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ANGLING

 

All the up-to-date news from the 2006-2007 Boston and District angling scene

With Barry Mallett

 

 

Angling news December 2006

 

 

Round-up for week ending December 31, 2006

 

Peg one provides revenge spot for Steve

 

A quite period of weather over the previous week or more, strong winds being the main feature since then. So, first of all we catch up with those events left over from the Christmas period. The pre-Christmas match at Wainfleet was similar to the previous week with loads of fish being caught and the top men able to find the odd better stamp of fish. 

 

“Golden hands” Steve Winter drew peg 1 yet again and made no mistake this time, exacting full revenge for the previous week’s drubbing he took from the same peg! He took a fine catch of redfins for the sole double figure net to put “Mr Consistent” Keith Dobson into second spot. Keith had a similar catch for that place, third up being Mark Griggs who landed well over 200 fish, alas all on the very small side. All three used similar tactics with a pole, groundbait and pinkie approach. Results: 1 Steve Winter, Boston AA, 11lb 10oz; 2 Keith Dobson, Westwood Lakes, 9 lb 12oz; 3 Mark Griggs, Boston AA, 7 lb 1oz; 4 Chris Mawer, Boston AA, 6 lb 14 oz; 5 Kevin Wilson, Spilsby AC, 6 lb 12 oz; 6 Graham Cripsey, Skegness, 6 lb 6 oz.

Very low and gin clear water greeted 13 anglers to a sweep on the Frith Bank Drain last Sunday. And while many quality roach could be seen, the conditions precluded any hope of these being inclined to feed. Instead most of those taking part had to rely on their much smaller cousins as Andy Scott recorded around 375 such models for a hard earned win. Similar large numbers for the others in the main frame as Gavin Butler took second spot some 3lbs down and Denis Houghton a further 2½lbs adrift in third. Results: 1 Andy Scott 21lbs 2ozs; 2 Gavin Butler 18lbs 3ozs; 3 Denis Houghton 15lbs 10ozs; 4 Gary Shinn 12lbs 11ozs.

Five bream, each weighing around the 5lbs mark, were enough to give Trevor Ogilvie a convincing victory in the latest mid-week match on the River Witham at Tattershall Bridge. Added to a mixed bag of roach perch and hybrids he finished nearly 6lbs in front of runner-up Chris Elsom. For the first time in many weeks the river took on a gentler pace to give everyone good a fair crack of the whip as the 16 competitors brought over 230lbs of good fish to scales. Most anglers managed the odd decent bream as pole and worm or caster was the most telling method, Worksop’s Ian Turner struggling to hold onto fourth place with a little under 20lbs. Results: 1 Trevor Ogilvie, Boston, 35lbs 3ozs; 2 Chris Elsom, Lincs County, 29lbs 5ozs; 3 Rob Johnson, Bourne MG, 22lbs 4ozs; 4 Ian Turner, Worksop, 19lbs 3ozs.

At this point I would remind Boston and District Angling Association members that their annual general meeting will take place on Tuesday February 6 at the Sportsman club (formerly Mayflower), Rosebery Avenue 7.30pm. Any nomination for the executive committee (duly proposed and seconded) or notice of motion to put to that meeting should be forwarded to the general secretary Barbara Clifton by Wednesday January 10.


Bang up to date now and Saturday December 30’s match on the River Steeping at Wainfleet produced even more small fish and a much tighter finish. Despite the wind and rain every one of the 21 pegs produced more than 5lbs of mainly tiny fish. The same tactics (a combination of short whip, pinkie and squatt over groundbait), were used to a man and the winners were the lucky ones who found a few larger specimens. Unluckiest angler was Bob Smith who just could not find a better fish and had some 450 fish for his third place. The race for the top prize could be no tighter as the scales announced joint winners, in the shape of Steve Winter and Keith Dobson, who else? Results: Equal 1 Keith Dobson, Westwood Lakes, and Steve Winter, Boston AA, 12lb 8 oz: 3 Bob Smith, Team Maver, 10lb 8oz; 4 Martin Riding, Wainfleet, 9lb 14oz; 5 Graham Cripsey, Wainfleet, 9lb 10oz; 6 Mark Griggs, Boston AA, 9lb 8oz.

