Kayak fishing exercise is hailed success

A RISK assessment exercise by Northumbrian Water on the feasibility of allowing fishing from kayaks was carried out on Scaling Dam recently.

I’m told the exercise was a success – and was I pleased to note that quite a few jackpike were caught on the day. A sign of things to come, perhaps.

The warmer weather has certainly woken the carp up at Aldin Grange; last Saturday Wayne Harrison took 15 nice carp and a dozen skimmers from Blackbird Lake on pellet waggler.

Also showing great form is Wansbeck & Cramlington AC’s Milkhope Lake, where good nets of carp and skimmers are coming from the deeper water.

The final match of the club’s winter league was fished on Sunday and Vince Dack took the victory with 5lb 7oz. Keith Melnyk followed with 4lb 7oz, ahead of Craig Goodhall with 3lb 14oz. Craig takes the title on superior weights after tying on points with Brendon Heslop.

Sunderland FAC’s match at the Oaks last Sunday was won by Tony McNeil with 38lb. Ian Foster followed with 35lb, ahead of Geordie Aitken with 23lb 11oz.

Dave Pearson continued his good form at the Angel of the North by winning last Sunday’s open on Lookout Lake with 84lb. Brian Hall took second with 52lb 12oz, narrowly pipping Ben Huggins with 52lb 10oz.

Silksworth Pond in Sunderland is suffering from a blue/green algae bloom. Although this is not harmful to fish, anglers are advised to warn dog walkers etc that their pets shouldn’t drink the water.

The third match of the Durham City AC Pike Series takes place today.

Wansbeck & Cramlington AC will hold their annual general meeting this Tuesday evening at the Plough in Cramlington Village. All members are invited to attend.