Frank Lythgoe's Warrington Anglers' Association column 2022

ONE of our volunteer bailiffs Michael White does a cracking job, but he can also catch fish – especially specimen perch from the Bridgewater Canal.

An evening session this past week saw him land three such fish, all over 3lbs apiece which for many anglers including myself were the fish of a lifetime.

One of three magnificent perch caught by Warrington Anglers' Association bailiff Michael White (Image: Contributed)

Using FFS stick and skirted Kraken lures he reckons that once he casts to a shoal – and is lucky enough to hook a fish – the remainder scatter and its onwards to find another shoal in the autumn clear water conditions.

Steven McCarthy was certainly enjoying his day session on Wednesday at our popular Grey Mist Mere fishery when I chatted to him on the bank. He had already landed a 16lb mirror and 25lb common carp along with three tench, best 7lbs. All were tempted using strawberry boilies.

Tim Poulter had a good start to his first pike session of the year when visiting Rixton Claypits where he caught three jack-pike. And then still looking for more action he went to the Bridgewater Canal at Walton to end his day on a high note with another pike landed successfully.

Jonny Hughes also enjoyed a sunny morning’s pike fishing at Rixton, again being rewarded with a pike for his efforts. Certainly worth a visit.

Jonny Hughes, Warrington Anglers' Association, with the pike he caught (Image: Contributed)

On Sunday Paul Knowles also enjoyed his first pike foray of the year on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Barnton. Fishing with sardine he was rewarded with a lovely looking pike.

The Disabled and Over 60s fished their Monday match this week on the Bridgewater Canal at Moore and Alan Faulkner improved his last week’s fourth-place result with a win, weighing in a mixed net of roach and perch for 5lbs 8ozs 0drs.

Alan had a bite every put-in for the first 1.5hours of the match, mainly roach on bread punch and the occasional perch when he swapped to pinkie.

It was a close-run thing as second-placed Alan Brown was only 2ozs short with his weight of 5-6-0. Catches along the match were mainly roach and perch with a few bonus skimmers for the luckier anglers. Pinkie was the bait of the day with a few like the winner catching on bread punch. Thirteen anglers fished.

Thanks to all volunteers who turned out for working parties this past week – at Phoenix Park Lake which saw two pegs fully refurbished, at Rixton where among other work a really big snag was removed, and some tree branch trimming took place at Statham Pool.

One thing that really gets to our bailiffs and volunteers are the so-called anglers who leave litter. They are in a minority but their disregard for their surroundings reflects on the decent majority. So, a reminder of rule 13 – no tents, fires, disposable barbecues, single use bottles, or cans/tins/plastic packaging etc are allowed on our fisheries. It is simple really; purchase and use re-usable containers.

Our WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street, Warrington WA1 1LT remains closed but members can 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 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 welcome as many members rely on your shared information for their visits to the bankside. Email secretary@Warrington-anglers.org.uk

Results: Disabled and Over 60s: 1 Alan Faulkner 5-8-0; 2 Alan Brown 5-6-0; 3 Bob Fitzpatrick 4-11-0; 4 Alan Clarke/Jeff Stoll 4-2-0

Fixtures: Sunday: Members Mersey Series, draw 8.45am, Mersey Walk, peg 75 down.

Monday: Disabled & Over 60s match, Bridgewater Canal, draw 9.45am, Walton Church (£5 all-in, exact money only, no change given).