Glugged pellet fools 16lb 11oz Thames barbel

A SHORT evening session on the River Thames resulted in this personal best 16lb 11oz barbel for Ian Brooker.

With the waterway fining down and still holding plenty of colour the Oxfordshire-based Drennan International employee knew there was a strong possibility of getting a bite from one of the venue’s elusive specimens.

Arriving at a local stretch just after dusk he cast out two large glugged pellet hookbaits in conjunction with a PVA bag of freebies just a couple of rodlengths from the bank. To hold bottom in the strong flow he had to use a 5oz lead and kept a large bow in the line.

“Because of the pace and the amount of rubbish coming down the river I was only able to keep my rig in position for about 40 minutes before it began to move,” the 28-year-old told Angling Times.

“It wasn’t that long in to the session when it started to slowly bounce round again and I was about to reel in to recast when I received quite a subtle bite. I struck into it and knew immediately that I was into a good barbel. I thought it was probably a low double but because it was dark and the water was so coloured I didn’t actually see the fish until I lifted it out of the water – I then realised my initial estimation was a little on the low side.

“The stretch only holds a handful of big barbel but it does get very busy so I’ve only managed about six sessions on there. Before this I’d managed barbel to 12lb from it along with a few chub and bream so I was delighted to break my old pb with this 16lb 11oz specimen.”

Ian, who presented his hookbait on a size 8 ESP T6 hook and a 4ft 10lb fluorocarbon hooklink, has now turned his attentions to specimen perch for the rest of the winter.

“So far I’ve managed perch of over 3lb from a local commercial stillwater and another from a southern river,” he added.


Huge albino catfish caught from River Ebro

A CARP fishing trip on the river Ebro threw up a big surprise for fishery manager David Coleman when he struck into this huge albino catfish.

Weighing in at 195lb the fish took over two hours to be hauled aboard the boat from which he was fishing from.

Using light carp gear on a 3.25lb test curve rod it was a boilie hookbait on a size 6 hook which fooled the fish unexpectedly much to the delight of Coleman:

“We must have ended up a mile or so downstream from where I first hooked the beast and we struggled to get it in the boat once it had tired. It was so big it nearly snapped our rods when we finally hauled it aboard the boat,” he said.

The fish capped off a fine trip for the Esthwaite Water manager who also caught carp to 47lb.


Open Match Results - week ending 23rd December

SOUTH MIDWEEK

Acorn Fishery Tuesday Tenner (Tues)

Paddock Lake (14 pegs)

Result: 1 L Tucker, Clevedon, 39-13-0; 2 A Guard, Alcove AC, 32-12-0; 3 R Bazeley Over 50’s, 25-3-0; 4 M Wilson, Bristol PSV, 17-10-0; 5 D Wride, Sensas Thyers, 14-12-0; 6 C Szakacs, Bristol PSV, 14-10-0.

Top silverfish weight: 1 C Davies, Acorn, 7-14-0.

Avon Angling (Weds)

Landsend Fishery (14 pegs)

Result: 1 T Rixon, Mosella/Avon Angling, 77-10-0; 2 M West, Somerset Carpentry, 77-4-0; 3 P Harding, Avon Angling, 46-10-0; 4 M Poppleton, MFS, 44-11-0; 5 M Alexander, Over 55’s, 44-5-0; 6 A Britnell, Stoutshill, 40-2-0.

Top silverfish weight: A Jeffery, Avon Angling, 9-3-0.

Coleman’s Cottage Fishery Costcutter (Tues)

Wood Lake (26 pegs)

Result: 1 J Church, Matchpack/Angling Direct, 103-0-0; 2 J Cousins, Cariers RAPS, 77-0-0; 3 R Latham, Team Raiders, 73-0-0; 4 T Wallis, Coleman’s Cottage, 68-0-0; 5 L Goulding, Bait-Tech, 64-8-0; 6 A King, Vange & Pitsea, 60-0-0.

Dynamite Baits Oakfield Fishery (Weds)

Swallow & Red Kite Lakes (17 pegs)

Result: 1 J Brewster, Dynamite Oakfield, 69-13-0; 2 M Worrall, Dynamite Oakfield, 54-7-0; 3 F Parker, Dynamite Oakfield, 44-13-0; 4 R Page, Dynamite Oakfield, 14-12-0; 5 P Alland, Dynamite Oakfield, 6-6-0; 6 S Rich, Cotswold Angling, 4-6-0.

Dynamite Baits Oakfield Fishery

Swallow Lake (14 pegs)

Result: 1 T Michael, Steeple Claydon, 29-8-0; 2 M Stimson, Didcot Angling, 21-0-0; 3 P Alland, Dynamite Oakfield, 20-12-0; 4 P McLoughlin, Dynamite Oakfield, 16-1-0; 5 G Worrall, Dynamite Oakfield, 15-11-0; 6 G Keetley, J&K Tackle, 15-8-0.

Framfield Fishery (Weds)
Spring Lake (16 pegs)
Result: 1 L Perry, Faulkners, 154-0-0; 2 B Scott, Hemming’s Tackle, 99-1-0; 3 M Woodington, Framfield, 93-4-0; 4 C Dimmock, Hemming’s Tackle, 92-5-0; 5 N Greenwood, Isfield AC, 86-9-0; 6 R Liddell, Wylands, 43-11-0.

Gold Valley Lakes (Weds)

Gold Lake (10 pegs)

Result: 1 J Light, Springlakes, 24-2-0; 2 D Coulter, Springlakes, 16-0-0; 3 L Musson, Reigate, 14-2-0.

Guildford Angling Centre (Weds)

Furnace Lake (18 pegs)

Result: 1 J Bullard, Daiwa Dorking, 28-4-0; 2 S Gardner, Milo, 23-10-0; 3 S Williams, Morehouse Farm, 19-10-0; 4 G Barbato, Guildford Angling Centre, 17-4-0.

Lake John

Bottom Lake (15 pegs)

Result: 1 M Amos, Sensas/Angling Direct, 82-8-0; 2 R Makins, GOT Baits, 37-8-0; 3 K O’Brien, Lake John/Quad Box, 35-0-0; 4 G Whiting, Lake John, 26-0-0; 5 T Stanley. Lake John/Quad Box, 25-8-0; 6 P Dunn, J&B Tackle, 22-0-0.

Lake John (Weds)

Top Lake (19 pegs)

Result: 1 S Bracey, Shimano/Dynamite Baits, 57-4-0; 2 M Amos, Sensas/Angling Direct, 30-8-0; 3 S Clark, Maver Image, 28-4-0; 4 K Farrell, Lea Valley Angling, 27-4-0; 5 C Vandervliet, Bowler’s/Bait-Tech, 25-12-0; 6 P Reddy, Lake John/Quad Box, 25-8-0.

MBK Leisure (Thurs)

Coloured Ponds (14 pegs)

Result: 1 I Dixon, Milo Bordon Angling, 111-8-0; 2 J Light, Springlakes, 46-0-0; 3 D Smith, MBK, 30-4-0; 4 D Steer, MBK, 21-8-0; 5 D Johnson, matchangler.com, 13-12-0.

Monk Lakes Silverfish Only (Weds)

Bridges Lake (16 pegs)

Result: 1 G Vallance, Preston Innovations Delcac, 34-12-0; 2 M Leask, Anchor Croydon, 31-12-0; 3 S Clifford, Preston Innovations Delcac, 29-0-0; 4 J McDowell, Monk Lakes/Hemming’s Tackle, 28-8-0; 5 C Lovell, Preston Innovations Delcac, 27-14-0; 6 D Price, Sport One, 27-10-0.

Tyler’s Common

Ash & Willow Lakes (24 pegs)

Result: 1 B Reynolds Jnr, Bait-Tech, 92-4-0; 2 G Manoli, Bowler’s, 90-4-0; 3 S Copping, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 85-8-0; 4 S James, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 81-0-0; 5 M Hood, Bowler’s, 77-0-0; 6 W Reynolds, Bait-Tech, 76-8-0.

