Merseyside Boat Anglers Frustrated

GALE force winds are frustrating Merseyside small boat anglers and preventing them from getting afloat for winter cod and whiting.

And millions of gallons of fresh water pouring into the River Mersey from rain sodden land and flooded tributaries has left shore anglers frustrated at the poor catches.

Ever optimistic, anglers hope that sport and sea conditions will be something like normal on Sunday January 27 when the cash-rich Mersey Small Boats ‘Winter Open’ takes place at New Brighton.

Cod are the target fish – nothing else counts – and there is a massive £ 1,000 for the heaviest caught from the River Mersey.

The second heaviest fish wins £ 250 and a three-day sea angling break from Ireland holiday specialists, Leisure Angling, worth £ 450; while the third biggest fish takes home £ 150.

Local sea angling expert Alan Sharpe reckons that best tactic for this match is to target small codling with smaller baits and tackle to match.

“The first object is to catch a codling and don’t even think of a 10lb-plus fish,” the former England International advised.

“Fewer fish are entering the river because of the freshwater levels and if conditions persist, we could witness the smallest cod ever taking a pot of money”.

The cost of taking part is £ 30 per angler and £ 10 a boat and bookings can be made with Ken Dunn by telephone on 0151 426 5011.

All boats are launch from the beach at New Brighton (tractors are provided) starting at 7am until 10.30am with five hours fishing.

Tasker’s Top Team’ Spring League

IMPROVED fishing on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and a new sponsorship deal looks set to attract a big entry for the ‘Tasker’s Top Team’ spring league.

There has been a lot of interest from around the region for this six-match series, which gets underway on Sunday January 21 and 10 teams have already signed up.

The other fishing dates are February 4 and 18, March 4 and 18, with the final round on Sunday April 1.

Match anglers interested should contact Joe Farrell on 07764 926643.

Geoff Stirratt (Liverpool AS) is one of the most consistent performers on the canal and won this week’s open sweepstake with a fine net of roach for 8lb 8oz.

Geoff drew peg 455 at Hall Lane where he used an eight metre pole with punched bread to catch roach to three ounces by presenting the bait just off the canal bed.

Second place went to Stan Phillips (Mersey Dockers) with a level 8lb and an ounce behind was Gareth Charnock (Mersey Dockers).

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