Another serious trial run of top match anglers on the River Thurne between Martham and Potter Heigham has resulted in a firm decision that this once-popular competition venue will host a number of open matches in the coming weeks.

Another serious trial run of top match anglers on the River Thurne between Martham and Potter Heigham has resulted in a firm decision that this once-popular competition venue will host a number of open matches in the coming weeks.

A postponed starting date for the River Wensum's Saturday series opened a window of opportunity to invite a number of Norfolk and Suffolk anglers to compete on the Martham bank where the Environment Agency has achieved wonders to create water access by sympathetically trimming the marginal reed mace for fishing space, writes Roy Webster.

However, now that the job is done, Norfolk's top angling competition organizer Tony Gibbons has warned: “Use it or lose it.”

Saturday's event, fished in a bruising north westerly that ruled out sensible pole fishing in the more exposed areas, was won by Yarmouth Sportmans' keenest feeder fisherman Kevin Paynter, who placed 19lb 15oz of skimmer bream on the scales.

He was followed by former Broads' champion David Roe (DAD) with 18lb 5oz of roach and Andy Moss (DAD) was third with a mixed bag of 14lb 12oz.

“On the strength of these catches, I'm planning to stage some open events between Martham and Potter Heigham, the first provisionally fixed for Sunday, November 8,” commented Gibbons.

“A number of anglers have shown interest now that they know the river is teeming with fish and I feel sure there will be an impressive line-up for the first event.”

He concluded: “The Environment Agency has put in a splendid effort to smarten up these banks and I just hope that anglers appreciate their work and utilise this top-class, free fishing.”

Pike anglers who also fish from these banks are almost certain to be rewarded with some fair specimens that populate this tidal river all the way down to the Potter Heigham road bridges.

The Browning/Pownalls' silver fish only series got off to a fair start at Cobble Acre, where Mark Seaman (B/P) won with 24lb, followed by Dave Dearman (Stalham) 16lb and Barry Burlton (B/P) 15lb 6oz.

James Purnell (B/P) won the Railway lake open with 71lb 8oz and the Burgh Castle event was headed by Mick Bunn (Sportsmans) with 15lb 2oz, then Karl Hodgins (NDAA) 12lb 4oz and Robert Silverwood (Sportsmans) 12lb 4oz.

Stephen Rouse, of Ormesby, secured the top catch of 105lb 9oz at Mill farm and the Stalham club outing to Holly Farm, South Walsham, was headed by Dave Dearman, 69lb 2oz, Robin Austrin, 57lb, and Dave Gipson, 53lb 3oz.

Top local carp of the week was a near 30lb mirror for Dave Gidney, who made the trip from Caister to the Lyng Kingfisher Lake but most of the carp venues are losing their customers to winter pike fishing.

They should note that pike fishing on Horsey Mere with unlimited permits ends at the end of this month, until March 1.

Along local beaches, the best sport with a few codling to 5lb came south of the town, but the best returns are being taken by offshore anglers targeting cod that are feeding on the sprat shoals.

EDF Energy sea angling competition on Sunday, November 8 on the North Beach, Great Yarmouth, 10am-3pm.

Anglers should note that a section of beach will be pegged for approximately 80 anglers from Britannia Pier towards Caister from 6am.

Gorleston Tackle Sea League fished at South Beach, Gt Yarmouth.

Results: 1 Gary Medlar 15lb 4oz, 2 Paul Tovell 14lb 5oz, 3 Clyde Leggett 14lb 3oz.

Best match of the season so far with lots of really big dabs and whiting.

Next week's venue will be Hopton Beach.