KEIGHLEY Angling Club official Darren Watson found an unorthodox way to catch a predatory pike. The veteran angler, usually so skilful at tempting fish to the net with guile and the right bait combinations, landed the pike while clearing some overgrown vegetation from a still-water site.

Watson discovered the fish in a net he was using, and quickly and safely returned it to the water.

With temperatures on the rise, anglers are returning to the canal and river banks – although Keighley club officials have issued a reminder that only fly, small spinners and worm can be used on river waters until the middle of June.

The club endorses the three-month ban on cereal baits and maggot to encourage fish, especially trout and grayling, to spawn around Keighley which is home to some of the most richly stocked swims anywhere in Yorkshire. The canal remains unaffected by the restriction.

Annual fishing licences are due to be renewed from April 1 and can be purchased on line or from post offices.