Angling Lines

Some important rule changes have been introduced for our extensive length of the River Aire above Inghey Bridge to the west of Skipton.

Probably as a result of the banning of the diploid brown trout for restocking purposes by the Environment Agency in an attempt to strengthen the genes of native wild trout, we have banned the removal of trout from this two-and-a-half mile stretch of fishing. At the same time, only barbless hooks are permitted, which must be size 12 or smaller.

The whole length is fly only during the trout season (March 25-October 31). After this, worm may be used for grayling fishing, but with the same limits on hook type and size.

To prevent over-fishing, a permit system has been in use ever since the fishing rights were acquired over 30 years ago. This has been criticised by some members, and a new system has now been introduced which is less cumbersome.

Basically, it restricts daily angler numbers to a maximum of 20 via a sticker displayed in your car parked at Inghey Bridge. Should arriving members find this number of stickers displayed then they will undertake to fish elsewhere.

In practice, judging from past years, a problem with numbers approaching the limit may only arise within the first few days of the start of the trout season. There is a small fee of £3 payable to participate in the new system and full details are given in the 2015 member's yearbook.

Picture in Weeklies Sport

KEIGHLEY AC

Keighley angler Darren Watson read the River Aire perfectly last week to make a series of fine catches, including a magnificent double-figure pike.

The Keighley Angling Club match secretary landed 17 brown trout and seven grayling in a single session, using a maggot feeder.

He returned a couple of days later, switching to pole tactics which brought more trout and good-sized grayling to the bank at Utley.

Rounding off an incredible three days of fishing, Watson landed a three-foot 20lb pike on a stretch of water between Farnhill and Keighley. He took the fish with deadbait on barbless hooks, offered on a home-made paternoster rig.

Despite being in supreme physical condition, the large pike took around five minutes to land.

The experienced angler carefully unhooked the fish before returning it to the water.

SKIPTON AA

Members have been enjoying some good sport with the grayling – from the length below the Carleton Stone Bridge during lulls in the rather cold, wet and windy weather. Events secretary Malcolm Mawson has had several fish on his last two outings on the float- fished worm. Most averaged about 230g (0:8:0), with the best weighing 770g (1:11:0). Brown trout in good condition were also caught, including a fish of over the 900g (2:0:0) mark. Skipton members should note that subscriptions are due from Sunday, and no further fishing may be undertaking until they are paid. The rates for all categories of membership are unchanged and should be sent to membership secretary Peter Hart at 23 Beckside, Carleton-in-Craven, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3ET, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for return of documents.

BRADFORDNo1 AA

Thirty one anglers braved the elements for the third round of the Raskelf Winter Series on Sunday, which was won by Dave Bainbridge with 21lbs 7oz of F1’s on pellet and feeder. Other results: 2nd Steve Fox 20lbs 6oz, 3rd Andy Jacques 16lbs 2oz, 4th Fred Prudham 15lbs 13oz. Andy leads the series with one match remaining with 89 points, five points ahead of Fred, while Steve Hodson is third with 74 points. The final round will be on March 22nd. Well done to the Bradford No1 AA team who finished 6th out of 17 teams in Saturday’s RSPS Team Masters. The match was won with 62lbs of chub, while second place caught 42lbs of chub from our stretch at Pickhill. Tickets are still available for the open match at Cowthorpe on March 8 from Simon on 01274 571175. Widdington Hall will be closed this weekend for outside bookings. Members are reminded to ensure all gates are closed behind them and that the dials are turned on the lock at Knotford after closing the gate. Polo shirts embroidered with the club logo are still available from the website (www.bradfordno1.com).

LEEDS ASA

We have acquired the commercial fishery known as Carpvale Pools from owner Kevin Whincup. It is situated near Moor Monkton, and part of the agreement is that the fishery will be renamed to allow Kevin to retain the name of Carpvale for his commercial fish-farming business. The fishery is stocked to commercial standards and is well booked for matches. The bookings for the 2015 season will be honoured. Leeds & District ASA are currently re-assessing the price structure at the venue but members of the society will be allowed to fish the venue on a yearly basis for a £10 annual fee – an absolute bargain for this type of fishery.

BRADFORD SEA AC

The next general meeting is the annual presentation evening on Tuesday, March 17 at the New Inn, East Bierley (8pm), which includes a buffet. Please try to attend as it promises to be a good night, with a few laughs as well. We have managed to book three extra trips for October, November, December, fishing out of Grimsby. You can book on any trip at the meeting.

LISTERHILLS AA

For Sunday's members' match at Pilley's, the gate will be open at 8.30am, draw 8.45am. No cars to be taken onto the site. Anglers should carry an up-to-date membership book at all times when fishing club waters. Not many members have been out on the banks recently. Those who have have met with mixed results. There will be a working party at Pilley's in the near future – watch this space.

HEWENDEN AC

The pike match was fished in terrible conditions, and only one fish came out – at 6lb 13oz to Bob Hartley. The club's annual meeting will take place at the Fleece Inn, Cullingworth (8pm) on Thursday, March 26. All members are welcome to attend and, if anyone requires a subject to be discussed, it must be sent by post to S Webster, PO BOX 62, Bingley, BD16 3WR.

BINGLEY AC

The results of Sunday's Myrtle Park match were; 1: C. Dine 8lb 8oz, 2: A. Greenwood 5lb 2oz, 3: I. Needs 4lb 4oz.