Frank Lythgoe's weekly column discussing all things Warrington Anglers' Association

I AM continuing to pick from my archive reports while fisheries remain closed due to the UK lockdown.

Jeff Mowbray kicked off my 27th April 2010 column when he had caught the ‘Cicily Common’ once again after first banking this famous fish almost a month ago to the day.

Reports are that he also had two other carp of 17 and 20lbs in the same session. Skimmers and tench were still providing the main sport at this popular venue but with the warmer weather more crucians were showing up in catches.

In my 25th May 2010 column Adam Whelan was more than happy with his catches that past week from two of our fisheries, namely Sandiway Lakes and Rixton Claypits.

At Sandiway he had beaten his personal best tench three times with fish of 8-1-0, 8-4-0, and 9-0-0 amongst a catch which included three over 7lbs as well as one over six.

Not to be outdone his dad Paul also had a PB of 8-8-0. At Rixton in addition to tench he had two common carp both doubles, the best weighing in at 22-8-0.

Paul Wynne and his brother in law Phil Hancock also got amongst the tench at Grey Mist Mere on Tuesday 25th when, after a first light start, Phil opened his account with a 6-2-0 fish closely followed by one of 5-2-0. After a change from the float to a maggot feeder Paul lost two large fish at the net before landing his first at 4-12-0 beating his PB by 4ounces. It then just got better as he followed this by six further fish each increasing in size to a specimen of 7-7-0.

On Wednesday 25th August 2010 one of our bailiffs was very impressed by Chris Moulton who was fishing near him when he witnessed the youngster hook and land his first ever Grey Mist carp. When he went to assist Chris’s legs were shaking but he played the fish perfectly and more importantly, handled it with total care. The fish was one of the older fish and weighed 15 ½ lbs. He then went on to catch another fish of 14 lbs again one of the old ones. To cap it all he then came to our bailiff’s swim and advised him where he should be casting!!... Brilliant! Chris was awarded a Korda fish care kit to mark the occasion.

We had a really nice report from one of our members Nicholas Cole in my 27th October 2010 column about the kindness of a fellow member, a chap called Pete, who not only passed on tips about fishing the Ribble but allowed Nicholas who had never caught a salmon himself to have a go at playing and feeling the power of the salmon he hooked which turned out to be a nice fifteen pounder.

Graham Collings fished Rixton Claypits on Sunday 27th March 2011 and had a super looking mirror of 21-12-0 followed the next day with a 13-8-0 common. So at least the carp here were feeding with quite a few spotted in the margins. Other members reported tench to 6lbs and bream to 5lbs.

Back to present times and member Neil Plunket is lucky in that he is ideally placed to include three of our fisheries in a variety of his daily exercise walks.

He reports that the Bridgewater has roach topping everywhere and seen perch chasing small fish plus a couple of pike strikes along the bankside.

At Ackers pit lots of fish topping including carp and Statham Pool looks well with carp visible, including a couple of quite large ornamental koi which have materialised. Certainly not our doing!!!

WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street remains closed on Friday evenings until further notice. If you need any further information please give me a call on 01928 716238 or email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk

Due to our fishery closures any of your notable past catches or amusing angling stories are welcome. They will hopefully surprise or entertain fellow members during the lockdown.