Geldart weighs in with 180lb-plus haul

May 2 2008 The Journal

STILLWATER fisheries have been in fine form with the Big Waters AC’s Dissington Pond yielding some quality ide and tench while, further south, the newly-opened coarse lake at Stonebridge has got off to a flying start.

Some terrific nets of silver fish and carp are being caught and Eric and Paul Thompson from Middleton-St-George had a great midweek session, taking around 70lb each.

The Angel complex has continued to fish well and 15-year-old Anthony Longstaff had 38 carp to 4lb, 10 skimmers and four tench to 3lb plus a 3lb 14oz bream all during a half-day session on Lookout Lake.

On Bowes Lake Eric Nelson from North Shields took over 60 carp to 4lb on his first visit. The same fishery saw Connor Mc Carthy celebrate his 12th Birthday with a fishing party and all youngsters caught.

Elsewhere Eden Meadows and Aldin Grange have both been in great form too, but the Woodlands complex has been absolutely unbelievable lately. Indeed the Open Match on Sunday brought the heaviest winning weights ever recorded in this column.

Andy Geldart won the match with an arm-aching total of 180lb 8oz of carp.

Dean Smith was second with an incredible 168lb while Steve Richards was third with yet another outstanding weight of 123lb 10oz.

Behind those three colossal nets, George Webb with 118lb, Adam Richards with 112lb and Mal Bailey on 110lb all topped the ton and must be the unluckiest anglers ever not to get into the frame with such outstanding weights.

Sunday’s match on Whittle Dene fished exceptionally well and eight anglers recorded double weights despite having to endure almost five hours of non-stop rain. The winner was Martin Robson of Browning Quaker with 16lb 3oz ahead of Chris Gowling on 14lb with Bob Ramshaw third with 13lb 15oz.

The first official match on Stonebridge new coarse lake saw silver fish dominating due to the cold weather.

Dave Basnett from Darlington had an impressive winning net of 41lb 4oz ahead of Steve Barker with 36lb 12oz and John Millican with 36lb 8oz.

Some anglers are suggesting the current close season for coarse fishing on rivers within England and Wales could be the last as more and more loopholes are being exploited.

A recent debate saw anglers vote to abolish the close season on rivers to bring them into line with Scottish and Irish rivers, and point out that the scrapping of the close season on stillwaters several years ago has proved fish stocks are not harmed by all-round fishing.

Diary dates

SATURDAY Leazes Park AA fish a Carp Cup Series match in the city centre venue and Langley Park AA have an Away Trip to Sessay. Washington and Harraton Angling Club fish at Huby for their Beatall Cup.

SUNDAY Big Waters host their club Pairs match on Sessay whilst Wansbeck and Cramlington AC start their Evening Series of matches on Horton Grange. There are stillwater Opens scheduled on The Oaks, Woodlands,The Angel, and Raker Lakes. Ferryhill AC fish their Patterson Memorial match on Shafto’s and Sunderland FAC hold their Enie Flint Trophy match on Silksworth. Hetton Lyons AC hold a Club Match at Goole and Aldin Grange stage an Open Match priced £12 – call 07913517120 to book.

TUESDAY The Darlington and County Durham branch of the PAC holds their monthly get together in the Coxhoe CIU club, while another match in the “King of Whins” series takes place on Whins Pond.

WEDNESDAY There are midweek Open matches on both Woodlands and The Angel while Wansbeck and Cramlington AC hold a club meeting in Cramlington CIU Club, and Washington and Harraton Angling Club have an Evening Series Match fishing 6 to 9pm

THURSDAY There is another Open on the Oaks at Sessay whilst Four in One AC hold a monthly club meeting in The Bay Horse in Front Street Whickham from 7.45pm and Ferryhill and District hold their monthly meting too in Ferryhill Catholic Club on Dean Road.

FRIDAY Aycliffe AC host a match in their Friday Evening Series on Aycliffe Pond.