 
On to the River Witham at Tattershall Bridge where the Saturday sweep surpassed anything that has gone before this season, and perhaps even for many a year. Chris Elsom left everyone standing as he, along with most others, chose a combination of quivertip, groundbait feeder, worm and caster to land 10 proper bream to go with a few skimmers. Second placed Alan Houlton took half that amount to finish around 24lbs down but still well ahead of Grimsby angler Dave Ashmore and Graham Worley who landed one specimen of nigh 6lbs on a 4 metre whip. Results: 1 Chris Elsom, Lincs County, 60lbs 6ozs; 2 Alan Houlton, Lincs County, 36lbs 8ozs; 3 Dave Ashmore, Grimsby, 20lbs 9ozs; 4 Graham Worley, Lincoln, 14lbs 2ozs.


Two feet of flood water greeted Fishtoft AC on Sunday morning when they paid a visit to the Swineshead Bridge section of the South Forty Foot Drain. Despite those adverse conditions some reasonable weights were recorded, lowest being around the 2lbs mark. Perch to maggot and stick float gave Mick Morgan a convincing victory as Mark Cook took second spot using waggler and maggot for a net of roach and skimmers. Results: 1 Mick Morgan 9lbs 13ozs; 2 Mark Cook 6lbs; 3 Terry Gooding 4lbs 12ozs. Sunday January 7, meet Sluice Bridge 7.30 am.

 

Round-up for week ending December 24, 2006

 

Reflecting on events of the past 12 months

 

As we approach a new year, it’s a good time to look back at the past 12 months. And 2006 certainly turned out to be one of the warmest years ever, particularly with the autumn season seemingly going on forever. It’s well into winter now, with thick fog and sharp frosts finally replacing those endless gale-force winds on very mild and wet south-westerly winds.

Each part of our drainage system has its own characteristics for different parts of the year and a good starting point is in Boston itself, in the shape of the Windsor Bank section of the Bargate Drain. Bigger fish here are few and far between as skimmers are definitely the main quarry during summer and early autumn but the occasional large tench turns up to liven up proceedings.

The Horncastle Road section is always something of an enigma and this year turned out to be no different. Early season seems to be best as good nets of small roach and skimmers can be had from almost any peg. The stretch contains more big fish than the town reaches as bream and tench can also make an appearance in a good many places. Indeed, the veterans’ national championship saw Hull’s Gary Almond take his haul of bream from peg 76 for a 23lb-plus total to win the title at a canter.

The reverse side of the coin is that, while these fish are still active as the year wears on, the ever-increasing fringe of lily growth mostly prevents anglers from having a comfortable day’s fishing, and so anglers have to find other pastures to try.

Come November the drain is lowered to its normal winter level and most fish of all species either do a disappearing act or shut their mouths until the weather starts to warm in spring, very often on a few scant days before the close season kicks in.

The Sibsey Trader Drain presents similar problems and can be even more frustrating for both the match and pleasure angler alike. Similar and even worse weed growth in some areas, together with the present restrictions due to overhead electrical power routes on much of its length, make this venue one to be avoided in many minds.

It does, of course, hold a good head of big bream alongside some shoals of roach and skimmers. Add large tench into the mix and it would seem to be a paradise, but the truth is that for some reason fish get on the move at the least disturbance. This is constantly proved during summer months when our local small clubs use the venue on a Sunday and the winning net invariably consists of a single bream and a few smaller fish.

Conversely, when a large event takes place on the water and every peg is in use, those same bream finally settle somewhere and get their heads down to feed, and give a few lucky anglers plenty of action and good weights. The Hobhole Drain also holds a good variety of species but increasingly suffers from inaccessibility along much of the roadside stretch and so anglers are restricted to short distances on either side of the various bridges on the opposite bank.

