Angling clubs preparing for start of the new fishing season

AS THE traditional fishing season draws nearer, I suspect most of you that observe the close season which of course has to be the case on our local Ashby canal due to its SSSI status, will be checking your tackle and sorting out new gear, writes Andrew Smith.

Measham AC will start off the season this year with their Annual Members Merit Cup competition on Saturday, June 18. Thereafter once again they will be running the club sponsored Wednesday Midweek League starting on June 22, with six qualifying rounds, best four to count and the top 15 points scorers fishing the Grand Final on week seven. The pools and prize money remain as previous. Measham AC club books for the coming season at the same prices as last year and will once again be on sale at competitions as well as by post from John Wainwright and Andy Smith. Those anglers seeking a carp ticket to fish the Jubilee Pool must contact Pete Burgess on 07583 262082 as he is the only committee member selling those type of books.

Shackerstone AC start their season with the Annual Teams of 4, this year being fished in memory of the late Robin Banton on Sunday, June 19 with the pools having been increased slightly to £60 per team. Those wishing to fish that competition must contact Andy Smith 07960 087395 or John Gamble 07847 416749 and provide the relevant fee, team name and names of the anglers in that team by 5pm Monday, June 6, otherwise entries thereafter will not be accepted. All canal anglers please note that the following sections of the Ashby canal which are likely to be used and will be out of bounds that day until 2pm - Hags Lane, Jockey to Poplars, Poplars to Barton Road and The Monthills.

The Rising Sun sponsored members’ Tuesday Night League will start on June 21 and as usual there will be five qualifying rounds, best four results to count and the top 12 highest points scorers to fish the Grand Final on week six. This year the fees for that series have increased slightly to £10. The club sponsored Members Winter League starts on October 16 and concludes just before Christmas, again best three results out of four to count.

Shackerstone AC club book prices remain as previous and can be obtained when fishing all competitions, by post from Andy Smith or in person from Ibstock Tackle Shop and the Rising Sun.

One very important change for all Shackerstone AC Sunday competitions is anglers intending fishing must book in with either Andy Morton on 07593 350228 or John Gamble on 07847 416749 by 6pm on the Friday prior to the Sunday’s match.

This will make pegging out easier and provide better opportunity to use sections of the canal not previously used.