HUNTINGTON WMC visit the Ouse at Fulford on Sunday in the only angling match booking of the weekend.

Bream are likely to figure high on the agenda with a return to milder conditions this week. The warmer weather has brought some good catches to local still waters.

The top pond at the Hoxne Farm fishery at Strensall has also received an additional boost in the shape of a new consignment of fish. Carp to 6lb plus numerous roach, bream, chub and perch should ensure a busy day's sport. For more details ring 01904 490726.

Roach were feeding well on a recent visit to Rawcliffe Lake, where anglers fishing a small maggot feeder were getting a bite a chuck.

Those fishing pole and bread in the corner swims were also faring well, with some quality roach and occasional chub livening up proceedings.

Laybourne Lakes also continues to fish well. While the venue must surely be worth the price of the York Amalgamation Year Book in its own right. The Year Book is now available from all the usual outlets, some unwelcome visitors are starting to make their presence felt at the fishery.

Rats are becoming an increasing problem and the risk of infection to anglers from the potentially deadly Weils disease is a real threat. Measures are being taken to control the rodent menace but anglers are being asked to help by not leaving unwanted bait and food on the bank side.

While rats may appreciate a post-match snack, the fish in the lake probably need it more. Unused bait should be taken home or deposited in the pond, not on the bank.

Shepherds Angling Club are appealing for new members. Following the demise last season of BRS and Ben Johnson club's it would be a shame if another York club went the same way.

Most matches are fished on Saturday and tend to be biased towards river venues. If you fancy signing up then contact J Sturdy at 38 Hawthorne Avenue, Haxby, YO32 3RN.

York Amalgamation report this week that the message board on their website has become the medium for a protracted and heated exchange between a number of specialist anglers.

Anglers are asked to treat the forum with respect and not use it as a tool for bringing themselves and the Amalgamation into disrepute.

If used correctly forums such as this can stimulate intelligent and educational discussion that benefits other anglers.

Updated: 11:38 Friday, January 13, 2006