A SERIES of five fishing matches for junior anglers are to take place on a variety of different venues in the Winsford and Middlewich areas this summer.

These are being organised by Winsford & District Angling Association as part of its ongoing angling development programme, and the matches are being run in conjunction with Middlewich Joint Anglers.

The matches are free to enter and are open to anyone aged 17 years or under.

Those wishing to take part do not have to be a member of either organisation in order to get involved.

The matches take place on alternate Sundays throughout July and August, starting this Sunday at New Pool, Whitegate.

Anglers are invited to arrive to draw pegs (fishing positions) at 5.30pm with the actual match being fished between 6pm and 9pm.

Subsequent matches will take place on different parts of the River Weaver, The Ocean Pool at Knight’s Grange and at Tetton Lake near Middlewich.

Northwich Guardian: Jack Stockton with a rudd caught at The Ocean PoolJack Stockton with a rudd caught at The Ocean Pool

Northwich Guardian: Eric Forbes with a tench caught at Wyvern House PoolEric Forbes with a tench caught at Wyvern House Pool

Northwich Guardian: Dominic Griffin with a carp caught at The Ocean PoolDominic Griffin with a carp caught at The Ocean Pool

There will be two age categories – 12 years and under and 13-17 year olds, with points being awarded at each match for everyone who attends, everyone who catches at least one fish and for the three heaviest combined weights of fish.

Over the five matches, the number of points for each angler will be added together to determine the final placings, with a presentation of prizes to be arranged in early September.

It is important that anyone wishing to take part asks a parent or guardian to book their place in advance of each match by visiting the angling development page at the Winsford & District AA website winsford-anglers.com/angling-development

Mark Leathwood, Winsford & District AA's angling development officer, has been pleased with how other events this year have gone.

He said: "Our programme of events for 2022 has been going extremely well, with four events fished so far.

"Two of these sessions have provided newcomers of all ages an opportunity to try angling for the first time at Wyvern House Pool, with some having travelled from as far away as Manchester to take part.

"The other two sessions at The Ocean Pool were dedicated to the more specialised pursuit of specimen carp, with fish as large as 18lbs being caught."

Winsford & District AA is offering a free junior permit to all those who attend three or more angling development sessions, and there are already further sessions planned for September and October.

Topics will include river fishing and watercraft, lure fishing for pike and perch and winter tactics for pike.