Jones plays his part

Angling: CHADDERTON angler John Jones, who has been to the fore in commercial matches for several years, has hit a purple patch on Partridge this season.

On peg 101 of Covey Canal lakes number five, the Garbolino Elton rod used expander pellets over micros at 13 metres, resulting in a superb f1 catch of 80lb 12oz for comfortable victory.

Runner-up Mick Billingham had a 56lb 5oz net, made up of f1s taken on pellet in the deeper water at six metres, while Andy Bennett (Daiwa) was third with a 55lb 10oz catch.

Bennett went two places better in Sunday’s five-hour open event at Partridge. He dominated proceedings, with a 71lb 15oz net of f1s. Ian Lathom (Tri-Cast Rochdale) was second-best with his 66lb 6oz of f1s.

Bennett, from Tameside, is one of the nicest and unassuming anglers you would ever meet, but he is also one of the finest in the country. He won the Matchman of the Year title for the fourth time — an incredible achievement — before last weekend’s results.

Bennett must surely be considered for international duty soon. He is the most consistent angler the region has ever produced, and long may it continue.



DANNY Keegan was the easy winner of the latest Todmorden AS members trophy match on Croft and Townhouse. He tipped the scales at 54lb 6oz, with carp attracted by pellet feeder on Croft peg 25.

Keith Deakin (Tri-Cast Rochdale) was the runner-up. He opted for tip and corn on Townhouse peg 11 for 37lb 13oz of mostly carp. The next Todmorden AS members match is on Sunday, March 15, on Townhouse.



SIMON Walton is running a Pairs League, which begins on Sunday. Lasting four weeks, it takes place on the newly-stocked Moderna length of the Rochdale Canal.

Pools and day ticket are £13 per angler per match, with £1 of that going to the overall league winners and placings, £2 for the day ticket and £10 to the pools on the day. Details: 07846 456408.



MY 4lb net was good enough to win the Wigan AA match on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. I caught a dozen roach on bread punch for just over 1lb... and got soaked to the skin as well!



Venue Guide

Dowry Reservoir: Day tickets £5 per rod, available in advance from Tight Lines, Shaw. Maximum two rods per angler. No night fishing.

Ogden Reservoir: Day tickets £5 on the bank and at Tight Lines, Shaw.

Strinesdale Reservoir: Day tickets on the bank. Mild weather will see roach, chub and skimmers to the fore. Tench and big perch also at this venue.

Cargate Pool: Medlock Bridge AC members only.

Park Lake: Day tickets on the bank. Tip and pole tactics with maggot on the hook for chub, perch, roach and bream. F1s will also feed.

Rochdale Canal: Fish have shoaled-up because of the recent cold weather, but rising temperatures should see them come out.

Bardsley Canal: Day tickets on the bank.

Tanners Dam: Diggle AC members-only. Carp, skimmers and roach will make up most nets on this prolific water. Pellets and maggots the best two baits.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal: Day tickets on the bank £5.



Diary

Sunday: Starting this weekend for four weeks, Hebden Bridge AC Pairs League on the Moderna length of the Rochdale Canal. Draw 9am at the bridge. To book and for further information, call 07846 456408. Pools £13.

Every Wednesday: Open matches on the Mirfield Canal. Draw 9am. Fishing £10am to 3pm. £13 all in on the day.

Every Saturday: Open matches on local canals. For details, contact Tony on 07952 521730.

Every Saturday: Weather permitting, Medlock Bridge AC open matches on the Park Lake or Strinesdale Reservoir. Draw 10am at Kings Road entrance. Fish 11am to 4pm. Tickets £15 on the day. For more details, contact Darren on 07753 414838.

Saturday: TH open match on the Rochdale Canal. For more details, call Tony on 07952 521730.

Sunday, March 15: The final round of the Twingates AC members-only Winter League. Draw 9am, with pools £10 all in. To book, call in at Tight Lines, Shaw.

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