Viaduct Fishery (Weds)

Campbell Lake (12 pegs)

Result: 1 B Bentley, Browning Andover MG, 75-12-0; 2 D George, Browning Andover MG, 62-14-0; 3 S Dabbs, Browning Andover MG, 39-8-0.

Top silverfish weight: S Dabbs, Browning Andover MG, 15-3-0.

Viaduct Fishery (Thurs)

Campbell Lake (12 pegs)

Result: 1 R Lucas, Wilts Angling, 97-6-0; 2 P Greenwood, Viaduct, 62-14-0; 3 M Lenaghan, Avon Angling, 60-11-0.

Willow Park Over 50’s (Weds)

Middle Lake (10 pegs)

Result: 1 D Graves, Willow Park, 41-9-0; 2 C Love, Willow Park, 31-4-0; 3 E Rippon, Willow Park, 13-4-0; 4 I McLaren, Guildford Angling Centre, 13-0-0; 5 D Steer, MBK, 11-0-0; 6 I Turner, MOD, 8-8-0.

SOUTH SUNDAY

Alders Farm Winter League (final round)

Pines & Ash Lakes (40 pegs)

Result: 1 G Kaye, Vauxhall, 148-7-0; 2 M Greene, GOT Baits Black, 133-1-0; 3 T Wynnick, Tubertini, 117-0-0; 4 S Edwards, GOT Baits Red, 107-1-0; 5 M Dickens, Chiltern Baits, 102-0-0; 6 N Darke, GOT Baits Black, 86-0-0.

Teams: Jt1 GOT Baits Black and GOT Baits Red, both 30pts; 3 Tubertini, 29.

Final league: 1 GOT Baits Red, 182pts; 2 GOT Baits Black, 169; 3 Tubertini, 151.

Angling Trust Sussex Winter League (final round)

Orchard Place Farm (36 pegs)

Result: 1 R Berryman, Garbolino Apollo, 91-0-0; 2 C Lawson, Garbolino Apollo, 81-12-0; 3 J Wilson, Sussex Roachers, 79-14-0; 4 S Wilson, MFS, 72-6-0; 5 D Wynn, Garbolino Apollo, 69-11-0; 6 R Blackburn, Browning Wickford Angling, 64-2-0.

Teams: 1 Garbolino Apollo, 22pts; 2 Browning Wickford Angling, 21; 3 Sussex Roachers, 20; 4 MFS, 15.

Overall final league: 1 Browning Wickford Angling, 9pts (aggregate points); 2 Garbolino Apollo, 9; 3 Sussex Roachers, 20; 4 MFS, 22.

Avon Angling

Chiltern Trinity Lakes (20 pegs)

Result: 1 M McMahon, Carpenters Arms, 66-10-0; 2 R Wootten, Clevedon AC, 50-14-0; 3 M West, Somerset Carpentry, 48-15-0; 4 T Rixon, Mosella/Avon Angling, 45-0-0; 5 K Molton, Avon Angling, 43-12-0; 6 D Evans, Dynamite Fry’s MG, 42-12-0.

Top silverfish weight: A Hembrow, Chiltern Trinity, 8-8-0.

Dynamite Baits Oakfield Fishery

Red Kite Lake (13 pegs)

Result: 1 D Howe, Browning Crowparts, 41-2-0; 2 A Foulkes, Dynamite Oakfield, 29-10-0; 3 N Read, Dynamite Oakfield, 28-4-0; 4 C Timms, Cotswold Angling, 27-14-0; 5 M Sawyer, Dynamite Baits, 22-5-0; 6 J Price, Red Lion, 17-7-0.

Gold Valley Lakes

Middle & Bungalow Lakes (42 pegs)

Result: 1 L Neale, Reading Angling Centre, 127-2-0; 2 A King, Milo Bordon Angling, 101-0-0; 3 B Leach, Daiwa, 76-0-0; 4 M Levy, Milo Bordon Angling, 62-8-0; 5 B Gibbons, Milo Bordon Angling, 61-14-0; 6 P Hiller, Daiwa Dorking, 45-0-0.

Lake John/Angling Direct Winter League (round two)

Top Lake (27 pegs)

Result: 1 M Amos, Sensas/Angling Direct, 35-4-0; 2 K Farrell, Lea Valley Angling, 33-10-0; 3 C Clark, Maver/Angling Direct, 32-0-0; 4 S Bracey, Shimano/Dynamite Baits, 30-4-0; 5 A Gregory, Milo Bordon Angling, 29-4-0; 6 P Law, Garbolino/Apollo, 28-8-0.

League: 1 A Gregory and P Reddy, 81pts; 2 P Hyde and P Law, 79; 3 C Clark and R Grimes, 72.

Ockendon Bait & Tackle

Puddledock Farm, Snake Lake (56 pegs)

Result: 1 I Nash, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 112-2-0; 2 A Bowers, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 69-12-0; 3 J Collins, Browning Wickford Angling, 66-8-0; 4 S Copping, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 62-10-0; 5 M Higginbottom, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 55-8-0; 6 G Rolfe, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 46-0-0.

Redbridge Lakes

Lake Daisy (12 pegs)

Result: 1 S Phung, Bowler’s, 8-8-0; 2 P Grant, Redbridge, 7-8-0; 3 P Toye, Redbridge, 5-12-0; 4 M Linford, Redbridge, 3-10-0; 5 G Bullock, Redbridge, 3-8-0; 6 J Hornsby, Redbridge, 3-4-0.

Sensas Commercial House

Kennet & Avon Canal, Bathampton (27 pegs)

Result: 1 A Power, Preston Innovations Thatcher’s, 15-10-0; 2 T Ford, Preston Innovations Thatcher’s, 9-4-0; 3 V Lunn, M&N Services, 7-15-0; 4 C Dance, Preston Innovations Thatcher’s, 6-9-8; 5 G Hunt, Maver Bathampton, 5-13-8; 6 N Sanders, Sensas Wiltshire Angling, 5-13-8.

Viaduct Fishery

Campbell Lake (12 pegs)

Result: 1 R Lucas, Wilts Angling, 86-10-0; 2 T Pallant, Veal’s Tackle, 56-10-0; 3 P Cardwell, Viaduct, 54-13-0.

Top silverfish weight: J Green, Thatcher’s Tackle, 21-1-0.

MIDLANDS MIDWEEK

Cross Drove Fishery (Weds)

Hockwold (11 pegs)

Result: 1 R Finch, Deben, 12-7-0; 2 B Mason, Guru/Ringer Baits, 12-3-0; 3 P Hendy, Browning Hot Rods, 5-10-0; 4 S Easey, Stanjay Tackle, 4-6-0; 5 T Howard, Cross Drove, 2-14-0; 6 B Vinten, Cross Drove, 2-10-0.

Cross Drove Fishery

Hockwold (11 pegs)

Result: 1 V Easey, Stanjay Tackle, 35-0-0; 2 M Pollard, Shimano/Stanjay Tackle, 15-0-0; 3 J Cartwright, Stanjay Tackle, 12-8-0; 4 T Hall, Chestnut Pool, 10-14-0; 5 R Heath, Chestnut Pool, 3-8-0; 6 N Parkinson, Dynamite Baits, 3-2-0.

Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery Veterans (Mon)

Croft Pool (10 pegs)

Result: 1 G Hiley, Peg One Angling Centre, 18-9-0; 2 R Holmes, Notts AA, 6-0-0; 3 T Furby, Notts AA, 5-12-0; 4 N Wood, Hallcroft, 5-4-0; 5 D Farr, Hallcroft, 5-2-0.

Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery Veterans (Thurs)

Bridge Pool (17 pegs)

Result: 1 A Payling, Peg One Angling Centre, 45-0-0; 2 A Sellars, Bankside Tackle, 38-2-0; 3 R Holmes, Notts AA, 29-14-0; 4 D Downes, Killamarsh, 20-0-0; 5 P Bagshaw, Ultimate Barnsley Blacks, 18-10-0.

Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery

Moat Pool (12 pegs)

Result: 1 D Boswell, Bryden AC, 59-14-0; 2 P Bagshaw, Maver, 30-8-0; 3 A Sellars, Bankside Tackle, 26-2-0.

Decoy Lakes (Tues)

Beastie Lake (19 pegs)

Result: 1 B Mason, Guru/Ringer Baits, 69-12-0; 2 N Baxter, Bag ‘Em Baits, 63-15-0; 3 S Dow, Decoy, 36-5-0; 4 J Smalley, Decoy, 33-7-0.

Decoy Lakes

Beastie Lake (22 pegs)

Result: 1 J Richardson, Decoy, 84-13-0; 2 J Whincup, Bait-Tech, 64-9-0; 3 J Broughton, Hinderclay, 55-4-0; 4 N Baxter, Bait-Tech, 49-0-0.

Janson’s Fishery (Tues)

Match & Munroes Pools (20 pegs)

Result: 1 G Woodcock, Middy, 84-7-0; 2 K Wakefield, Janson’s, 56-11-0; 3 C Cox, Janson’s, 50-7-0; 4 S Draper, Lakeview Select, 48-10-0; 5 H Smith, Janson’s, 47-13-0; 6 B Sandom, Janson’s, 40-0-0.

Little John Lakes (Tues)

Robin Hood Lake (15 pegs)

Result: 1 G Bennett, MAP Mansfield, 24-11-0; 2 G Westwater, MAP/Marukyu, 19-3-0; 3 S Beard, Little John 19-0-0; 4 P Tatley, MAP Mansfield, 17-13-0; 5 M Smith, Church Warsop DAA, 17-5-0; 6 S Greatorex, Little John, 16-10-0.

Little John Lakes Vets (Fri)

Friar Tuck Lake (18 pegs)

Result: 1 G Bennett, MAP Mansfield, 63-7-0; 2 S Beard, Little John, 39-11-0; 3 M Smith, Church Warsop DAA, 29-6-0; 4 G Eden, Mansfield, 24-1-0; 5 T Glover, Little John, 19-12-0; 6 M Thompson, Wickersley Angling, 19-0-0.

Little John Lakes Fur & Feather

All lakes (25 pegs)

Result: 1 S Butler, Notts AA, 53-15-0; 2 G Westwater, MAP/Marukyu, 52-9-0; 3 C Greensides, Woodseats Angling, 33-8-0; 4 G Turner, Mosborough Tackle Box, 21-15-0; 5 P Tatley, MAP Mansfield, 18-0-0; 6 K Charlton, Little John, 16-12-0.

Manor Farm Leisure (Weds)

Island Pool (12 pegs)

Result: 1 H Davis, Smithy’s Angling, 97-12-0; 2 M Russell, Banbury Gunsmiths, 66-14-0; 3 C Telling, Colmic, 51-12-0.

Manor Farm Leisure (Thurs)

Island Pool (15 pegs)

Result: 1 S Rich, Cotswold Angling, 44-12-0; 2 N Hancock, Breakingstone AC, 40-8-0; 3 J Halfpenny, Manor Farm Leisure, 37-0-0.

Manor Farm Leisure

Island Pool (16 pegs)

Result: 1 M Russell, Banbury Gunsmiths, 45-0-0; 2 S Hemming, Alcester Sports & Tackle, 39-0-0; 3 A Grimes, Manor Farm Leisure, 24-8-0.

Maver Classic Qualifier

Maver Larford Lakes, Match Lake (17 pegs)

Result: 1 M Johnson, Maver, 59-4-0; jt2 C Bradney and M Churchill, both Maver, both  54-4-0; 4 R Breeze, Maver, 46-11-0; 5 P Goulding, Woody’s Angling, 38-15-0; 6 P Sheehan, Garbolino, 37-11-0.

Moorlands Farm (Tues)

Meadow Pool (16 pegs)

Result: 1 P Little, Colin Pace Academy, 33-8-0; 2 B Drew, Starlets Vets, 31-11-0; 3 C Bennett, Colin Pace Academy, 28-8-0.

Moorlands Farm (Weds)

Moors, Middle & Bank Pools (15 pegs)

Result: 1 M Lefevre, Moorlands Gold, 63-8-0; 2 G Reynolds, King’s, 39-2-0; 3 M Watson, Daiwa Gordon League, 25-4-0.

Moorlands Farm Fur & Feather (Thurs)

Silver Pool (21 pegs)

Result: 1 C Newton, Smithy’s Angling, 64-15-0; 2 P Little, Colin Pace Academy, 46-7-0; 3 J Newton, Smithy’s Angling, 43-4-0.

Moorlands Farm Winter Pairs (round two)

Meadow & Silver Pools (34 pegs)

Result: 1 L Richards, Packington, 69-7-0; 2 D Hill, Foster’s, 56-11-0; 3 D Parry, Stourport, 51-15-0; 4 M Henshall, Foster’s, 51-2-0; 5 C Bennett, Worcester, 49-14-0; 6 D Williams, Halesowen RBL, 49-8-0.

Pairs: Jt1 A Wyatt and D Parry, C Wright and C Munslow and M Lefevre and M Henshall, all 3pts.

Overall pairs: 1 C Wright & C Munslow, 5pts; 2 M Watson and C Pace, 8; 3 C Bennett and P Little, 9.

Packington Somers (Weds)

Little Geary’s Lake (14 pegs)

Result: 1 S White, Kobra, 27-7-0; 2 S Smith, Kobra, 12-9-0; 3 J Adamson, Packington, 12-0-0.

Packington Somers Vets (Thurs)

Molands Mere Pool (29 pegs)

Result: 1 R Atkins, Maver Solihull Angling, 25-14-0; 2 E Keene, Packington Vets, 24-1-0; 3 R Savage, Lane’s Bait, 22-13-0; 4 B Wooding, Packington Vets, 20-0-0.

Packington Somers

Molands Mere Pool (16 pegs)

Result: 1 J Adamson, Packington, 53-14-0; 2 D Hartshorn, Swan Baits, 49-12-0; 3 K Wooding, Maver Solihull Angling, 33-14-0; 4 P Canning, Packington, 31-11-0; 5 S Smith, Kobra, 27-6-0; 6 D Parsonage, Beaufort 21 AC, 19-4-0.

Preston Innovations Boldings Pools (Mon)

Beech & Hawthorn Lakes (13 pegs)

Result: 1 C Reynolds, Bilston Angling Centre, 39-7-0; 2 G Wood, Matrix Total Angling, 24-0-0; 3 M Jameson, Mid Leisure, 23-13-0; 4 E Bancroft, Rod & Gun, 17-11-0.

Preston Innovations Boldings Pools (Weds)  

Larch & Chestnut Pools (15 pegs)

Result: 1 M Jameson, Mid Leisure, 49-8-0; 2 K Humphreys, Oswestry, 35-15-0; 3 C Wynn, Tri-Cast Weston, 21-11-0; 4 B Clark, Marukyu/Colmic, 19-1-0.

Preston Innovations Boldings Pools (Thurs)  

Oak & Beech Lakes (16 pegs)

Result: 1 E Bancroft, Rod & Gun, 43-1-0; 2 G Morris, Boldings, 29-4-0; 3 T Foster, Boldings, 19-7-0; 4 M Jameson, Mid Leisure, 19-1-0.

Preston Innovations Boldings Pools

Sycamore & Ash Lakes (20 pegs)

Result: 1 A Kyte, Maver Midlands, 50-13-0; 2 M Jameson, Mid Leisure, 43-1-0; 3 K Powell, Boldings, 36-0-0; 4 C Wynn, Tri-Cast Weston, 33-14-0.

Santa Redwood’s Christmas Cheer (Weds)

Janson’s Fishery, Match, Munroes & Doughnut Pools (30 pegs)

Result: 1 M Straw, Janson’s, 60-2-0; 2 I Foulds, Newark, 54-12-0; 3 M Fielding, Janson’s, 50-9-0; 4 T Deabill, Nottingham, 37-1-0; 5 S Draper, Lakeview Select, 36-15-0; 6 E Waterfall, Carlton Herons, 31-11-0-0.

