Cheshire Region PAC

A good season so far

2012-01-02T05:12:00.000-08:00

Joint Regional Organizer Mark Johnson has been enjoying a good season with a number of superb fish landed already. This 19 lb. beauty was caught on an autumn trip to the fens. Well done Mark.

January Meeting

2012-01-02T04:17:00.000-08:00

Our first meeting of 2012 takes place at Owley wood Club on Monday 9th January. Our guest speaker will be Barry McConnell, who you may recall gave us a fantastic talk on fishing for specimen eels last year. This time Barry will be sharing with us his exploits when fishing for zander. Knowing Barry, this will be another evening that you really shouldn't miss.

Wishing you good health and happiness in 2012,

Mark.

Rudyard Fish-in Sunday 10th December.

2011-11-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

Our final member's fish-in of 2011 was well attended and quite a number of pike were caught. The best fish of the day fell to Scott Hardie. Well done Scott.

December Meeting

2011-11-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

We have a special guest speaker for our December meeting; when Geoff Parkinson will be telling us about his zander fishing exploits in Holland. For those who don't know him, Geoff is a real PAC stalwart, having served twice on the national committee, and been a regular visitor to PAC regions for many years - giving talks on his extensive and varied experiences as a predator angler. Geoff is coming a long way to be with us on Monday 5th December. Please make every effort to be with us on that evening.

I have really missed attending our meetings so far this season and am determined that my workload with Northwich AA will not cause me to miss any more. I am looking forward to catching up with you all on December 5th. In the meantime don't forget to send in any material you might have for the blog. Our numbers in the Cheshire Region seem to be dwindling at present and we need to make a greater effort to try and bring more pike anglers into our ranks. So, how about we all try and bring a friend on December 5th ?

Mark.

Coaching events

2011-08-13T03:50:00.001-07:00

There are a couple of coaching events coming up, which I am running on behalf of Northwich Anglers Association. The first is on making rigs and traces for predator fishing and the second is on lure fishing for pike and perch (please see list of events for 2011/12 season for more details).

If you would like to attend either session it is vital that you book with me in advance as I need to know how may people to cater for.

E-mail me at m.leathwood@sky.com

Later on, in October, we are planning to run a 'Pike Fishing for Beginners' event, possibly at a venue in the Crewe area. I will confirm details as soon as I am able.

Online Baits

2011-08-13T03:50:00.000-07:00

Check out the new link to Online Baits. I ordered some small roach deadbaits for my eel fishing and have to say that the quality and the prices are fantastic. Real value for money and highly recommended.

Summer predator campaign update

2011-07-31T08:36:00.001-07:00

Joe Leathwood puts his dad to shame with this fit 12 lb. pike, which put up a real scrap after snaffling a couple of lobworms on a single hook (don't let Joe try and convince you he was pike fishing at the time !!!).

Lobworms are still picking up some nice bonus fish, and you'll never hear me complain about catching perch. However, the eel fishing is still slow with Paul and I catching just a handful of fish since the last update ... and it's not as if we aren't putting the effort in.

In the meantime I have caught my first bream on a deadbait ! No, I'm not kidding. It weighed 4 lb. 2 oz. and was nicely hooked in the mouth. It took a roach head section fished on a size 10 hook to a 20 lb. wire trace. In fact, Paul and I are catching quite a few bream and wire traces don't seem to put them off in the slightest !

Is anyone else catching ?

PAC Convention 2011

2011-07-31T08:27:00.001-07:00

Please click on the image to see larger version.

Dates for your diary (2011/12 season)

2011-05-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

Our meetings for 2011/2012 will again be held at Owley Wood Club, Weaverham, on the first Monday of the month, and commencing at 7.30pm. These are the dates for your diary:

Friday 29th August 2011 - Rigs & Traces for Predators (coaching session 7.00pm - 9.00pm at Northwich AA headquarters).

Friday 2nd September 2011 - Lure fishing for Pike & Perch (coaching session 7.00pm. - 9.00pm, River Weaver, Northwich).

Monday 5th September 2011 - guest speaker Ian Emmess

Saturday 17th September 2011 - 'North West Piking' hosted by R.A.31.

Saturday 1st October 2011 - PAC Convention, Kettering.

Monday 3rd October 2011 - meeting at Owley wood Club.

Monday 7th November 2011 - Quiz night hosted by Paul Ikin.

Monday 5th December 2011 - guest speaker Geoff Parkinson - zander fishing in Holland.

Monday 9th January 2012 - guest speaker Barry McConnell - zander.

