OUR England Ladies, including Warrington’s Helen Dagnall, have returned home after the 2025 World Championships which took place in Mantova, Italy.
The team fished well, and finished fourth - just short of the podium by a couple of points.
Samantha Sim also individually came fourth overall.
The team’s total weight after two days came in at 53.780kg or 118.56lb, which is an amazing result in anyone's book.
Championship winners Italy bagged up 55.110kg or 121.49lb, with Belgium claiming second place, and Hungary third.
A very close competition, and the ladies should be proud of themselves. Well done everyone, keep it up and I already keep my fingers crossed for next year!
On our shores now, the weather over the bank holiday was amazing with plenty of sunshine and blue skies all around.
The couple of days leading to the weekend were not the best, sadly, with it being still quite warm but also very dull and overcast. This unfortunately created unfavourable conditions which has caused oxygen levels to drop across many fisheries and rivers.
Where necessary the Environment Agency deployed aeration to bring the levels up. Warrington Anglers’ Association keenly monitored the dissolved oxygen levels across our waters, and the EA also provided support with their own readings.
Fortunately, the clear skies have enabled the water plants and algae to start to produce oxygen again, now all we need is a good bit of rain!
We will be closely monitoring, but ask that as ever please be conscious that fish may be stressed a little, so exercise additional caution when unhooking/releasing etc.
Now let’s look back at what was happening on the banks over the past week.
I have to start with Ken Hewitt and Dave Gardener, aka the ‘Dynamic Duo’.
It’s not like them to fish on a bank holiday, and it is even less like them to fish our fantastic River Mersey at Warrington.
I must say I was impressed when I read Dave’s email. Ken wasn’t just fishing; he was also catching! He even went one further by showing Dave up by catching more than him… I swear, I read it twice to make sure I was reading it correctly.
They fished near the allotments, Kingsway South. Ken had 18 fish in total - three chub on the feeder and at one point had the end of his rod snapped off, so was reduced to the float rod. On that he had a mixture of roach and perch, all of good quality size.
Dave had 14 fish, a particularly nice roach of a pound and a half, the rest caught on float and double white maggot. Three perch close to a pound and ten roach between 4-8ozs.
Both anglers said pegs are looking really good and it was a pleasure to be there. Well done chaps, glad you enjoyed yourselves!
Still on the rivers, but this time it’s the Weaver Navigation in Frodsham.
Two friends, Steven Lees and Michael Ware, travelled from Liverpool to enjoy a day’s fishing on this fantastic venue.
It’s their favourite water and they don’t mind the drive. When I spoke with them on the bank Steven was winning the friendly competition with a few more skimmers in the net.
Michael was chasing the bigger bream which seemed to be a bit trickier to catch on this sunny day.
Both anglers used pole and a combination of baits, alternating them periodically. From maggots, casters, worm, corn and even to pellets; they bagged up plenty of roach, skimmers, perch and dace.
Hopefully they managed to catch that elusive bream too after I left. A pleasure to meet you both, and hopefully see you down there again.
Matthew Hope ventured out to Appleton Reservoir. He set up his rod with bloodworm dumbbell, fished over PVA bag.
His hard work was rewarded with an amazing 15lb carp and some clunking roach.
As you might remember from my previous columns, the roach at this venue are exceptionally solid and give proper tip-bending bites. Well done Matthew.
As mentioned last week, and one to add to your calendar - September 14, 2025, the River Mersey Frank Lythgoe Memorial match.
This competition is open to all members so all are welcome and some help and support with fishing will be available (together with some spare back-up equipment). Great prizes to be won on the day. To book on visit the dedicated FB page or by messaging 07961 855790.
A final reminder before we get into the match reports, that tomorrow, Friday 29, the headquarters will be open from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The last Friday of the month allows you to come in, meet some of the team, have a chat - join, get your night permit or a key, whatever you need. 52 Parker Street, Warrington. See you there.
Anthony Higham’s report from the River Mersey Rod-only Match, 24/08/2025:
The river level at the start of the match was the same as last week 3.4 metres with slow current. 24 anglers competed in the match.
Winner of the match, Ross Wightman, banked his first win this season. He fished peg 50 and fished pole at 11 metres, bagging up on roach, perch and dace for a top weight of 13lbs 12ozs 0drs.
In second place (and just one ounce behind the winner!) fishing peg 26, was Jonathan Green. He fished the pole at 14.5 metres and 9 metres, catching plenty of roach, perch and dace for a great weight of 13-11-0.
In third place, fishing peg 66 was Harry Billing. Harry fished the pole at 11 metres catching dace, roach and perch for a total weight of 12-7-0.
Well done everyone.
Results:
1. R. Wightman 13-12-0
1. J. Green 13-11-0
3. H. Billing 12-7-0
Next week's draw as usual at 8.45am, Victoria Park. Make sure to have your valid WAA licence with you.
Also on September 7 the WAA will hold a pairs match over the River Mersey/Bridgewater Canal. To book on text 07961 855790 or message through the dedicated Facebook page. When booking on for the pairs match please state who is fishing which venue.
Jimmy Byrne’s report from the Disabled and Over 60s match which took place at Woodshaw:
It was a hot, clear day. Ray Boden had two crucians, four skimmers and a bag full of roach for a winning weight of 9-13-8.
Second spot was taken by Craig Ritchie. Craig also had two crucians and skimmers for a total of 6-11-3.
In third place came Dean Loftus. Dean fished expander pellet, which netted him a cracking 3lb bream and plenty of skimmers. His final weight was 6-2-0
Well done to everyone
Results:
1. R. Boden 9-13-8
2. C. Ritchie 6-11-3
3. D. Loftus 6-2-0
Next match is to be on the Trent and Mersey, Billinge.
As ever, send your catch reports to quartermaster@warrington-anglers.org.uk or message 07395 185026. Include a brief description and method used with a picture or two where possible.