Perhaps the Fishtoft reaches are the most consistent for bream and skimmers during the summer and have more access along their length, but the downside is that a course in mountaineering may be an advantage.

The South Forty Foot Drain presents an even worse problem for pleasure fishing as most access is restricted to short lengths on either side of bridges, and where better access is available, bank erosion spells danger.

The good news at this time is that the construction of enhanced platforms for both able-bodied and disabled anglers at Wyberton Chain Bridge is now completed. Although not being of immediate use due to low winter water levels, these will be officially opened at the start of next season.

Another major construction (also undertaken by the REEL Project) has been completed on the Sibsey Trader Drain near to Northlands Bridge and should provide much-needed safer access for the partially disabled, elderly and junior anglers under tuition.

Still on the South Forty Foot, one of the better sections this year has been the one opposite and downstream of Cook’s Lock, where bank revetment has provided a reasonably safe platform and also some superb nets of roach in late summer.

Similarly, a short section on the upstream side of Swineshead Bridge comes into its own at this time of year and already has given one club a cracking match with nets of mainly perch coming in on either side of the 30lb mark.

Other smaller drains are virtually a no-go area during the summer due to excessive weed but, depending on the winter, can throw up big weights of mainly roach, as per recent events that included the West Fen Drain at Frithville and Frith Bank towards Antons Gowt.

 

In the run-up to the festive spell, the Wednesday sweep on the River Witham at Tattershall Bridge found the river continuing in good form. There were no double-figure weights, but veteran Lincoln angler Maurice Thacker could be excused for thinking that all his birthdays had arrived at once.

Not only did he take the match with a good net of mainly roach and perch but, having drawn the golden peg, he went home with an additional prize that had accumulated into a sizeable pot over these past few weeks.

Another returning ex-regular, in the shape of Tim Larter, just failed to overhaul Thacker and had to settle for the runner-up spot, while the previous week's winner, Dave Bontoft, finished more than 4lb down in third place.

 

Round-up for week ending December 17, 2006

 

Chris has edge in a nip-and-tuck weigh-in

 

A pretty dull week all round, as most anglers have had other things on their mind at present as we run up to the holiday period, or so “her indoors” has decreed. I really speak more of the weather than the approach to Christmas as any appreciable amount of dampness was reserved for overnight on Friday into Saturday morning.

 

The series at Wainfleet continued on Saturday and everyone enjoyed a great match and brought good nets of mainly roach to the scales. A battle royal developed between organiser Chris Mawer and Mark Griggs as both landed over 250 fish each in the five hours available. It was nip-and-tuck at the scales and you could say that ‘experience overcame exuberant youth’ as a mix of liquidised bread and hemp tempted the odd bigger specimen,  bringing the former a hard earned win as he scraped home by just 5ozs. Boston and District Angling Association’s match squad anglers made it a 1-2-3 as Steve Winter took third place ahead of Wainfleet anglers Bob Smith, Alec Rawlings and Kevin Wilson. Results: 1 Chris Mawer, Boston, 11lbs 1oz; 2 Mark Griggs, Boston, 10lbs 12ozs; 3 Steve Winter, Boston, 9lbs 4ozs; 4 Bob Smith, Team Maver, 8lbs 4ozs; 5 Alec Rawlings, DSC, 7lbs 8ozs; 6 Kevin Wilson, Wainfleet,  5lbs 12ozs.