Monday 6th February 2012 - Meeting at Owley Wood Club.

Sunday 19th February 2012 - Fish-in, River Weaver, Northwich.

Sunday 18th March 2012 - Fish-in, Big Billinge, Northwich.

Monday 5th March 2012 - guest speaker Pete Haywood.

Monday 2nd April 2012 - Meeting at Owley Wood Club.

Monday 7th May 2012 - AGM / social night.

Please continue to check for updates.

Summer predator campaign underway

2011-05-08T02:46:00.000-07:00

I have now put my pike rods away until the autumn and will be concentrating on fishing for eels during the months ahead. So far Paul Ikin and I have caught a handful of fish between us; the best one of 3 lbs. 9 oz. falling to ledgered lobworms. We're hoping for something much bigger but it's not easy fishing !

North West Piking - Sat. 17th. September, 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm.

2011-05-08T02:36:00.000-07:00

Our near neighbours at R.A.31 (South Lancs.) are staging a 'mini PAC convention' on September 17th. Attractions include:

Piking Panel - various.
Lure making demonstration - Mark Berrisford.
Angling Coaching - Eric Edwards
Lure Clinic - Dave Kelbrick
Tackle Stands - to be confirmed.
Boat Demonstration - to be confirmed
Other Predator Groups - to be confirmed.

The venue is the ist floor function room at 'The Caledonian' Public House, 154, Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 8PF.

Cost of admission to be announced.

Talk by Bruno Broughton

2011-05-08T02:29:00.000-07:00

Monday 9th May is our final meeting of the 2010/11 season and we look forward to welcoming Bruno Broughton as our guest speaker.

Bruno is possibly the country's most eminent fisheries scientist and is also PAC's scientific adviser. A real mine of information, Bruno will be willing to take any questions members may have in relation to pike, pike fishing, or indeed, fishery management. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a new insight into the way that fish behave and I would encourage everyone to come along.

The venue, as usual, is Owley wood Club at Weaverham and non members are also welcome. The meeting begins at 7.30 pm.

Congratulations to Joe

2011-02-12T12:25:00.001-08:00

I have just spent a very pleasant afternoon fishing a Northwich A.A. still water together with Paul Ikin. Whilst we were there we met 12 year old Joe Hornby, who was also doing a spot of pike fishing. We were delighted to be able to help Joe to catch his first pike, a fish of 5 lbs. 2 oz. on a ledgered lamprey section. This was soon followed by a second well conditioned pike of 5 lbs. 8 oz. - this time taken on a float fished lamprey section. Very well done Joe, you are now a proper pike angler !

AGM Products

2011-02-07T02:51:00.000-08:00

You will now see on our homepage a link to AGM Products. For those who aren't in the know this is a locally based company, here in Northwich, which specializes in lures and accessories for the modern lure angler.

AGM Products has an amazing and very diverse range of stock and many of the items available have historically been very difficult to get hold of in this country. The quality of the items on offer and the service is second to none, and I would heartily recommend you give the site a visit.

Big Billinge fish-in, Sunday 27th February

2011-02-07T02:32:00.000-08:00

I have had to postpone our fish-in on Big Billinge (originally scheduled for Saturday 19th February) as I am now attending a course on that day. The fish-in will now take place on Sunday 27th February instead.

There are 15 places (limited to PAC members only) so please let me know a.s.a.p. if you wish to attend. The cost is £3.50 per angler and Northwich A.A. rules apply.

Big Billinge is a very clear and weedy water with a good head of specimen carp. Depths range from 18 ft. alongside the road bank, up to about 2 ft. at the far end. The venue is popular with carp anglers and consequently doesn't get fished a great deal by anyone else. It has produced pike to over 24 lbs. (witnessed by a friend of mine) and one of the bailiffs tells me he has seen a very large pike mooching about this year. So, the potential is certainly there.

I will be running one or possibly two coaching sessions on the day, and these may be attended either by PAC members or by members of Northwich A.A. The coaching sessions form part of my coursework in gaining the Level 2 qualification in coaching angling. I will post details of the topics to be covered (which will be relevant to pike and predator fishing) and the times of the coaching sessions nearer the time.

Update; (above) PAC member Jack Prescott with the best of a three pike haul. Mark Johnson and Mark Noon also caught from the same part of the lake - where there seemed to be a number of pike in residence. All the fish were caught either early in the morning or with dusk approaching. Well done to Jack.

February meeting

2011-01-21T04:57:00.000-08:00

Our February meeting will take place on Monday 7th, at Owley Wood Club in Weaverham and we look forward to welcoming Barry McConnell as our guest speaker.

