Two shoals of bream decided the 70-peg York Open fished on the Ouse between

Redhouse and Poppleton.

Despite hot, bright conditions, much favoured by the local boating community, good numbers of slabs were still willing to brave the elements for an early-season snack and the odd fish showed in every section.

Kevin Hartley (Waterline Wibsey) led the bagging from the end-peg at Redhouse, above the Rough Field.

Fishing mid-river with a caster feeder, he was kept busy throughout compiling a profitable wining net of 49lb 11oz, which consisted of four bream, ten skimmers and half a dozen chub.

Bill Collier (Union) got the best of a peg-to-peg battle below the Little Sandbed at the top of the Poppleton stretch. Employing the same tactics as the winner, he netted four bream and the same number of skimmers to total 28lb 12oz which was enough to edge out the six bream taken at the next peg by Wayne Shillito of Selby, who weighed in 24lb 12oz.

Others: Keith Mitchell (Selby Whizzo) 20-12-0; Trevor Hewitt (Hirst Tackle) 20-8-0; Steve Machell (Leeds) 16-12-0.

Despite the dearth of York-based anglers in the field, the entry of 70 was a pleasing increase on last year's paltry 50.

However, things were not so rosy for the opening contest of the new season when just a dozen youngsters contested the Amalgamation Junior contest on New Walk.

Perhaps the threatened traffic chaos associated with the presence of Royal Ascot at the

nearby racecourse deterred the punters. Let's hope so.

In a small fish dominated match it was pleasing to see most employing float tactics under the tutelage of eager parents.

David Watling took the top weight with 1lb 7oz 8dr and in doing so also netted the JC Francis Cup for the 12 to 16-year-old section.

Jordan Dyson won the Junior Cup for the eight to 11-year-olds with a level pound.

The remaining catchers were: Dean Hizzett 1-6-0; Noel Harrison 1-2-0; Dean Evennett 0-12-0; J Collier 0-12-0; Alistair Dale 0-10-0; Josh Dyson 0-5-8 and C Harvey 0-4-0.

Special thanks go to Acomb Tackle and York Tackle for their continued support of the event.

Marc Walgate is running a series of mid-week opens at Hoxne Farm Fishery,

Strensall, North Yorkshire.

The picturesque lake, also known as the Cattery, boasts carp to more than 20lb with numerous fish in the 5 to 10lb bracket.

Also of interest to the match-man are bream and tench to 5lb, plus lots of roach and perch.

The first match was won this Wednesday with a mixed bag of 32lb, which bodes well. Draw is on the bank at 9am with fishing, priced at £10 all-in, from 10am-4pm. Further details call Marc on 07921 385053.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, June 22, 2005