I WAS shocked to read this week that the famous tackle company, Bennetts of Sheffield, had gone into voluntary liquidation after 60 years of trading, writes Andy Webber.

The mail order outfit had become something of an institution, with many anglers sending away to buy their first items of tackle from them.

The company, whose adverts featured regularly in the angling press, were badly hit by the 2007 floods, the postal strike and the recession.

Times are hard and I can only imagine they are going to get tougher, with less money in our pockets to spend.

But we all need to do our bit to help keep our local shops trading, so don’t ignore them and give them a hand through these tough times.

After all, where else are you going to get your maggots and casters!

l COWLEY angler Tony Hallett put in a six-hour pike session on a large Oxfordshire pit and was rewarded with two nice pike of 16lb and 22.3.0.

A member of the Pike Angling Club of Great Britain, Tony is no stranger to catching large predators and has appeared in these pages several times.

He was using 2.75lb test curve rods, 30lb braid mainline attached to a 30lb trace and size 8 trebles.

Bait was popped-up mackerel soaked in Predator attractor.

A REMINDER that the Oxfordshire and North Wiltshire region of the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain are holding a meeting at the Red Lion, Eynsham, next Thursday, starting at 7.30pm. Members £3, non-members £4.

IF you have any news, views or photos, you can contact me on 01865 725606 or email agw@awebber20.orangehome.co