Tuesday, 22 March 2016

22nd March 2016 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Column

22nd March 2016 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

Trevor Poole got his last fix of river fishing when on the very last day of the coarse fishing season he ventured out on the bank for a session on the Mersey, sadly, due to the ridiculous outdated enforced closure it will be another ninety days before his next trip! Fishing the stick float and maggot it was agonisingly slow at first but thankfully the fish came on the feed in the last hour and he ended up with a nice catch of roach and hybrids.

I would remind members whether they agree with the river coarse fish season or not that it is the law and we should keep a keen eye out for poachers as this is the time when bona fide anglers are absent from the bank that the poacher scum venture out to steal fish. All sightings of coarse anglers on rivers should be reported immediately to the Environment Agency 24 hour emergency Freephone number (landlines) 0800 807060.

 Mike Dench was out on the Ribble over a week since and blanked, but he was fishing for game fish that are becoming increasing scarce. Having whipped the water to a foam casting his fly to no avail, he changed his tack this week for a spot of coarse fishing on Statham Pool. Results couldn't have been more different as new committee member Mike first fishing a pellet feeder caught half a dozen decent sized bream to 5lbs, then changing to waggler tactics and double maggot he lost count of the numbers of roach and skimmers plus a couple of bonus carp that took some time to land on his 2.5BS hook-length. The smallest was 4lbs but was dwarfed by a 14lbs mirror. Happy days.

Returning from a meeting last week I always look for anglers whenever I cross the Bridgewater and spotted two from the motorway at Preston Brook. I was soon chatting to them after checking they were members and was shown a cracking photo of a pike David Shaw had caught in January from the same area. His legered sardine resulted in the magnificent specimen that weighed 20-2-0 plus smaller fish. Always be prepared to be pleasantly surprised on the Bridgewater or in fact any of our canals which when all said and done they are massive fisheries in area terms.

I gave new member Paul Barraclough some information on our 'small' lake at Sandiway a fortnight ago but he changed his plan and opted for Woodshaw Reservoir instead.  Fishing was slow at first but along with his three companions they stuck at it and all four of them caught small roach and perch with 25 fish the best total. They were impressed with the water and the friendliness of the bailiffs (all our bailiffs are friendly) who spent time giving them tips on the fishery.

Bites were scarce on our Disabled & Over 60's match on Monday at Grappenhall trees which was dominated by larger fish. Winner George Hollis had a bonus 3lbs bream amongst his catch of small roach for a total weight of 4-3-12. Similarly the runner-up Trevor Bainbridge was more than thankful and breathed a sigh of relief when he netted a 2lbs bream that boosted his catch to 3-0-8. Please note there is no match on Easter Monday and the following week it will be drawn at 10am at Cliffe Lane boats.

Our headquarters at 52, Parker Street are open as usual every Friday between 7 & 9pm for new members, subscription and night permit renewals, and any queries. Your catch reports are always welcome, email me details to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or ring me on 01928 716238.

Frank Lythgoe

Results:

Disabled & Over 60's (Bridgewater Canal – Houghs Bridge)

1)      George Hollis            4-12-0

2)      Trevor Bainbridge     3-0-8

3)      George Barber           1-9-0

4)      Barry Chambers        0-14-0

 

Coming Events:

MONDAY:

Disabled & Over 60's  NO MATCH EASTER MONDAY