This Sunday sees the second of the three-match spring series fished at the prolific Laybourne Lakes.

A better entry than last weekend's disappointing 18 is hoped for, while tickets may still be available from Terry Pinder on 01904 621296.

A pair of spectacles was found on the bank after last weekend's event. The owner can be repatriated with his optical aids by calling Terry on the same number.

The return to warmer weather this week has come as a mixed blessing. While fishing on some venues has really taken off, others have fallen into the doldrums with carp in particular starting their annual spawning duties with gusto.

Raker Lakes at Wheldrake was in sparkling form last weekend with numerous catches in excess of 40lb from both Horseshoe and Acorn Lakes.

Floating bread was taking the bulk of fish on Horseshoe with a floating pole set-up being utilised to fish tight to the far-side cover.

The margins will also produce to pellet or meat with fish hugging the near-bank tree cover.

There have been many good quality carp banked this week including this fabulously conditioned 9lb common carp taken by Tadcaster angler Wayne Nolan from peg six on Horseshoe on pole and pellet.

Kingfisher Lake is the place to try for the real biggies with a fine venue-best nudging mirror of 29lb taken by Selby rod Wayne Donaldson last Saturday evening.

Maple boilie fished over a bed of pellets and crushed boilies did the trick with other fish of 18lb and 13lb also falling to his rods.

In the past week 20 fish over 20lb have been caught. The biggest carp taken so far is 31lb but bigger is surely to come soon.

York Amalgamation have reported this week that some 'unofficial' bank-work has been taking place on their fisheries. Anglers who carry out such improvements are asked to contact Jeff Marley and advise what work has been carried, where and when. This information needs to be recorded in case there is any comeback from the riparian owners. The Amalgamation has lost enough fishing in recent years. The unnecessary loss of any further venues must be avoided at all costs.

All local angling clubs should now be in possession of Environment Agency match return cards.

Club secretaries should take a few moments to complete and return these to the EA as not only do they greatly assist in collating fish stock data but for each card returned a donation will be made by the EA to help junior angling in the York area.

Cards can still be submitted retrospectively from last season and the appropriate donation will still be made.

Updated: 11:03 Friday, May 21, 2004