Barry is one of the country's most highly respected and accomplished eel and zander anglers and also the inventor of the 'Rollover Indicator'

I have been using 'Rollover's as an alternative to traditional drop-off type indicators for my pike fishing over the last 18 months (especially for fishing deadbaits at close range) and have to say that I am completely sold on them. They are a massive step forward in reducing resistance to a taking fish and, although I do still use other methods of indication in certain circumstances, the Rollover is now - by far - my preferred choice.

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Pike rigs in reality

2011-01-21T03:59:00.001-08:00

Over the last several months 'Improve Your Coarse Fishing' magazine has run a series of articles by Paul Garner and Stuart Morgan entitled 'Underwater Angling'. The articles are all about the way in which rigs and baits really behave when in the water, and the accompanying underwater photographs - which are of the highest quality - give a real insight into the subject. More often than not, our rigs and baits are not actually doing what we think they are !

This month's issue is entitled 'Pike rigs in reality', and I would recommend it to anyone who fishes deadbait rigs for pike.

January meeting.

2011-01-21T03:49:00.000-08:00

First of all a big 'thank you' to R.A.9 member Paul Ikin for stepping in at short notice and giving a really excellent talk and slide show at our January meeting. Paul's experiences fishing locally for catfish, and the rigs and other items of tackle he has devised for addressing some of the problems he has encountered were a real eye-opener for everyone present. Well done Paul.

A couple of nights after our meeting I visited our near neighbours at the South Lancs. Region to give them a talk and slide show, and was given a very warm welcome. You may recall that last winter we resurrected the old R.A.9 vs. R.A.31 'fish-in' and I had hoped that we might be able to offer the lads from R.A.31 a return fixture on a Cheshire Water this winter. Unfortunately I haven't had time to arrange this, but am hoping we might be able to have a day on the River Weaver in the autumn.

Paul's Catfish Capers

2010-10-17T11:22:00.001-07:00

New member Paul Ikin is an accomplished predator angler with an enviable record of big UK catfish to his name. Paul has kindly agreed to do a talk and slide show at our meeting on March 7th 2011.

Thanks Paul.

Mike O'Brien's first pike

2010-10-17T11:20:00.001-07:00

Another fish from our successful 'Introduction' day on the Weaver. Well done Mike.

More photos from our 'Introduction' day.

2010-10-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

On the left is Mark Johnson's 17 pounder which was caught on a float-ledgered sardine, and on the right, Alex Lawton's first lure caught pike; which took a 6" Fox Replicant in 'silver sparkle' pattern.

'Introduction to Pike Fishing' day - Result !

2010-10-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

Weather and river conditions were perfect, and this undoubtedly played a big part in a very successful day.

The event, held on the Weaver in Northwich, was attended by approximately 15 anglers, made up of a roughly 50/50 mix of Northwich AA members (mostly complete novices) and PAC members. Here are the stats:

NAA junior member Harry Broadbent caught his first two pike on wobbled deadbaits under the guidance of Alan Hickson. (above right)

NAA junior member Kaythan Shillito caught three pike, including a new 'personal best' of 9 lbs. 14 oz. (above left) all on livebaits.

NAA senior member Alex Lawton caught his first pike on a lure.

NAA Senior and PAC member Michael O'Brien caught his very first pike - after 12 months of trying. This was on a lure.

New PAC member Alan Butler caught his second pike ever. The last one he caught was in 1965 !

The biggest fish of the day, a 17 lb. pike, was caught by PAC's Mark Johnson on a smelt deadbait. I hope to have a picture of this fish soon and will add this to the blog. Well done mate !

Altogether, 18 pike were caught during the day and everyone who attended said that they had thoroughly enjoyed the event and learned a great deal from it.

I would like to thank everyone who attended, but in particular Alan Hickson for his invaluable help and Alan Dudhill from R.A.26 for the generous provision of 'Pikemaster' traces and floats for this event.

Unfortunately I blanked - but someone had to !!!!

New venue and meeting dates 2010-11

2010-09-15T04:52:00.000-07:00

We now have a new home for our monthly meetings at the Owley Wood Recreation Club, Barrymore Road, Weaverham, Northwich, CW8 3LS. This is to the west of Northwich and, for those traveling from outside the area, will be most easily accessed from the A49. Please contact me if you need more specific directions.

We will have the use of a beautifully appointed function room which is absolutely ideal for our purposes and the meetings will take place on the evening of the first Monday in every month from 7.30 pm onwards (please note the change of day from last season when we met on a Thursday).