The very nature of Dave Bontoft’s style and tactics mean that he either struggles for a bite or he bags up to leave the opposition standing. Last Wednesday’s match on the River Witham at Tattershall Bridge saw the latter result and even without a couple of bonus fish he would have scored a comfortable win. Those two fish came to net in the shape of a large bream of around 6lbs and much more surprisingly, a superb eel of 3lbs 4ozs to add to a weight of mainly skimmers. Likewise Dave Padley took second without a bonus fish but Maurice Thacker can also thank a bream of 5lbs for his third place ahead of ex-regular Witham man Danny Breslin. Results: 1 Dave Bontoft, Pets Cabin, 19lbs 1oz; 2 Dave Padley, Lincoln, 7lbs 2ozs; 3 Maurice Thacker 6lbs 10ozs; Danny Breslin, Lincoln, 6lbs 20zs.

That early Saturday downpour certainly did a fair amount of damage to the Witham match which was again staged at Tattershall Bridge. Here the heavily coloured water containing an assortment of suspended rubbish which combined to make angling doubly difficult and resulted in lower weights all round. A mixture of perch and roach plus a few bits brought victory to Kevin Rice, whose activities on this water are curtailed by his job out in the Gulf, but he as certainly made a good start to his Christmas holiday. Bob Walker took much the same sort of catch and just managed to keep another returning angler, in the shape of Graham Worley, in fourth position. Results: 1 Kevin Rice, Sheffield, 6lbs 3ozs; 2 Bob Walker, Sheffield, 5lbs 2ozs; 3 Graham Worley, Lincoln, 5lbs; 4 Lee Wright, Grimsby, 4lbs 12ozs.


Despite a deadly combination of low water, gin clear conditions and bright sun, the Frith Bank drain still managed to provide reasonable catches for the 15 visitors of the Nags Head fishing club from Keelby, North Lincs. Nowhere near the highs of last week’s Christmas match, but most managed to put at least a couple of pounds of roach together albeit mostly in the first half of the match, before the sun got too high. The top weight was helped out to a great extent by a bonus jack pike of 4lbs 12ozs, a fish which denied victory to Phil Kirk who drew the golden peg, hence failing to win the match and claim the substantial prize associated with it. Results: 1 Doug Crooks 8lbs 8ozs; 2 Phil Kirk 5lbs 13ozs; 3 Dave Dalton; 4 Tony McDonald 3lbs 5ozs.

Similar conditions greeted Fishtoft AC anglers to a swollen River Bain at Coningsby where small roach were the only takers and youth also had to give way to experience. Veteran Barry Hudson used stick float and maggot to head the list with a touch under 4lbs as Ernie Heseltine took second just an ounce ahead of ‘youngster’ Ben Brighton, Jerry Clifton and Gordon Manning a long way back in a joint fourth. Results: 1 Barry Hudson 3lbs 15ozs; 2 Ernie Heseltine 3lbs 8ozs; 3 Ben Brighton 3lbs 7ozs; equal 4 Jerry Clifton and Gordon Manning 2lbs. On Sunday December 24, meet Sluice Bridge 7.30am.

Open matches will take place on Boston and district Angling Association-controlled waters over the holiday period, both on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. To book a place, ring Steve Lamyman on either Boston 310354 or 07960 764145. The match this coming Sunday (24th) will be held on the Frith Bank Drain, draw Tattershall Road Bridge 8.30am, fish 10am to 3pm, tickets £10 all-in.

 

Round-up for week ending December 10, 2006

 

250-roach haul tips scales in favour of Dobson

 

Sharp overnight frosts finally arrived in time for the weekend and many local waters displayed a thin covering of ice by the time Sunday dawned.


Saturday’s match on the River Steeping once again brought forth a good head of small fish, the winner being the one who kept them going for the full five hours. Keith Dobson emerged as that top man taking over 250 small roach to both whip and short pole combined with either squatt or pinky. Local anglers Kevin Wilson and Bob Smith followed in fairly close order and finished in second and third places respectively. And as a matter of interest the last man of the 15 competitors managed 50 fish. Results: 1 Keith Dobson, Westwood Lakes, 8lbs 6ozs; 2 Kevin Wilson, Wainfleet, 7lbs 2ozs; 3 Bob Smith, Team Maver, 6lbs 4ozs; 4 Steve Winter, Boston, 4lbs 13ozs. 5 Alec Rawlings, Wainfleet, 4lbs 10ozs; 6 Chris Mawer, Team Daiwa Boston, 4lbs 8ozs.

