On Richie's 'must' list (From Warrington Guardian)

On Richie's 'must' list

WARRINGTON Anglers' Association's Dave Jones can't get enough of the River Dane.

His sortie on Saturday saw him fish with a small feeder that was packed with caster and hemp. He had 10 chub, most of which were around the 3lbs mark, and lost two larger fish at the net, which he estimated were 5lbs apiece.

Craig Richie tried out our stretch of the River Trent at Alrewas on Saturday. Contrary to the difficulties other members had experienced, he drove his trusty Volvo to the downstream fishery limit and set his stall out at a tasty-looking swim on a bend near the old canoe club.

He fished a stick float and loose fed caster. After a few small dace and roach he changed to white maggot and picked up a few chub to 1lbs. He ended his session with a good mixed net that included some chunky perch and an overall weight in the region of 12lbs. It is at the top of his list of 'I must go again venues'.

Jim Walker deviated from his usual quarry of carp and targeted the large bream shoals in Budworth Mere.

He introduced 20 balls of groundbait laced with caster, worm and corn, and ledgered using a straight lead with worm and caster on the hook. He had a few indications followed by a few roach and skimmers.

A swap to a groundbait feeder brought a change of fortunes with a string of deep-bodied bronze beauties to 7lbs coming to the net. His catch was made up of 14 fish in the 5lbs to 7lbs bracket plus smaller skimmers and roach.

Grey Mist Mere, Rixton Claypits, Moore Quarry, Cicily Mill Pool and Sandiway Lakes are still closed. All clubs desperately need to know from the Environment Agency the nature of the virus which is killing carp and its origin.

We could now have a situation where all fish from infected waters may never be stocked elsewhere as they could now carry the disease. Even worse would be the scenario that a club bought 'health certified' fish that inadvertently carried this 'unknown' virus and so infected a previously clear fishery. For this reason the Agency and others who certify fish health also need to know.

Please note the annual NatWest Trophy for our younger members is being held on Ackers Pit on Saturday. Tickets, which are priced £1.50, are available from Cheshire Angling or at the junior series tonight, Thursday. The fishery will be closed until 5pm.

Contact me with any catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 01928 713898 or e-mail frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk. HQ Parker Street will be open as usual tomorrow, Friday, between 7pm and 9.30pm for subscriptions and new members.

Frank Lythgoe

Results: Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Jeff Clare 5-4-4; 2, Ray Bowden 2-5-8; 3, Norman Hulse 2-5-0; 4, John Sharp 2-1-9.

Forthcoming events: Today, Thursday: Juniors Summer Series, draw 6pm, Grappenhall Bridge (pegs 595-621). Minnows Summer Series, draw 6pm, bank opposite Euclid Avenue (pegs 550-588). Saturday: NatWest Trophy members competition, Ackers Pit, draw noon at venue, ticket only. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10.15am, Star Inn.