CONDITIONS were hardly ideal for the penultimate match for the Peter Hart Memorial Trophy which was fished on Embsay Reservoir last Sunday morning.

A strong westerly wind carrying heavy drizzle persisted for most of the three-hour match and whilst the trout were difficult to locate, at least the perch showed up in force.

Fishing his first ever match, Darren Horton showed the old timers how it should be done when he weighed in an all perch catch of 2400g to take the top spot.

Simon Chenier continued his fine form with 1620g whilst Russell Heaton was third with 1040g. Other leading weights were Graeme Waterfall with 555g in fourth and Malcolm Mawson with 500g in fifth.

Apart from Heaton with one trout and a few perch, all the other weights consisted of smallish perch.

With just one match remaining to be fished on the September 8 at Whinnygill Reservoir, the leading competitors for the trophy are as follows: 1 Simon Chenier - 8 points, 2 Russell Heaton - 10, 3 Malcolm Mawson - 14 and 4 Graeme Waterfall - 16.

Whinnygill Reservoir will also be the venue for the Skipton Angling Association’s final Taster Day on Sunday, September 15.

The event is aimed primarily at youngsters who would like to have a go at trying their hand at fishing but no adults will be turned away.

All equipment and bait will be provided together with necessary advice and tips.

In spite of the inclement weather, the fishing at Whinnygill has remained good and during the occasional break in the wind and rain, anglers have enjoyed catching some decent bags of fish.

Roach, perch, ide and skimmers have formed most of the sport and one or two tench have even been landed. Sweet corn appears to be the most popular bait at the moment.

In last week’s article, anglers may have been given the impression that the Skipton AA enjoyed the fishing rights from Carleton beck end to Inghey Bridge on the Heslaker Lane side of the river.

The Skipton club has the rights from the beck end to the bottom of the Funkirk Farm field, which is owned by the Bradford City AA.

From the top of this field to Inghey Bridge the rights are in the hands of the Bradford No 1 AA.