The River Witham maintains its recent improvement, a few old faithfuls returning to the fold is a sure sign of that fact. A good head of roach and skimmers are to be had at most pegs in the Tattershall Bridge area but Dave Bontoft scored a runaway win in the midweek match as he added a few bream to his haul of smaller fish. Despite netting one good bream around the 5lbs mark Lee Wright had to settle for third behind Brigg angler Roly Moses who usually confines his efforts to the River Ancholme. Results: 1 Dave Bontoft, Pets Cabin, 24lbs 8ozs; 2 Roly Moses, Brigg, 10lbs 5ozs; 3 Lee Wright, Grimsby, 10lbs 1oz; 4 Ted Burks, Lincoln, 9lbs 6ozs.


On to Saturday and those roach and skimmers continued to feed on all pegs at Tattershall Bridge to ensure a tight finish. Just over 1 ½ lbs covered the top four anglers and on this occasion veteran Maurice Thacker kept the rest at bay beating a much younger Rob Johnson by 4ozs and Les Smith by a further two. Results: 1 Maurice Thacker, Lincoln, 12lbs 14ozs; 2 Rob Johnson, Bourne MG, 12lbs 10ozs; 3 Les Smith, Lincoln, 12lbs 8ozs; 4 Paul Goulding, Worksop, 11lbs 4ozs.

Sunday saw the worst of all worlds as a heavy frost brought a covering of ice to many stretches of our local drains overnight and then later, wind and ‘stair rods’ to end the day. Despite very low water levels many places far exceeded expectations and produced some great catches for match anglers. One such was the Boston Christmas Benevolent match which attracted just fifty anglers and took place on both the Frith Bank and West Fen Drains, the latter being the most sort after area to be drawn.

 

While these sections turned out to be reasonable, without any startling weights, the surprise packet was Frith Bank, and the section on the downstream side of the Tattershall Road bridge where double figure nets abounded. These mainly consisted of quality roach and those lucky enough to be drawn here were certainly kept busy for the full five hours as those in the main prize list can confirm. Wainfleet anglers are certainly showing themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in recent weeks and in this match Denis Houghton brought home the bacon with a stunning victory. Keeping it very simple he used a 4 metre whip, hemp and breadpunch combination to beat ace roach angler Andy Scott into second place with Fishtoft’s Phil Jackson more than 6lbs down in third. Nick Mummery headed those in the minor places as Lincoln’s John Turner took fifth and Don Green a long way back in sixth and out of the prizes with over 13lbs.

In comparison the West Fen Drain at Frithville was a big disappointment as weights from the more fancied lower pegs near the bridge could not reach double figures – Mark Griggs the best from peg 26 with just under 9lbs. Instead the earlier pegs were more consistent and another Wainfleet man in the shape of Jim Whitmore produced the goods in winning that particular section with a little under 12lbs. The early pegs on Frith Bank were very similar and here very small roach were the order of the day as Barry Wigginton took this section, landing over 300 fish for the sole double figure weight.

Results: Individual overall, 1 Denis Houghton, Wainfleet AC, 28lbs 10ozs; 2 Andy Scott, Harlequins, 27lbs 4ozs; 3 Phil Jackson, Fishtoft AC, 22lbs 6ozs; 4 Nick Mummery, Fishtoft AC, 19lbs 12ozs; 5 John Turner, Lincoln Whisby AS, 18lbs 8ozs; 6 Don Green, DSC, 13lbs 2ozs.


