THIS week our England women’s team, including Warrington’s Helen Dagnall, flew over to Italy to compete in the 2025 World Championships.
The competition is due to take place this Saturday and Sunday in Mantova.
Manager Dave Brooks has assembled a team that blends both seasoned experience from veterans, alongside some promising young talent.
This strategic mix of ages tackles the immediate challenges of the competition and nurtures the future of English angling.
At the heart of the squad are anglers such as reigning world champion Samantha Sim, 2023 gold medallist Helen Dagnall, and 2024 bronze medallist Kayleigh Dowd.
They will be joined by other experienced anglers such as Charlotte Gore, Chloe Raynor, and Sarah Taylor.
However, what makes this line-up particularly exciting is the inclusion of two teenage stars - Elle Pedrick and Lauren Stevens, who are both just 15 years old, but demonstrate incredible ability.
We wish them all the best of luck!
Back on home soil now. On September 14 the River Mersey will hold the Frank Lythgoe Memorial Match.
The competition is open to all members, regardless of age, and we’d love to see some juniors taking part too.
Frank was a huge advocate for “getting kids into fishing”, so all are welcome and some help and support with fishing will be available (together with some spare back-up equipment).
The winner of the competition will be awarded a trophy and a fantastic Aventus three-section 12’ waggler rod.
Second and third place will also receive amazing prizes, but you will have to come and see them for yourselves!
The sun has been shining and we have not seen rain for quite a while now.
While it has made for some great fishing weather, it's unfortunately not so great when it comes to maintaining correct water levels; an issue felt all across the country.
Rivers, lakes and reservoirs are recording the lowest levels in nearly a decade. You may indeed have noticed it yourselves when visiting some of our lakes.
Everything will return to normal once we get a decent amount of rain, but for now, we need to be cautious.
We’re apparently set for some stormy weather in the next week or so, but in the meantime it’s worth remembering that less water in the lake or river can lead to increased water temperature, and subsequently lower dissolved oxygen levels; especially on a very dull day when plants photosynthesise slower.
Where possible please unhook the fish in the water. If you have to take it out of the water, try to return it as soon as possible and allow the fish to rest a bit. A little bit of extra care can go a long way.
A quick reminder, it’s Creamfields weekend, so dust off your glowsticks!
I only mention it because traffic and diversions might affect your journey if you plan to visit Appleton Reservoir or Moore Quarry for example, so plan accordingly.
On to some catch reports now.
Derek Watts, spurred on by his recent success at Cicely Mill, decided to have another session.
This time he fished peg five on the left-hand side, with his friend Chris Dooley nearby on peg six.
Both started off with float and single, then double, maggot. After a while Chris added two more maggots to the mix, as the single and double maggots were apparently “getting pinched off his hook”.
By the look of it, tench are certainly breeding successfully there as both men caught a fair few. In the last two years WAA have stocked over 500 lbs of those green little beauties.
Alongside tench they caught some good quality perch and roach. A pleasurable day of fishing all round.
Column regular Harald Vachsman was out again on his now favourite water, Appleton Reservoir.
During a 24-hour session he managed to catch three carp in mid doubles and four tench, each 6 to 8lb. He also netted plenty of “clunking” roach.
As usual, he used his home-made ground bait. He was very happy with the session, as I'm sure we all would be. Another great result Harald, keep it up!
Anthony Higham’s report from the River Mersey Rod-Only match on Sunday:
The river level at match start was 3.4 metres. Similarly to last week the river was moving slow and was gin clear. 25 anglers competed in the match.
Harry Billing banked his third win this season. He drew peg 18 and fished his 18' cadence rod, coupled up with a pole float. He caught plenty of small skimmers, roach, dace and perch for a clear victory and a final weight of 15-9-0.
In second place, fishing peg 33, was Neil Davies. Neil fished the feeder and a waggler shallow section. Catching ten skimmers, perch roach and dace, for a weight of 10-4-0.
In third place, fishing end peg 34, was Pete Jones. Pete fished a stick float all match, catching roach, perch and dace for a weight of 8-15-0.
1. H. Billing 15-9-0
1. N. Davies 10-4-0
3. P. Jones 8-15-0
Well done everyone.
Next week's draw as usual at 8.45am Victoria Park. Make sure to have your valid WAA licence with you. To book on text 07961 855790 or message through the dedicated Facebook page.
Reminder: On 07/09/2025 the WAA will hold a pairs match over the River Mersey/Bridgewater Canal. To book on visit the dedicated FB page or by messaging 07961 855790 and stating who is fishing which venue.
Jimmy Byrne’s report from the Disabled and Over 60s match which took place at Trent and Mersey Farm Road:
Weights were slightly lower than last week, possibly due to higher boat activity on the canal - but we must remember it’s a shared space, and, well; excuse the pun but we’re all in the same boat.
Skimmers were mainly caught on bread while roach and perch preferred pinkie. Well done to everyone.
1. T. Carr 6-13-9
2. A. Faulkner 5-12-0
3. R. Fraser 5-8-9
Next match is to be at Woodshaw.
As ever, send your catch reports to quartermaster@warrington-anglers.org.uk or message 07395 185026. Include a brief description and method used with a picture or two where possible.