Frank Lythgoe's Warrington Anglers' Association column

CALLUM Leonard sent me a few pictures of a few Grey Mist carp he has caught this past month with fish of 17lbs 6ozs 0drs, 23-1-0, 24-2-0, topped by the fishery legend ‘Houdini’ at 28-0-0, which he caught on his very first visit to the fishery.

He said that they were all caught using a mixture of different boilies, or it could be taken another way that presentation is king.

Thanks Callum and I hope you continue to catch and share information with fellow members.

Now Small Sandiway isn’t exactly that at 17½ acres, but it is dwarfed by its adjacent sister lake, Big Sandiway at 53 acres and so understandably earned that name.

The site has to be the best purchase Warrington Anglers Association has ever made. The small lake is full of a variety of specimen fish, including a healthy stock of carp which we top up each year with VS Fisheries’ six summer specimens – the best of the best etc as they are sorted for the fastest growth each year.

Despite this on Sunday evening, committee member Phil Higgins latched onto the only fish of the night – a stunning mirror of around 25lbs.

A number of the Mersey regulars have been out on the river this past week with plenty of roach being caught on their sessions.

On Tuesday, Jimmy Byrne caught 50 roach while Bas Chambers had 63 plus a solitary skimmer. All fish were caught using small feeder and single maggot tactics.

I understand the Mersey legend Ray Boden has also been catching roach but on his favourite pole and maggot.

So, the match is back on this Sunday and if the temperature doesn’t plummet too far and the river is not in flood, prospects are looking good.

I know that some of the ‘old boys’ have been out having a few sessions on the Bridgewater Canal around Houghs Bridge, possibly in anticipation on matches being back on again when we go into the Covid-19 three tier system.

Well, good news – our disabled and over 60s match is back on Monday, December 7, subject of course to everyone adhering to the conditions that make this possible.

Lots of tiny roach have been showing which, although frustrating in catches, is good for the future.

WAA headquarters at 52 Parker Street will obviously remain closed on Friday evenings until further notice.

Members can simply post to this address or put their book or request in an envelope with their payment and a stamped addressed envelope through our HQ door, where mail is collected and dealt with most days.

Alternatively, you can post to Warrington Anglers Association PO Box 71, Warrington WA1 1LR where mail is collected weekly.

If you need any further information, please give me a call or email as below.

At this time of the year with less anglers out on the banks and sport slowing as we edge towards the winter period, I really need your catch reports. They are all very much appreciated by fellow members.

Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a call on 01928 716238.

n Fixtures:

Sunday, Mersey match (members only): Draw 9am at Mersey Walk, pegs 45 up. £5 pool or £10 all-in. No coins, exact money only. No change given

Monday, disabled and over 60s, Bridgewater Canal: Draw 9.45am at Houghs Bridge. £5 all-in. No coins, exact money only. No change given