COMPETITORS both old and new lined up on the bank of the canal at Swine Lane, Riddlesden, last Sunday for the start of a programme of seven matches arranged by the Skipton Winter League for anglers interested in match fishing.

The venue chosen had been fished twice already this summer by the Craven Summer League and the results had been rather disappointing on both occasions. Last Sunday the weather was quite favourable and with the fish in a feeding mood, some decent weights were at last recorded.

David Fenn had some decent roach, perch and skimmers to take top honours with 1,850g (4:1:0). Darren Wright and Bob Heaton tied for second spot with 1,490g (3:4:8), Ernest Ramsbotham was fourth with 900g (1:15:12) and John Aldiss fifth with 640g (1:6:8). Darren Wright’s catch consisted of approximately 50 small fish taken on the squat whilst almost all of the other fish caught were smallish fish with the best approaching the 225g (0:8:0) mark.

The next match will be fished on the Snaygill (Bay Horse) length of the canal at Skipton on Sunday, the 20th of September. The draw will be at 8.00 am and this will be the last match when new registration is permissible. Prospective new competitors may obtain full details of the league from the secretary, Mr Bill Davenport, by phoning 01756 799671 or 07581082576.

This Sunday will see the last match in this year’s series of four matches for members of the Skipton Angling Association. The venue will be the River Aire below the Carleton Stone Bridge and members should meet at the parking area on Pale Lane for the 8.15am draw.

Fishing will be of three hours duration finishing at noon.

Recent catches on this length have indicated that grayling have become reasonably well established along with brown trout. Chub and perch are also present along with a few pike under the willow trees. Even the odd decent gudgeon has been caught so there is a good prospect of obtaining a decent weight providing the weather and the “draw” are favourable on the day.