Centurion set standard with venue switch

Angling: OVER the years I have noticed a gradual change in the venues at which clubs are holding their matches, and the weights have improved dramatically.



Centurion AC were the first club to start running contests on commercial fisheries, but it was not long before other clubs cottoned on to the excellent experiences to be had.

Fitton Hill AC, Oldham Central, Twingates AC and others have seen some incredible weights, and I must admit that I never thought 100 pounds would be caught in England, and definitely not in a club match!

Without doubt, the organisers have set their standards so high that their members cannot fail to catch, which was unimaginable in my early days.



I would like to thank everyone who contributes to this weekly column.

Match organisers and pleasure anglers alike help me with stories and information throughout the year.

During my time as the Oldham Evening Chronicle’s angling correspondent, I have been lucky enough to meet lots of people that work so hard at the sport and this especially rings true with angling club organisers, as by nature we do tend to leave most things to the chosen few.



LAST reminder for anyone wanting a good day of fishing over the festive period.

Chadderton Mill AC are running an open match on Boxing Day.

The draw is at 9am, with the match taking place between 10am and 3pm. Tickets are £15 all in. To book, call Lee on 07522 156978.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And please, take extra care on the bank side as the ice and snow hides everything.




VENUE GUIDE



Park Lane - frozen solid. Bread punch the only bait worth trying, for those hardy enough to break the ice. Fishing will be very hard. Day tickets available on the bank.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal - Frozen solid. If you do break the ice, be prepared for hard fishing.

Rochdale Canal – Frozen solid but pegs on chicken run produced well at this time last year and with water running in you should find an area that is only thinly iced. Flouro pinkie and bread punch the best baits for silver fish.

Chadderton Mill Lodge – Maggot should outscore pellet in this weather. Take your ice breaker.




DIARY DATES



Boxing Day – Chadderton Mill AC open match on club water. Draw 9am and fishing 10am to 3pm. Tickets £15 all in. To book ring Lee on 07522 156978.

Every Sunday – Pilsworth Fishery open matches. Draw 10am in car park.

Every Wednesday – Twingates OAPs/Veterans match on the top lodge. Draw 9am and fishing the match 10am to 3pm, and tickets cost £10 all in on the bank. For further information call (01706) 881929.

Info to Jan on 07846 456408.