Sections: One, 1 Barry Wigginton, Ashfield Anglers, 11lbs 5ozs; 2 Mick Stamp, Harlequins, 7lbs 5ozs; 3 Gary Shinn, Fishtoft AC, 6lbs 13ozs; Two, 1 Denis Houghton, Wainfleet AC, 28lbs 10ozs; 2 Andy Scott, Harlequins, 27lbs 4ozs; 3 Phil Jackson Fishtoft AC 22lbs 6ozs; Three, 1 Jim Whitmore, Wainfleet AC, 11lbs 13ozs; 2 Steve Winter, Boston, 10lbs 15ozs; 3 Alan Henry, Lincoln Whisby AS, 8lbs 10ozs; Four, 1 Mark Griggs, Boston, 8lbs 10ozs; 2 Kevin Harrison, Alford, 6lbs 6ozs; 3 Chris Mawer, Boston, 6lbs.


That concluded the day’s proceedings and with around 35 prizes on offer, both for sections and a free raffle back at HQ, the vast majority of those who took part went home with something to show for their efforts. Thanks went to all those who supported this match and to those who managed to donate the many prizes, and apart from some individuals, a special mention for Boston Angling Centre, the Ball House, Batemans Brewery and Boston and District Angling Association.

Fishtoft AC held their sweep in conjunction with this match, the winner of that being Phil Jackson on 22lbs 6ozs. Second was Nick Mummery on 18lbs 12ozs and third was Barry Hudson on 12lbs 4ozs. Sunday December 17 sees a normal club match being held, meet at Sluice Bridge 7am.


A similar set of outstanding results, albeit over fewer pegs, came from the Swineshead Bridge area of the South Forty Foot Drain on Sunday December 10. United Anglers from the Grimsby area really did themselves proud as the dozen members who tackled the water between them totalled upwards to around 190lbs of mainly roach and perch. Organiser Shaun Bell set his stall out to catch perch using just a 3m whip and dendrobenas from a middle of section peg and was not disappointed. He took a good class of fish of around 1½lbs to win at a canter and at the end finished more than 5lbs in front of Colin Batchelor. Colin held on to that second spot ahead of dad Graham by just 4oz, both anglers taking a mixture of roach and perch to mainly red maggot. Fourth up was Dave Willows with another mixed bag, ahead of Mick Toyne and veteran John Clark, aged 75years, who netted the fish of the day, a huge specimen perch of 3lbs 13ozs.
Lincoln and District Angling Association will be holding their Christmas match this coming Sunday (December 17) on the West Common Stretch of the Foss Dyke canal. Those requiring tickets and more details should ring Frank Butler on 01522 534174.

 

Round-up for week ending December 3, 2006

 

Boston brigade claim top three places

 

It was a bright and breezy weekend, but nevertheless things continued on the mild side with any rainfall moving out of the way by dawn. There was much more to contend with on Sunday as the south-westerly winds reached gale force by midday, leaving very little shelter from the onslaught, whichever venue was chosen.


The River Witham showed further improvement in the latest Saturday match at Tattershall Bridge and just for a change turned out to be better than its Wednesday counterpart. That took place on the same venue and was taken over by Boston raiders who filled the top three places. Pole and pinky was the order of the day for small roach and skimmers as Chris Mawer topped the list nearly a pound ahead of Andy Scott plus a similar gap to third placed Steve Winter. Results: 1 Chris Mawer, Boston, 6lbs 4ozs; 2 Andy Scott, Boston, 5lbs 6ozs; 3 Steve Winter, Boston, 4lbs 5ozs; 4 Roger Woolhouse, Bardney, 4lbs 4ozs.

 

It was a different story on Saturday as rod, running line and float tactics held sway and good weights were commonplace – lowest catch coming in at over three pounds. A mixture of stick float, waggler and big maggot brought the closest of results as just a single ounce separated the top two. Worksop’s Ian held on to keep Les Smith in second place with Spalding angler Rob Johnson someway down, over 2lbs adrift in third. Results: 1 Ian Turner, Worksop, 12lbs 8ozs; 2 Les Smith, Lincoln, 12lbs 7ozs; 3 Rob Johnson 9lbs 14ozs; 4 Derek Venn, Boston, 8lbs 14ozs.


