MERSEY BASIN SPECIES HUNT – TEN WEEKS IN

After another five weeks of painfully low river levels, the Mersey Basin Species Hunt continues to defy expectations – with further captures making for an extremely close contest as we move into September.

Since our last update, three new species (eels, stone loach and roach-bream hybrids) have now made an appearance, bringing the total number caught to 20. But it’s not these species alone which will win the competition… It’s the highly sought after ‘specimen points’ which many are now looking to claim!

While every species caught is awarded 3 points, an additional 5 bonus points are given for the longest of each species in the leagues – and with just 2 fish currently separating the top 4 overall, these bonus points are sure to be key when added at the end of the competition.

Competition organiser Alex Clegg said: “Given the conditions we’ve been faced with, the number of catches submitted really is testament to the determination of everyone involved! As predicted, it’s already extremely close at the top, which suggests bonus points will be key – but adding the more elusive mini species will be a priority for many, I’m sure.

“The fact we haven’t seen a bitterling or motherless minnow in the competition has surprised me slightly, though isn’t a bad thing where the latter is concerned. Carp are also yet to show up in any catch reports, but as many anglers know – river carp can be tricky to catch at the best of times.

“I’d love to see a salmon or sea trout caught, but their absence is hardly surprising given the lack of rain. That being said, anything is possible – and as we move towards autumn, one lucky angler might just find some!”

The Mersey Basin Species Hunt finishes on the 30^th of September. Entries are still open and you can register by visiting our page on the Angling Trust website here. Right now it’s neck and neck as the tables show….

OVERALL LEAGUE

1^st Robert Ledwards – 36 points (12 species)

2^nd Philip Bennett – 33 points (11 species)

=3^rd Simon Thomas & Tim Poulter – 30 points (10 species)

=4^th Mike Ledwards & Timothy Mayall – 27 points (9 species)

=5^th Graham Gibson & Benjamin Anderson – 21 points (7 species)

WEAVER & DANE

1^st Robert Ledwards – 36 points (12 species)

=2^nd Simon Thomas & Tim Poulter – 30 points (10 species)

=3^rd Mike Ledwards & Timothy Mayall – 27 points (9 species)

4^th Graham Gibson – 21 points (7 species)

5^th Benjamin Anderson – 6 points (2 species)

IRWELL

=1^st Mike Duddy & Phillip Bennett – 18 points (6 species)

2^nd Stuart Brierley – 9 points (3 species)

3^rd Megan Madden – 3 points (1 species)

MERSEY, GOYT & TAME

1^st Philip Bennett – 24 points (8 species)

2^nd Benjamin Anderson – 21 points (7 species)

3^rd Neil Milsom – 12 points (4 species)

4^th Andrew Taylor – 9 points (3 species)

5^th Thomas Milsom (JNR) – 6 points (2 species)