Our new angling column will get you hooked

Stuart & Roger have done a sterling job in keeping these pages running smoothly for over eight years. Truly commendable so hats off to you guys.

Angling is the biggest participation sport in the country by far, with Nottinghamshire & surrounding areas offering some of the best fishing in the country.

We are also lucky enough to have more than our fair share of very productive rivers, lakes, canals and commercials.

There are a number of new fisheries under construction and we’ll keep you up to speed with these, as they come online.

I’ll be bringing you all the latest match results & reports from around the area with plenty of tips thrown in by some of the country’s top match anglers.

During the warmer months, the local match scene will of course feature prominently and I would probably be able to fill this column three times over with match results alone.

However, particularly in the winter months, I’ll also be reporting on the more secretive world of the local specimen hunters to give you an insight into this very popular and fast growing area of the sport.

We brag some of the cleanest waterways and these are readily producing massive fish of all species.

Double figure barbel and zander are now widespread and not uncommon in the rivers Trent and Idle.

Our commercials also hold their secrets and produce perch to over 5lb perch on a regular basis for those who know how to catch them.

Local waters also hold some massive specimen carp with fish to over 40lb reported last year.

Pike fishing is of course a very popular winter sport with some waters capable of producing specimens to over 30lb.You may well be very surprised at what lurks below.

New protection for Chesterfield Canal

Worksop & district AA have appointed a new full time Bailiff. Fred Weaver is now a common sight as he patrols up and down the Retford stretch. Poaching has been a major concern for the canal. Fred has already made steps to address this, tidy up the banks and make general improvements for anglers.

Club fees remain the same

Worksop United AC have had their AGM. Rob Allen has confirmed that their membership fee is to remain at £40. Could all members please pay their fee to Rob before the end of February.

Toft Newton gets new stock

Toft has just been re-stocked in preparation for the season starting on 1st February. Tickets will remain at the same price as last year but may be reviewed later in the season, depending on wholesale fish prices increase. Visit their web site www.toftnewton.com or contact Jason Foster for full details 01673 878453

This should float your boat

The Boat Inn AC are looking for members for their mixed fishery at Station Road, Ranskill. Carp to 20lb, Tench to 5lb, Crucians to an impressive 3lb. Membership will be available from mid February at £35 for the year. Contact Andy Hardie for full details 01777 705877

Whether you’re a match, leisure, specimen or game angler – you will find something here of interest so get the word out and send me your reports, news of events and pictures. If you have a story, E-Mail it over to me [email protected] or call 07815 308463. Tight Lines! Alan