Frosty conditions hit coarse returns

Feb 22 2008 by David Hall, The Journal

THE recent frosty weather has made feeding fish hard to find on still and running water, but an upturn in temperatures promises a good weekend for the region’s coarse anglers.

As usual it has been the “banker” commercial fisheries that have been in form with Eden Meadows fishing well, while on the Angel some excellent rudd have been caught this week to 1lb 7oz, as well as ide, bream and skimmers.

Carp are still being caught with 24 taken in one session by Ian Dixon while Neil Satterswaite had over ten carp from Bowes Lake.

In the River Swale Team Masters match, Dave Smiddy topped the polls with a hefty 53lb 11oz of chub, while Newcastle traveller Steve Miller of Big Waters did well to finish in the frame with 32lb.

Sunday’s DLT match on Conniscliffe saw Vernon Lakin of Middleton One Row return a great winning weight of 41lb of chub, taken on bread, from the chalk hole. Sunday’s Yarm AA match was won by Steve Wilson with 20lb of dace.

Gavin Martin of Blyth AC won Sunday’s Open on The Angel where an 11lb carp helped him to a 16lb 15oz winning weight. ahead of Chris Owers with 12lb 13oz and Neil Brown with 12lb 9oz.

Staff from the Environment Agency at Tyneside House enjoyed a fun pike match on Talkin Tarn. Organiser Alan Hunter again blanked and had to cede victory to Kielder hatchery manager Richard Bond. His pike of under 6lb was the heaviest caught on a cold but bright day.

Washington and Harraton AC’s members are advised that TAA waters are no longer available to them unless they join another TAA affiliated club or apply for individual membership.

The TAA is a hard-working local body that needs input from the member clubs it represents and, as Washington and Harraton have advised that they cannot attend a minimum of two meetings per year, their membership has now expired.

Big Waters AC are hoping the chance of a £10 tackle prize will attract more people to their monthly meetings.

The free tackle raffle, donated by ID Tackle, will take place throughout monthly meetings this year and is available to all club members who attend.