Sherwood Forest Fishery (Weds)

Holmedale Lake (17 pegs)

Result: 1 P Ellis, Sherwood Forest Fishery, 13-7-0; 2 M Langton, Sherwood Forest Fishery, 11-1-0; 3 P Hodgetts, Sherwood Forest Fishery, 6-10-0; 4 C Brown, Sherwood Forest Fishery, 5-8-0; 5 G Mawby, Gateford Angling Supplies, 4-10-0; 6 L Hassett, Gateford Angling Supplies, 4-8-0.

Sherwood Forest Fishery (Tues)

Sherwood Lake (13 pegs)

Result: 1 D Round, Woodhouse Angling Centre, 12-12-0; 2 J Wooff, Mansfield Busmen AC, 7-15-0; 3 J Slinn, Woodhouse Angling Centre, 7-2-0.

Starlets Northfield Veterans AS (Weds)
Preston Innovations Woodland View, Arles & High Pools (35 pegs)
Result: 1 D James, Great Barr, 23-12-0; 2 D Lodge, Bewdley, 20-0-0; 3 B Startin, Cofton Hackett, 16-8-0.

Starlets Vets Winter League (Tues)

Packington Somers, Geary’s Level & Little Geary’s Lakes (44 pegs)

Result: 1 R Quinney, Packington, 19-7-0; 2 P Bird, Coventry, 16-4-0; 3 N Davies, Packington Vets, 11-14-0; 4 D Suckling, Ridgemere AC, 11-11-0.

Tunnel Barn Farm (Mon)

Extension Pool (19 pegs)

Result: 1 D Callaghan, Measham Redfins, 29-15-0; 2 D Chapman, Coventry, 24-4-0; 3 S Birch, Northfield, 16-1-0; 4 J Rock, Hawkesbury, 12-6-0; 5 D Lutwyche, Hawkesbury, 11-3-0; 6 G Young, Young’s MG, 10-7-0.

Tunnel Barn Farm Over 50’s Club (Tues)

New Pool (32 pegs)

Result: 1 J Berry, Coventry, 33-13-0; 2 P Bailey, Ridgemere AC, 32-6-0; 3 G Harrison, Tunnel Barn Farm Vets, 18-10-0; 4 R Notley, Tunnel Barn Farm Vets, 16-15-0; 5 D Chapman, Coventry, 16-13-0; 6 C Perry, Mansfield Angling Centre, 14-4-0.

Tunnel Barn Farm Vets (Thurs)

Extension & House Pools (38 pegs)

Result: 1 P Lewis, Tunnel Barn Farm Vets, 49-4-0; 2 J Stockton, Barford AA, 46-6-0; 3 C Constable, Tunnel Barn Farm Vets, 28-9-0; 4 R Sturdy, Tunnel Barn Farm Vets, 26-10-0; 5 D Chapman, Coventry, 23-14-0; 6 G Harrison, Tunnel Barn Farm Vets, 19-5-0.

Tunnel Barn Farm (Fri)

Jenny’s & Canal Pools (28 pegs)

Result: 1 A Wakelin, Preston Innovations, 83-4-0; 2 P Rice, Bag ‘Em Baits, 75-8-0; 3 S Huggins, Dynamite Baits, 68-8-0; 4 W Ainsworth, Mid City, 64-13-0; 5 A Wilson, Tunnel Barn Farm, 60-6-0; 6 S Conway, Lichfield, 58-5-0.

Tunnel Barn Farm

Extension Pool (22 pegs)

Result: 1 P Caton, Banbury Gunsmiths, 83-0-0; 2 A Wakelin, Preston Innovations, 73-12-0; 3 J Stockton, Barford AA, 72-10-0; 4 P Rice, Bag ‘Em Baits, 62-11-0; 5 M Barwell, Maver Gold/Bag ‘Em Baits, 53-5-0; 6 B Stanford, Bilston Angling Centre, 52-15-0.

Westwood Lakes Rover (Tues)

All lakes (12 pegs)

Result: 1 P Oglesbee, Liam’s Elite, 50-8-0; 2 G Shinn, Liam’s Elite, 43-8-0; 3 R Roberts, Westwood Lakes, 39-10-0.

Willow Lakes (Weds)

Match Lakes (11 pegs)

Result: 1 A Quick, Mansfield AA, 28-8-0; 2 G Eden, Mansfield, 23-4-0; 3 P Arndt, Grantham, 21-8-0.

Willow Lakes

Match Lake (14 pegs)

Result: 1 I Bellaby, Coalville, 22-0-0; 2 J Woodland, Sherwood Forest Fishery, 21-0-0; 3 J Berry, Mansfield, 13-12-0; 4 R Bellaby, Coalville, 12-8-0; 5 A Birklin, Phil’s Bait & Tackle, 11-0-0; 6 P Morris Snr, Nottingham Disabled, 9-0-0.

MIDLANDS SUNDAY

Bateman’s Westwood Lakes Winter League (round three)

Skylark Lake (24 pegs)

Result: 1 M Rodger, Middy/Bag ‘Em Baits, 39-6-0; 2 M Stamp, Sonu Baits, 34-12-0; 3 D Gowshall, Westwood Lakes, 30-9-0; 4 B Kilner, Army AA, 24-12-0.

Browning West Midlands

Birmingham/Worcester Canal, Stoke Works (29 pegs)

Result: 1 S Ward, Browning West Midlands, 6-15-15; 2 P Bick, Shakespeare, 5-4-11; 3 T Hamilton, Barley Mow, 4-8-11; 4 G Kirkham, Browning West Midlands, 4-7-9; 5 B Jarvis, Cornerstone AC, 3-14-0; 6 R Quinn, Shakespeare, 3-1-8.

Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery

Moat Pool (25 pegs)

Result: 1 G Hiley, Mansfield, 45-2-0; 2 A Kinder, Maver/Marukyu, 38-6-0; 3 S Richards, Mansfield, 28-1-0; 4 D Boswell, Bryden AC, 25-14-0; 5 A Sellars, Bankside Tackle, 19-1-0.

Decoy Lakes

Six Island Lake (21 pegs)

Result: 1 R Bond, Bury St Edmund’s, 72-1-0; 2 N Adcock, Browning Hot Rods, 63-3-0; 3 J Whincup, Bait-Tech, 61-8-0; 4 P Jones, Decoy, 60-3-0.

Lake Ross

Spalding (14 pegs)

Result: 1 T Edwards, Lake Ross, 74-4-0; 2 P Harsley, Dave’s Peg, 57-13-0; 3 D Cochrane, Sensas, 56-9-0; 4 S Spinks, Westwood Lakes, 53-13-0; 5 N Parkinson, Dynamite Baits, 43-9-0; 6 C Williams, GOT Baits, 42-2-0.

Manor Farm Leisure

Island & Windmill Lakes (26 pegs)

Result: 1 A Mansfield, Maver Gold/Bag ‘Em Baits, 86-4-0; 2 C Cameron, Middy, 77-2-0; 3 A Hicks, Colmic, 53-0-0; 4 R Pharoah, Mosella, 52-4-0.

March DAA

Old River Nene (60 pegs)

Result: 1 J Bates, Sensas Mark One, 14-6-0; 2 J Price, Sensas Mark One, 11-8-0; 3 R Reynolds, Shakespeare, 10-12-0; 4 D Rawlings, Stanjay Tackle, 10-9-0; 5 R Hewison, Sensas Mark One, 8-11-0; 6 M Caldecote, Stanjay Sports, 8-5-0.

Maver Classic Qualifier

Maver Larford Lakes, Arena Lake (18 pegs)

Result: 1 M Churchill, Maver, 91-0-0; 2 P Briscoe, Maver, 89-0-0; 3 J Brogden, Ted Carter Southport, 67-14-0; 4 P Cook, Maver, 61-7-0; 5 L Webster, Larford Lakes, 32-5-0; 6 P Sheehan, Garbolino, 25-13-0.

