League glory in John’s sights

Angling: JOHN Jones is on course to lift a coveted title.

The Oldham rod, whose efforts over the last couple of years have attracted sponsorship from the impressive Garbolino Elton outfit, is leading the 460-angler Lancashire League.

With just a few weeks to go, Jones looks set to clinch top honours, which would be a just reward for his consistency.

He finished sixth in last year’s county team qualifier, missing out on the final by one place.

Jones has been at the top of his game for some time, and he claimed first place in an open match on Willow and Snake lakes at Brookside Fisheries.

Drawn on Snake peg 57, where he used pellet on the hook at 10 metres, he netted seven fish in the 2lb to 5lb bracket and lots in the region of 1lb for a superb 71lb 8oz return.

Brookside have restocked with £14,000 worth of F1s — and the operation has paid off with good turn outs and great sport.


ALAN Crook, employing bread punch at various lengths, won the latest Todmorden AS open on the Castleton length of the Rochdale Canal.
The Maver North-West rod tipped the scales at 3lb 12oz of roach to finish clear of Dave Bradley.

He fished an almost identical match to Crook, but had to settle for second-best on the day with a 3lb 2oz bag.

Roger Priestley, a regular winner on this canal, was third using bread punch long for 2lb 15oz of roach, while Steve Ashworth was fourth with 2lb 10oz.


Venue Guide
Park Lake: Few anglers venturing out, but fish are available, with plenty of silvers and perch. Feed bronze maggot, pinkie or bread punch sparingly for best results. Day tickets available on the bank.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal: Always good for a few fish on the Uppermill and Greenfield lengths. Bread punch or pinkie as good as anything. SADAS waters are full of good-sized specimens, but anglers must be prepared to wait. Those lucky enough to sit on a shoal of skimmers can guarantee cracker, even in freezing conditions. Tickets £5 on the bank.

Rochdale Canal: Looks in fine fettle. Pegs behind the bungalows at Firwood Park, Rose of Lancaster and Slattocks will all produce to bread punch. Pinkie and red maggot also worth a try.

Chadderton Mill Lodge: A few low weights in the last match, although double figures still required to make the frame.


Diary Dates
Thursday, February 3: Centurian AC presentation night at Springbank Bowling Club, Queens Road, Chadderton (8pm).

Sunday, February 6: Todmorden AS open match on the Castleton length of the Rochdale Canal. For details, call Frank on 07769 905319 or (01706) 846581.

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

Every Wednesday: Twingates OAPs/veterans match on the top lodge. Draw 9am. Fishing 10am to 3pm. £10 all in on the bank. For further information and to find out if the match is going ahead, ring (01706) 881929.

To report any news or views on the local or national angling scene, call Jan Verbruggen 07846 456408.