Unfortunately I have been unable to arrange very much for September (apart from an indoor coaching session) so we will begin our season properly in October. The dates for our meetings and fish-ins planned so far are therefore as follows:

Thursday 30th September 2010 - Indoor coaching session at Northwich AA headquarters, 62 Station Road, Northwich (7.30 pm.) Please see separate post on 'Introduction to pike fishing day' for more details.

Saturday 2nd October 2010 - Introduction to pike fishing day, River Weaver, Northwich.

Monday 4th October 2010 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club. Guest speaker - Gary Knowles.

Monday 1st November 2010 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club. Guest speaker - Phil Kirk (My Piking Life).

Saturday 4th December 2010 - Members 'fish-in' at Petty Pool, Whitegate.

Monday 6th December 2010 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club.

Monday 3rd January 2011 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club.

Monday 7th February 2011 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club.

Saturday 19th February 2011 - Members 'fish-in' at Big Billinge, Whatcroft.

Monday 7th March 2011 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club. Guest speaker - Paul Ikin (Catfish).

Monday 4th April 2011 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club.

Monday 2nd May 2011 - R.A.9 monthly meeting at Owley Wood Club.

Please continue to visit this blog regularly for updates. I will announce details of more guest speakers as soon as I can.

Exclusive fish-ins for PAC members

2010-08-17T02:08:00.000-07:00

Northwich Anglers Association has kindly agreed to allow Cheshire Region members an exclusive day's fishing on Petty Pool (Whitegate) on Saturday 4th December.

This is a venue we fished last year and, although not many pike were caught, the beautiful surroundings more than made up for it. Petty Pool is a SSSI and home to some of the largest carp in the North West. There are also some very big bream and tench present. Pike are fairly numerous and this is a water where plenty of runs can usually be expected. It is not unusual to catch 5 or 6 pike in a day, although bigger fish tend to be very elusive.

Also, we have kindly been granted exclusive access to Big Billinge (Whatcroft, nr. Davenham) for a 'PAC members only' fish-in on Saturday 19th February 2011. Big Billinge is a noted carp and tench water and is very popular with Northwich AA members. It has produced pike to 24 lbs. 10 oz. in recent years (witnessed by the current bailiff) and has a good head of pike which generally see little angling pressure.

In the past we have tended to run fish-ins on day ticket waters in order to enable all of our members to fish. However, the opportunity to fish both Petty Pool and Big Billinge offers something fresh for the majority of our members who wouldn't normally be able to fish these venues.

Although Petty Pool is quite a large water (30+ acres) there are only 13 pegs so these will need to be pre-booked on a 'first come first served' basis. Similarly Big Billinge has limited pegs but numbers for this venue will be restricted to 15 anglers in order to facilitate choice and freedom of movement between swims.

There will be a charge of £3.50 per angler, and the funds generated will be donated to Northwich AA's junior section.

'Introduction to Pike Fishing' day 02/10/10

2010-08-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

We will be running an 'Introduction to Pike Fishing' day in conjunction with Northwich Anglers Association on the River Weaver in Northwich on Saturday 2nd October.

This event is to cater for members of Northwich Anglers Association only (not the general public) but their Management Committee has agreed to allow PAC members to fish as well.

I hope that as many Cheshire Region members as possible will come and fish as I anticipate a good turn-out; particularly from Northwwich AA's junior members.

We have been granted permission to roam over a fairly long stretch of the river and I have selected this area because it fished particularly well for pike at this time last year (I caught a lot of fish up to about 10 lbs. on lures but I'm sure that live or deadbaits would probably turn up some bigger fish).

If you would like to help by demonstrating any particular methods, or by taking a beginner under your wing, then please get in touch. I will be advertising the event in local tackle shops and via Northwich AA's website and there is a real opportunity here to boost PAC membership in the mid-Cheshire area.

The day's fishing will be preceded by an indoor coaching session at Northwich AA's headquarters, 62 Station Road, Northwich, at 7.30 pm on Thursday 30th September. This is to enable anglers to learn to do fiddly jobs like making traces, tying rigs etc. in an environment more conducive to such activities than on the riverbank.

Search for new meeting venue

2010-08-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I learned that the R.A.O.B. Club in Northwich, where we held our meetings last season, is closing down at the end of August. Off hand I don't know of another suitable venue so I will need to do some research to try and find us a new home. Unfortunately this has thrown my provisional list of meeting dates and speakers for 2010/11 into disarray. Please watch this space as I plan to resolve this problem as quickly as I can.