Moorlands Farm

Meadow, Island & Middle Pools (22 pegs)

Result: 1 M Watson, Daiwa Gordon League, 82-8-0; 2 R Kings, St David’s, 55-7-0; 3 C Pace, Colin Pace Academy, 47-4-0; 4 C Hill, Mosella, 45-8-0; 5 M Henshall, Foster’s, 44-13-0; 6 A Gethin, Club 2000, 43-6-0.

Packington Somers

Molands Mere Pool (33 pegs)

Result: 1 J Walkden, WB Clarke, 56-8-0; 2 L Richards, Packington, 51-5-0; 3 M Wood, Maver Solihull Angling, 39-4-0; 4 S White, Kobra, 36-3-0; 5 S Chester, Mosella, 35-14-0; 6 D Hartshorn, Swan Baits, 26-9-0.

Preston Innovations Boldings Pools

Larch, Sycamore & Beech Pools (45 pegs)

Result: 1 K Miller, New Willenhall, 52-14-0; 2 C Reynolds, Bilston Angling Centre, 47-14-0; 3 M Skelton, Oakengates Angling Centre, 46-13-0; 4 D Brown, Maver Midlands, 38-15-0; 5 C Wynn, Tri-Cast Weston, 34-11-0; 6 A Kyte, Maver Midlands, 34-5-0.

Tunnel Barn Farm

House & Extension Pools (42 pegs)

Result: 1 S Palser, Middy/Banbury Gunsmiths, 100-15-0; 2 B Stanford, Bilston Angling Centre, 81-1-0; 3 W Ainsworth, Mid City, 70-4-0; 4 P Caswell, Alcester Sports & Tackle, 67-4-0; 5 S Conway, Lichfield, 64-3-0; 6 R Knowles, Shakespeare, 61-7-0.

NORTH MIDWEEK

Blundell’s Fishery Rover (Weds)

All lakes (23 pegs)

Result: 1 G Whalley, Bait-Tech, 74-9-0; 2 M Harris, Miracle Baits, 49-3-0; 3 M Rogerson, Drennan NW, 43-3-0; 4 L Thornton, Middy/Bag ‘Em Baits, 40-13-0; 5 J Hughes, Maver/Bag ‘Em Baits, 38-13-0; 6 I Burley, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 36-2-0.

Blundell’s Fishery Rover

All lakes (29 pegs)

Result: 1 L Addy, Drennan NW, 49-4-0; 2 I Ridgeway, Rochdale Angling Centre, 47-4-0; 3 L Thornton, Middy/Bag ‘Em Baits, 41-4-0; 4 G Whalley, Bait-Tech, 38-0-0; 5 K Rich, Daiwa, 33-2-0; 6 M Harris, Miracle Baits, 32-12-0.

Brookside Fisheries (Thurs)

Snake Lake (17 pegs)

Result: 1 D Pollitt, Hirst Tackle, 33-2-0; 2 T Dewhurst, Premier Driveways, 31-2-0; 3 J Wilson, JW Pole Repairs, 30-2-0; 4 D Bibby, Cheshire Angling, 28-4-0; 5 J Kelly, Ray’s Tackle, 27-4-0; 6 L Brookhouse, Brookside, 26-10-0.

Brookside Fisheries

Snake Lake (27 pegs)

Result: 1 J Battersby, Garbolino Elton, 52-12-0; 2 J Jones, Garbolino Elton, 40-6-0; 3 D Edwards, NW Baits, 35-0-0; 4 C Taylor, Gilder’s Tackle, 31-10-0; 5 M Tighe, Medlock Bridge, 31-2-0; 6 C Ruscoe, Rod ‘n Reel, 30-4-0.

Highfield Fishery Over 60’s & Disabled (Weds)

Oak Lake (18 pegs)

Result: 1 T Clark, Ted Carter Preston, 14-3-0; 2 B Martin, Highfield, 12-0-0; 3 A Connell, Highfield, 9-6-0.

Highfield Fishery Over 60’s & Disabled (Fri)      

Oak Lake (18 pegs)

Result: 1 R Lister, Ted Carter Preston, 29-6-0; 2 M Brady, Ted Carter Preston, 25-10-0; 3 J Coles, Highfield, 19-6-0; 4 T Clark, Ted Carter Preston, 19-0-0.

Meadow View Fisheries OAP & Disabled (Tues)

Lark Pool (16 pegs)

Result: 1 D Ockwell, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 58-12-0; 2 R Davies, Meadow View, 53-12-0; 3 R Peet, Oldham Owls DAA, 32-0-0; 4 P Norfolk, Yorkshire Tykes DAA, 20-8-0.

Meadow View Fisheries

Lark Pool (16 pegs)

Result: 1 S Woodward, Meadow View, 63-0-0; 2 D Catterall, Meadow View, 32-0-0; 3 S Barwell, Meadow View, 27-8-0; 4 P Chung, Matrix Tameside, 24-0-0.

Messingham Sands Silverfish Only

Oak Tree Pond (14 pegs)

Result: 1 K Johnson, Messingham, 40-7-0; 2 M Chadwick, Hull, 36-11-0; 3 D Pattinson, Grimsby, 24-9-0; 4 D Rawcliffe, Grimsby, 23-4-0; 5 N Vessey, Scunthorpe, 22-8-0; 6 S Ellis, Scunthorpe, 21-11-0.

Messingham Sands (Weds)

Oak Tree Pond (12 pegs)

Result; 1 M Chadwick, Hull, 22-1-0; 2 A Gregory, Scunthorpe, 19-12-0; 3 K Pacey, Gainsborough, 16-15-0.

Moorfields Farm

Match Lake (15 pegs)

Result: 1 A Johnson, Majestic garage, 27-4-0; 2 S Holmes, Majestic Garage, 22-10-0; 3 M Heptonstall, Moorfields, 16-8-0.

Mosborough Tackle Box

Barnburgh Lakes, Bottom & Middle Lakes (24 pegs)

Result: 1 P Gosney, Intake Angling, 68-12-0; 2 A Schupak, Intake Angling, 45-12-0; 3 C Bacon, Ken Ward Sports, 43-4-0; 4 N Staniland, Intake Angling, 35-0-0; 5 D Hooper, Mosborough Tackle Box, 34-4-0; 6 I Haywood, Intake Angling, 31-0-0.

Oaks Lakes (Tues)

Alders Lake (10 pegs)

Result: 1 A Stock, Cleveland Angling Centre, 34-14-0; 2 C Kendall, Middy, 20-14-0; 3 P Whale, The Oaks, 13-4-0; 4 C Hall, The Oaks, 6-15-0.

Oaks Lakes (Weds)

Ash & Beech Lakes (10 pegs)

Result: 1 C Kendall, Middy, 55-8-0; 2 I Bailey, Woodland Tackle, 54-13-0; 3 D Smith, Matrix/Bait-Tech, 52-6-0; 4 M Calvert, Garbolino Elton, 48-2-0.

Oaks Lakes

Cedar Lake (12 pegs)

Result: 1 I Exley, Daiwa Dons, 25-12-0; 2 C Hall, The Oaks, 21-7-0; 3 M Dunlop, Browning Quaker, 19-3-0; 4 M Calvert, Garbolino Elton, 15-12-0; 5 R Singh, Garbolino Elton, 14-5-0; 6 S Hawkins, The Oaks, 9-6-0.

Partridge Lakes OAP & Disabled (Mon)

Spey & Marsh Canal Lakes (20 pegs)

Result: 1 P Stead, Izaak Walton Leigh, 32-4-0; 2 C Weeder Snr, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 29-5-0; 3 R Powell, Partridge Lakes, 29-2-0; 4 D Blair, Dave’s Tackle, 27-14-0.

Partridge Lakes Rover (Tues)

All lakes (29 pegs)

Result: 1 S Rimmer, St Helen’s Angling, 45-0-0; 2 D Pollitt, Hirst Tackle, 26-10-0; 3 S Hall, Middleton Carp & Angling, 21-11-0; 4 G Whalley, Bait-Tech, 21-5-0.

