The proposal has been withdrawn and so it has died a death.

There was overwhelming opposition to the proposal by no less than 92 per cent of anglers who are aware that the reduced fish stocks were, and still are, caused by the over-fishing of commercial interests and that the spawning grounds should be protected before any costs are imposed on rod anglers.

Some 19,000 jobs were also at risk in the tackle industry.

Reading West Labour MP Martin Slater told fisheries minister Jonathan Shaw, that he "remains committed to the principle of a rod licence for all forms of recreational fishing, but let's first get in place the conservation measures necessary to stop the over-exploitation by the commercial sector and give Britain's sea anglers a chance of a decent day's sport before we ask them to pay to catch fish that might not be there."

There has been little action along the local coastline with the very heavy northerly seas, although the water did ease a bit by Sunday.

The pattern has altered little over the past couple of weeks, but, as the weather improves, there should be more action in the open sea.

Both shore and boat fishing has been virtually impossible, but the river estuaries have seen coalies and flounder, plus a few whiting and even the odd codling.

Arthur Mordecai manage to fish over Hill 60 in last Tuesday's Ryhope Sweepstake and took the heaviest fish, a 1.03kg codling, with Lee Brown having the next two, a 725g codling and a 285g flounder from the Students' Accommodation in the Wear.

In all, 26 anglers competed but only three fish were weighed in.

This was the last of Ryhope's winter sweepstakes. Their summer season starts on Tuesday, May 13 at Panns Bank.

Wednesday's Eastender Sweepstake had better results at the Glass Centre, when 15 rods competed and 14 weighed in.

Mickie Sopp triumphed with two fish for 95cm, while Brian Turnbull continued his good run with two for 89cm. Ernie Hunter was third (87cm), with Frank Buckle fourth (86cm) in a tight finish.

Contestants in Thursday's East End and Hendon Sweepstake were not so lucky, with only two out of 12 taking fish.

Gareth Gardiner took the top prize for a 1lb 1oz whiting from Roker Pier, while Jim Brydon caught a 15oz flounder from the same venue.

The weekend matches were a bit of a disaster. Seaham's Good Friday Open was cancelled, as well as Saturday's Seaham SAC juniors match.

The Eastenders Open on Saturday afternoon took place in the sheltered Glass Centre area, with 14 rods all weighing in.

Chris Hossack proved victorious with five fish for 110cm, with Lee Hunter second for four at 92cm.