Ideal time for fish spotting

THIS spell of hot weather has signalled the start of the spawning period for tench and carp.

While that means catches have been hit and miss, it is an ideal time to go fish-spotting.

They’re not shy, and are easy to see thrashing about in their chosen spawning grounds.

Bailiffs have cordoned off some areas so nature can take its course, and it’s pleasing to note members have taken these restrictions in their stride.

After all, it’s not for long.

In contrast, the outdated and senseless debacle that is the coarse fishing close-season lasts for three months and includes a ban for the whole period.

Strange then that game anglers can still fish while boaters, ramblers, poachers, swimmers and all and sundry can disturb the aquatic environment, bank-side vegetation and nesting birds.

However an angler sitting quietly in one place, causing minimal disturbance while fishing, is prevented from doing a leisure activity for what - in my opinion - are spurious reasons.

I’m happy to report the farce ends next week.

Although things have been a bit quiet in the past week or so, there have been some nice catches reported.

Paul Asher had a session on the larger water at Sandiway Lakes, putting a beautiful dark green tench on the scales that hovered around 10lbs.

His mate wouldn’t let him say higher, but Paul was happy with that.

The specimen was spawned out, and would have been considerably heavier at another time of the year.

The John Leigh Trophy, incorporated into our Woodshaw Reservoir Junior Series, was won by Scott Roberts fishing maggot up in the water for an all-roach catch.

That makes it two victories in succession for him.

Members are reminded once again that it is a condition of membership that all anglers must be in possession of a valid Environment Agency licence.

Every card-holder is authorised (see the rear cover of your licence) to challenge individuals fishing in any water rented or owned by Warrington Anglers’ Association, or committing an act that breaks the rules.

It has also come to our attention some members have brought with them to our private waters other individuals who are banned from the club.

This isn’t acceptable.

If you think it is, then prepare for your membership to be revoked.

Our headquarters at Parker Street are open every Friday, between 7pm and 9pm, for memberships, subscriptions, night-permit renewals and any queries.

Keep sending catch reports by email to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk, or call him on 01928 716238.

RESULTS: Woodshaw Reservoir Junior Summer Series: 1, Scott Roberts 6-3-0; 2, Matthew Bateson 2-11-0; 3, Dylan Anglesea 2-8-0; 4, Tyler Davies 1-13-0.

Disabled and over 60s (Bridgewater Canal, Keckwick): 1, Phil Cross 2-8-0; 2, Roy Martin 1-13-3; 3, Graham Belton 1-10-7; 4, Alf Seddon 1-10-0.

FIXTURES: Monday, disabled and over 60s: Draw 10am, Bridgewater Canal, Hill Top Road, Grappenhall.

Woodshaw Reservoir Junior Summer Series (incorporating Harold Parker Shield): Draw 5pm-5.30pm.