Wyreside Lakes fish-in (24/01/10)

2010-01-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

Originally we had planned to hold a friendly fish-in against our neighbours from PAC's South Lancs. Region at Tatton Park two days after Christmas. However,the ice and snow put paid to the plan and so we re-scheduled the event to take place at Wyreside Lakes a month later.

Unfortunately the Cheshire Region fielded only 3 anglers; Roy Garton and Andy and Carol Bates. I had planned to spend the day lure fishing but decided not to bother because the fishery wanted to charge me £14 for two rods when only had one in my possession. Not only did the magnificent 3 fail to catch, I spent the day feeling very cold and fed up indeed.

The South Lancs. Region fared better with 8 anglers turning up to fish and several pike caught (biggest a 16 pounder). The R.A.9/R.A.31 Challenge Cup was therefore won by the South Lancs. Region. Next year we will have to do better !

On my arrival home I wrote to the fishery manager and complained that it was unfair to charge pike anglers for a minimum of two rods as this discriminates against lure anglers (similarly the same tariff for carp anglers discriminates against anyone wishing to stalk fish with 1 rod). I received a nice reply informing me that the fishery has now restored the opportunity for pike and carp anglers to buy a single rod ticket for £7. I'm pleased some good has come of my letter.

2010 Looking ahead

2010-01-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

The big freeze put pike fishing on hold for everyone throughout early January but now we are free of ice once again we can begin to look forward to the year ahead.

Unfortunately our January meeting had to be cancelled because the roads were so trecherous but Gary Knowles has kindly offered to come and present his slide show in the autumn. Steve Ormrod has also provisionally agreed to come and talk to us later in the year.

PAC Secretary Graham Slater will be our guest speaker at the February meeting (Thursday 11th) with John Milford to follow in March (Thursday 11th). Our final slide show for this season is in April when we have a mystery guest speaker. I don't want to give away too much information about this as this involves a personal friend who rarely gives talks these days and doesn't want to be swamped with requests from elsewhere. All I will say is that that none of our remaining meetings should be missed.

I plan to organize some more fish-ins for members but, with only 3 turning up to the last one I have to ask myself if it's all worthwhile ? It's very disappointing to have around 80 PAC members living in the Cheshire area but less than a dozen turning up to meetings; with even fewer attending fish-ins. Perhaps members would like to give me some feedback and let me know why they aren't supporting their Regional Association ?

Bridgewater Canal fish-in 15/11/09.

2009-11-25T05:53:00.001-08:00

For several years now Geoff Gauton has arranged an annual 'Pike Fishing for Beginners' event in conjunction with Warrington Anglers Association. This provides an opportunity for those who are new to the sport to spend some time fishing with our members. We take the view that pike conservation is far better served by helping beginners ensure that they are using safe rigs and have the means to unhook and return pike safely, than it would be to leave them to their own devices.

This season's event on the Bridgewater Canal was a great success, with nine PAC members and eleven Warrington AA members taking part. There were two pike of 13 lbs. caught, along with three more fish around the 7 lb. mark; all taken on deadbaits. Yours truly weighed in with another three jacks, all taken on Salmo Slider jerkbaits.

The real success of the event is perhaps best measured by the extent to which it helped those who were new to pike angling. Warrington AA member Gary Poulter brought his sons Chris and Tim to the fish-in and, a week later, I was delighted to receive an e-mail from him reporting that Tim had now caught his first pike. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words and the smile on Tim's face really says it all. Very well done Tim.

Canal specimen for Peter

2009-11-05T04:06:00.000-08:00

Canals can often be a daunting prospect, with mile after mile of murky water and relatively little in the way of features. However, the rewards are there if you are prepared to make the effort, as Peter Mancey shows with this well deserved specimen from a canal in the Cheshire area. Well done Peter.

Fish-ins 2009 / 10 Season (update)

2009-10-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

The season's first fish-in on the River Weaver produced 2 pike for Dan Crowe (caught on popped up dead roach) and 1 for Mark Leathwood who also caught a nice bonus perch (both fish on livebaits). None of the pike were monsters unfortunately. Andy Bates, Neil Shortland and Mark Johnson also fished but the conditions on the day were pretty bad with a strong south easterly wind howling downstream. The river never seems to fish well when this happens. Excuses, excuses ...

I can now confirm that the joint fish-in with R.A.31 will be at Tatton Park on Sunday 27th December 2009. There is a peg fee of £5.00 per angler and places are limited. Please contact me a.s.a.p. to reserve your peg.

According to Gary Knowles these events were "never much of a match" as the old St. Helens Region always used to kick our behinds. Come on Cheshire Region members, that sounds like a challenge ...

