Oldham’s Jan Verbruggen claims the top honours at the fifth round of the L&DAA Individual League

After what has been a dreadful month for many on the banks of our local Leeds/Liverpool Canal, a time which has strangely seen anglers catching nothing or very little, the cut switched on this weekend which saw some fantastic sport had. Winter fishing, as many will recognise, will always be like this and although many can argue, the sheer fact of the matter is, that fish, no matter what species we will be targeting, will do exactly what they want to and when.

Now it’s a subject, that for the past few weeks, has certainly raised some questions. Topics ranged from the canal being subject to a possible pollution outbreak, to low and behold our predatory birds ultimately decimating our stock levels. Like many, I too have been personally concerned to see and hear that catch rates were particularly low on the canal this winter, but being honest within myself, I know so well that winter can do just that to any fishery.

The importance of keeping track of your fishing

As Sunday saw the fifth round of the L&DAA individual league lining up nearly 40 keen canal enthusiasts, match secretary Mike Dickson was still remaining positive as he chose to use the Halsall and Haskayne areas of the match length back from the Saracens Head bridge towards Liverpool.

Although noted as prime lengths of water, particularly when targeting roach and skimmers, these sections can be just as tough as anywhere at this time of year and for the field on Sunday, well the test was on.

As many will agree, end pegs are always a bonus on any venue, but making the most of an advantages is an art within itself, especially when it’s tough. One man, who, in his own words has had more than his fair share of luck on the draw bag side of things when visiting our