Frank Lythgoe's Warrington Anglers Association column

LAST Thursday, Lukasz Procek – one of our small band of dedicated volunteers – managed to fit in a four-hour session on Phoenix Park Lake.

He set-up a method feeder using 6mm spicy sausage pellet mixed with some groundbait, feeding little but often.

His first fish was a 16-6-0 carp followed by two tench around the 4lb mark.

The last fish was what Lukasz described as ‘a gigantic bream’ which after being successfully landed managed to flip off the unhooking mat straight back into the water.

On Sunday, Will Lowndes caught a PB perch of 2-8-0 from Phoenix which he caught using a Salmo Slider lure. He also had five pike to 7lbs in the same three-hour session.

Will Lowndes with his catch at Phoenix Park Lake

Will Lowndes with his catch at Phoenix Park Lake

The Froggy, as locals call it or as newly listed in your membership book this year as Froggies Pool, is attracting some interest. It is early days yet but on Saturday, local angler Stuart Peters had a few hours to spare so went down the road for a quick session on this compact fishery.

Nothing on his carp gear but he had an enjoyable morning on the waggler and maggot with around 40 small rudd and perch before finishing off with a lovely 13lbs common which gave him a decent scrap on light tackle.

On Sunday, Corey Wilson targeted the Rixton Claypits carp but couldn’t get past the bream. He still had a great day, with three of the fish over the 4lbs mark and a nice tench.

Still on the bream, Andy Corr reports a couple of bronze beauties plus some silvers caught during his Sunday session on the Bridgewater Canal in Sale.

Our disabled and over 60s Monday match was held this week on the Bridgewater Canal at Preston Brook.

It definitely wasn’t one to write home about, with torrential rain flooding the canal bank and bites hard to come by.

The first three anglers had a bonus bream with Neil Buist – aka ‘The Engine’ – the winner with 4-2-0 which included a slab of around 3lbs plus roach taken on bread-punch.

Match organiser Jimmy Byrne was in second place, also with a bonus bream plus 20 small roach for a weight of 3-15-0, again all on bread.

The only angler in the prize money without a bream was The Breadman himself, namely George Barber who took fourth place.

The work party scene last week was busy for our small but dedicated bands of volunteers who amongst other things during the week worked at trying to open up High Legh Fishery, still not there yet.

Sandiway Lakes – lots going on there with peg upgrades and fencing, and the renewing/repair of pegs on the Mersey in readiness for the opening up of the coarse fish season on June 16.

If you fancy helping, please let me know or if on Facebook, join our volunteers group.

Members should note that all litter must be taken and disposed of at home and not piled in bins en route, which has been happening at Sandiway Lakes where the bin adjacent to the entrance gate is overflowing with irresponsible anglers’ refuse.

Our WAA headquarters at 52 Parker Street, Warrington WA1 1LT remains closed on Friday evenings but 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.

Catch reports from members, pics or funny stories are always welcome. Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a call on 01928 716238.

Results:

Monday, disabled and over 60s: 1, Neil Buist 4-2-0; 2, Jimmy Byrne 3-15-0; 3, Stu Patterson 3-7-0; 4, George Barber 3-5-0

Fixtures:

Monday, disabled and over 60s: Draw 9.45am at Woodshaw Reservoir. £5 all-in. Exact money only, no change given. Covid-19 rules apply