WARRINGTON Anglers' Association members' annual meeting held at the Parr Hall on Thursday was attended by approximately 280 members.

The motions to allow two rods on all still-waters and canals was lost. Compulsory use of unhooking mats for specimen anglers was carried. The motion on knotted nets was lost but the outcome of recent Environment Agency proposals sent to MAFF will be awaited with interest.

The motion to increase women's fees in line with senior members was withdrawn.

Overall it was an interesting meeting, specially the extended Question Time period after the end of business when members ask anything they wish in an informal atmosphere from the floor.

Our netting team were out on a fish rescue at a Welsh fishery on Saturday. Their hard work resulted in 1000 roach between 8ozs and 12ozs, a few perch around 8ozs, and gudgeon being released into the Association's 53-acre lake at Sandiway. More fish are destined for this fishery during the next few weeks to hopefully redress the damage caused by cormorant predation.

On the trout scene at Appleton Reservoir the catch rate has rocketed

upwards to 4.8 as fish started to feed over the weekend holiday. Best

catch was 15 fish.

Nick Donald who organises our fly fishing courses and trout matches spooned his first fish and found it to be stuffed with caddis. He took fish in the evening on size 14s to 12s buzzers and also got a good number of takes on the dry fly.

It is clearly apparent that some members are not completing and returning their reservoir permits. Current and honest returns are essential to maintain stocking levels. The committee intend to ensure that all members comply.

The fishery is closed on Sunday until 4pm for the final of our winter

match series. I am disappointed because I have qualified but have

another angling commitment - and it doesn't include fishing!

Grey Mist Mere continues to provide anglers with an opportunity to try

their hand at fly-fishing at no extra cost. Recently stocked with 500

fish it is strictly barbless hooks and 'catch and release'.

Currently the fish seem to be split into several shoals and if your luck is in you can be in for some good sport as member Andy Dixon can vouch. Andy banked three trout on his very first outing, mind you he confided that he had brushed up on his casting technique beforehand on the local football pitch.

The River reports are not good on the Severn system. Our bailiff Barry Hardman reckons that more rain is needed to clean out and freshen up the waters. He saw no salmon moving.

HQ Parker Street is open as usual tonight, Friday, for new members, subscriptions, or simply drop in for a chat about fishing. I can be contacted on 01928 716238.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.