Beating bitterly cold conditions are Stanjay open on Twenty Foot Drain, Old Nene at Benwick and Factory Bank
For the first time this year just about every match in the area had to be called off due to the heavy frosts which saw lakes and Fenland drains frozen over, writes Ken Wade.
Despite valiant efforts to get the Buttonhole Open match clear of ice leading up to Saturday’s match, in the end this had to be cancelled on the day.
Even pegs that had been clear, once left for an hour or two soon became iced over again.
One or two pleasure anglers caught fish at the back-end of last week and newcomer to the fishery, Mark Howat, had a fine day’s sport despite bitterly cold conditions.
With so many matches called off it was something of a surprise to hear from match organisers running the Stanjay open on the Twenty Foot Drain, Old Nene at Benwick and Factory Bank.
There was a huge turnout and although anglers had to break ice in most sections it fished remarkably well.
The worst section was at Factory Bank which saw Spalding rod Mick Dixon taking the top spot with 6lb 5oz.
The Old Nene at Benwick was much better.
Dave Brown came in first position with a net of small roach taken on the pole and whip for 15lb 5oz, to be followed by Cameron Hughes with 14lb 13oz.
Best of all though was the Twenty Foot Drain at March.
This venue saw Guy Smith put a fine 24lb mixed bag of silver fish to the scales from his peg close to the bridges.
March rod Alex Bates did well in the same area, finishing with 22lb 10oz to give him the runner up-spot, then came England star, Steve Hemingray with 17lb 12oz.
More angling on the right.