COMPETITORS fishing the inaugural Skipton Summer League match on the canal at Riddlesden last Sunday, could have been forgiven for thinking they were at a Winter League match instead.

The actual venue was the Swine Lane stretch and the weather conditions were decidedly chilly with a moderate east wind and a cloudy, overcast sky throughout the three-hour match. This must have had an affect on the fishing as over half the competitors failed to weigh-in and those that did had very little to show for their efforts.

Ernest Ramsbotham landed a solitary perch to win easily with 350g (0:12:4). Second placed Rob Thornton, got off to a good start taking four small roach in succession on the bread punch but not much after that, weighing in just 190g (0:6:12) whilst Simon Chenior was third with a small roach and a perch for 50g (0:1:12). Graeme Waterfall was fourth with 40g (0:1:8) and Brett Young fifth with 20g (0:0:12).

The early start of 7am was a success as no boats disturbed the match length until after the all-out. Hopefully, things will be much better all round for the second match at Silentnight, Barnoldswick, on May 10.

The Skipton Angling Association’s Taster Event will be held this Sunday on Whinnygill Reservoir (to the right of Shortbank Road), commencing at 10am.

The aim of the exercise is to give juniors the opportunity to try their hand at fishing and bait, tackle and expertise will be provided. Adults of both sexes who attend will not be turned away. The event is free to all including day rod licences which will be available to those aged 12 and over who require them.

Last year the event was successful and almost everyone who took part caught fish, including specimen brown trout to over the 1,360g (3:0:0) mark. This year it is hoped that other species such as roach, perch, bream, ide and carp may turn up as well. The weather forecast augers well for the weekend with higher temperatures but maybe the chance of a shower or two.