More details for this season now confirmed

2009-09-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

I can now confirm that the fish-in for members on Petty Pool will take place on Sunday 29th November 2009. Please contact me to reserve your place as pegs are limited.

I am also delighted to report that Gary Knowles and John Milford have agreed to do talks and slideshows for us. Gary is a very accomplished all round specimen angler, based in the North West. He will be giving us a valuable insight into how he targets big pike, perch and eels. John is a past chairman of both PAC and the Lure Anglers Society, now based in Derbyshire. He has been at the forefront of lure angling in the UK for more than 25 years and has enjoyed great success in targeting a variety of species.

Finally, the joint fish-in with our friends from PAC's South Lancs. Region looks set to take place at Tatton Park sometime between Christmas and New Year. I will post the exact date as soon as this is confirmed.

Melchett Mere

2009-09-07T04:24:00.000-07:00

For a number of years I have been aware that The Builder’s Arms Angling Club, based in Knutsford, holds a couple of pike fishing matches annually on Melchett Mere which is a small water on the Tatton Park Estate.

During the summer I decided to contact the Tatton Park Estate with a view to trying to gain an additional day’s pike fishing on Melchett Mere for members of PAC's Cheshire Region.

Initially I made contact by telephone and was advised that the venue was a S.S.S.I. and that limited pike fishing was only allowed as a means of gauging the overall health and population of the fish stocks; pike being an ‘indicator species’ because of their role within the overall ecology of the Mere.

On August 17th 2009 I wrote to Simon Jones, the ranger at Tatton Park, acknowledging the conditions which I had been advised of, and requesting consideration be given to allowing a single day’s fishing for our members on Melchett Mere.

In his reply, dated August 28th, Simon stated:

“Unfortunately it is impossible, due to the constraints laid down by English Nature, to allow more than two matches per year on the water”.

He went on to add:

“The matches that are held are only allowed as they are open qualifying matches for the British Pike Fishing Championships, and this is the only reason they have taken place for the last twenty years plus”. Simon suggested that I “contact Mr. S. Buckley at The Builder’s Arms to gain places on these qualifying matches”.

I was rather surprised by this response because, to the best of my knowledge, open qualifying events for the British Pike Championships are always advertised in the angling press and I had never seen Melchett Mere listed as one of the venues.

The British Pike Championships are now run under the auspices of the Angling Trust, and so I checked the full list of qualifying matches on their website. The Builder’s Arms’ matches were simply not listed.

I contacted Sandra Drew, the Events and Competitions Manager at the Angling Trust, who said

"I do not know of any qualifiers that are held on that particular venue unless it is coming under a different venue name that we hold or are aware of.

... (the) Angling Trust must know about (qualifiers) as they are managed by us and any funds raised have to be returned to AT by the local organizers, who we have details of".

I replied to Simon on September 21st, pointing out my suspicions and questioning how The Builder’s Arms’ matches could possibly be “open qualifiers” if they were not advertised as such, along with all the similar events which were taking place around the country.

I suggested that, if only two days pike fishing were allowed on the venue, then a compromise might be reached by allowing Cheshire Region PAC one day and The Builder's Arms the other.

Simon’s response to this, in a letter dated 6th October, has been to put a stop to all pike fishing on Melchett Mere whilst the situation is reviewed.

I understand The Builders Arms A.C. have been advised of this and, subsequently I have been on the receiving end of some fairly hostile criticism. Let me make a few things clear:

My only agenda has been to try and secure Cheshire Region PAC one day’s fishing on Melchett Mere in future years. I have no interest in the British Pike Championships, or in pike matches in general.

The decision to stop pike fishing on Melchett Mere seems to have been made because the management of the Tatton Estate were under the impression that the matches which were being run were open qualifiers for the British Pike Championships. Clearly there is now a question mark over that.

I have now been told that the Builders Arms A.C. didn't advertise their matches for the following reasons:

Advertising produces too many applications.
The venue is subject to a publicity ban.

How you can run an 'open' match without making its existence known to the general public is a mystery to me. Publicity bans in angling normally relate to the publication of catches; not to the publication of open match dates.

The pike fishing has now been stopped, not because of anything that I have said or done, but because the Builders Arms A.C. clearly wasn't running the matches in accordance with the wishes of the Tatton Park Estate management. That is the Builders Arms A.C.'s fault, not mine !

In his letter Simon Jones did say that the situation would be reviewed, and I would suggest that the way forward is to negotiate some kind of compromise which allows fairer access to Melchett Mere for all pike anglers.

