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ITALY WIN WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 Ostellato Canal. Italy The venue fished
well with bream, skimmers, and carp showing in good numbers and also
plenty of catfish being caught, although CIPS ruled they would not
count for this event. England had surprisingly chosen to leave of
anchor man Steve Gardener on day one; and their best performer was Stu
Conroy with a 17kilo weight that gave him second in section. DARKER FOUND GUILTY Mr Robin Darker former Treasure of Cardiff
Nomads and now working for the Angling Trust as Senior coaching
officer, stood
impassively in the dock as the verdict was delivered. SPRING DROUGHT The driest spring for more than half a century has fuelled fears that angling could face yet another summer of parched rivers and widespread stillwater fish deaths. Rainfall in March was the lowest since 1953, and with the situation having continued throughout April, the water in many rivers is already a foot below normal summer level. Officials from both the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the Met Office have admitted to being very concerned at the situation, which comes at what they term a ‘pivotal time of the year for rainfall’. “The driest March for well over 50 years was followed by one of the driest Aprils ever recorded,” said a spokesperson for the former. “Rainfall for April was only around 16 per cent of the long-term average.” One venue that really suffered through last year’s lack of rainfall was the River Wye, and the waterway is already showing signs that 2011 could see a repeat. “In Hereford town centre the water is a good foot below summer level,” said Paul Woodward of Woody’s Tackle in Hereford. “It gets worse each year. The big concern is that when the water gets very low the chub and barbel shoal up in deeper pools, making them vulnerable to predators and poachers. I just hope we have some heavy rainfall very soon.” The Environment Agency has said that if the prolonged dry spell continues, action may have to be taken on the worst-hit rivers. “There can be an environmental impact such as fish in distress which will need rescuing,” said a spokesperson. Commercial fishery owners also face a difficult few months ahead, with dry weather and high temperatures leading to deoxygenation fears. However, Phil Briscoe, who runs Larford Lakes in Stourport, says problems can be averted by proper management. “We desperately need rain because April has warmed up too quickly. This is a vulnerable time for stocks, and there are already algal blooms at some fisheries. Measures we use to prevent problems include net dipping, ensuring anglers don’t put too many fish in keepnets, and carrying out oxygen tests three times a day with the aerators on standby,” he said. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NOW KILLER SHRIMPS A POPULAR Port Talbot walking spot has been shut off to the public due to the outbreak of a "killer" shrimp. Tata Steel, which owns Eglwys Nunydd reservoir in Margam, has had to prevent public accessing the site, following the invasive shrimp dikerogammarus villosus being discovered last November. The pest, which has been dubbed the "killer" shrimp, has an unpleasant characteristic of killing many animals, including young fish, but leaving many uneaten. SEE REPORT ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VINTAGE TACKLE AUCTION A set of vintage lures costing £22,000 were the highlight of a huge auction of antique fishing tackle held in London last week. Collectors from all over Europe descended upon the London HQ of Angling Auctions for the sale of 500 lots belonging to lifelong collector Graham Turner, which included some of the finest rods, reels, tackle items and equipment ever to grace the sport. Although the uncertain economic climate may have had a minor impact, organisers claimed trade remained ‘very buoyant’, with a total of £226,500 being spent by collectors. The highest price on the day was fetched by a collection of fishing lures made by the British Wyers brothers, billed as one of the star lots before the event began. However, several other items which received a prominent pre-sale billing, such as an Ustonson Original Multiplying Winch reel (dated 1762) which was expected to fetch bids upwards of £30,000, and a quartet of rods previously owned by the 4th Earl Spencer, failed to reach their reserves. “It ended up being a sale of two halves really. We had high hopes for a few of the main lots, and while it was a little disappointing that they didn’t sell, there were some very pleasant surprises with the other items. “The Wyers lures went for a good price, and there was a Complete Fishing Compendium which sold for £11,000 to a Russian collector. Some of the Hardy reels also fetched good sums, including an 1896 all-brass Perfect, which was bought for £8,800,” said Graham (76), who is now planning to call time on his collecting career, although admits he’ll find it hard to do so. “I might need some tablets from the doctor!” he joked. Angling Auctions boss Neil Freeman remained upbeat in his post-auction summary, saying: “All in all, it was a buoyant sale with lots of interest from overseas. The markets for antique tackle remain in good shape.