PAUL Martin was frustrated having spent all morning trying to tempt a barbel from the River Dee at Shocklach.

After trying a variety of baits, pellets, a mix of boilies, and meat without any signs he finally gave up and tried targeting small stuff like chublets, silvers, and grayling.

He had half-a-dozen chublets to 3/4lb and roach around a 1lb when after an hour he hooked into an obviously much larger fish. Yes, it was his original target species, a barbel, which, following a struggle, lay safely in his landing net.

It weighed in at 6lbs 3ozs 0drs and took corn presented on a size 16’s hook. His mate Bob Buchanan ended up with a mixed catch of between 40 mto 50 grayling, dace, and chublets. Result, a good day had by all on a picturesque venue.

For the record initially barbel were gradually introduced illegally many years ago from venues such as the Severn before finally being stocked officially by the EA in later years.

Ian Simms enjoyed his first visit to Phoenix Park Lake where pole fishing red maggot he managed to land three feisty tench but not a silver in sight. Happy days.

Steve Porter had an early morning Monday session at Arley Reservoir at the Worthington Lakes complex. Fishing a groundbait feeder and maggot he ended up with four bream, best around 4lbs, plus half-a-dozen roach, ending up with around 20 fish.

Our Monday Disabled & Over 60’s match took place at Woodshaw Reservoir Fishery. Jeff Stoll, fishing the pole at 10m, was the decisive winner with 17-3-0 and almost 5lbs to spare over the next angler.

He drew peg 19 and fished worm and caster to lure eight crucians plus skimmers.

Second placed Jimmy Byrne drew peg 3 and with the wind in his face needed only to fish at 5metres using red maggot for his net of roach, perch, and three skimmers for a weight of 12-9-0.

Twenty-three anglers turned out and a good number had catches over 5lbs.

There were working parties at both Sandiway Lakes, Rixton Claypits, and Cicily Mill Pool over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Thanks to all the volunteers who turned out and for those considering future working parties you will be made very welcome and your help will be greatly appreciated.

For the record myself and another Mersey user group have contacted the relevant authority with responsibility for the weir and are awaiting their response regarding the tree trunk lodged there at Victoria Park. Hopefully this will soon be removed and both our groups will be able to resume our usual activities when water levels return to normal.

Our WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street, Warrington WA1 1LT remains closed on Friday evenings but members can simply post to this address or put their membership book or request in an envelope with their payment and a stamped addressed envelope, through our HQ door at 52, Parker Street, Warrington WA1 1LT where mail is collected and dealt with most days. Alternatively, you can post to Warrington Anglers Association PO. Box 71, Warrington WA1 1LR where mail is collected weekly.

Your catch reports are welcomed as many members rely on your shared information for their visits to the bankside. Email secretary@Warrington-anglers.org.uk

Results: Disabled & Over 60s, Woodshaw Reservoir: 1 Jeff Stoll 17-3-9; 2 Jimmy Byrne 12-9-0; 3 Ray Boden 10-1-0; 4 Chris Wray 9-13-0.

Fixtures: Sunday: Mersey Series, draw 8.45am, Victoria Park (if river levels are not suitable there may be an alternative venue). Monday: Disabled & Over 60s match, draw 9.45am, Bridgewater Canal, Grappenhall Trees at Jacks Bench (£5 all-in, exact money only).