Magic Mottram is a class apart

Angling: PETE Mottram showed his class in the latest Todmorden AS members-only match at Croft Fishery.

Opting for the tip, bread and corn, he netted 55lb 3oz of stockie carp.

Paul Wilkinson was a long way adrift in second place. He employed the tip and maggot approach for 6lb of carp and some stockies in a 19lb bag.



FOLLOWING his individual league series win, Newhey-based Simon Walton continued his good run of form on Thornhill Canal.
The Maver NW rod was second in the latest match at the venue, with bloodworm at 11 metres netting 2lb 2oz 8drams of small roach.



PAUL Booth, of Trabucco Halifax, had never set foot on Sycamore Fisheries before signing up for an open event — but I’m sure he’ll be going back.
He dominated proceedings, using caster over the nearside margins for a cracking 20lb net of skimmers and ide.

Venue regular Tony Skoyles was the runner-up with two carp for 5lb and an identical weight of ide all falling to pole and pinkie, together weighing in at 10lb 14oz.

Sunday’s open on Sycamore saw Lee Kay emerge victorious thanks to a 10lb 1oz bag.

A deeper peg provided him with plenty of small mirrors on 4mm pellet over micros at 16 metres.

Runner-up Paul Mossman



TODMORDEN AS are looking forward to their first stock of fish arriving on March 21.
Several waters will benefit from roach and skimmers, while carp will arrive at a later date.



MARTIN Taylor, of Trabucco Halifax Red, had a dry net in the first round of the Calder teams-of-four league on the Brighouse Canal — but it was a different story this week.
He won the match with a fantastic bag of bream from his peg in the Elland basin.

Using caster at 12 metres, Taylor caught five bream to 3lb and some roach for a match-winning 15lb 12oz.

Owen Jackson (Trabucco Halifax Green) was second with four bream adding up to 13lb 8oz.

On the team front, Trabucco Halifax White led the way on 25 points from Trabucco Halifax Red on 24.

After two rounds, Trabucco White are in front with 56 points, followed by their Green team (46) and Reds on 37.



DON’T forget that after today, rivers are closed to coarse anglers.
Venue Guide
Denshaw Vale: Memberships are available. For further details, contact John on 665 1779.

Dowry Reservoir: Day tickets available from Tight Lines in Shaw and Sheddings Angling.

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

Strinesdale Reservoir: Day tickets on the bank.

Cargate pool: Medlock Bridge AC Members-only water.

Rochdale Canal: Mostly frozen for the last week, but by Wednesday areas were clear. Keep feed tight and don’t be frightened to fish close in.

Bardsley Canal: Day tickets on the bank.

Alexandra Park Lake: Day tickets on the bank. Warmer weather will switch on fish. Use bronze maggot. Roach, chub, skimmers and perch all present.

Hollingworth Lake: A small groundbait feeder with red maggot or pinkie on the hook for bites. Use line clip and pick a far bank feature for accuracy for anything from small roach to skimmers and perch.

Tanners Dam: Diggle AC members-only. Once clear of ice this venue will fish well, with skimmers, chub, roach and perch making up nets. Carp anglers were catching before the freeze.


Diary
Every Saturday: Open matches on local canals. Draw 9am. Fishing 10am to 3pm. To book and for further details, contact John on 07801 276059.

Every Thursday: Tameside Federation members-only matches on Stonepits. Draw 9.30am. Fishing 10.15am to 3.15pm. Pools are £5 on the day.

Sunday, March 17: Socials AC members match on Tyle Lodge. Draw 9am. Fishing 10am to 2pm. To book, contact Larry on 07926 961091.

Friday, March 22: Saddleworth and District Angling Society annual meeting at Greenfield Conservative Club, Chew Valley Road (8pm).

Sunday, March 24: Todmorden AS members-only match on Townhouse Fishery. To book and for further details, telephone Paul on (01706) 639373 or Rob on 07775 625088.

To report any news or views on the local or national angling scene, contact Jan Verbruggen on 07846 456408 or email janangling@hotmail.co.uk.