Fishery re-opening

Land-locked fisheries within the Broads Authority Executive Area are being allowed to remain open during the close season while the Environment Agency (EA) attempts to unravel the legal tangle that appears to allow some waters to stay open while forcing others

to close.

As a result the Martham Angling Club officials have announced their popular Pit fishery adjacent to the River Thurne by the Martham Ferry will re-open for members and day-ticket holders tomorrow with permits available from the usual sources, writes Roy Webster.

Martham's press and public relations officer Mick Bensley confirmed notification had been received from the EA that they could re-open the Pits if members so desired. And after giving the fish a rest from March 14 Bensley said the committee had decided to re-open the fishery from the Bank Holiday by popular demand.

This decision by the EA cannot be considered more than temporary but for the moment fishing has been given the go-ahead for 12 months of the year, but the statutory break still covers those waters located within Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

If there are any doubts questions should be put to a most helpful EA law enforcement officer Rupert Pyett (01473 706705).

While carp are now the main quarry of most stillwater anglers during the summer, Martham Pits are also noted for the marvellous tench fishing. And with temperatures set to rise this weekend it is possible that numbers of these pink-eyed beauties could be making next week's news on the angling pages.

While there are a host of different manufactured baits available over the tackle shop counters ranging from large boilies, mini boilies, various pellets and a choice of meats, more natural foods such as the bright yellow sweetcorn and coloured maggots or casters could prove the more deadly when it comes to attracting a muscle-packed tench.

As well as carp, Martham Pits also contain bream to over 7lbs and quality perch.

For further information contact Mick Bensley (01493 732661).

It has been announced that day tickets to fish the River Bure at St Benets Abbey and the River Thurne at Cold Harbour will be available from Pownalls tackle shop in

Regent Road.

On the big carp scene there have been reports of excellent catches. Keith Howard of Yarmouth heaved out a 29lb mirror from the Taswood Fishery and on the same venue Jason Stamp of Caister bagged one of 26lb 6oz.

The Weavers Way Fishery near Stalham has also started to produce, with syndicate members Steve Bolland reeling in a 24lb common carp. There are vacancies to join the 01493 753986

On the match waters the Great Yarmouth Freshwater Angling Club made the trip to Glenmere in North Norfolk to enjoy terrific sport.

Mark Mancini winched out a giant catch of 111lb 2oz of mainly carp, then came Carl Hodgins with 65lb 10oz and Steve Mutch with 61lb 5oz.

The Sportsman's Club visited Abbey Waters where the result was Martin Manning 51lb 9oz, Dave Thomas 36lb 4oz, Robert Silverwood 27lb 10oz.

Martham's match at Holly Farm, South Walsham ended W Jarvis 88lb 8oz, R Boyce 72lb 12oz, B Eyre 68lb 12oz.

The Pye Club at Taswood finished with Mark Haverson with 43lb 3oz then A Haydon 24lb 4oz and K Croft 20lb 3oz.

On the open match circuit Jolly Boys Club members filled the top two places at Mill Farm in the midweek with Julian Edwards scaling 83lb 12oz and Ray Kent 51lb 4oz. Kent was the winner there on Monday with 87lb 4oz.

Round one of the Sam Hook Sea League was fished along Gorleston's Bollard Quay in the estuary with excellent results. Mark Gooch (Lowestoft) won with 12lb 6oz including a 4lb codling, Carl Whitelock (Martham) was next with 6lb 14oz and then Wayne Perring (Lowestoft) 6lb 10oz.

Along the beaches codling to the 5lb mark have been evident with anglers reporting up to half-a-dozen fish of this calibre from Hopton and Gorleston. Boat anglers have fared even better a half-mile out,

bagging up with up to a dozen decent fish to 7lb.

Open match fixture: Sam Hook Jay Lister Memorial Open, River Alde, Aldeburgh, May 10 01263 822400.