SKIPTON AA

A lull in the wet and windy weather on Sunday finally allowed the Skipton Winter League to complete the series of seven matches on the marina length of the canal at Barnoldswick.

This stretch is known for the excellent sport it can produce – but unfortunately, Sunday was one of its off days.

Darren Wright’s two bream on worm and caster gave him an easy win with 1,640g.

Bill Davenport was second with three roach on bread punch for only 250g, while Keith Brown’s four roach was enough for third spot with 130g. Jason Aldis was fourth with 80g, while Dave Fenn, Andy Wharton and Russell Heaton all had 40g to tie for fifth spot.

In the pairs, the top three places were decided on the top three results in the individual event as their partners failed to either fish the match or catch anything.

Darren Wright is the individual champion and D and R Fenn the pairs champions.

Individuals: 1 D Wright 144pt, 2 D Fenn 140, 3 R Heaton 131, 4 A Wharton 123, 5 J Aldis 119, 6 W Davenport 111. Pairs: 1 D & R Fenn 63, 2 Heaton & Aldis 62, 3 Wright & Thomas 58, 4 Wharton & Magner 49, 5 Cockshott & Ramsbotham 48, 6 Bradley & Davenport 46.

One other competition that was decided was the individual knock-out, which was fished between Graeme Waterfall and Simon Chenior.

As it turned out, neither angler caught anything on the day, so the last match results came into play. This gave the trophy to Waterfall, who won by 2,510g to Chenior’s 240g.

KEIGHLEY AC

Swollen river levels caused by extreme rainfall have cut off long stretches of the River Aire, leaving fishing impossible along virtually its entire length. A few hardy anglers who turned their attention to the Leeds-Liverpool canal in treacherous weather were rewarded with catches of skimmer bream tempted by worm and maggot on size 14 and 16 hooks. Jack pike have also been showing on the canal at West Riddlesden. Two small specimens were caught within three days by one angler, who remained active in plunging temperatures by tracking fish along the canal bank using spinner tactics. The club are continuing to look into the slaughter of several pike at Roberts Pond by rogue anglers. The story caught the attention of the Angling Trust’s newly-appointed enforcement officer, who approached the club to offer a number of initiatives to tackle the problem of poaching. Year books are on sale as the club prepare to run their annual canal competition in January. Anyone interested in taking part can contact match secretary Darren Watson on 07795-243332. The club will issue texts to confirm match details in the new year.

BRADFORD No1 AA

The Daily Mirror Cup at Cowthorpe was cancelled due to the river being in flood. Despite the high levels, the River Swale at Thornton Bridge has been producing good catches of barbel. Membership for 2016 is now available on the club website, most local tackle shops or from ticket and licence secretary Simon Freer on 07714-662783. Junior membership remains £5 a year, while OAPs, ladies and intermediates costs £28 and senior membership £48. The association has fishing rights at more than 70 waters across Yorkshire. Widdington Hall will be closed on Sunday for a booking.

BINGLEY AC

With the rivers still in flood and the canal very coloured, there is little to report on the fishing front. If members want to get rid of some the Christmas excess, there is a work party at Coppice Pond on Sunday, January 3 from 9.30am. This is to put a fence around the far side to protect planting that will also be done next year. For more information, contact Charlie on 07954-781992 or just turn up on the day.

HEWENDEN AC

Result of this year’s Christmas Cheer match: 1 Peter Throupe 1lb 9oz (peg 10), 2 Phil Redman 1lb 2oz (peg eight). Small skimmers and roach were the only species showing in what were terrible conditions. Special thanks to KL Tackle in Keighley for their donation to the prizes.

BRADFORD & DISTRICT SEA AC

Our Christmas meeting was well attended and everyone enjoyed the buffet of a mixture of Asian food and traditional sandwiches. We have a boat fishing trip to Grimsby on Tuesday, December 29. If you would like to go, call Dave on 07711-987833 to book your place.

LISTERHILLS AA

Membership books for 2016 are now available from all the usual outlets. There is no price increase for the fourth year in succession. Applications are now been taken for Leeds Amalgamation membership. Anyone who is caught damaging official signs will be expelled from the club and may be prosecuted for criminal damage. The result of the rearranged members match was: 1 E Harrison (6lb-2oz) and the runner up P Dowgill.

LEEDS ASA

Membership for next year is now available, either on-line, pay pal or direct from tackle shops. For details contact the membership office 0776-5075582 on either Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 7pm and 9pm. There is no entry fee for first-time members.

Last week’s Christmas Cheer match on the River Ouse was cancelled due to high water levels.