IT'S been a long time coming and finally the organisers of Go Fishing at the NEC got the format right, writes Tony Brunn.

Last weekend there was something for everyone to see: forums, talking-ins, and demonstrations. The retail trade stands selling all items of tackle were in abundance, which have been lacking in the previous years. All the anglers I spoke to were very impressed with the show and the smiles on their faces proved the point.

The only downside in my view, is the event keeps moving slightly earlier each year, and on Friday with the snow and the bitter cold weather, it put a stop to most of the outside activities around the Pendigo Lake. Maybe if it went back to an April slot this could be avoided.

Last Tuesday the Starlets Veterans Individual Winter League was held at Moorlands Farm. League leader Peter Taylor (Alvechurch) had to share first place with Clive Humphries (Bewdley) with 13-4-0 catches. Peter pole fished red maggots at Bank pool peg eight and Clive feeder fished red maggots at Bank pool peg 23; third placed Dave Hinde (Redditch) had 12-7-0. Peter's points tally now stands at 95; Bill Drew 80, Clive Humphries 48 .

With the bitter weather setting in it was amazing that Thursday's Northfield Starlets Veterans attempted to fish their match but they got the icebreakers out at Woodland View's High pool. After a late start Ken Giles (Alvechurch) showed the way by pole fishing maggots and pinkies at peg 12 for 7-8-0 of Roach. Brian Hill (Stourpot) was a close second with 7-2-0; third, Barry Hickman (Bromsgrove), 6-5-0.

A two-match challenge between the 100 AC and Birmingham Civil Service got underway at Lower Broadheath's Island pool. This deep water venue unfortunately suffers after a cold spell and the 10-a-side event saw a number of dry nets. The individual winner was in-form Bromsgrove angler John Miller (Birmingham Civil Service) who feeder fished red maggots from roadside peg 15 to take six Carp scaling in at 14-7-0. Steve Marke (100 AC) was second with 8-9-0 and third, Dave Hicken (Birmingham Civil Service), with 8-1-8. The 100 AC won with 81 points to Birmingham Civil Service's 38. The sequel takes place on the Birmingham Civil Service pool on May 16.

Woodland Views Deans pool open saw Harry Summers (Fiery Holes) take a close verdict by feeder fishing maggots at peg 50 for 17-12-0. His club mates followed with 17-3-0 for Chris Sheldon and 16-14-0 for Mac Cox.