THANKS to everybody who worked so hard preparing our display at the Northern Angling Show.

Warrington Anglers’ Association have supported it every year since the start, and this was the best one yet – it was great to meet and chat to existing members as well as welcoming new ones who joined at the event.

And I know some of our team’s wallets took a serious hit paying for must-have tackle!

Things were looking good at this week’s Mersey Series weigh-in when Ade Green put his net on the scales; only four fish, but a bonus skimmer of 4.5lbs boosted what would in any case been a winning weight.

Roy Everson was relegated to second spot with a 13ozs-haul, and to say it was hard-going was an understatement.

However the ‘Mersey-mad’ regulars are no quitters, and stuck it out.

It was a complete contrast during our disabled and over 60s match on Monday, when the fish ravaged anglers’ baits.

Derek Bibby landed double the weight of his nearest rival with a cracking catch of skimmers and roach for 13-13-0 fishing on the pole using bread punch and maggot.

That increased his tally to five wins since the start of the year – his third consecutive victory.

Committee member Graham Belton took the runner-up prize with a catch worth 7-9-0.

James Lea reports catching a pike on legered lamprey from the same venue, but all he caught on the pole was a solitary perch.

That proves how tightly-packed shoals are.

It irrelevant how good you are; if there are no fish in front of you, it’s time to cross your fingers and play a waiting-game.

I won’t reveal where, but it looks like a change of venue is on the cards in a week or two.

Here’s a clue: I don’t live far away.

I spotted Jimmy Byrne there – he’d caught a few skimmer and lots of tiny roach, while Dennis Bate had a decent skimmer, tiny roach, and enough tackle with him to kit out three anglers.

He picked a sunny spot, while Jimmy shivered in the shade.

Our headquarters at 52 Parker Street are open every Friday, from 7pm, for memberships, subscriptions, night-permit renewals and any queries.

Keep sending your catch reports by email to me at frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or call 01928 716238.

Results: Mersey Series, Sunday: 1, Ade Green 5-11-0; 2, Roy Everson 0-13-0; 3, Ant Higham 0-10-0.

Disabled and over 60s, Monday (Bridgewater Canal, Dead Length): 1, Derek Bibby 13-13-0; 2, Graham Belton 7-9-0; 3, Derek Wernham 6-2-8; 4, George Hollis 6-0-10.