THE River Mersey looked perfect for our regular Sunday match.

However appearances are often deceptive – judging by the poor results.

Roy Everson, fishing a ground-bait feeder on peg 51, needed only 1lb 14ozs 10drs of small roach and perch to notch a win.

Eddie Frangleton moved up from third place the previous week to take the runner-up spot with a similar catch for 1-12-4.

It was more than evident the colder weather and blustery winds had put the fish off the feed. There have been decent pike catches, with one well-known angler taking three in a single session with the best weighing in at just over 18lbs.

These fish are all in prime condition as they feed ready for spawning.

Photographs are circulating of a 30lb carp caught from the Bridgewater Canal in the Warrington area.

It was apparently a real old warrior, and would be a fair age as they do not seem to grow too fast in this fishery due to the fact they mainly feed on naturals rather than having the luxury of a regular high-protein boilie or pellet angler-introduced diet.

A number of members, especially newer ones, are enquiring about renewing their annual subscription and some have been trying to make payment online via Paypal.

The latter method is at present only for new joining members and any renewals at present should be made at our Parker Street headquarters.

Your current subscription is valid until receipt of the 2014 issue that will be posted during February.

Night permits run out at the end of this month and new ones are now available.

We require two passport photographs and a stamped, addressed envelope. The night permit price is unchanged. Subs for 2014 are £45 for adult members.

HQ 52 at Parker Street is open as usual between 7pm and 9pm on Friday for subscriptions, new memberships, night permits or any queries.

Results: Mersey Series: 1, Roy Everson, 1-14-10; 2, Eddie Frangleton, 1-12-4; 3, Paul Harding, 1-1-10; 4, Pete Jones, 0-9-5.

Forthcoming events, Sunday: Mersey Series, Draw at 9am Mersey Walk (fish 74 back). Monday: Disabled and over 60s: Draw 10am (Gun Club car park), call John Dagnall at Cheshire Angling on 635486.