MEMBERS having a last fling on Warrington Anglers' Association waters before the two month voluntary close season enjoyed some reasonable sport.

Mark Preston had a brilliant finale to his season on Grey Mist Mere when he landed a fin perfect mirror carp weighing in at 20lbs 8ozs 0drms. Success was ensured by the usual secret boilie mix. Now the season is over perhaps Mark will share his recipe with us!

Other carp to 15lbs were also caught and tench were feeding with Pete Brown netting two almost identical fish at 4lbs each.

A mirror carp of 19lbs was caught at Astle Pool on Thursday and lots of small roach were taken from near the island. Anglers fishing this area for pike were disappointed because there were so many small fish leaving these ice age predators spoilt for choice - like living in a sweet shop!

Do not forget our river fisheries are still open for coarse fishing until March 14. The Macclesfield Canal, Trent and Mersey Canal and Budworth Mere remain open throughout.

Trout fishing also continues on Appleton Reservoir where sport which has been blighted by cormorants should improve as these pests return to their coastal breeding grounds. To take advantage of this facility you must have paid up for your 1999 membership.

To deter fish theft and vandalism some fisheries and car parks will be locked during the next two months so I apologise in advance if some members are inconvenienced. Give me a ring with any problems.

Don't forget - if you see anyone netting do not approach but call the police immediately. If possible take a note of any vehicle numbers in the vicinity.

If you have any ideas to encourage newcomers on the junior scene, contact Dave Bateman on 831315 or Bob Savage on 727624. This dynamic duo have taken on the task of developing a training program.

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 haven't had your new card or you have a problem, please ring me now.

Frank Lythgoe

Results:

Juniors: 1, Gary Bateman 3-13-8; 2, Paul Savage 1-7-10; 3, Mike Savage 8-14.

Women: 1, Helen Thompson 2-9-12; 2, Ros Cummings 2-7-0; 3, Bev Smith 1-3-14; 4, Marian Warmby 10-12.

Overall series points: Lin Lawton, 13; Pam Wyatt, 15; Ros Cummings, 18.

Trent and Mersey Winter League: 1, Ste Conroy (Lymm) 7-5-8; 2, Steve Fitzpatrick (GTI) 4-1-2; 3, Pete Myers (Halton A) 3-5-2; 4, Phil Greenall (WAA) 3-0-8.

Teams: Lymm, 16 pts; Halton B, 29; Fisherman's Way and GTI, 35.

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