Change your tactics for the cold evenings

ALTHOUGH we have had a few quite nice days, the colder night temperatures have resulted in fish going and feeding much deeper, which, in turn, has resulted in some anglers struggling to adapt to the necessary change in tactics.

Anglers fishing the bottom at the Angel of the North are catching some really big bream along with sizeable perch. Pellet works best for bream, worm for perch and multiple maggots for other silvers.

Martin Craig won last Sunday’s open on Lookout Lake, fishing the bomb with pellets and maggot feeder. Martin weighed in 95lb 3ozs, followed by Jonathan Mawson with 75lb 13oz and Geordie Aitken with 60lb 15oz. Wednesday’s match on Bowes Lake was won by John Foster with 126lb 4ozs, ahead of Jackie Nelson with 109lb 4oz.

The Big Waters AC match on the match lake at Aldin Grange went to Barry Evans with 26lb 4ozs of ide and carp on the pole, maggot and pellet. Steve Knowles followed with 19lb 8oz ahead of Paul O’Donnell with 15lb 8oz.

Despite the River Wear looking in great condition, the going was tough for those fishing Durham City AC’s latest match. Three chub for 13lb 1oz gave the victory to Graham Skirrey, Billy Hurst followed with 5lb 9oz ahead of Steve Guy with 2lb 5oz.

Today, Leazes Park AA continue their Winter League Series, Wansbeck & Cramlington fish a feeder only match on Horton Grange, Big Waters contest the Dissington Trophy, Yarm AA fish a Winter League match on the Tees, and opens go ahead at The Oaks, Woodlands and The Angel. The Pike Season kicks off on the prolific Esthwaite Water. Tuesday will see the Wansbeck & Cramlington monthly meeting in The Plough, Cramlington.