ATTENTIONS have now turned to the Macclesfield as well as Trent and Mersey Canals which remain open throughout the year for Warrington Anglers' Association members.

Member James Bibby fished at Henshall's Bridge, Astbury, on Tuesday where he had all day sport catching mainly roach and gudgeon on the pole, introducing small balls of groundbait and squat on the hook. He only put a few squats in his mix as required.

He lost one fish which carried on going, possibly a tench which go to 2lbs plus or a ghost carp which even on heavy tackle take some stopping.

Advance notice of a charity match on our stretch of the Macclesfield Canal to be held on March 20 in aid of Hope and Homes for Children.

The event is being run by the Rotary Club of Congleton Dane and we have donated all peg fees to the charity. Tickets £10 all in. Further details from Bernard Chappel on 01260 278843 after 7.30pm.

There has been a massive landslide into the Trent and Mersey Canal at Soot Hill Bridge No.200 which has completely blocked the waterway. Whole trees have slid into the water and now look as though they are growing where early last week anglers were catching fish.

Sport on the canal is still patchy with fish still tightly shoaled.

I have had no reports from Budworth Mere which is also open for fishing although a member tells me that the banks are understandably slippery and extremely muddy.

This fishery does hold large shoals of bream, tench to 8.5lbs, pike, eels and some years ago I had my personal best roach there which weighed in at 2lbs 4ozs 0drms. Reports please.

HQ Parker Street is open as usual tonight, Friday, for new members, subscriptions, or simply call in for a chat about fishing. I can be contacted with your queries and catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 713898.

If you have not had your new card or you have a problem please ring me now.

Frank Lythgoe

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.