OXFORD all-rounder Tony Hallatt had a productive day’s pike fishing on a local pit, were he slipped his net under four big predators.

The fish weighed 10lb, 12.8.0 and 14.8.0, topped off by a 25.14.0 specimen.

Tony spent six hours on the water and all the fish took mackerel tails on a running leger.

Another local angler, 16-year-old Dan Williams, from Carterton, also been catching specimen pike.

He travelled to Chew Valley Lake where he spent three days fishing from the bank, using a bait-boat to get his sardine baits right out.

He was rewarded with a 26.13.0 pike which put up a good scrap.

  • Anyone having a walk around the Bullstake and Seacourt Streams in West Oxford will have noticed large machines removing silt and rubbish as part of the Environment Agency’s short term measures to reduce flood risk around Oxford after the 2007 summer floods.

Besides removing silt, they are cutting back trees and bushes so the water flow is not restricted.

This summer they did major stream and ditch clearing around the Redbridge area and this latest work is the second phase, costing in all around £2m.

Many years ago I remember work like this was done on Bullstake across Botley Road recreation ground and when they had finished it looked more like a canal. This time they seem to be more sympathetic, leaving the banks alone.

  • Throughout the winter, Orchid Venture Lakes at Dorchester are offering half-price tickets on their famous waters nicknamed ‘the home of the thirties’.

It will cost £12 for a 24-hour session or £84 for 7 days.

Latest info on www.orchidlakes.co.uk

  • IF you have any news, views or photos, you can contact me on 01865 725606 or email andrew@webber01865.fsnet.co.uk