THURSDAY is the big day for all trout fishermen, with the opening of the new season on the Bristol Water fisheries at Chew, Blagdon, the Barrows and Litton.

There is little doubt that the banks will again be well lined and if the fisheries live up to their well established reputation there will be plenty of fish for all.

The good news is that prices have been frozen for the third year running. The company will also be celebrating the 100th year of public fishing on Blagdon Lake and during the season there will be a range of special offers and events which I hope to be able to cover in these notes.

To all who will be fishing I wish tight lines. Please let me have details of any outstanding catches. Give me a call on (01823) 275493.

Viaduct Fisheries again produced the goods for the final round of the Sensas Winter League Teams of Five where north Somerset match squad Thatchers 2000 added another title to their impressive record. Although finishing down the field in the final event Thatchers took the championship with 290 points to take the team award of £750, with Team Viaduct runners up with 286 points and £500 and Sensas Thyers third with 286 and £350.

The individual championship went to Thatchers team captain Mark Harper, from Warminster, with 79 points which earned him £200.

Individual honours on the day went to Carps AC matchman Bela Bakos with an all-carp catch weighing a magnificent 99lb 2oz, taken on waggler-fished sweet corn on a 14 hook.

The sunshine on Sunday brought the boats out in force and competitors in the Airsprung match found fish hard to tempt on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Moulton Drive.

A bonus tench in the dying minutes of the match gave victory to Richard Stainer, of Trowbridge, which when added to a few small roach and gudgeon made up a winning weight of 2lb 10oz 8dm.

He took his fish on pole-fished pinkies on a 22 hook.

Adie Parrish, of Trowbridge, was second with a mixed catch of roach, perch and gudgeon weighing 2lb 3oz 8dm, taken on waggler-fished pinkies on a 22 hook.

He was followed by Roger Green, of Trowbridge, with another roach, perch and gudgeon catch weighing 1lb 14oz, taken on pole-fished pinkies on a 22 hook.

Other placings: 4 Steve Southern, Trowbridge, 1lb 7oz 8dm; 5 Ian Stainer, Bradford, 1lb 7oz; 6 Dave Critcher, Warminster, 10oz.

The mid-week Wilts Angling Open match was fished at Hordle on Wednesday when some good catches were recorded. Mick Gunning, of Trowbridge, won with an all-carp catch weighing 62lb 1oz, taken on pole-fished sweet corn on a 14 hook.

Martin Barrett, of Trowbridge, was second with a mixed catch of carp and roach weighing 47lb 15oz, taken alternating with pole-fished sweet corn and casters.

Andy Pritchard, of Westbury, took third prize with a mixed catch of carp and tench weighing 42lb 8oz, also taken on pole-fished sweet corn on a 14 hook.

Other placings: 4 Gerry Lugg, Beckington, 27lb 15oz; 5 Paul Crook, Melksham, 19lb 8oz; 6 Terry Gatty, Melksham ,18lb 3oz.

Competitors enjoyed good sport in the Wilts Angling Open match fished at Landsend Fishery on Sunday.

Gary Dallimore, of Frome, won with a mixed catch of carp and tench weighing 68lb 15oz, taken on pole-fished sweet corn on a 14 hook.

Bob Gould, of Melksham, was second with an all-carp catch weighing 55lb 3oz, taken on pole-fished cat meat on a 14 hook. He was followed by Steve Gardner, of Chippenham, with a mixed catch of carp and ide weighing 52lb 8oz, taken on pole fished sweetcorn on a 14 hook.

Other placings: 4 Matt Tainton, Bristol, 51lb 12oz; 5 Fred Eagles, Trowbridge, 46; 6 Ian Willetts, Bradford, 41lb 13oz.

Anglings' big annual show, Go Fishing 2003, takes place today Saturday and Sunday and there will be plenty to excite the palate at the NEC Birmingham.

Tickets are £9 for adults with children under 16s admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The show is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm.daily.