Coarse angling
Oct 16 2009 The Journal
IT has been an interesting week on The Angel with Ian Blenkinsop from Chester-le-Street catching common carp of 22lb 8oz and 20lb 10oz on worm from Bowes.
From Lookout too, carp are averaging 4-5lb, along with crucians, skimmers and bream being caught.
Tench, both green and golden, and perch of all sizes are being taken too, while on Bassetts carp of more than 10lb, 3lb ide and 3lb golden tench have all been recorded.
A group of 14 men from Holland, trying out fishing as part of their holiday, all caught fish with Jan-Willern Schutte taking the biggest, a fine carp.
Anglers who braved the recent difficult weather conditions on Whittle Dene have been rewarded with encouraging catches.
Barry Evans and Nigel Beardsley caught 104 and 60 roach respectively for 13lb 8oz and 13lb each, while Les Goreham and Lee Richardson both had 11lb mixed nets, made up of dace, gudgeon and roach.
The region’s rivers appear very lightly fished at present, even The County Hall stretch on the Wear has received little attention as has the Tyne.
However, the Tees has still been the most popular running water for coarse rods with pike of 7lb 2oz and 8lb 4oz at Yarm and catches of up to 20lb of bream at Stockton.
The pike fishing season got off to a flyer at Esthwaite with Craig Middleton bagging a trio of twenties to 26lb on the first morning.
Reports suggest the pike are in the mood for chasing lures, rather than picking up static deads.
Darren Ward landed six pike to just ounces under 20lb, while John Hine from Keswick took three fish to 19lb plus.
Alan McGuire has had a fantastic week’s match fishing on The Angel, picking up pools money in all three matches.
If he was a touch fortunate in winning Sunday’s Open with 70lb 11oz due to 79lb top weight Neil Brown having one net disqualified as he weighed in more than 60lb in one net, McGuire went on to win Friday’s Open on merit, putting 84lb 1oz on to the scales.
A mere six ounces robbed McGuire of a hat-trick as he was runner up on the Wednesday Open with 53lb 4oz.
He was pipped by John Foster with 53lb 10oz.
