Warrington Anglers' Association reporting big tench among catches

IAN Kennedy fished Woodshaw Reservoir for the first time and enjoyed a good session.

He had some nice fish including some feisty brown goldfish, crucians, and skimmers.

Ste Winstanley also fished at the same time and commented that it was a good morning as everyone caught fish, and the sun, plus had a good laugh.

“As always Woodshaw is in great condition. Hats off to the bailiffs for still looking after the place to their high standards,” he said.

Joel Messenger took his youngsters for a session on the Bridgewater Canal where, using three-metre whips on single maggot, produced a dozen roach and a bonus bream of 2lbs 10ozs 0drs.

The canal is one of the designated waters where an adult member can introduce children to the sport of angling for free. There is also Ackers Pit, Woodshaw Reservoir, and Offa’s Dyke.

So to any of our adult members, mums, dads, granddads, uncles etc who can find time to introduce a child to angling, fill your boots as this young generation is the future of our sport. Also don’t underestimate the educational value of time spent on the bankside.

Our head bailiff Jay Makin had a break from his duties on Saturday when he fished an overnight session on Appleton Reservoir with fellow committee members Paul Rothwell and Andy Burrows.

Jay had carp of 17-5-0 and 19-2-0 both caught over a bed of particles with krill on the business end plus a brace of tench around the 5lb mark.

Paul also caught a brace of each despite having both his and Andrew’s swims wiped out by an ignorant swimmer who blatantly swam across where they were fishing oblivious to the possibility of tangling up with lines and hooks.

You don’t need to catch to enjoy our sport as Martin James reported after his session on the Mist where despite no fish for his efforts he just enjoyed the experience of dawn breaking over the water, sitting behind his rods waiting and hoping, watching a woodpecker collect food for its chicks, the aquatic underwater life roaming over discarded hookbaits, and shoals of tiny roach and perch being chased by tiny pike.

Phil Lacey had more luck on this fishery when he settled into one of the few remaining pegs where he saw plenty of carp cruising on the surface and obvious spawning happening in the lilies.

That was coupled with the pleasant surroundings on this urban fishery and the fact that he landed a cracking tench which sent the scales needle round to 8-10-0, beating his personal best by 2ozs.

Sandiway Large Lake saw our bailiff Andrew Hewson in action again this week where carp and tench have been feeding well. He had three tench to 7-4-0. Best carp reported prior to spawning was 34lbs. Some areas are closed to angling where spawning is taking place.

Our volunteers were out on Moore Quarry on Tuesday evening mowing, strimming, trimming overhanging branches and repairing pegs. Good job guys, and if anyone fancies helping out in the future don’t be shy join our volunteers Facebook group or contact me and I will pass on your details.

Keepnets are now allowed on our waters subject to where not permitted by our fishery rules, however members should consider that in warm weather, lower oxygen conditions, and for fish that having recently spawned or about to do so, members should not retain fish unnecessarily.

Members are also reminded that our bailiffs may close certain areas if spawning is taking place.

Note that when members are fishing or visiting Appleton Reservoir parking is strictly in our locked car parks only.

Anyone interested in forming a fishery management volunteer group for the Association owned Wide Hole Fishery at Poynton please ring me or drop me an email.

WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street remain closed until further notice. Members renewing can simply put their book in an envelope with their payment, a stamped addressed envelope, and post through our HQ door where mail is collected and dealt with daily. If you need any further information please give me a call or email as below.

Keep the catch reports coming, they are all appreciated. Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a ring on 01928 716238.