MATCH action returns to the banks of the Pocklington Canal on Sunday with the first CIU match since the end of last season.

Competitors will be hoping to latch into the same shoal of slabs that decided the Canal Championships on the same venue a fortnight ago.

Reports from pleasure anglers suggest that the fish are still feeding and with recent rains adding a tinge of much needed colour to the otherwise clear water prospects look good.

Sport also continues on most of the areas stillwater carp fisheries.

The cooler temperatures of the last week should have quelled the amorous residents' ardour and after their recent exertions they should have quite an appetite.

In addition to the weekend matches at Raker Lakes, Paul Kozyra is also now running an evening series on Thursdays.

The draw will take place from 5pm onwards with fishing from 6pm until 9pm.

Those wishing to book a place can contact Paul on 01904-608377 or Steve on 01904-448793.

I am hearing good things about some of the Amalgamation fisheries with Burn Road in particular in sparkling form. Several roach over that magical 2lb barrier have been banked recently with anglers prepared to sit it out on bread flake being rewarded with the better fish.

Caster will also score and picks up the skimmer and odd tench too. Pegs opposite the A19 are best at present, but be prepared to follow the wind as fishing into the breeze is definitely the trick.

Although not an Amalgamation venue, as yet, Rawcliffe Lake is still worth a trip, especially on an evening, when the venues population of big crucians comes out to play.

If the fish can be tempted close enough to the bank then pole tactics will work but my choice would be for a waggler approach. These fish certainly like their snap with copious amounts of groundbait advised.

Sweetcorn seems to be the vogue hook bait offering at present.

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives are to hold an open meeting at the City Arms Sports and Social Club, Fawcett Street, York, tomorrow (10.30am - 1pm).

The subject will be a briefing on the report of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review, including such issues as salmon netting, fishery action plans and fisheries funding.