Daughter upstages her dad

Coarse angling

Freezing weather has hampered anglers for several days running and only the hardiest have ventured out in these conditions to catch fish on our local waters. Two weeks ago, junior Canterbury & District Angling Association member Ellie Warner started her 2017 exceptionally well by hooking and landing a fantastic pike of 24lb from the River Stour at Fordwich. This time it was her dad’s turn when Jack Warner reeled-in another tremendous pike of 20lb 8oz. Fishing at Stonar Lake, John Sturge has added to his recent great catches there with eight more roach over 1lb, while Chris Harnett has enjoyed mixed bags of fish including more specimen roach to over 2lb. It has remained reasonably quiet at Stonar but during an informal four-hour match between friends, J. Wigston caught 17lb 14oz of silver fish ahead of second-placed D. Aldiss with 15lb 4oz and K.hobson with 6lb 8oz. Bream to 5lb and double figure carp including the odd 20lb fish have also been seen at Stonar. This year’s CDAA fly tying classes are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, February 8, at 7.30pm and will run for eight weeks. Subject to replies, there will be two separate classes – one for absolute beginners and a progressive class. The beginners will start with an introduction to the tools and the basics of tying, leading to the first steps of tying simple flies. All tools are provided for those without the necessary equipment. The classes will be taken by members of the Fly Dressers Guild and two fly patterns will be shown, which may then be tied during the evening. Materials and hooks are provided for both classes. There will be a charge of £25 to cover hooks and materials for the eight weeks. Call 01227 710830 for further details.