ANGLING'S biggest show of the year, Go Fishing 2005, will be staged at the NEC Birmingham between April 1-3 and already a number of big names in the angling world have signed up for the show.

Among those who will be displaying their skills are Bob Nudd, John Wilson, Matt Hayes and Terry Hearn and there will be many others to help visitors.

This year there will be more interactive arenas and bigger seminars as well as the opportunity to buy the latest gear in angling.

Carp anglers will be able to enjoy a question and answer forum with some of the big names in the carp world who will be passing on some of the secrets of their success.

Advance ticket prices are adults £10.50; seniors £7.50; youngsters (6-12) £4; family tickets (two adults and two children) £27.50, under-fives free. Bookings can be made on 0870 7300062.

Competitors in the Friday open match at Ivy House fishery struggled to find the fish and weights were disappointing.

Top spot went to Ivy House matchman Steve Jones with a mixed catch of carp and silver fish weighing 15lb 15oz, taken on pole-fished red maggots.

Runner-up was Gary Etheridge, of Devizes, with a mixed bag weighing 6lb 10oz, taken on pole-fished red maggots on a 20 hook. He was followed by Tony Strange, of Wootton Bassett, with a mixed catch weighing 4lb 8oz.

The Calne Reg Humphries/Air Ambulance open match fished at Hazeland on Sunday produced some good catches.

Paul Rice, of Chippenham, won with a mixed catch of bream and roach weighing 11lb 6oz, taken on pole-fished red maggots on an 18 hook.

George Hobbs, of Malmesbury, was second with an all-chub catch weighing 10lb 12oz, taken on stick-floated white maggots on an 18 hook. John Cox, of Newbury, made his trip worthwhile by taking third prize with a bream catch weighing 9lb 8oz, taken on feeder-fished bread flake on a 14 hook.

Other placings: 4 Martin Pallett, Newbury, 8lb 10oz; 5 Simon Fear, Calne, 7lb 5oz; 6 Paul Cadogan, Calne, 5lb 8oz.

Competitors in the Wilts Angling open match enjoyed mixed sport on Sunday on the Avon at Staverton.

Kevin Grant, of Trowbridge, gained a runaway win with a mixed catch of bream and perch weighing 24lb 14oz, taken on pole-fished red maggots on an 18 hook.

Steve Green, of Trowbridge, was second with a mixed catch of bream and roach weighing 7lb 4oz, taken on feeder-fished red maggots on an 18 hook.

He was followed by Wayne Holmer, of Trowbridge, with an all-roach catch weighing 6lb 13oz, taken on pole-fished pinkies on a 22 hook.

Other placings: 4 Ted Smith, Trowbridge, 6lb 2oz; 5 Dave Targett, Bath, 5lb 13oz; 6 Colin Gittings, Melksham, 4lb 5oz.

Future events: Saturday February 12, Calne Junior match at Hazeland; Sunday February 13, Chippenham open match at Chippenham; Lavington v Airsprung v British Legion at Barton Farm; Devizes pike match at Horton.