ROUGH seas and an unclear weather forecast put paid to the Humber Cruising Association's boat match last Sunday.
It was supposed to be the first match in the Winter League, as there had already been one cancellation so far this season.
But there were worries about the boats launching off the beach from the start.
From personal experience, I know the problems that the waves that lash the beach can cause.
Tony Hogg and Chris Banks made the decision to call the match off, choosing to hold a big fish match only instead.
They were proved right to do so as the wind did get up in the afternoon and it would have been unpleasant for the smaller boats.
I understand those boats which have made it out of late have managed to find a few decent cod and there does seem to be more of the species in the river at the moment.
Tony always says that the main run comes around November 5, so we don't have long to wait to see if he's right – he usually gets it spot on.
There has been loads of activity on the shore recently and the North Wall has been very popular as usual.
I went the other night and was surprised at the amount of dabs there are in the area at the minute.
The whiting were mostly on the skinny size, but it was still nice to get out and see the rod tip move on a regular basis.
This weekend, I would expect that the woods at Stallingborough and the Yellow Cross will be the favourite marks to try for a cod.
Last Saturday, there was an open match in aid of the RNLI held by Chapel Sea Angling Club (SAC).
The weather did not help matters, and in the end, there were only a few flatfish caught.
If conditions had been right, then I am sure there would have been some good bags of whiting caught.
The following day, Humber SAC were in action on the North Wall.
Again, rain spoilt the day, making the banks very slippery.
Some of the anglers struggled to manage casting with a fence behind them and unfortunately one actually broke his rod.
Despite the terrible conditions, the turnout was excellent and there were a few decent fish caught.
Club match secretary Adie Cooper was again top man as he managed to weigh in 5.13oz.
This included the biggest whiting of the night at 40cm.
Dan Jackson managed to get a whiting of the same size, so it was a tie for the biggest fish.
Second was Cleethorpes' Garry Hutson, who finished up with 5.11lb.
Frank Church was third with 8.2lb.
The club's next match is at the Stallingborough Woods tomorrow. Fishing is 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