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Environment Agency state there will be no plans for closed season review Any hopes of a review of the current laws on fishing running water have been dashed this week as the Environment Agency revealed it has no plans to review the dates of the closed season. The announcement comes after a fishing club sparked controversy By Saying " it will be holding an illegal river match in protest against the closed season. Numerous anglers, fishing clubs and tackle shops have expressed their support for the club’s radical action, as well as showing interest in running similar contests in an attempt to force the EA to rethink the closed season. But the angling community remains divided on the subject, with the EA’s refusal to review its policies coming as music to the ears of traditionalists and those who believe the closed season is vital to protect spawning fish, wildlife and river environments. One man who is infuriated by the EA’s announcement is John Barefield, owner of the Fine Line tackle shop in Tooting, Greater London, who fully supports the ‘illegal fishing match’ and admits that he is considering running a similar contest on the River Thames. “I’m not surprised that the EA has come to this decision. When has it ever listened to what anglers want?” said John. “If I could afford the petrol I’d drive up to the River Severn myself and take part in this contest. If any of those anglers get gear confiscated in the match I’ll give them some tackle out of my shop. They deserve a medal for what they are doing.” Sitting firmly on the other side of the fence to John is predator fishing legend Gord Burton, who admits to being delighted with the EA’s decision. “Our river fish need protection and the EA has certainly done the right thing for our sport,” said Gord. “There are enough commercial fisheries out there for anglers that want to fish in the closed season; it’s unethical to put any more pressure on our rivers and their environments.” When asked whether it may rethink the issue at a later date, a spokesperson for the EA said: “We have no plans to review the dates of the closed season. The laws are in place to protect wild fish stocks during their vulnerable spawning period. Any decision to change the law must be based on sound scientific evidence that doing so would not be detrimental to stocks. We must adopt the precautionary principle.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Minister Promises to Involve Anglers in Decision-Making At the Angling Summit, held on Monday, Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon MP promised that the marine and freshwater angling community would be closely involved in decision-making at a local level and nationally through its representative body, the Angling Trust. As an example he indicated that he was prepared to take “bold decisions” with regard to the recently announced review of cormorant licensing and that his officials were meeting with the Angling Trust to draw up the terms of reference for this review. He also said that the Government was looking for new ways of maximising the many benefits of the nation’s favourite pastime to society. He recognised the huge contribution that angling already makes to protecting the freshwater and marine environment, its importance for health and wellbeing and its contribution to the economy, in particular rural areas and coastal towns. The Minister pledged that the Government would do all it could to make it easier for angling clubs and associations to operate by reducing red tape and regulation which often deters volunteers from organising activities for young people at a local level. He also indicated that the Government was keen to adopt a catchment-based approach to environmental management. Building trust between anglers and the Government was also high on the agenda with many sea angling representatives concerned about the proposed data collection project recently proposed by Defra. The Angling Trust stressed that marine fish stocks were suffering only because of decades of commercial overfishing; regulation of sea anglers would therefore be unfair. More than 100 delegates, representing all sectors of the angling and fisheries community, heard presentations from a range of speakers about good practice for increasing the social, environmental and economic benefits of angling. All attendees then took part in workshops to identify ways of increasing the number of people going fishing and the many benefits of angling to society. Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust, spoke at the conference and said afterwards: “We welcome this event as an indication that the Government is keen to listen and to acknowledge the importance of angling in all its forms. However, after decades of decreasing recognition of angling we need to see real action to follow up on the fine words. The Angling Trust will continue to press the Government and its agencies to increase angling access and to restore marine and freshwater fish stocks, many of which are in terminal decline.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DEAD BODY A club match was cancelled this week - after a woman’s body was found floating in one of the pegs. The gruesome discovery was made at Needham Lake, the centre of a beauty spot in Needham Market, Suffolk, where anglers from Gipping Valley Angling Club were waiting to fish. The body was found by a man walking around the venue, and anglers then raised the alarm, contacting the emergency services who recovered the body, which was floating face down, from peg 2 of the venue. “From a distance it looked like a plastic bag and even when we got close we weren’t sure it was a real body - it’s just not what you expect to find,” GVAC chairman Steve said after discovering the gruesome sight. “I’d fished that peg the week before. It was just surreal and something none of us will ever forget. “After we’d given statements to the police we moved the match to another venue but a lot of the guys, including myself, dropped out. Fishing was the last thing on my mind after seeing that. We’ve got a match there again this coming weekend and we’re planning to hold a minute’s silence for the lady.” The body has subsequently been identified as that of 60-year-old Ruth Jacobs, from Ipswich. A 58-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder, before being detained under the Mental Health Act. