SKIPTON AA

The Angling Trust are running a survey to find out which fish is the most popular and the winner will be declared the national fish. The vote is open not only to anglers but conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts and the general public.

In total, there are over 400 species of fish in our lakes, rivers and the seas around the coast of the British Isles but currently no national fish. To list all of them would be impractical, so it has been whittled down to 40 of the most popular (20 freshwater and 20 saltwater).

To qualify, the species has to be native or naturalised to the UK or, in the case of migratory species, spend some time in our waters. A few non-natives and recent arrivals have also been included.

Carp could have been excluded but, since they have been here for about 600 years, they are in. Most coarse fish have been introduced since the last ice age so, to be strictly technical, the only truly native fish would have been the sea species and migratory species such as trout and salmon.

To vote, enter UK National Fish Survey on your search engine and click on the same title when it comes up. This will produce the list of 40 fish. You have one vote for freshwater fish and one for sea fish.

After Saturday, March 26, the list will be reduced to the top ten and voting will continue until May, after which the national fish will be announced. All the local species are listed, including a splendid three-spined stickleback and the minnow, the River Aire's most numerous fish.

Once again, the weather ruined any chance of angling last weekend and a survey of the various waters between Keighley and Gargrave and the River Ribble at Long Preston did not produce a single angler.

Prospects for this weekend do not look any better as more heavy rain on Monday produced yet another bank-topper on the River Aire. The forecast is for more of the same, with lower temperatures for good measure.

BRADFORD No 1 AA

Tickets are still available from Simon on 01274-571175 for this Sunday's open match on the River Swale at Maunby and Catton. The draw, if the river is fishable, will take place on the bank at Maunby at 9.15am. Anyone wishing to fish for Bradford in the RSPS Team Masters should also contact Simon. Widdington Hall will be closed tomorrow for an outside booking, while there are roadworks planned for Thornton Bridge from next Monday, meaning the road will be completely closed for the next six weeks. Members who use this route to travel to the river or Raskelf Lake, including for the next Winter Series match, are advised to find an alternate route. The club are continuing to work with Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Police to find a solution to the protracted issues at Kirklees Lagoon. As part of this partnership, there will be a clean-up afternoon at the venue on Saturday, March 5 (1pm) to remove a number of trees and branches near the path to the lake. Any anglers who can volunteer their time would be greatly appreciated. A small number of night permits remain available for Knotford and Kirklees Lagoon from the ticket and licence secretary or on the club website. As usual, the club are interested to hear from any member willing to be a bailiff on any stretches of river. Contact either of the head bailiffs (phone numbers in the yearbook) or e-mail ask_us@bradfordno1.com for more information.

SALTAIRE AA

It was a Matrix Halifax first and second in last Sunday's Saltaire Open: 1 Paul McMillan (Matrix Halifax) 5lb 12oz (bonus bream, plus skimmers and roach), 2 Richard East (Matrix Halifax) 3lb 15oz (85 roach), 3 John Meredith (Tricast Rochdale) 2lb 9oz, 4 Nigel Storr (Matrix Halifax) 1lb 14oz, 5 Carl Chadwick (Saltaire) 1lb 10oz. There is an open match on the canal this Sunday. To book on, call Richard East on 07815-092966. All anglers fishing our waters must be in possession of a 2016 yearbook. A list of stockists is available on the website www.saltaireaa.co.uk.

HEWENDEN AC

There will be a coarse match this Sunday, meet in the car park at 9am, £12 entry. The club's annual meeting will be held at The Fleece in Cullingworth on Thursday, March 31 (8pm). Any member wishing to forward a proposal must put it in writing to the club secretary, PO BOX 62, Bingley BD16 3WR, by the end of this month. There will be a free pie-and-pea supper for all members attending.

BRADFORD SEA AC

Our monthly general meeting is on Tuesday at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm). We have a trip to Whitby on Sunday. If you would like to go, call Dave on 07711-987833 to book your place. Plenty of cod are being caught inshore at Whitby. Trip dates for Rhyl this year should be ready in time for Tuesday's meeting.

LEEDS ASA

Our length of the River Ouse at Linton is due to be stocked with chub, subject to the river level. Full details later. Result of Sunday's open match at Moor Monkton Pools: 1 Local angler Paul Gallagher 128lb11oz (27 carp), 2 Dave Wright 66lb 11oz, 3 Andy Middleton 44lb 11oz. Once again the River Ouse match was a struggle because of the state of the river.

BINGLEY AC

Thanks to all who attended Sunday's work party at Coppice Pond. The next one is on Sunday, February 28, all welcome. The club now has an official facebook page. To view visit www.facebook.com/groups/949345108492001/. We also have an e-mail newsletter. To register go to www.bingleyanglingclub.co.uk to sign up.

LISTERHILLS AA

Result of the last match, fished at an alternative, although weights were low: 1 E Harrison 3lb 4oz, 2 K Gregory 2lb 14oz. The canal-match programme is being finalised and posters will be displayed in tackle shops.