Partridge Lakes OAP & Disabled (Weds)

Covey Canal Lakes (47 pegs)

Result: 1 S Bryan, Warrington, 23-2-0; 2 T Aspinall, Dave’s Tackle, 21-9-0; 3 G Wyatt, Oldham Owls DAA, 14-7-0; 4 R Powell, Partridge Lakes, 13-3-0.

Partridge Lakes (Thurs)

Covey Canal Lakes (20 pegs)

Result: 1 M Reed, Garbolino Elton, 30-3-0; 2 I Burley, NW Baits, 27-9-0; 3 L Addy, Drennan NW, 25-0-0; 4 P Keeley, Drennan NW, 24-4-0.

Partridge Lakes

Covey Canal Lakes (52 pegs)

Result: 1 W Kearney, Tri-Cast Rochdale, 55-6-0; 2 C Mayor, Drennan NW, 53-4-0; 3 B Conroy, Bailey’s Tackle, 46-2-0; 4 L Breeze, Drennan NW, 45-14-0; 5 A Geldart, Garbolino/Dynamite Baits, 44-12-0; 6 I Leach, Saints, 43-7-0.

St Helen’s AA (Mon)

Carr Mill Dam (14 pegs)

Result: 1 G Rigby, St Helen’s, 11-6-0; 2 G Holgan, St Helen’s, 10-4-0; 3 K Hall, Swinton, 6-11-0; 4 P Swift, St Helen’s, 4-15-0.

Thornhill AC

Calder & Hebble Canal, Dewsbury (11 pegs)

Result: 1 S Campbell, Trabucco Halifax, 2-8-0; 2 H Lodge, Wakefield AC, 2-7-8; 3 J Sedgwick, Tri-Cast Calder, 2-3-8; 4 J Holdsworth, Maver NW, 2-2-0; 5 K Marshall, Tri-Cast Calder, 1-10-8; 6 B Kellett, Thornhill AC, 1-8-0.

Wigan DAA (Weds)

Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Adlington Marina (20 pegs)

Result: 1 D Wells, Tri-Cast Rochdale, 3-10-12; 2 C Whalley, Sam’s Tackle & Bait, 3-9-8; 3 A Whalley, Sam’s Tackle & Bait, 2-15-8; 4 D Trafford, Ted Carter Preston, 2-6-4.

Wigan DAA

Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Leyland Mill (21 pegs)

Result: 1 D Trafford, Ted Carter Preston, 4-9-0; 2 S Wharton, Sam’s Tackle & Bait, 3-9-0; 3 A Crook, Maver NW, 2-0-0; 4 T Fairhurst, Lostock Tackle Box, 1-14-8; 5 D McGuinn, Tri-Cast Rochdale, 1-13-8; 6 D Wells, Tri-Cast Rochdale, 1-13-8.

Woodland Lakes Over 50’s (Mon)

Kestrel & Curlew Lakes (16 pegs)

Result: 1 G Poole, Team Woodland Whites, 31-14-0; 2 P Fletcher, Team Woodland Whites, 23-10-0; 3 K Golightly, Shotton MG, 22-11-0; 4 S Richards, Team Woodland Whites, 19-0-0.

Woodland Lakes (Weds)

Kestrel & Curlew Lakes (23 pegs)

Result: 1 P Fletcher, Team Woodland Whites, 40-5-0; 2 G Horrocks, Woodland Tackle, 36-6-0; 3 I Melton, Sensas Walton, 32-3-0; 4 B Poole, The Oaks, 28-7-0; 5 A Jackson, Woodland Tackle, 25-13-0; 6 J Murray, Woodland Tackle, 22-11-0.

Woodland Lakes

Curlew & Kestrel Lakes (16 pegs)

Result: 1 P Fletcher, Team Woodland Whites, 36-6-0; 2 A Melton, Sensas Walton, 30-0-0; 3 G Horrocks, Team Woodland Whites, 29-14-0; 4 R Jones, Woodland Tackle, 29-3-0; 5 G Poole, Team Woodland Whites, 16-3-0; 6 F Hardcastle, Woodland Tackle, 14-3-0.

NORTH SUNDAY

Bannister Farm Fishery

New Match Canal Lake (25 pegs)

Result: 1 P Hart, Ted Carter Preston, 35-0-0; jt2 S Eccleshall, Bolton, S Burgess, Garbolino Elton, and P Banks, Tri-Cast Highfield, all 25-12-0; 5 J Vernon, Garbolino Elton, 22-8-0; 6 J Raby, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 21-8-0.

Blundell’s Fishery Rover

All lakes (46 pegs)

Result: 1 L Clancy Leigh Tackle & Bait, 71-4-0; 2 B Bush, Lingmere Tackle, 34-8-0; 3 M Rudd, Rochdale Angling Centre, 30-7-0; 4 S Norris, Edgeley Sports, 29-5-0; 5 T Jackson, Rod ‘n Reel, 29-3-0; 6 M Hassell, Stalybridge Angling Supplies, 29-0-0.

Brookside Fisheries

Snake & Willow Lakes (38 pegs)

Result: 1 S Conroy, Kamasan/Sensas, 35-0-0; 2 P Jones, Bait-Tech, 32-10-0; 3 S Birchall, Cheshire Angling, 28-8-0; 4 F Staniuszko, Garbolino Elton, 25-4-0; 5 B Johnson, Widnes Angling Centre, 24-2-0; 6 J Battersby, Garbolino Elton, 23-4-0.

Langwith Lakes

Bethany’s Lake (11 pegs)

Result: 1 S Wagstaffe, Sonu Baits, 38-12-0; 2 L Bramham, Otley, 20-4-0; 3 N Dixon, Goes Under Floats, 20-0-0; 4 A Flescher, Langwith, 18-10-0; 5 J Barker, Langwith, 5-2-0; 6 L Smith, Leeds, 4-1-0.

Leigh Tackle & Bait Winter League (round five)

Partridge Lakes, Pine, Willow, Spey & Marsh Canal Lakes (52 pegs)

Result: 1 W Kearney, Partridge Lakes, 34-15-0; 2 A Howarth, Patricroft AC, 23-6-0; 3 A Moran, Vine Baits, 22-14-0.

Teams: Jt1 Patricroft AC and Leigh Tackle & Bait Platinum, both 10pts; 3 Vine Baits, 12.

Meadow View Fisheries

Lark Pool (19 pegs)

Result: 1 D Hancox, Cheshire Angling, 128-8-0; 2 V Trees, Gilder’s Tackle, 53-0-0; 3 J Devine, Meadow View, 50-0-0; 4 D Catterall, Meadow View, 19-8-0.

Messingham Sands

Tripp Lake (10 pegs)

Result: 1 G Hansford, Grimsby, 43-1-0; 2 A Gregory, Scunthorpe, 34-12-0; 3 N Vessey, Scunthorpe, 33-2-0; 4 S Ellis, Scunthorpe, 25-14-0.

Oaks Lakes

Ash & Beech Lakes (19 pegs)

Result: 1 C Watson, The Oaks, 50-11-0; 2 D Hudson, Woodland Tackle, 46-6-0; 3 C Hall, The Oaks, 35-8-0; 4 S Keane, Woodland Tackle, 34-10-0; 5 R Sowerby, Knaresborough, 29-11-0; 6 S Stott, Starbeck AC, 29-5-0.

Partridge Lakes

Covey Canal Lakes (45 pegs)

Result: 1 S Parry, Daiwa/Guru, 67-13-0; 2 B Bennett, Garbolino Elton, 46-10-0; 3 P Keeley, Drennan NW, 43-0-0; 4 D Shaw, Maver NW, 40-5-0; 5 R O’Connor, Drennan NW, 38-15-0; 6 N Pickford, Elton Tackle, 36-6-0.

