High hopes for a great new season

FRIDAY saw the start of the official coarse angling season and we all have very high hopes of a productive year. Recent catches have been very encouraging and the “rested” waters are all expected to do well.

None more so than the Big Waters large lake at Seaton Burn which, last year, exceeded all expectations with some prolific catches reported.

The BWAC match at Woodlands last Sunday got off to a slow start but picked up really well to give a good result. Tony Glennie led the way with a credible 104lb 6oz, followed by Keith Melnyk with 61lb 6oz and Ian Bullock with 60lb 14oz.

The same clubs second Evening Series match at the ever improving Dissington Pond went to Dave Hambleton with 5lb, ahead of Steve Freer with 3lb 6oz and Xavier Anceau with 1lb 13oz.

Hetton Lions Rising Sun Away match was won by Brad McParlin with 61lb 4oz, Norman. Laing followed with 52lb 3oz and Lee Downs took third with 42lb 9oz.

Saturday’s open on Bowes was won by Dave Pearson with 140lb 8oz, ahead of Glen Appleby with 133lb 12oz and John Dryden with 92lb 11oz.

Dave Pearson won Sunday’s open on Lookout with 95lb, second went to Alan McGuire with 80lb 10oz and John Nelson took third with 58lb 5oz.

Wednesday’s three-hour evening match went to John Dryden with 105lb 10oz, ahead of John Nailer with 76lb 14oz and John Foster with 66lb 14oz.

Anglers taking advantage of the coarse fishing at Esthwaite Water are getting some incredible catches. Bumper nets of silver fish are commonplace with some exceptional bream showing. However, it’s the big perch which are the main attraction where fish in excess of 3lb are falling to artificial baits.

Today, BWAC fish the Annual Pairs match at Whittle Dene, Sunderland FAC fish Furlong Lake at Forest Lane, Leazes Park AA fish the Annual Senior Match and WACAC fish an Evening Series event at Horton Grange.

On Tuesday BWAC fish an Evening Series at Dissington Pond and WACAC contest an OAP/Disabled match on Horton Grange.