12th January 2021 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes
Due to recent fishery freeze-ups there has not been a lot happening only the occasional small roach and perch reported so I thought to cheer everyone up I would have a look at what I wrote this same week twelve months ago on the 14th January:-
On Saturday Simon Oldfield and his step-daughter Ella Reynolds had an enjoyable afternoons fishing at Ackers Pit. They finished up with nine feisty carp taken on pole and maggot tactics with member Martin James accompanied by his young daughters on hand with the landing net and top advice. Simon who relinquished his membership seventeen years ago commented, "Feels good to be back." Let's hope it is one of many such sessions.
Last week Stuart Peters had both a day off work and some left-over bait so decided on a trip to the Ribble to kick-off 2020 following his year-end successful trip to this venue. Sport was a little slower this time and bites few and far between but he still managed a cracking brace of barbel of 9-2-0 and 9-6-0, his first chub off the stretch weighing 4.5lbs, and a brace of grayling around a pound which made his 150mile round trip worthwhile.
The Mersey Match on Sunday was another low weight affair which was not really unexpected under the river conditions. Dave Hill was the winner needing only 11oz of small roach caught on groundbait feeder and maggot. Ray Boden took second place with 5oz.
Our Disabled and Over 60's Match on the Bridgewater Canal took place this week at the Hough's Bridge stretch where Ray Boden drew a peg adjacent the Walton Gardens entrance where he fished the pole using maggot and pinkie. It seems that punched bread attracted lots of small roach whereas the better sized fish preferred a live bait and a bit of movement in the deeply coloured water. Ray had 2lbs to spare over second placed Jimmy Byrne when his net of all roach sent the scale pointer to 10-8-8 for a decisive win. Jimmy drew in the middle of the length and fished the same method for 8-3-10. Fifteen fished the four-hour match and 2-18-0 was the lowest weight.
The Bridgewater Canal matches at Boothstown have been put on hold for the time being so watch this space for when they are back on the calendar.
BACK TO PRESENT DAY:
My wife and I visited High Legh Fisheries on Friday breaking holes in the marginal ice to allow the gasses from rotting leaves to escape. All went well and there were only a few pegs to clear so I decided to clear a large branch with my chainsaw that was blocking the gate. Unfortunately, I failed to hear the cries for help from 'she who must be obeyed' above the noise when she evidently slipped into the freezing water up to her backside. I was absolutely gutted that I had missed the phone footage when she appeared in front of me dripping wet and covered in mud😊
Because of this horrible virus our WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street, Warrington WA1 1LT will remain closed on Friday evenings until further notice. Members can simply post to this address or put their book or request in an envelope with their payment and a stamped addressed envelope, through our HQ door where mail is collected and dealt with most days. Alternatively, you can post to Warrington Anglers Association PO. Box 71, Warrington WA1 1LR where mail is collected weekly. You can now renew memberships and night permits online from our Warrington Anglers Association website. It works a treat on mobile, tablet, or laptop.
Don't forget to keep those reports coming as at this time of the year there is not a lot happening, so good, bad, or indifferent they will help fellow members to plan any trips to the bankside. Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a ring on 01928 716238.
Stay safe,
Frank Lythgoe
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