Stalwart Lennie leads the way

ANGLING:

LENNIE Fosdyke led the way in the Todmorden AS open match on the Gordon Rigg Garden Centre length of the Rochdale Canal.

He has been around a long time and his record in the North-West is second to none. So it was no surprise that, after drawing one of the favoured pegs, Fosdyke would be among the fish.

The first two hours were a struggle, though, as he did not have a bite. Fortunately a shoal of roach moved in on his caster bait and he caught one every put-in for a match-winning 6lb 2oz total.

Oldham builder Martin Taylor was close up in second place, as caster at seven and eight metres tempted a level 6lb of roach.

Bait dealer Dave Williams, with caster again the bait used, recorded 4lb 7oz 8drams.

Paul Booth was third on the day with a 4lb 6oz net made up of caster and bread punch tempted roach, while joiner Derek Bowers was fourth with an 1lb 8oz skimmer and roach on caster for 4lb 5oz.

The Todmorden open match on the garden centre and mill length of the Rochdale Canal 24 hours later was hit by freezing temperatures.

Only one angler weighed in more than a pound in weight, and that was in-form Paul McMillan, who had an 1lb 1oz bag of roach using caster.

Next-best Daz Shaw had two caster roach for just 7oz.

The next Todmorden open match is tomorrow on the Lorry Park, while Boxing Day’s contest takes place on the garden centre length.

For further details on these matches and others over the festive period, call Simon on 07896 237224.



TODMORDEN AS memberships are available in all of the usual outlets. Seniors subscriptions are £36 if purchased before January 31.



DESPITE battling against illness, Oldham angler Dave Mellor has showed what a class act he is with numerous wins and placings on Carr Mill Dam.

This venue has always attracted good-quality matches, with the standard of angler as good as anywhere in the country. To achieve regular placings on this water displays Mellor’s prowess. He took runners-up spot in an open match with 12lb 13oz of skimmers, bream and roach on the tip and groundbait feeder.



NORTHERN Anglers are staging open matches over the Christmas and New Year period. They get under way on Tuesday, December 27, on the Goyt Mill length of the Macclesfield Canal.

The draw is at 9.15am, with fishing from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Tickets are £11 all in. To book and for further details, ring Albert on (0161) 792 2684.



A BIG thank you to all those who have contributed to angling column over the last 12 months.

Please keep your information coming as it is appreciated.

Have a great Christmas!



Venue Guide

Denshaw Vale: Memberships are available. For more details, contact John on (0161) 665 1779.

Ogden Reservoir: Day tickets on the bank and at Tight Lines, Shaw.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal: Should be free of ice now milder weather has arrived. Get wrapped up and wait for bites.

Rochdale Canal: This water has been generally fishing well. Weights expected drop a little, but there will be plenty of fish feeding in certain areas.

Chadderton Mill Lodge: Altthough carp aren’t feeding, ide are still available. Red maggot on the deck is as good a method as any.

Park Lake: Day tickets on the bank.



Diary

Wednesday, January 18: Monarch AC annual meeting at the Duke of York, Royton (8pm).

Monarch AC: Winter series members-only matches on the club water. For further details, contact Dean on (0161) 213 0539 or 07518 459714.

Every Saturday: Todmorden AS open matches on the Rochdale Canal. For details, contact Simon on 07896 237224.

Every Sunday: Todmorden AS open matches on the Rochdale Canal. For details, call Frank on 07769 905319.

Every Sunday: Pilsworth Fishery open matches. Draw 10am in the car park.

To report any news or views on the local or national angling scene, contact Jan Verbruggen on 07846 456408 or email primroseequestrian@ntlworld.com.