Membership of PAC is open to everyone, including members of the Builders Arms A.C. and I sincerely hope that, in due course, everyone will have an equal opportunity to enjoy a day’s pike fishing at Melchett Mere.

New Regional Organizer and Treasurer

2009-08-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Due to increased work commitments Andy and Carol Bates have stepped down from their roles as R.O. and Treasurer respectively, although they will continue to attend our meetings. As a mark of our appreciation for their efforts on behalf of the Cheshire Region there will be presentation to Andy and Carol at our meeting on Thursday 8th October. It should be a good night as we look forward to a talk from Gord Burton on his recent muskie fishing trip to Lake of The Woods in Canada.

I am very grateful to Neil Shortland who has kindly agreed to take over as Treasurer. Neil and I served on the PAC committee together some years ago and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with him again.

Neil is one of PAC’s unsung heroes. He is a quiet man, who has never sought the limelight, yet whilst on the committee he did a great deal of work behind the scenes, as well as looking after the Club’s finances, which is a big enough job in itself. Neil is an experienced and accomplished pike angler and a real asset to the Cheshire Region.

I must admit that when I received word from Mark Johnson (L.O.) that he was on the look-out for a new R.O. for the Cheshire Region, I was delighted to have the chance to try and take us forward again.

For those who don’t know me, I have been a member of PAC for about 16 years now. My wife Vicky and I joined the Cheshire Region in the early 90’s when Neil Wheater was R.O. and the meetings were held at the ‘Nag’s Head’ in Macclesfield. We were quite new to pike fishing at the time. In fact we were both still chasing our first double figure fish.

Thanks to the help and encouragement we received from those we met at the R.A.9 meetings our results soon showed a marked improvement. In fact, Vicky’s first ‘double’ weighed 20 lbs. 4 oz. and we quickly began to feel like proper pike anglers.

However, catching bigger fish wasn’t the only benefit which came our way as a result of going to the meetings. Just as importantly we made some really good friends, and learned something about the methods they were using and the waters they were fishing. There was none of the secrecy or jealousy which occasionally casts a shadow over other branches specialist angling. Just a healthy respect for others and genuine delight when they enjoyed a good catch. How refreshing !

After a couple of years I became joint R.O. and began to produce a monthly newsletter whilst Vicky took on the role of Treasurer. We had some wonderful times with the Cheshire Region and made lots of really good friends, not just in Cheshire but throughout the country. Happy days indeed.

When the opportunity came we were both very honoured to serve on PAC’s North West Committee as Secretary and Products Manager respectively. Subsequently I served briefly as PAC’s Liaison Officer for the North West and later as Membership Secretary with the Specialist Anglers Alliance (now part of the Angling Trust of course). I am now a committee member with Northwich Anglers Association.

Despite being semi-retired, I still don’t get as much time to go fishing as I would like. My work with NAA keeps me busy and I also teach guitar on a part-time basis. Now and again I’ll fish for perch, but pike fishing is as much a passion for me now as it ever was. I tend to fish close to home these days and particularly enjoy roving the banks with a selection of lures. However, that hasn’t always been the case ...

I’m going to present a slide show at our first meeting on September 10th, so I won’t say any more about my fishing here. There will also be plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new ones during the evening.

In closing, I would like to say a special thank you to Mark Johnson for his help and support over the last couple of months. It’s been a bit of rush getting things ready for this season but, between us, I think we’ve just about got there.

We are standing on the threshold of a new and exciting era for the Cheshire Region. We could, and should, be one of the strongest and most active PAC Regional Associations in the country. Please come along and be a part of it.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Mark Leathwood

Fish-ins 2009 / 10 Season

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i) River Weaver, Sun. 25th Oct. 2009.

Our first fish-in of the season will be on the River Weaver at Vale Royal. I have booked 15 pegs along a stretch known as ‘The Arches’, although we can have more pegs if we need them.

This is a really interesting part of the river. The pegs at the top of the stretch are on the old part of the Weaver and face Hulse’s Island. About half way down, the old river meets the Weaver Navigation just downstream of Vale Royal Locks.

As far as the fishing is concerned, this is a good area for pike and for specimen perch. At the end of last season it produced a very large pike (I’ve seen the photo) and perch over 3 lbs. My son Joe caught a 22 lb. pike on a lure (8” Fox Replicant) in this area last December. The most productive deadbait on the river tends to be smelt. You may use up to six small fish as livebait providing they are caught from your peg at the beginning of the session, and any which remain unused are returned at the end.

stop press: I had a day's fishing on this stretch yesterday (Sept. 5th) and caught a pike of 14 lbs. 10 oz. on a roach livebait (pictured above). Joe added a second fish of 9 lbs. 8 oz. on a legered deadbait.

