Make adjustments to avoid fish 'snap-offs' (From Warrington Guardian)

Make adjustments to avoid fish 'snap-offs'

LET'S be thankful for our river stretches because they are doing the business, even for those Lymm Angling Club members who are giving them a go for the first time.

The River Dane, despite some extra pressure, has been a star performer in giving up its bounty of barbel, chub, dace, roach and perch.

Barbel weighing up to double figures have been reported on a regular basis, although there is an element of concern associated with the number of 'snap-offs' reported.

This will happen to everyone from time to time and anglers should make the required adjustments to their tackle or take steps to prevent fish getting to snags, even if it means moving to a snag-free swim.

Anglers who suffer multiple snap-offs must ask themselves 'What am I doing wrong?' to allow the situation to continue because it is not acting in a sportsmanlike manner.

This situation is covered in the club's rules and many experienced anglers are only too willing to offer advice and assistance - just ask.

Cliff Taylor enjoyed a brilliant three-hour session on the River Dee, catching a mixture of chub, dace, roach, perch and an eel.

Cliff recommends our stretches to any member because the fishing was fast and furious, albeit that his biggest fish was a chub of 1lb.

He alternated his methods of trotting a stick float and legering, although he did point out the bigger fish came to his leger set-up.

On the still waters, Village Pool shines brightest at the moment with good nets of carp reported.

Paul McNally landed six carp to 5lbs in his four-hour morning session, although he reported that bigger fish had managed to shed the hook on three occasions.

It is extremely exasperating that I have to report no change in terms of the ongoing carp deaths. There are still no answers.

The most recent Environment Agency advice reiterates their previous advice that fishing should stop on affected waters.

And as this advice is not being heeded by all clubs and fishery managers we have to keep unaffected and vulnerable waters closed.

This not only takes away the amenity to our members, it also incurs extra costs to the club as many of the closed waters require feeding.

This is to prevent fish which would normally rely on anglers' baits for a big part of their food source becoming out of condition due to malnutrition.

In the meantime, we must remain resolute in pressuring the authorities to not let their guard down and continue throwing whatever resources are required into identifying the cause.

All too often outbreaks of carp diseases run their course with efforts to find answers subsequently downgraded.

It is my opinion that the figures issued by the authorities relating to carp death numbers are seriously understated, with their count being in a few hundreds, whereas thousands have died. Millions of pounds are at stake.

I can be contacted on 411774, but be prepared to leave a message. Neil Jupp