King John rules over rivals

Angling update

RED-HOT John Pearson clinched his third win out of the last four matches in the Chadderton Mill AC Winter League.

The Stalybridge rod used maggots on the hook, combined with a tiny maggot feeder, for 14 carp and a cracking 34lb net.

Close up in second place was organiser Lee Humphries, of GTI Matchman, with 31lb.

He also opted for the maggot feeder for carp, tench and skimmers on maggot hookbait.

Chris Shaw (Stalybridge Angling) was third with two 5lb bream and some carp and skimmers for a 28lb 8oz total.

New starter Ivan Ditchfield was fourth with a level 12lb.

Last week’s winner and good friend, Graham Mitchell, was starting to pack up when he saw his tip rod being dragged into the lodge.

Quick thinking Mitchell grabbed hold of the rod and landed the decent-sized carp 10 minutes after the all out had sounded.

There is a three-way tie for the lead after six rounds, with Humphries, Pearson and Paul Hill all on 12 points.

WAYNE Kearney (TRI-CAST Rochdale) and Chadderton’s John Jones made the frame in the Brookside Fisheries open match on Snake and Willow lakes.

Kearney, the runner-up, used pellet at 10 metres for 23lb of carp, while Jones weighed in 14lb 8oz for fifth place.

FORMER Oldham angler Mark Lucas (Mossella) took first place in the Blundells Sunday match.

He had a 22lb 12oz catch, which included carp to 2lb on the pole and double bronze maggot.

Oldham rod Kev Marlor, of Tight Lines, Shaw, was second best, with pellets at 13 metres coaxing 22lb 4oz of tiny carp, the biggest weighing in at eight ounces.

o SANDY Barker is a familiar figure at Copthorne Fishery and is rarely out of the money in open matches.

He was second in this week’s match with 26lb 8oz of carp.

Former Pole Championship winner, Paul Selvedge, was third with 21lb 8oz, followed by Wayne Kearney (TRI-CAST Rochdale), who had 20lb.

ROYTON’S Keith Smith was one of the first anglers to experience open matches at Blundells Fishery and collects the cash on a regular basis.

He took second place this time with 19lb 1oz, with another Oldhamer, Peter Humphreys (Gilders ), in fourth after tipping the scales at 18lb 4oz.

Venue Guide

Rochdale Canal: Look no further than Boarshaw. Pegs by the lock or on the bream bend are always good for a few fish. Baits to use are bread punch and a few pinkies.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal: Still rock-hard going. SADAS lengths are producing fish. Day tickets are available on the bank.

Chadderton Mill Lodge: This place is unreal after 34lb won the latest match and 28lb was only good enough for third place! Maggot on the pole or tip for carp.

Diary Dates

EVERY other Sunday — Border Anglers members only matches on Hollingrove Dam. For details, contact Steve Hamer on (0161) 620 2037.

EVERY Sunday — Todmorden AS Junior coaching sessions on the Rochdale Canal. Meet Dale Street Car park. Fishing from 1pm to 4pm. For further information, ‘’phone (01706) 817232.

EVERY Sunday — Albert Morris open matches on various canals in the North West. Draw 9am. Fishing 10am to 3pm. Tickets are £10 all in on the day. To book and for further information, call (0161) 792 2684.

IF you have any news or views on the local or national angling scene, email Jan Verbruggen on foldgr@ntlworld.com or call 07846 456408.