SEVERAL perch were caught on the canal at Riddlesden last week by a group of Keighley Angling Club members trying out a technique relatively new to fresh-water fishing.

Drop shotting uses a simple rig made up of three components: weight, hook and bait. The weight acts as an anchor on the bottom with the hook baited and positioned higher up the line to attract mid-water feeders.

Although worms were used successfully on the canal, maggot and rubber lures are also highly effective.

Sea anglers are already familiar with the drop shot technique which involves jiggling the line up and down in the water to attract fish to the bait. On local stretches of the canal and river, the method is expected to become popular among anglers targeting perch and other predatory fish including pike.

Meanwhile, the club received reports of good-sized pike being caught on the River Aire between Stockbridge and Silsden. One member netted and returned a magnificent 18lb pike on the same stretch of water.

All anglers and walkers are being asked to keep a lookout for any discharge oozing into the Aire – especially from drainage outlets. Keighley Angling Club is working closely with the Environment Agency following a number of recent sightings.

Chairman Fred Farrington said the club is doing all it can to maintain a safe habitat for fish and local wildlife but needs help from spotters who patrol local stretches of the river.

The club has set up a Twitter feed (keighleyanglin1) to assist whistle-blowers and for all anglers wanting to share information and fishing tips.