‘Ice’ and easy does it for determined anglers
Both
of the local winter league matches were cancelled this weekend due to
the thickness of the ice covering the Chesterfield Canal.
Worksop United’s Saturday event on the Bracebridge section was declared
un-fishable.
However, approximately 50 per cent of the 60 registered anglers turned up for Grafton AA/Ken Ward Sports third round of their winter league event on the Tigers Den and John Shaw sections.
But after the competitors had devoured a hearty breakfast at the Woodhouse Inn where the draw took place, match organiser Rod Clarke left the decision of whether or not the event should go ahead to the anglers themselves.
After a close inspection of the canal most of those in attendance decided that the ice was too thick and this event was also cancelled.
Within a matter of minutes of this decision being made, 12 of the anglers of a more determined nature decided that as they had turned out for a day’s fishing, they were determined to have a day’s fishing.
Having drawn for their pegs, the ardent anglers then spent up to 90 minutes using their man-made ice breakers.
Amongst these were a 10 pound hammer with a full length shaft tied to a long rope that helped to make a hole in the ice for its owner to give him an opportunity to enjoy a day’s fishing.
Believe it or believe it not, although the ice was up to 75mm (three inches) thick in places, the fish were unbelievably responsive, and one angler caught no less than 143 fish at three metres from the bank.
At the final weigh-in Worksop’s Intermediate National Champion, Philip Green (Angling Supplies of Retford Road) won the event with a magnificent 8lb 12oz of chub to 1lb from peg 64 on the Ivy’s, using caster on the long pole fished tight across to the far bank.
Worksop Junior squad member Ashley Nicolson performed brilliantly to secure second place with a creditable 4lb 6oz from peg 65 using double joker alternating on a three or seven metre line. Other leading weights were Phil Turner (Ashima Worksop) 4lb 2.5oz (p89), Craig Pert (Clowne White Hart) 2lb 2oz (p66).
Angling Course
The sixth angling course to be delivered by Ken Stevenson, who is one of the National Federation of Anglers regional coaches, is scheduled to start on Monday 14th January at the Flying Scotsman, Hallcroft Road, Retford.
The FREE course is set up as part of the partnership arrangements with North Notts College and is being sponsored once again by the Grafton Angling Association and Worksop and District Angler’s Association.
There will be 10 sessions running on a weekly basis for two-and-a-half-hours from 7pm until 9.30pm.
The course is limited to individuals who are 18 years of age and over, and anyone requiring further details should contact Glyn Williams on 01909 474940.
Notice Board
Worksop United members should note that the club’s annual general meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 21st January at the Flamingo Hotel starting at 7.30pm and all members are requested to attend.
Subject to weather conditions, the club’s second permit holders Saturday Winter League series takes place tomorrow and the third event in their mid-week series is scheduled to take place on Wednesday the 16th January.
Further details are available from the club secretary on 01909 484649. Details for the midweek series are available on 01909 531115.
Sad loss of much-loved angler
It is
with a great deal of sadness and personal regret that I have to report
on the death of Barrie Stevens, who was an active member of the Grafton
Angling Association.
Barrie was well known, well liked and respected by those anglers who take part in the annual Open Matches and the Winter League Series that the club organises on the Chesterfield Canal.
For the past four years Barrie has assisted event organiser Rod Clarke with the match draws and the compilation of aggregate points of the relevant league tables for these events.
Unfortunately, after a fairly short illness Barrie lost his determined battle against leukemia around midnight on Wednesday 3rd January in the King’s Mill Hospital near Mansfield.
Barrie will be greatly missed by his close friends and all of the anglers who had the pleasure of knowing him.
His demise has certainly created a large void that will take some replacing for the Grafton Angling Association’s committee and its membership.
Our heartfelt condolences are publicly extended to his wife Lynn and the family.
His funeral took place on Thursday at Rainworth Methodist Church, near Mansfield.
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Yours in Sport Glyn |