A new coarse season opens on the rivers today, writes Peter Stone.

For those who fish all the year round it is just another day, but for traditionalists like me, the 16th is a very special day. Rods and gear have been dusted down, new tackle acquired and hopes are high for the season.

Local rivers are looking good. The coming months should see some big perch and chub taken, and possibly some big barbel. Although numbers of the latter have declined, there are still plenty around. expect to see some perch in excess of 4lb taken - one of my targets this season - along with a 7lb chub. Monster chub are everywhere and it only needs an angler to be in the right place at the right time.

One angler asked whether I thought an eight-pounder was possible. I would not dismiss such a monster being caught.

Had I written that a few years ago, people would have laughed. But no longer; big fish-wise, we are enjoying sport no-one would have considered possible a few years ago.

Certainly, the presence of signal crayfish has had a lot to do with it, and with mitten crabs now making their way up-river, I can't help wondering where it will end.