12th January 2021 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

12^th 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 14^th 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

5th January 2021 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

5th January 2021 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

With most fisheries suffering from freeze-ups since new year it was nice to hear via the rumour mill that 'the big one' came out at Moore Quarry on New Years Eve. I don't know if it was before or after the bewitching hour but irrespective it is close enough to be a cracking start to 2021.

At least the River Mersey was fishable despite a couple of high tides and carrying plenty of colour. On Sunday committee member Ade Green needed to escape from his home 'work environment' for an essential trip to the river for a short session and some fresh air. Despite the fact that he only had one bite it was a pleasant day and at least he could watch Jimmy Byrne and Alan Faulkner catching on the opposite bank. Alan had seventeen roach fishing a small groundbait feeder, 2ft tail, with a small hook and single maggot and Jimmy nine fish. Certainly better than watching repeats on the TV.

With the vast majority of the Bridgewater covered in ice and matches cancelled a few of the Disabled & Over 60's regulars were out over the weekend making the most of it being virtually ice free on the Dead-length. There were a few 'icebergs' drifting through swims but nevertheless Ray Boden and Ron Durr managed a few roach.

On Sunday Appleton Reservoir was mainly carrying a sheet of ice but a couple of areas were kept free by members of the public feeding the waterfowl. I did see one hardy member wearing the brightest set of orange-coloured waterproofs fishing from the sandbank. I don't know if he caught but he definitely wasn't a poacher!

Whilst on the subject of Appleton Reservoir members should note that whether you are fishing or just visiting this water you must only park on our locked car park. If it there are no available places, I am afraid you must either visit another fishery or go home. A few members have been getting the club a bad name by parking on private drives which not only could see them losing their club membership but also getting their vehicle clamped by understandably irate residents. Be warned!

 HOT OFF THE PRESS: We have been informed this evening by our governing body The Angling Trust that the Government has taken the decision that fishing in England will not be permitted from midnight tonight (Tuesday 5^th January 2021) during this current national lockdown period. Whilst this is disappointing news anglers must respect these rules which have been put in place to help save lives and support the NHS. These are difficult times for us all but I am sure our members will recognise that as a consequence all our fisheries are closed to members residing in England until we receive new guidance from The Angling Trust. We are currently not sure what the situation is in Wales but will let members residing there know of any Welsh Government announcements/updates.

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, 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. New memberships, Renewals and night permits are also available online from Warrington Anglers Association website. If you need any further information please give me a call or email as below.

At this time of the year with less anglers out on the banks and sport slowing as we edge towards the winter period, I really need your catch reports. They are all very much appreciated by fellow members. Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a ring on 01928 716238.

Frank Lythgoe