THE strong winds at the weekend certainly had an effect on the fishing and at the Pool, at Fields End Water, Doddington, where the monthly Saturday open was contested, winner Paul Ringham, who netted 77lb, will have to invest his winnings in a new umbrell

THE strong winds at the weekend certainly had an effect on the fishing and at the Pool, at Fields End Water, Doddington, where the monthly Saturday open was contested, winner Paul Ringham, who netted 77lb, will have to invest his winnings in a new umbrella.

The wind also had an effect on the Townsend Angling Club match on North View Fishery, at Gedney Hill. Kevin Cooke was forced to fish a feeder in the gales and he returned a winning weight of 26lb.

Mark Carter was the victor at Decoy Lakes, where Mill View Angling Club fished their match on Oak Lake. Mark was sat on a fancied corner peg and he landed 59lb.

Also at Decoy, Alex Bates, a shop assistant in the Mill View shop, was fishing for the Fenland Rods Match group on the Beastie Lake and he hooked 80lb to take the top spot.

The fishing on the rivers and drains has started to improve and there have been good reports from most of the venues in the area, but one of the best reports has come from the Old Nene, through March.

Mick Smalley has been fishing just below Wigston Road footbridge and he has had up to five bream to 4lb in one session, along with plenty of smaller fish.

At the other end of town, the bypass bridge area has been fishing well with skimmer and rudd to 1lb, while in the centre of town, Paul Ringham has been using his 'big bread' approach to good effect - hooking eight roach, all more than a pound each, in a 25lb bag on Sunday.

The Sheppersons Bridge, on the 20 Foot Drain, is still fishing well for both tench and bream using worm or caster.

But for me, this time of year is the time to cook and use hemp and tares to catch roach. If you do get them going on seed there's nothing like it so give it a try.

The Ouse at Ely is worth a visit and the Manea Angling Club will be there on Sunday. They will be at the Cooper's stretch for a 7am draw and fishing from 8am to 3pm.

The Manea boys were fishing the Delph, at Welches Dam, on Sunday and Steve Newell took the top spot with 6-04 of small rudd and roach.

Last week's senior citizens' match on the Pool, Doddington, was won by Jack Halverson's 32-08.

Please note that Wimblington Angling Club will be at Sheppersons Bridge on Sunday and not Pearson's Farm. The draw will be at 7am with fishing from 8am to 1pm.

Two junior matches will be fished at Fields End Water on September 17. There will be two age groups, 9-12 and 13-16 years-old and for more information contact Vicci on 01354 740373.