A number of angling clubs and venues in the York area have matches to publicise this week, with the eagerly awaited new season now looming large.

The junior angling scene in York has always been a healthy one despite the national trend of reduced numbers of youngsters taking up the sport.

York Amalgamation of Anglers' Junior Match occupies its traditional slot next Friday, with New Walk Terrace hosting the event as usual.

Tickets are available in local tackle shops or from Terry Pinder on 01904 629126.

There will be a good selection of tackle prizes up for grabs and there is always plenty of helpful advice available from the adults.

The fishing here is free, but anglers aged over 12 must be in possession of an Environment Agency rod licence. Fishing will be from 6pm until 9pm.

Next Friday also sees the opening round of the excellent Bishopthorpe and Acaster Junior series, which will be held at the Bridge Field in Bishopthorpe. The draw will take place on the bank at 6pm. Further details can be obtained from Nigel at Anglers Corner.

With the new season upon us, club secretaries are reminded to send in completed EA catch return cards. The incentive comes in the form of an EA donation to support local junior initiatives such as those detailed above.

Great sport at Goldrush

Summer angling matches have now started at the Willows, with Goldrush Lake reserved for the exclusive use of the Saturday open events.

The lake has been in brilliant form this week, with a bite a chuck on most pegs from carp, ide and orfe.

Further information can be sought from Cath Gallagher at the Willows

Carpvale will also be holding a regular series of open contests starting Saturday, June 19. The open matches will be every other Saturday and will alternate between Cyprio and the Match Lake. Give Kev Whincup a call if you fancy doing battle with some of his hefty carp.

Match bookings this weekend are restricted to Park View and Laybourne Lakes.

On Sunday, York Amalgamation of Anglers' committee tackle the former venue, where bream are likely to be the target.

Small carp are the main quarry at present at Laybourne, where Bishopthorpe and Acaster will be hoping for some more conducive weather conditions when they fish Marley Lake on Sunday.

Bookings

Sunday, June 13: Laybourne Lakes (Marley) (all pegs) Bishopthorpe & Acaster AC; Park View lake (all pegs) York and District Amalgamation of Anglers' Committee Match.

Updated: 11:04 Friday, June 11, 2004