A hearty warm welcome from these angling pages goes to two new fishery bosses in town – Rick and Kellie Broadway, who have purchased and now manage the picturesque North Norfolk Reepham Fishery.

And, true to their name, they staged a wondrous show at their inaugural open event that produced four massive catches in the hundreds and an average catch of 70lb per rod.

The competition, which was organised with the aid of expert Wensum Valley tacklist Daniel Brydon, produced a variety of exotic species, mostly carp up to the 14lbs mark.

The top four, all members of the Wensum Valley outfit, were Robert Walton with 151lb, Nathan Bowles 130lb 2oz, Daniel Brydon 126lb 8oz and Matt Wiles 103lb 2oz.

Speaking of the couples' new venture – a dramatic switch from their executive positions in London – Mrs Broadway said: 'It's a completely fresh working environment for us. Fortunately, our daughter has settled into Reepham High School and with very welcome assistance from Daniel Brydon, we are coping very well and are excited by this new way of life.'

Brydon added: 'This fishery's four separate lakes are well stocked with a variety of different species.

'The previous owner was not keen on match fishing, so this change will create lots of interest, especially since we weighed in 1,200lb of fish last week.'

Match bookings will be taken at the Wensum Valley Tackle Shop or by calling 07766 658948 or 01603 929090.

On the established open match venues, the Hinderclay league commenced with Mal Runacres (Deben 60 plus) top with 49lb 4oz.

Daiwa AD Black were the leading team with 34 section points, followed by Deben 60 Plus on 33 and Ex-Tingers with 29.

The fifth birthday open at Wicklewood was won by local John Everett with 50lb 6oz, while Jimmy Brooks (Middy) won at Barford with a catch of 146lb.

On the club scene, Jack Gill headed some superlative Oddfellows numbers with 162lb 4oz from the match lake and Steve Rouse was Martham's top rod with 110lb 8oz.

Meanwhile, spare a thought for Matt Wiles. The Wensum Valley ace finished runner-up in the Kent Fish 'O' Mania qualifier with 220lbs. Alas he was 40lb short of finalist Jason Collins (Delcat) with 260lbs from the Monk Lakes venue.

Jessica Knights (Harleston) was fourth with 143lb and section prizes were won by Daniel Brydon and Jimmy Brooks (King's Lynn), all of whom received consolation cash prizes.

On the carp scene, end-of-March returns at Catch 22 were headed by a 32lb 4oz common for Ben Radley.

At Taswood the best was a 32lb mirror for Danny Gardiner, and Swangey Lakes produced a crop of twenties, headed by a 29lb 8oz common.

n Cobble Acre's annual spring charity event on April 27 has been reclassified. Now it is the Phil Walpole Memorial with the proceeds going to his family.

This was decided by organisers Jim and Barbara Randell, who have run this event to support Cromer Lifeboat for many years.

'Phil Walpole was well liked among the match fishing fraternity and we have explained this to the Cromer Lifeboat personnel that this is a one-off,' said Jim.

Bookings can be made by calling 01692 218554.

n Tidal river coarse fishing has ended until June 16.

But why wait when the sea trout season has already begun - why not get involved now? It costs £72 for an annual licence that covers sea trout, salmon and every coarse fish species, with appropriate reduction for senior citizens, juniors and short-term eight-day and one-day permits.

Sea trout are freshwater brown trout (Salmo trutta) with a wanderlust that drives them into a saline environment.

These migrants return to their freshwater habitat at least four times during their lives and they are frequently caught taking baits of coarse fish anglers.

Most are unable to swim any further than the upstream mill barriers, unless the sluices are open during flood conditions.

That is why the River Bure six-pounder caught above Horstead and Buxton Mills last year on Andy Siddall's pike spinner was so unusual and so newsworthy.