The Boston Youth Angling Club held their annual prize giving and presentation night on the previous Friday evening at the Unicorn Inn, Boston. Around 20 youngsters attended with friends and family to receive their cups and prizes from former club member, England youth team member and silver medal winner Jonathon Taylor. The young anglers aged from just eight enjoyed a great night with more than £500 worth of prizes and 50 trophies presented during the evening, ensuring that no one went home empty handed.

 

After a tie on 36 points, top honours in the league in the year eight and under went to 12-year-old Jonathon Taylor, with more wins, and lifting the trophy above eight-year-old Thomas Vamplew who was fishing his first season with the club, and Joe Paton in third.  In the year 9-and-over age group, 15-year-old Nicholas Wright (25pts) just edged out second placed man Reece Dillamore (30pts) with Dan Austin (35pts) running a close third.


Boston teams have once again had a successful year with the Cadets gaining silver medals in the National Championships and Intermediates finishing in fourth. A junior team of six won the Lincolnshire Championships fished at Holbeach, and in the East Midland Angling Federation Match, the three Boston teams took the top three places. The committee and parents would like to thank all their sponsors, Boston and District AA, Pilgrim Tackle and Boston Angling Centre for their support during the year. The next club outing is on Saturday at Westwood Lakes contact match captain to book place.


Last Saturday saw them fish the first round of the Pilgrim Trophy series, which was held at Westfield Lakes and sponsored by Pilgrim Tackle. Fish seemed reluctant to feed after mid-week rains but all the youngsters managed to catch a few by one method or another. The top dogs elected to use the most difficult tactics, being long pole to the far shelf, and here Reece Dillamore excelled in taking small carp and tench for a clear cut victory over both Nicholas Wright, and Joe Paton in third. Results: 1 Reece Dillamore 15lbs 1oz; 2 Nicholas Wright 12lbs 8ozs; 3 Joe Paton 9lbs 11ozs; 4 Joe Elliker 7lbs 2ozs. Next match will be at Spalding on December 29, so please contact Dave Rance on (01529) 461415 for further details, plus more information about the club and how to join.


Sunday saw Fishtoft AC take full advantage of the shelter offered at Kelsey Bridge behind the Blue House and although weights were never going to be startling, most anglers had a few small fish to show for their efforts. Small was the operative word but Jerry Clifton used pole and pinky to winkle out over 5lbs of tiny roach and perch to score an overdue victory. Gary Shinn confirmed second spot ahead of Terry Gooding but came home more than two pounds down on Jerry’s winning weight. 1 Jerry Clifton 5lbs 3ozs; 2 Gary Shinn 3lbs; 3 Terry Gooding 2lbs 11ozs; 4 Rod Asher 2lbs 4ozs. The club will fish a sweep in conjunction with the Boston Christmas Benevolent match next Sunday. Members should book their own places by contacting Barry Mallett on (01205) 871815. Pools are optional on the day and tickets are priced at £3.


Small fish were also very much on the agenda in the opening match of the Saturday series on the River Steeping at Wainfleet. All of the 13 anglers who attended this first match on the station section caught well over 50 fish, the majority over 200, the top man though, in the shape of Steve Winter, winning by a street with around 380. He finished with a 4lbs plus advantage over second placed Kevin Harrison and Alec Rawlings, in the same category, in third. Matches will take place every Saturday until the end of the season, weather permitting and will draw in the Market Place at Wainfleet 9.00am, fish 10am to 3pm, all welcome. Results: 1 Steve Winter, Boston, 11lbs 4ozs; 2 Kevin Harrison, Alford, 6lbs 14ozs; 3 Alec Rawlings, Croft and Wainfleet, 6lbs 5ozs; equal 4 Keith Dobson, Pete Harker and Bob Smith 5lbs 13ozs.