The curtain came down on another river season last Saturday, and for a couple of anglers at least, it ended on a high note.

Geoff Ring, chairman of Cuddesdon Mill VAA, caught a cracking 19.12.0 common carp from the Thame at Cuddesdon using two red maggots on a size 18 hook with a maggot-feeder.

And Oxford angler Dave Cummings finished in style with a personal best chub of 6.10.0 from the Cherwell.

The big fish took a worm on a size -18 to 4lb mainline, with a 2.6 bottom fished with an open-ended feeder loaded with crumb.

It was part of a total bag of fish weighing in 23.70, which also included four skimmers and a 1.10.0 perch.

Ivor Peachey, the bailiff at Linear Fisheries, near Stanton Harcourt, caught another huge carp from Oxlease, this one weighing 31.0.0. The humble maggot was the successful bait.

Meanwhile the ‘abolish the close season lobby’ are shouting from the rooftops already.

A survey in Angling Times last week claims 78 per cent of anglers want to get rid of it.

My view is that it should be maintained, to help the fauna and flora to recover.

Fish that we all prize so dearly can spawn in peace and have a rest, while anglers can look forward to a new season.

For those who want to fish all year round, there are plenty of commercial waters that remain open.

l Once again, the Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Club have organised several events for special needs youngsters this year.

This year’s dates are: April 22 Bullingdon Lake; May 13 Farmoor Fly Fishing Club’s Darlow Water;October 14 Bushyleaze, Lechlade.

l Anyone who wants to fish North Oxford AS’s Duke’s Lake or their Oxford Canal venues can purchase permits for half price up to June 16.

They are available from local tackle shops and anyone who joins will also be able to fish their matches.

l Yarnton & District have acquired a new stretch of the Thames at Yarnton Meadow ready for the new season.

It is adjacent to their existing stretch near Cassington, downstream towards King’s Weir.

This now gives them a two-mile stretch of the Thames with potentially some very good fishing.

l IF you have any news, views or photos, you can contact me on 01865 725606 or email andrew@webber 01865.fsnet.co.uk