike provide year-round sport on small soft plastics, spinners, and crankbaits.
Whether you’re after a few hours of relaxed float fishing, a full day chasing bigger bream and carp, or a friendly club match, Creech offers something for everyone. Its blend of accessibility, species variety, and natural beauty makes it one of the most appealing stretches of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, and a place you’ll want to return to time and again.
Recommended Tackle for Juniors at Creech
Whips
- Length: 3m–5m whips are ideal. They’re light, easy to handle, and perfect for juniors to learn with.
- Elastic: Not needed for small silverfish. If targeting slightly bigger fish (perch, skimmers), a short section of light elastic can be fitted.
Short Poles
- Length: 6m–8m is more than enough for juniors. This gives access to the boat channel while still being manageable.
- Elastic: Light hollow or solid elastic (4–6 rating) covers roach, rudd, perch, and skimmers.
Rigs
- Ready-tied pole rigs are ideal to save time. Choose ones with:
- Line: 0.10–0.12mm main line with 0.08–0.10mm hooklengths.
- Hooks: Size 18–20 barbless for maggots.
- Floats: Slim canal-style floats (0.3–0.5g) that hold steady in tow.
Bait
- Maggots (red/white): The go-to bait — easy to hook and catches everything.
- Pinkies: A smaller option if the fish are shy.
- Worms: Small pieces of worm can tempt bigger perch.
- A few casters or sweetcorn can be taken as “bonus baits,” but maggots will keep the bites coming all day.
Feeding
- Simple groundbait mix or just loose maggots thrown in by hand.
- Encourage little and often feeding — a pinch every few minutes is perfect.
Must-Haves for Juniors
- Landing net: Even small fish should be landed safely.
- Disgorger: Essential for unhooking small fish.
- Keepnet: For weighing in at the end of the match.
- Towel & bait boxes: To keep hands clean and organised.
Register
Saturday, 27 Sep 2025 · 14 swims available
Pick participants, then press Register.