Decent sport despite the winter cold

DESPITE a couple of sub-zero overnight temperatures this last week, sport in general has been reasonable with some decent catches reported.

There has not been a lot of news from the local rivers as anglers are still concentrating on still waters which are producing he goods!

I’m was delighted to see that the match lake at Whittle Dene is now full to the brim. It has been for about a week now so the fish will be acclimatised to all the fresh water and should fish well for the Big Waters Winter Series match today.

Craig Goodall fished the top lake at Whittledene on Wednesday and took 14lbs of roach and odd skimmers on the tip and pole. Steve Jacques fished the dam wall on the Great Southern and took 55 roach on the feeder.

It was bitterly cold for last Sunday’s Open at Eden Grange where Ian Shuttleworth took the win with 44lbs, followed by Bill Richards with 32lb 9oz and Wayne Harrison with 23lb 6oz.

There have been some cracking catches from the Angel of the North this last week as the carp and silvers continue to feed.

Sunday’s Open on Lookout was won by John Nelson with 69lb 5oz, ahead of John Dryden with 51lb 3oz and Martin Craig with 47lb 3ozs.

Sunderland FAC fished their final Winter Series event at Carrs Lake where Darren Stanford won with 2lb 12ozs, Roy Gillett took second with 2lb 6oz with Les Cooper taking third with 1lb 9ozs. Overall winner of the series was Darren Stanford. There will be a knock-up on Boxing Day at Eden Grange. Draw 08.30 fish 09.30-14.30, pools are £20 with an optional £1 golden peg.

Members of Leazes Park AA should note that until further notice the use of bait boats on the city centre water is banned, pending confirmation from the City Council that they are acceptable for use!