FISHING is still a little on the hard side as temperatures continue to fluctuate but spring is just around the corner and expectations are high for the coming months.

The Starlets Veterans, who put a lot of hours in over the winter months, can't wait for the better catches, and held their latest Winter League event on Woodlands View's Arles pool.

Winner Peter Taylor (Redditch) pole fished red maggots at peg 29 to take a mixed 18-10-0 catch; second placed Dave Hinde (Redditch) had 14-7-0 and third was Jim Faulds' (Stourbridge) 13-5-0.

On Wednesday, Astwood Fisheries Buddleia pool open was won by Rob Francis (Droitwich Angling Centre) with a pole and corn catch of 31-14-0 from peg 53. Second, Paul Savings (Sheldon Heath), took 22-7-0 and third was Ivan Leight's (National Standard) 12-4-0.

The C and M match group open was held on Woodlands View's Ghost pool with Alan Reynolds (Northfield) showing the way by pole fishing corn and meat at peg 20 to take an impressive catch of 40-10-0. Al Lees (Charford) was second with 25-9-0; third, Roy Freeth (Northfield & District), 24-10-0.

At Moorlands Farm, the Bank and Island pools open went to Mal Watson (Shakespeare) who pole fished casters at peg 11 on the Island pool for a mixed catch of 28-12-0. Second belonged to Alan James (Moorlands) with 25-8-0; third, Alan Parsons (Moorlands), 22-2-0.

Moorlands Farm's Thursday special costcutter open was held on the Meadow pool. David James ( Trabucco) continued his winning ways by pole fishing corn and pellets at peg 15 to take a clear victory with 51-7-0. Alan Brown (Gloucs) followed with 29-8-0 while third was Kevin Young (Kidderminster) with 27-2-0.

Also at Moorlands Farm were the KH Veterans who held their event on the Moors and Silver Pools. Out in front was Stan James (Bewdley) who pole fished maggots at Silver pool peg 37 to take 21-12-0 of small Carp. Roy Dugmore (Northfield) followed with 18-10-0; third, Peter Taylor (Redditch), 16-6-0.

On Saturday, the fifth and final round of the Redditch Federation Sensas UK teams of four winter league was fished on the Stratford Canal at Earlswood.

Taking the top individual honours was Shane Chandler (MB Lasirene) who pole fished Bloodworm and Joker at peg 34 to net a bonus Bream together with a few tiddlers, scaling in at 3-1-0. Second, Clive Smith (Middy Team Central), took 2-9-2 and third was Paul Millard (Butcher Boys) with 2-1-0.

Sensas Dams and Lock Blue topped the days points list with 16; Sensas Dams and Lock Gold 23; Butcher Boys 25.

Sensas Dams and Lock Blue are the league champions, collecting the winners purse of £180 for their 13 point total. Harris MG were second with 14 points.

At Woodlands View, Andy Grearley (Fishermans Friend) won the Deans pool open by pole fishing corn at peg 50 to take 37-0-0 of Carp. Tony Hughes (CSM) was second with 26-13-0 and third was Colin Newman (Woodlands), taking 21-8-0.

The Moorlands Farm Meadow pool open was headed by Harry Ward (Moorlands) with a pole and corn catch of 55-14-0 from peg 16. Close catches followed with Stuart Pulsar (Shakespeare) having 54-15-0 from next door peg 15; third was Barry Garner's (Kamasan) 53-11-0.

On Sunday, the Mallards open was held on the Staffordshire/Worcestershire Canal at Gothersley. Leading a strong field was Steve Marke (Ovation Leisure) who pole fished casters down the track opposite the Garden Centre to take Roach and Perch for 3-12-0. Second placed Tony Stanton (100 AC) had 3-6-0 with third going to Dave Holbrook (Brownhills), taking 3-5-0.

The Woodlands View Deans pool open went to Vince Gandley (Map Starlets) who pole fished corn at peg 45 for 55-7-0 of Carp. Les Thompson's (Shakespeare) 44-6-0 secured second with third going to Ed Jones (AOK) with 40-14-0.

James (Trabucco) continued his good form at Moorlands Farm by pole fishing corn and pellets at Meadow pool peg 51 for a winning 76-14-0. Cliff Payne (Midland Leisure) was second with 45-12-0; third, Jason Neath (Shakespeare), 44-4-0.

The final round of the Birmingham Civil Service individual winter league was held on the Grand Union Canal at Bakers Lane, in Knowle.

The days' winner was Solihull's Roy Blud who pole fished chopped worms at peg 105 to take 1-6-0 of Perch. Second was Darran Mills' 1-1-8 and third, Gary Booth with 12 ounces 4 drams.

Mills is the league champion with 11 points; Roy Blud 12 and Gary Booth together with Barry Price, 14.

A reminder that you can buy tackle at the Go Fishing Show 2003, at Birmingham's NEC, on March 28, 29 and 30.

Also, John Talbot at Moorlands Farm is holding a two day festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, with £2,000 to the top three individuals as well as section prizes. Entry is £60 and names can be submitted to John on 01299 250427.