Jeff’s quest for big carp

4:12pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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APART from the occassional shower, the weather over the weekend and the following days at last met our seasonal expectations - not least for members of Lymm Angling Club.

As predicted last week, the tench have certainly switched on in Lymmvale.

This intensifying of tench action may well have replicated itself on Whitley Pool, but there seem to be less anglers using that water and reports are coming in a little slower.

Carp are very evident on Whitley, which makes a non-fishing visit well worthwhile just for the spectacle.

Roach and skimmers are dominating the current action on Grimsditch Mill Pool, as witnessed by club bailiff Dave Steen.

Dave, along with all our bailiffs, is intensifying patrols on the water due to evidence of poaching.

Members can help by keeping an eye on things and reporting anything suspicious.

On the subject of poachers, the Environment Agency have recently undertaken boat patrols of certain waters looking for evidence of set lines and other illegal methods of catching and stealing fish.

This is an ominous sign, as the fisheries staff of the Environment Agency are very understaffed and this sort of operation indicates the seriousness of the situation.

Again, if you spot something suspicious, such as heavy line tethered to pegs or even overhanging tree branches, please report it.

On Belmont Pool, young angler Jeff Mowbray again came up with the goods by catching a magnificently marked mirror of 22lbs 10ozs 0drms among his carp.

Although Jeff seems to have cracked this water, he remains on his quest to catch the bigger specimens - some of which are near to and just over 30lbs.

Waters are fishing well, most beyond expectations. But just to be out at this time of year in nice weather is a joy.

The swallows and swifts are back in numbers, the tench are feeding and I am waiting to hear my first call of the cuckoo.

For those that have not wet a line yet this year, it is time to check out your fishing gear and get yourself to your local tackle dealer to replenish your stocks.

Ensure the line on your reels are up to the mark and your nets have not been attacked by mice in your tackle shed.

I can be contacted on 411774 or 07810 254402 but be prepared to leave a message.