RONNIE Wilkinson hauled out what is believed to be the biggest chub ever caught in Yorkshire at Thorpe Underwood, near Green Hammerton, at the weekend.

The Newman Scotts angler drew peg 15 on the Ouse and was rewarded with a winning haul of 21lb 8oz with the highlight being a 7lb 14oz chub - reckoned to be the record for the county.

He casted groundbait feeder tight to the far bank willows and a modest 3lb chub marked the start of an historic day.

Baiting a size six hook with a big chunk of breakflake, Wilkinson went on to tempt a further four chub, including his monster fish.

The day ended on a slightly disappointing note when the picture of his big chub, taken on a fellow angler's mobile phone, was erased in error.

The rest of the frame proved to be somewhat of an anti-climax with experienced Barnsley star and former England angler Keith Hobson taking second from peg 58 at Widdington.

Fishing a big stick float in conjunction with a long rod, he offered single bronze maggot to take around 70 small roach and dace for his modest 6lb 8oz total.

The Sunday Leeds open on the Ouse saw the 56-strong field treated to a river in low, clear condition for the first time in many weeks.

Despite suiting the fish in some areas, Andy Miller (Waterline Wibsey) won with a respectable 10lb net from the end peg at Linton the clear water was also to the liking of the now ubiquitous cormorants.

A total of 20 were counted searching for lunch on the normally prolific bungalows section at Hunters Lodge.

The result was the 'best' section on the match length being won with 4oz.

Miller alternated chopped worm and maggot at 12 metres to take a dozen perch to 12oz plus smaller roach.

There was a tie for second place with Ian Bates (Hirst Tackle) and Peter Hyde (Marsh Tackle) both bagging themselves 5lb 6oz of small roach.

Huntington WMC endured a tricky contest at an ice-bound Forest Lane Fishery, Alne, on Sunday.

With the lake frozen solid, the fishery owner had to take to the water in his rowing boat to clear some fishable pegs. The fishing suffered as a result of the disturbance and cold water and Tony Clough needed just 2lb 11oz of tiny roach to secure his win.

Fortunes fared better for the healthy turn-out of 52 at Langwith Lakes where Adam Stabler took top spot with 32lb 2oz from peg two on Kevin's Lake.

Offering pellet at 13 metres, he managed to keep small carp to 2lb coming throughout a bright but chilly day.

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, February 01, 2006