Rosemary Wood Fishery

Island Pool (28 pegs)

Result: 1 P Haines, Rosemary Wood, 76-1-0; 2 P Dewhurst, Rosemary Wood, 72-10-0; 3 R Meredith, Rosemary Wood, 66-10-0; 4 M Woolvine, Ted Carter Southport, 63-11-0; 5 B Lloyd, Liverpool AS, 55-7-0; 6 D Cheetham, Burscough Angling Supplies, 49-2-0.

St Helen’s AA

Carr Mill Dam (40 pegs)

Result: 1 J Evans, Garbolino, 6-3-0; 2 D Taylor, Saints, 6-1-0; 3 M Webb, Saints, 5-11-0; 4 S Clegg, Saints, 5-0-0.

Wigan DAA

Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Parbold (25 pegs)

Result: 1 S Wharton, Sam’s Tackle & Bait, 3-9-0; 2 G Falconer, Hindley MG, 3-7-0; 3 G Marchant, Mosella NW, 2-7-0; 4 T Prescott, Chorley Socials, 2-6-0; 5 K Gillett, Mosella NW, 2-1-0; 6 J Walker, Bolton, 2-0-0.

Woodland Lakes

Skylark & Wagtail Lakes (19 pegs)

Result: 1 G Poole, Team Woodland Whites, 34-10-0; 2 M Longhirst, Woodland Tackle, 24-9-0; 3 J Taylor, RSPS, 21-8-0; 4 S Newbury, Woodland Tackle, 17-9-0; 5 J Murray, Woodland Tackle, 16-7-0; 6 K Golightly, Shotton MG, 15-4-0.

Woodland Lakes Silverfish Only

Curlew, Kestrel & Partridge Lakes (20 pegs)

Result: 1 P Close, Browning Quaker, 40-5-0; 2 C Gowling, Browning Quaker, 35-10-0; 3 S Rambow, Darlington Angling Centre, 32-7-0; 4 M Lovelass, Browning Quaker, 30-14-0; 5 D Harris, Cleveland Angling Centre, 30-2-0; 6 D Basnett, Cleveland Angling Centre, 23-5-0.

 

 

14lb zander after 20 year break

WHEN Barry Cook returned to fishing after a 20-year absence and tackled up for zander for the very first time he would have been hard pushed to predict the results that would follow.

During a day’s fishing on the Old Lake at Bury Hill Fishery in Surrey, Barry banked seven zeds topped by this 14lb specimen.

Under the guidance of resident predator tutor Eric Bailey, Barry fished legered roach and mackerel to land five zander over 7lb 8oz.

He said: “I enjoyed the personalised and informative tuition in a relaxed atmosphere and we really had a great day."

 


Big perch bag in Wye match

The River Wye often gets praise for its immense stocks of chub and barbel but it was perch that dominated in the latest event with Tom Lane needing 42lb 1oz of them to win.

After drawing the favoured peg 75 on the Belmont stretch at Hereford, the Shakespeare backed rod – who is grandson to the legendary Billy Lane – used worms on the pole to take fish to 3lb at regular intervals during round three of the team event.

Wizards ace Andrew Murphy took second spot with 34lb 4oz, while W B Clarke man Terry Parrott completed the frame with 32lb 4oz.

 

 


Meat scores for 14lb 1oz Lea barbel

THE RIVER Lea can be a tough nut to crack, but Keith Little proved the rewards are there for those who put the effort in when he caught this 14lb 1oz barbel.

After setting up in a noted hotspot on the Fishers Green stretch close to his Waltham Abbey home, the venue regular legered a large lump of meat over a handful of pellets.

Within two hours of casting out a 10lb fish had fallen to the trap and shortly afterwards he received a second bite which, following a short battle, resulted in his biggest barbel from the waterway this season.

Keith said: “The venue has a lot of crayfish in and a large chunk of meat is something they will struggle to eat quickly and this gives the barbel more time to find it.”

 


Homemade paste fools 17lb 5oz barbel

ONE OF the biggest barbel of the season has been caught by Neill Stephen – this 17lb 5oz specimen from a southern river.

The London-based former Drennan Cup holder found the waterway rising rapidly and while most other anglers had resorted to the comfort of local stillwaters, he embraced the challenge and freelined a piece of homemade paste.

After allowing it to trundle downstream towards a series of tree roots, the tip twitched slightly and seconds later the hook had been set.

The specimen then plodded around slowly on the bottom and minutes later it was in the net.

“I couldn’t see how big it was because of the dark but when I lifted the net out I saw the girth and size of its head and realised I’d landed something very special,” explained Neill, who used 25lb PowerPro braid, a small lump of Plasticine moulded around a float stop and a size 6 Drennan Super Specialist Barbel hook.

 

 

Huge Ouse perch for Perna

ADAM Perna’s successful year shows no sign of slowing down with this 3lb 11oz perch the latest specimen to grace his net.

The 27-year-old Oxfordshire-based all-rounder has already banked roach to over 3lb, pike over 29lb and numerous specimen perch and zander in the past 12 months.

His latest predator fell to running-leger tactics from a small tributary of the Ouse.

“This fish was caught a bit further down from a near-bank slack and took a legered lobworm tipped with the trusty red maggot,” said Adam. 

“This time I was on the tip due to the river carrying a bit of extra water and the bait was presented over a scattering of maggots and chopped worm. The fish look very colourful and in fine condition at this time of year.”

Adam used an 8lb mainline to a 2ft fluorocarbon hooklink with a 0.5oz running lead and a size 6 Drennan Super Specialist hook.


Brace of 3lb perch on lobworms

THIS brace of 3lb-plus perch were the highlight of a productive days fishing on an East Anglian stillwater for Phil Spinks.

The Norfolk-based all-rounder caught the fish, along with numerous other specimens between 2lb 4oz and 3lb 4oz, while shooting a feature for Angling Times Predator magazine.

“I made an early start arriving at the lake at 9am, but the conditions looked far from ideal as it was a sharp frosty morning with clear skies,” said Phil. “I always prefer overcast mild days for perch fishing this time of year and in the back of my mind I was worrying the perch wouldn't play ball – I needn’t have worried though!”

His successful tactics consisted of air-injected lobworms popped-up on size 6 Korum Xpert Specialist hooks and 4lb Power Mono hooklinks.


Flooded Lea produces 14lb 15oz barbel

AN impromptu session on the River Lea produced this 14lb 15oz barbel for former Drennan Cup Champion Darran Goulder.

The Shimano and Dynamite Baits consultant from Kent, hair-rigged a single Robin Red pellet and dropped it just a few feet from his own bank in a swim on a flooded River Lea to land the barbel that beats his previous biggest for the species from the venue that stood at 13lb 10oz.

“I was supposed to be fishing on Chew Reservoir for the pike but the trip was cancelled because of the weather. The river was tanking through and was only just fishable but I’m glad I made the effort.”


Dates revealed for British Carp & Angling Show

Some of the biggest names in angling are set to make an appearance at the British Carp & Angling Show which is set be staged on January 19 and 20 2013 at the Royal Norfolk Showground.

Matt Hayes, Bob Nudd and John Wilson will be amongst the stars sharing their greatest tips and tactics with visitors, while top name tackle brands such as Nash and Korda will display their latest releases.

Various group talks will be staged by industry experts, with a ‘Bait Kitchen’ also being created to give you the knowledge to make the most of your next session on the bank.

Advance tickets are £8 for adults, £2 for under 16s and you can find out more by visiting www.britishcarpshow.co.uk


Two 29lb-plus pike in an hour

Leighton Ryan came close to breaking the magical 30lb-barrier twice in an hour with a superb brace of 29lb-plus pike.

The 33-year-old mechanic tempted the pair of predators, weighing 29lb 4oz and 29lb 8oz, from Bristol’s famous Chew Reservoir after moving to an area he’d enjoyed success from in the past.

“I had taken a mate with me for his first visit to the venue and we had three double-figure fish throughout the day. I then moved to another area that I’d had a 27lb 8oz pike from a couple of weeks before,” said the South Wales-based rod, who used mackerel deadbaits to land the two new personal bests.

