YORK Amalgamation announced its match programme of matches for the coming season this week and has once again plumped for a slimmed down calendar.

The move regrettably reflects the growing apathy of the areas anglers towards river fishing.

The season kicks off as usual on the opening Sunday, which this year is actually the first day of the season, June 16, with the usual open. All waters above York are booked however with the lack of a sponsor for the first time a large entry seems unlikely.

There follows a lengthy break before the WJC Noakes Cup hits the Ouse below York. This is closely followed by the Hospitals Cup at Redhouse and Poppleton October 6, the Tower Trophy below York on the following Sunday and the Animals Hospitals Cup on November 3. The Ouse Championship and the Hammond Trophy will also feature in the match programme.

Litter on the banks is a problem that has long blighted angling particularly on urban fisheries.

Some litter is generated by anglers but it seems that we often take the rap for every crisp packet, chocolate wrapper and empty lager can left by others.

Clearing your peg of litter is one way the responsible angler can uphold our reputation among the non-angling fraternity.

A more serious recent development is the issue of fly tipping of waste at fisheries. Burn Road seems to be a favourite haunt of the irresponsible eco-terrorists at present.

Anglers can help to catch and prosecute them by noting registration details of vehicles seen depositing waste. Take a description of the vehicle, note the time and if possible get a description of the vehicle's occupants. Then telephone the Environment Agency as soon as possible on 0800 80 70 60. On no account should fly tippers be confronted.

Anglers flouting close season rules are still apparent on the banks of local fisheries.

Only stillwaters can be fished, which does not include the River Foss or Foss Basin.

Keepnets must not be used on York waters other than Redhouse Lagoon and Pocklington Canal. Any angler must also be in possession of a current Rod Licence which became due on the first of last month. It still amazes me the number of anglers I see breaking at least one and in some cases several of these rules.

Anglers who frequent the free fishing stretch of the Ouse immediately above the Lido at Poppleton should note that plans for a boat mooring for this area are again being submitted to the City of York Council's planners.

If you feel strongly about the loss of this amenity then write to the planners.

Updated: 11:54 Friday, May 24, 2002