FISHING has been nice and steady for silver fish on Lymm Angling Club waters.

Good reports have been received from Village, Grimsditch, New, Statham and Sandy Pools.

With regard to Village Pool, water keeper Gary Sunderland reports the presence of a family of mink - an undesirable fish-eating animal that is extremely fierce and fearless.

There have been many stories about them stealing bait from anglers and I actually watched one repeatedly steal luncheon meat cubes from the bag of my angling companion, Derek Ormrod, on the banks of the River Severn a few years ago.

Despite being chased off by Derek on several occasions, it was back within minutes making another raid. I must admit I find their boldness a little disconcerting.

Action will be taken to move the animals on because we certainly do not want them to colonise Whitley Pool.

Any fish eaten there cannot be replaced due to the ammonia content in the water, which inhabitant fish have somehow become tolerant to.

On the carp scene, Shakerley Mere is performing best at the moment with some very good reports made.

One such report came from member Christopher New, who landed six carp ranging from 16lbs to 21lbs 7ozs 0drms during an overnight session last week. Two of his fish weighed more than 20lbs.

Belmont Pool was closed for a couple of days last week following the discovery of two dead carp and a dead Canadian goose.

The water was reopened in time for the weekend following checks made by the Environment Agency.

Many thanks to their staff, who quickly attended the site at our request, and the members who packed up without question when asked.

Following last month's heat wave there is already an autumnal feel about with morning mists and chilly nights.

Fishing can be at its best in those conditions and member Charles Jardine reports that the River Severn is alive with action from chub and barbel.

More well known for his fly fishing expertise, Charles can often be seen adapting his knowledge of fish and his water craft on the banks of his beloved River Severn near Shrewsbury.

Members are asked to be on alert for fish thieves. They are not like those we have dealt with before, they are foreigners whose native practice is to catch fish and remove them to be eaten.

Authorities must impress on these people that the practice of taking fish from waters without permission is illegal and take strong action against the perpetrators, regardless of the customs and practices of their home countries.

I can be contacted on 411774 but be prepared to leave a message.