13th March, 2018 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

 

Yet again the dreaded 14th March heralds the last day of coarse fishing on our rivers and the start the following day of the outdated and ridiculous coarse fish close season on running water venues. For a period of ninety days until the 16th June coarse anglers are barred from enjoying their sport! How much longer have we got to put up with this nonsensical and scientifically unfounded imposition on anglers and the sport of angling. I would say to those Government Agencies that persist in supporting this ludicrous situation….PROVE IT IS A NECCESITY. Obviously, they should take into account that since the abolition of the similarly dated close season on still-waters and canals was abolished there have been no ill effects to fish or nature. 

There is however some good news about the 14th, that is the celebration of the 100th birthday of Warrington Anglers Vice President Fred Rose. On behalf of all members many happy returns Fred, have 'a good-un.' Fred served on our committee from March 1971 until he moved to Shropshire in April 1984.

On Saturday Mike Pritchard headed to Statham Pool in the hope of some better sport. The fishery was very coloured from the feeder stream so Mike started his session with a small waggler and pinkie catching small roach but fed another swim with casters flicking a few in every now and again. When he tried his caster line he missed the first bite but connected with a carp the next time his float dipped.  At the time he was wrestling with his brolly whilst trying to land the fish, and it got worse when his landing net became firmly snagged in brambles just as the carp was at his feet. Ah well, needless to say with the delay fish had a second wind and parted company. Despite this Mike ended up with a fair number of roach and a bonus chub of 3lbs plus.

Jim Gannon started the 2017/18 river season with a win on our first Association match of the season held on the 18th June with 7-12-0 of skimmers to 1lb, roach, and perch taken on groundbait feeder and maggot He ended it on the 11th March, the last match of the season, with another win, but with a greatly reduced weight of 0-14-1 using the same method. Pete Jones was in second place with one 6oz hybrid. Match organiser Ray Boden predicts that as poor as it has fished throughout the winter 95% of pegs will produce 5 to 10 pounds in June. I certainly hope so. Any lottery numbers for this weekend Ray?

 Our Disabled & Over 60's results saw a definite improvement this week when Jimmy Byrne won the Monday match at Woodshaw Reservoir with a catch of three crucians and small roach for a weight of 5-4-0. Ron Durr was in runner-up spot with 1-6-0 of small roach.

Your catch reports are always more than welcome, please send to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a ring on 01928 716238.

WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street are open as usual every Friday between 7 & 9pm for 2018 night permits/membership renewals, new members, subscriptions, and any queries. 

Frank Lythgoe

MATCH RESULTS:

Sunday Mersey Series:

1) Jim Gannon        0-14-1

2) Pete Jones          0-6-0

3) Jimmy Byrne      0-3-8

4) Ray Boden          0-1-7 

Monday Disabled & Over 60's

1) Jimmy Byrne         5-4-0

2) Ron Durr               1-6-0

3) George Barber/Alan Brown   0-13-14

COMING EVENTS:

MONDAY:

Disabled & Over 60's Draw 10am Bridgewater Canal, Tramps Grave, Moore Village.