Northwich Anglers Association rules will apply.

ii) Bridgewater Canal, Warrington. Sun. 15th Nov. 2009.

Our fish-in on the Bridgewater Canal has become an annual event, kindly arranged for us by former R.O. Geoff Gauton. The fish-in is run jointly with Warrington Anglers Association as an 'Introduction to pike fishing' day for their members, consequently you might be asked to take a novice pike angler under your wing for a few hours. The fish-in will be held on the Star Lane stretch of the canal, but there will be plenty of scope for those who wish to rove further afield.

ii) Petty Pool, Sun. 29th Nov. 2009.

Petty Pool is a 12 acre still water between Whitegate and Sandiway known primarily for its big carp and bream, although silver fish and pike are present also. There are 14 stages which are all fairly close together, which makes this a good venue from a social point of view. The pike are plentiful, though the larger ones are very elusive. Expect plenty of runs and fish up to 10 or 12 lbs. Again, you may use livebaits; with the same conditions as on the River Weaver. Please note that the date for this fish-in is still to be confirmed.

Northwich Anglers Association rules will apply.

Still to be arranged, we will be having a day's friendly competition with our near neighbours from PAC's South Lancs. Region. I am currently looking at a couple of possible venues and dates and will confirm the details soon.

Please note that only paid up PAC members will be allowed to attend the Fish-ins. This is because non members, and those who have allowed their PAC membership to lapse, are not covered by our third party liability insurance.

If you wish to take part in either the River Weaver or the Petty Pool fish-in you must book in advance as peg numbers are limited.

There is a standard charge of £3.50 per member for each of the fish-ins. I will supply maps and directions to those who need them.

Programme Of Events 2009 / 10 Season

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Meetings will be held at the R.A.O.B. Club in Northwich on the second Thursday of each month at 8.00 pm:

Thurs 10th Sept: Mark Leathwood, PAC ‘Pike Angler of the Year 2009’ and new Cheshire R.O.

Sat. 26th Sept: PAC Convention, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

Thurs. 8th Oct: Gord Burton, ‘Lake Of The Woods Muskie Trip 2009’.

Sun. 25th Oct: Fish-in; River Weaver at Vale Royal.

Thurs 12th Nov: Mark Green, R.O. Selby Region (R.A.40).

Sun. 15th Nov: Fish-in; Bridgewater Canal, Star Lane, Warrington.

Sun 29th Nov: Fish-in; Petty Pool, Whitegate.

Thurs 10th Dec: Jon Neafcy, R.O. South Lancs. Region (R.A.31).

Dec./Jan: Regional Fish-in (R.A.9 / R.A.31 challenge cup), Tatton Park (to be confirmed).

Thurs 14th Jan: Gary Knowles, North West specimen hunter.

Thurs 11th Feb: Graham Slater, PAC Secretary and ‘Pike Angler of the Year 2008’.

Thurs 11th Mar: John Milford, former chairman of both PAC and the Lure Anglers Society.

Thurs 8th April: Celebrity Mystery Guest (exclusive to the Cheshire Region this year).

Thurs 13th May: Annual General Meeting / Social Night.

In order to cover our costs there will be a standard admission charge of £2.50 at all meetings. Only paid up PAC members will be entitled to attend fish-ins, all of which have a peg fee of £3.50.

Non members are welcome to attend our monthly meetings; the price of admission is £4.00.

In order to try and boost numbers at our meetings non members will be made welcome too, so please try and introduce a friend to PAC this season.

A new venue, a new era.

2009-08-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Cheshire Region now has a new venue for its monthly meetings; the R.A.O.B. Club in Northwich town centre. This is a private members club, where we will have the use of a first floor function room with its own private bar.

The venue is somewhat larger than our previous home, 'The Whipping Stocks' near Knutsford, and presents us with a fantastic opportunity to build for the future. Northwich is central to the county of Cheshire and the location of the R.A.O.B. Club is easily accessible by car or by public transport.

The Club is situated on Witton Walk (the pedestrianised area of the town centre), directly behind Northwich Police Station. There is ample free parking across the road from the Police Station and, for those of you with sat-nav, the Club's post code is CW9 5AG.

Welcome

2009-07-13T08:03:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our new blog. Over the coming weeks I will be adding details of our planned activities for the coming season. Please bookmark this page and visit us again soon.