10 October 2025
STRAIGHT into it this week with some important reminders.
Check, Clean, Dry. We appreciate that it might be a little more difficult during the winter months, as we can’t rely on the sun to dry our equipment (even if we have a sunny day, the UV rays won’t necessarily be strong enough to kill off any bugs and beasties!).
Fear not though, for you can still do your bit! Now, for self preservation you may want to make sure your partner/significant other is out of the house - then sneakily give your equipment a good rinse under the shower or in the bath using hot water - the hotter the better!
Ideally remove their favourite sponge/flannel, or it will smell like fish slime for eternity… If however you’re not feeling brave, a kettle of boiled water and a bucket can do much the same - just means you won’t be able to use your rubber duck! Keep doing your part folks, however you can.
Angling Trust, a few things to consider:
Onto something a little different.
We’re probably all aware of the Angling Trust, but not everyone may have heard about the “Fishnet training portal”.
Allow me to give you a quick rundown on what it is and how you can benefit from it. Created via funding from your EA rod licence purchases, the Angling Trust created “Fishnet” - a free to use online training portal that aims to educate anglers in a host of different areas.
It features numerous training modules covering a wide range of topics; from biosecurity, bacteria and invasive species through to fishery stock management, weed control, rights and regulations, the list goes on!
It’s an incredible resource, and you can do the training at your own pace, with your progress saving on the free app. For more information head over to the Angling Trust website at anglingtrust.net/fishnet-learning-hub.
Angling Trust Volunteer Bailiff Service
Still within the Angling Trust, and another service that may be of some interest - the “VBS” or “Volunteer Bailiff Service”.
Voluntary bailiffs contribute by being the ‘eyes and ears’, which means “reporting what they see and hear to a high evidential standard” - and essentially act to support both the EA and police in protecting our fish and fisheries.
You might think “well, I can't commit a fixed amount of time so it’s not for me” - but you can contribute as many or as few hours as you wish, and you will not be tasked to patrol specific areas.
A ‘patrol’ could include a fishing trip to a fishery you’ve never visited, or an angling club bailiff patrolling their own club water.
Even a simple walk down the canal towpath with your dog or family can contribute.
Volunteers will not find themselves out of pocket when they work alongside the Angling Trust, and any reasonable agreed expenses (such as travelling to attend a pre-scheduled joint patrol with the EA and/or police) would be reimbursed.
For enforcement support get in touch with Adam Wall, Angling Trust North West Regional Enforcement Support Manager on 07495 433618 or email adam.wall@anglingtrust.net
If you would like to find out more about volunteering for Warrington Anglers’ Association or becoming a fishery warden for our club, message or email WAA secretary on 07384 564140 secretary@warrington-anglers.org.uk Your help and support is much appreciated.
A quick reminder regarding membership. Make sure we have your up to date contact details on record.
If your address changed let us know asap by emailing lynda@warrington-anglers.org.uk with your new contact details (and membership number!) so we can update it before sending out the new cards. Also remember our membership runs from January till December.
Warrington Anglers' Association fishing news:
Now that all that is said - let’s get to the fishing!
Well, it was a very difficult week for us all weather-wise. Stormy conditions led to a majority of anglers deciding to stay home - not an unwise decision.
Strong gusts of wind and heavy downpours made even walking to the local shop a challenging expedition, never mind trying to cast!
When the weather wasn’t too rough, one of our members Karl Jones quickly seized the opportunity and went on to chase the famous Woodshaw crucian carp.
Unfortunately for him, on this occasion the crucians weren’t in the mood for feeding - probably due to the change in water temperature.
It was still a very enjoyable trip for Karl though. He said he might wait for some warmer weather before setting off for another adventure, and I don’t think we’d blame him.
Now a report from an anonymous angler who fished at Statham Pool.
They used a 6 meter whip, size 18 hook with double or treble maggot as bait. They loose fed red maggots and hemp.
During their short session, they bagged up on quality roach and perch. Half way through the session though they hooked into something much bigger, but sadly on only very light tackle his hook was quickly straightened and the fish swam away. Well done regardless, and better luck on the monster next time!
Our “Dynamic Duo” also ventured out - this time to the Trent and Mersey by bridge 210.
Both Ken Hewitt and Dave Gardener fished the pole, with double red maggot as hookbait.
Conditions were very challenging, and with a well established reed bed on the opposite bank, coaxing fish to come out from hiding was almost impossible.
Both anglers did catch in the end, but it wasn’t an easy session.
Regardless of the weather, their enthusiasm remains unfaltering and the pair reported another very enjoyable fishing trip.
Anthony Higham’s report from the River Mersey match 05/10/2025:
The river level at the start of the match was 3.95 metres and there was a really strong flow and color. Just like last week 15 members took part.
Terry Crozier takes his first win, he fished from peg 60. He started off with fishing the whip close in, catching a few bits. Then he changed over to the feeder and bagged himself a 4lb bream with his first chuck. Sticking with the feeder was the right decision. Terry also caught a hybrid and a skimmer, both over a pound for a winning weight of 7lbs 8ozs 0drs. Congratulations Terry.
In second place, fishing end peg 51 was none other than match reporter Anthony Higham aka ‘’The king of the river’’ He fished his favourite 45g groundbait feeder, clipped at 15 turns with double dead maggot on the hook. Anthony had a true mixed bag of eels, skimmers, roach and perch. His final weight was 5-9-0.
In third place was Ross Wightman. He drew peg 62 and fished the pole at 11 metres, catching an amazing net of small roach (approximately 103 in total!) for a great weight of 4-14-0. Fantastic work Ross.
Warrington Anglers’ Association Mersey Match result:
1. T. Crozier 7-8-0
2. A. Higham 5-9-0
3. R. Wightman 4-14-0
Well done to all the anglers who braved the elements - character building weather for sure!
This Sunday’s draw is as usual at 8.45am at Victoria Park. To book on text 07961 855790 or message through the dedicated Facebook page.
Jimmy Byrne’s report from the Disabled and Over 60s match which took place at Walton:
An amazing turnout, with 28 anglers taking part in the match.
Both first and second place drew pegs that were around the boats.
Winner of the match Andrew Bettley had 8 quality skimmers and loads of roach on bread for a winning weight of 8-1-0. It’s not very often that canal weights are higher than ones from the Mersey.
Second place was taken by George Barber also fishing bread and bagging up on roach for a final weight of 7-7-0.
In third place was Pete Jones, he drew a peg on the bend near the Walton Arms and also caught quality roach on bread and caster.
Warrington Anglers' Association disabled and over 60s match result:
1. A. Bettley 8-1-0
2. G. Barber 7-7-0
3. P. Jones 6-8-0
Well done to all that fished, the next match is to be at Trent and Mersey.
From now on you can send your catch reports directly to secretary@warrington-anglers.org.uk or message 07384 564140. Include a brief description and method used with a picture or two where possible