THE annual Teams of Four competition got under way at Witherington Farm Fishery, on Saturday in not the best of conditions, thanks to continuous rain and a stiff breeze.

The first of eight matches was held on several lakes at the fishery and because of the cold rain, the going was hard. Top individual weight of the day went to Nick White, fishing for a new team in the competition, Whitemoor Lakes, who weighed-in 70lb 1oz from Cottage Lake. Runner-up was Rich Yeo, team Dandy's K2, who caught 65lb 10oz from the Outer Snake.

Winning team on the day was Dandy's K2 with a good total of 36 points. Eastleigh Mosella Blue were second with 27 points.

Salisbury Angling Club had a much better day on Sunday when they visited Witherington Farm for a club match on the Inner Snake lake with sunshine and a gentler wind. Malc Pepperill was first with 62lb 4oz, Paul Barnard was second with 59lb 12oz, which included 21lb of silver fish, and George Stainer was third with 58lb 4oz.

River anglers have found sport quite patchy on the Avon with some areas fishing better than others. Generally float anglers have been catching mixed bags of chub, dace and grayling with some fisheries reporting a few big specimens. Manor Farm fishery, near Ringwood, had barbel to 13lb 2oz and a 9lb bream while nearby Lifelands had barbel to 11lb. Anglers using a light stick float and small baits at Winkton fishery have enjoyed bags of roach up to 18lb a time.

Float anglers have fared better than those using leger tactics because tackle is lighter and baits smaller so not so visible in the low and crystal clear water. On the brighter days, the more likely time to catch is in the evenings as the light starts to fade.