with Kingfisher

WITH more decent weather promised this weekend, the excellent form of many local, and not so local, venues should be maintained.

Pleasure anglers have definitely been having the best of it with commercial fisheries in particular, providing great sport and big catches. Carp of course, feature heavily though there is variety if you search it out.

You might find temperatures in general have fallen somewhat, but I believe that could actually improve catches, at some fisheries which have not performed as well as others.

That does not include one of our most popular local venues, Bradshaw Hall, where it would be difficult to visualise an improvement on some superb catches. 150lbs has won matches from number four lodge where 80lbs would get you nowhere.

It is mainly carp on here, but pool three produces smaller and much more interesting mixed catches. Pool two is the one to choose if you like to catch roach on traditional methods and baits, though the best weights have fallen to pellet, I am told.

Local match anglers in successful action last week included Burnley's Chris Parkinson, who won the Todmorden AS Open. The Durdale/Finneys section of Rochdale Canal was chosen and the Mack's Tackle grouped angler put 10-15-8 on the scales.

The well known ex-Hyndburn duo, Kevin and Trevor James, were amongst the rest of the competitors. Kevin won the private brothers battle with 9-0-9, enough to secure the runners-up spot. Trevor also made the frame in fifth pace with 6-2-12. If I mention Pilsworth Fishery you would by now, expect the name of Todmorden's Simon Beswick to crop up.

He certainly knows his stuff where Pilsworth is concerned, and you will not be surprised to learn he has been in the money again, runner-up last week with 9-4-0.

Pilsworth is one venue which would certainly benefit from an improvement in form. It is true that the more flexible pleasure anglers fare better, generally, than the matchmen but it wouldn't be top of most anglers lists for a session right now.

The Ribble has continued in its own rich vein of form. It certainly will not be far from the top of my personal list, with only the choice of stretch to fish posing a problem.

If I fancy barbel then Ribchester, where the day ticket stretch along the village front is as good as any, would be a decent choice.

There are still plenty of chub but barbel are taking a much firmer grip. Individual fish, close to double figures but averaging five to six pounds, can be taken on feeder tactics.

It may appear old fashioned, but I have often craved for the return of the halcyon days on the Ribble, when 30/40lbs of dace was only a reasonable day.

I cannot point you anywhere that promises such wonderful sport, but there certainly seems to be some case to be made for Samlesbury.

You can fish down here on day ticket and, I have heard, there are plenty of dace here for stick float/maggot tactics. I prefer caster on the hook for better quality dace, but will feed hemp with either hookbait.

You might be under some pressure, considering the weather and time of year, to spend a day with the family -- and why not. I know of a great place, lovely gardens and walks, something for the kids (miniature railway) etc. It is a fair drive, close to Leek in Staffordshire, but can be well worth it.

In fact you can even fish, if you want, at Rudyard Lake. I have given it a mention of late and it continues to produce. Some of the best pegs are close by the miniature railway station, producing 50lb weights of skimmers and bream to pole and red maggot. You can wave to your wife!

It may be that she decides to do something by herself whilst you go fishing with the kids. That sounds a much better idea, but where can you go for a special treat?

Consider Copthorne Lakes at Pilling. Match entries here are, for some reason, fairly depressed and that means loads of choice (of peg) for the pleasure angler. It is also one commercial that offers great variety.

Forty six peg Premier Lake is noted for great mixed catches of bream and carp. Bream go to six pounds and carp are to low double figures. Great sport on pole/meat, corn, pellets approach.

The complex has a nice canal venue. All sorts of species in here provide day-long action to both short and long pole/maggot or worm tactics.

The lad (or lass) could fish alongside you on here, but might prefer the special (and popular) kiddies pool. This is absolutely stuffed with small carp -- ideal for the novice junior.

There is more in the way of angling choice, with a doughnut and figure of eight lake There is a tackle shop, cafe and toilet facilities. Derek Hallworth on 01995 601100 can provide much more information.