“I was absolutely chuffed with the first one and when I landed the second I was completely blown away,” he added.


New match waters for top commercial fishery

One of the country’s most popular commercial fisheries has revealed ambitious plans to dig a series of new waters.

Cheshire’s Partridge Lakes attracts thousands of match and pleasure rods every year and officials have announced that that the two Holbar Lakes will be dissolved into one bigger water to cater for specimen anglers.

There are also four Covey Lakes on the complex which cater solely for competitions and contractors will soon begin work on two similar waters to help the fishery host more big events in the future.

Work is expected to be completed by Easter 2013 and more details can be found at www.partridgelakes.co.uk


New record on Willow Lake at Fenland Fisheries

The Fenland Fisheries’ Willow Lake record has been broken by Jason Wilson with the capture of this 47lb 4oz mirror.

The Cambridgeshire-based plasterer targeted a clear soft area at around 80yds and offered maggot hookbaits over a bed of spodded hemp, sweetcorn and krill flavoured micro pellets.

As well as the lake’s biggest resident, called the Space Hopper, Jason also landed mirrors of 25lb 8oz and 22lb during his 48 hour session.


Eleven chub to 6lb 13oz on Dorset Stour

A day spent trotting maggots on a stretch of the Dorset Stour produced a sensational catch for Dean Derbyshire, including 11 chub to a best of 6lb 13oz and more than two dozen roach to 1lb 10oz.

The 21-year-old from Kinson, near Bournemouth, caught most of his fish from a far bank run close to a fallen tree in 7ft of water, with a single red maggot on a size 18 hook and 4lb line proving the successful set-up.

Dean, who made his memorable catch in less than five hours, revealed how the haul could have been even more impressive: “I lost what I think was a very big roach indeed on my first cast, and also hooked and lost a barbel which I could do little with because of the light tackle I was using. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant session,” said Dean, who put his faith in 4lb Drennan Supplex mainline and size 18 hooks to nylon from the same company.


Angler banks three 200lb-plus catfish in one session

BRIAN Hammond has become the first angler to bank three catfish over the 200lb barrier in a single session.

The Bristol-based rod was left exhausted after he hauled in fish of 223lb, 211lb and 203lb from the River Ebro in Spain in less than 18-hours.

Having caught specimens to 186lb on past trips he was determined to increase his personal best, and it didn’t take long - with the 211lb cat falling for his large halibut pellet on the first night.

The biggest fish of the trip came the following evening, before the smallest of the trio concluded what Brian could only describe as ‘a mindblowing experience’.

“Other anglers on the river were piling in the bait while we fed fairly lightly and I think that is what tempted the biggest catfish into our swim,” he explained.

Fishing guide and close friend Jason Toye was on hand to experience the catch and despite spending eight years working on the waterway, he admits the haul even surpassed his high expectations.

“I’ve never seen anything come close to this. It’s a phenomenal achievement and I don’t think anyone will ever catch a trio of 200lb-plus fish in such a short space of time again.”


River Tame barbel record broken

A FRUSTRATING three-year quest came to a triumphant conclusion for Damien Jones when he smashed a six-year-old venue record with this superb 14lb 8oz barbel.

The River Tame in Staffordshire is a notoriously difficult water which holds a relatively small number of really big barbel. But the local rod didn’t let the fact that he’s only landed two double figure fish since he’s been fishing the waterway deter him.

Concentrating his efforts on his local stretch in Tamworth, he adopted a light, mobile approach to search out every area of the 2 mile length. His efforts were rewarded on his latest session when the fish, which beat his pb by 3lb, found his legered fishmeal boilie.

He used a simple rig consisting of a 12lb braided hooklink and a size 8 hook to land the specimen which supersedes the previous river record of 13lb 10oz which was landed by Phil Bennett in 2006.

“I’ve been fishing this river for several years and found it really tough going,” Damien told Angling Times.

“But I’ve always loved fishing for big carp and I’m used to working really hard for my fish, so I’ve never been put off by the fact that the river’s big fish are so elusive.”


Angling Times Advent Calendar Winners

Here are the winners so far from the Angling Times Facebook Advent Calendar Competition:

Day 1 - 16l Square carp bucket – Dan Millington from Northwich
Day 2 - Pair of new Fox Royale Alarm Pouches – Carl Cobbett from Bideford
Day 3 - Matrix Ethos Accessory bag – Colin Skeel from Edinburgh
Day 4 - New Fox FX Stink Bag Sleeve – John Austwick from Bolton
Day 5 - Set of two Fox Rage Fish Snax Slugger Shads – Ryan Case from Southam
Day 6 - Find ‘em Feed ‘em Fox ‘em stainless steel mug – Garry Orton from London
Day 7 - Matrix Squeeze and Feed Method Mould and three Evolution Method Feeders – Ian Adams from Manchester
Day 8 - 5 x Fox Specialist Chubber Floats - Steve Dilligaf Porter from Glasgow
Day 9 - New Fox FX Gas Canister Case – Malcolm Hill from Worcester

Day 10 – Predator Drop arm Indicator – Andy Bearne from Kingston upon Hull
Day 12 – Fox Rapide PVA bag System – Luke Agacy from Sunbury on Thames
Day 11 – A spool of Matrix Hollow Elastic – Matt Wickens from Staffordshire
Day 13 – Two Fox Rage Ready To Fish Pro-Shad Pack – Fiona Waterworth from Sunderland
Day 14 – Two Fox Predator Slimline Slider Floats + Quick Change Egg Sinkers – Gary Taylor from Tamworth
Day 15 – Fox Steam and Store Chod/Withy Bin – Kevin Lomas from Cheshire
Day 16 – 5 packets of Matrix Carp Bagger Hooks – Ryan Kilby from Norwich
Day 17 – Halo Zig Float Kit – Shaun O’Connor from Bath

Day 18 – Fox Rage Pro Series Rod Shoulder Belt – Glyn Morgan from Sheffield
Day 19 – Set of three Fox Butt Grips – Jason Higgs from Lincolnshire
Day 20 – Fox Predator Forceps – Tom Christopher Walters from Manchester
Day 21 - Matrix Dump Pot Set + Toss Pots – Dan Callaghan from Cheshire
Day 22 – Fox Wide PVA Mesh Funnel System – Barry Lee Crofts from Sheffield
Day 23 – Fox Small Royale Accessory Bag – Martyn Russ from Cardiff
Day 24 – Fox Adjusta Level Chair - Lynne McEvoy from Cambridge

The winners have been contacted via email so don't forget to check your inboxes as we need your delivery address to post out your prize!

LIKE the Angling Times Facebook page for more great competitions -  www.facebook.com/anglingtimes 

 


PB 16lb 10oz bream from low-stock pit

LEE MCMANUS  ended a frustrating campaign - that had resulted in just two bites in over 720 hours of fishing - with this impressive 16lb 10oz personal best bream.

Measuring a mile in length and half a mile wide, Swithland Reservoir in Leicestershire is a notoriously hard water at the best of times - but has proven to be even tougher this year due to vast weed beds that all but choked the venue during the warmer months.

Even though the majority of it has now died away, Lee had to call upon all of the knowledge he’s gained over the last 17-years on the water to get the better of its resident bream.

After suspecting that the fish would be out in the middle of the lake and out of casting distance, the specialist from Birstall, Leicester, used a bait boat to get his simple leger rig and a couple of handfuls of hemp, corn and casters to a spot at 190 yards.

And it was these tactics that resulted in only his second bite in 30 sessions and beat his long-standing personal best of 13 years.

“I’ve been fishing this water since 1995 and it’s always been hard. But this year has been the toughest of all because the weed has been a nightmare. I was beginning to think that I was going to have to wait until next year to get another crack at the big ones,” said Lee.

“I persevered, though, as the bream will always continue to feed up until the water temperatures really begin to plummet.

“Not only was it a great feeling to get a bite after so many nights sat behind silent alarms, but to beat my old pb by 1oz made it all worthwhile.”