After the four rules were explained, the anglers waiting to draw lots started discussing quietly among themselves.
These rules, 15 years later, were almost basic rules that didn't need to be emphasized in any fishing ground.
But at this time in 2012, they were very forward-thinking.
From this, it can also be seen that the owner, Meng Xiangqiu, had done his homework quite thoroughly before opening his business.
Some people who paid to fish were quite averse to being managed, disallowing this and that, which dampened their spirits somewhat, so many were whispering complaints.
However, despite the murmurs, no one withdrew their fishing fees.
Meng Xiangqiu waited for about thirty seconds without anyone raising their hand to exit, so he continued, "Alright, since no one is leaving for now, I'll assume everyone accepts the operating rules of our fishing ground!
From the start of drawing lots, everyone is treated equally. If anyone violates the rules, they will receive a warning once. If the reminder is ineffective, they will be forced to leave!
Now, let's begin the verification of the lots!
There are a total of thirty-six fishing spots, thirty-six ping pong balls, numbers 1-18 on the south bank, and 19-36 on the north bank!
The spot numbers are sprayed on the stone slabs with self-spraying paint. Sit accordingly. There will be a verification and inspection after the start!"
Meng Xiangqiu showed everyone the thirty-six ping pong balls on an egg tray, six horizontally and six vertically, totaling exactly 36. After the verification was completed, all the balls were placed in a sealed box.
"Verification completed, draw lots according to the registration order, first, Wang Dalei!"
"Here!"
"Shen Qiang"
"Coming!"
...
According to the registration list, each name was called, and they reached into the box to take out a ball and publicly record the number. The design of the lot-drawing process was quite excellent.
Soon, the earlier registrants had finished drawing, and it was Zhang Yang's group's turn.
"Mingyang Tackle Team of seven!"
Zhang Yang called out, "Here! I'll go last, you guys go first!"
His declaration made everyone laugh, and none of his friends stood on ceremony as they quickly drew lots and recorded their names and numbers!
The seven quickly had their turn, and Zhang Yang casually grabbed a ball from the box.
Number 12
It wasn't near the oxygenator in the center, nor on the outer edge. It was two fishing spots west from the oxygenator on the south bank.
It wasn't the best spot, but it was above average, and Zhang Yang was quite content.
Today, thirty-two people signed up in total. Once all lots were drawn, Meng Xiangqiu unlocked the small gate, allowing the anglers in!
Zhang Yang, carrying his fishing box and rod bag, and with prepared bait in hand, joined the ranks of anglers entering in an orderly line.
It must be said, Meng Xiangqiu had tidied the fishing ground very neatly; although not paved, the ground was compacted, and covered with a layer of pebbles.
Each fishing spot had a prefabricated concrete slab, and non-woven fabric was laid under the edge to avoid getting muddy during rain or overcast days, keeping it as clean and sanitary as possible.
They had barely entered when people across the bank began breaking the rules by casting baits early.
At the Oil House Fishing Ground, such a thing was not a big deal, and Diao Changhe never bothered with it.
However, Meng Xiangqiu was not inclined to tolerate it at all.
"Zhuang Ziqiang at number 25, one warning! Liu Fei at number 30, one warning!
You are all respectable people, play if you want, if not, I'll refund your fishing fee, pack up and leave, our fishing ground does not welcome rule-breakers."
Meng Xiangqiu did not hold back, directly calling out names according to the lot-drawing chart.
This made no one dare to misbehave.
Everyone is an adult, sneaking in some advantage might be acceptable, but being called out by name would be a big embarrassment.
In an instant, the initial chaos before fishing started was calmed with that shout.
Zhang Yang sat down at fishing spot number 12, glanced around, and was immediately relieved to see no familiar faces.
During the preparation time, he adjusted his bobber, fixed the lead weight, and measured the water depth around his fishing spot.
Through the depth measurement, Zhang Yang found the bottom of the fishing ground was quite level, with a fluctuation of less than one degree in the bobber readings in a one-and-a-half-meter radius in front of him.
He could confirm the pit bottom was leveled, which reassured him even more.
In this artificially dug fishing ground, the biggest fear is uneven ground with bumps or depressions, affecting fish activity and gathering at the bottom, causing either fish congestion or a lack thereof, leading to uneven fishing.
Now that the pond bottom is even, bait spots can be placed freely without deliberately adjusting or choosing.
After establishing the bottom, Zhang Yang's preparations were basically complete. He bent down, taking a basin of water behind him with the bait bowl, ready to start fishing as soon as the time came.
At this moment, the angler at spot number 11 on his right turned to Zhang Yang, "Hey, buddy, what's your name? You look unfamiliar!"
Zhang Yang didn't know the other person either, but encountering unfamiliar anglers at a fishing ground was normal. Zhang Yang looked up and smiled slightly, "Hello, I'm Zhang Yang! I live in the neighboring village. What's your name?"
"Oh, a local! No wonder. I'm Han Qiang from Anfang District! Came here with friends to have fun!"
Anfang District is not close by, located in the southwestern corner of W City, almost near the neighboring city. It takes about 40 kilometers to drive, no wonder Zhang Yang had never met him before.
"Oh! You came all the way here to fish, about forty kilometers?"
"It's exactly forty-seven kilometers! Can't help it, just love this game!
A half-ton of fish, the Xiaoguanzhuang Reservoir Fishing Ground we usually play at only releases two to three hundred pounds once a week, it's not satisfying enough!"
This Han Qiang was quite talkative, about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, not very old, but from his skin, it was clear he was a seasoned angler, tanned dark. The imprint of his glasses' legs was clearly visible.
"We came here after seeing the news, having played at the Oil House Fishing Ground before!"
"Oil House Fishing Ground? Where is it? Never heard of it, is it far? What day do they release fish? How much each time?"
Hearing Zhang Yang mention the Oil House Fishing Ground, Han Qiang got a bit excited, eagerly asking for more information.
"Not far, about ten kilometers from here, at the southeast corner of Oil Workshop Village, releasing eight hundred pounds at a time, 120 yuan fishing fee, fish released on Wednesdays and Saturdays!"
"Thanks! Finally, a place to play, I'll check it out!"
Han Qiang took out his phone and recorded the information, clearly very keen.
Seeing Han Qiang's actions, Zhang Yang couldn't help but smile.
Those who don't fish might not understand this kind of obsession with gathering fishing ground intel, but Zhang Yang could relate.
In a past life, Zhang Yang had a similar phase of craziness, asking around everywhere for good fishing spots, in QQ groups, local fishing forums, etc.
Traveling fifty kilometers on a motorcycle just to fish, catching three fish overnight and still feeling thrilled, continuing to work the next day with dark circles under the eyes, never tiring.
Seeing Han Qiang now, Zhang Yang felt like he was seeing his past self.
...
They chatted a bit more, and at seven o'clock sharp, the official start of fishing commenced!