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ River anglers were dealt a body blow this week when plans were revealed to build a hydro power plant on another of the UK’s best running water venues. (Report from Angling Times) The plant - similar to that recently given the green light at the famous Gunthorpe weir on the Trent - will be erected on the Pershore stretch of the Warwickshire Avon, with the Environment Agency having already granted planning permission for the scheme. By reducing the speed of the water above and below the weir at Pershore by 80 per cent, it is feared that the controversial structure will not only ruin the first class barbel, chub and predator fishing of the stretch, but that the lack of flow will also destroy important spawning beds along with the river’s ecology. Birmingham Anglers Association controls the fishing and is convinced the plant will devastate sport along the stretch, which is among the best along the whole river. “This is terrible news, but we are in an impossible situation because the landowner that gives us access is the one who instigated the scheme,” said John Williams, BAA secretary. “For me the blame lays firmly at the door of the EA. They’re supposed to be protecting the ecology of the nation’s rivers and the interests of angling. By allowing developments like this, they are failing us.” The Angling Trust has also objected to the scheme on the grounds that the developer, Renewables First, provided no environmental information with its application. The Trust also claims that there has been a complete lack of analysis of the impact that the turbines will have on both the local environment and the fishing. “I have commented on over 70 schemes on behalf of the Trust in the past year and this is by far the worse I’ve seen,” said Angling Trust technical director Alan Butterworth. “The way that the EA has dealt with the proposal and acceptance of this scheme is nothing short of shocking.” Defending its decision to grant planning permission for the plant, the EA issued this statement: “In summer 2010 we issued an abstraction licence in Pershore with strict terms and conditions to protect fish, their migratory passage and the wider environment. “These include ensuring a certain flow of water over the weir, especially during the fish spawning period, and a screening requirement to stop fish entering the turbine.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WYE PIKE Darren Charman thought he’d blown his chances for the day when he missed his first bite of a piking session on the River Wye. He needn’t have worried though, because over the course of the trip he and his fishing partner landed a total of nine fish topped by this pb predator for Darren of 27lb. It was roving tactics that proved the key to success for the Cardiff-based duo who float legered sardine deadbaits in deep marginal holes. “The action was so hectic that we could barely keep a rod in the water for the first few hours,” said Darren. “We even had a double hook-up at one point. I was stunned as in recent weeks the norm on the river had been just one or two bites per session.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Environment Agency Provides Consent to Massacre Eels on the Trent The Angling Trust has learned that the Environment Agency has granted licences to the Small Hydro Company, working with British Waterways, for two hydropower plants on the river Trent at Sawley and Gunthorpe which allow up to 100 fish – including eels – to be killed at each of two plants in any 24 hour period. While this doesn’t suggest that the Environment Agency (EA) is directly licensing the killing of fish, it appears to allow the developers to keep generating even where fish are being killed – except where they exceed the 100 mark in 24 hours. The licence also allows up to 10 game fish to be killed in a 24 hour period before the turbines are stopped. Eels are particularly vulnerable to turbines because of their length and their ability to get through screens designed to protect fish European eel stocks are at an all time low. In response, the Environment Agency has recently banned anglers and commercial eel fishermen from taking eels, and on the Trent there is a ban on any eels being taken above the tidal limit at any time. In this context, the Angling Trust finds this decision to allow so many fish to be sliced up in hydropower turbines in a year perverse. In 2005, only 140 Kg of silver eel were caught in the lower Trent for the whole year; these turbines could legally destroy a far greater number. The hydro schemes also sit uneasily with the UK government’s obligations under various EU laws which require the EA to protect and enhance fisheries, including the Water Framework Directive. Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Angling Trust said “We have a situation here where one EA Department has introduced measures to protect the eel, which we support, and another department has given permission for a development which could see eels and other fish slaughtered in massive numbers. Could government be any less joined-up? Hydropower developments should not be licensed to kill; they must be designed so that they don’t damage fish and their habitats.” Alan Butterworth, technical director at the Angling Trust added: “Current research, and a Europe-wide working group on eels, recommends a screen gap of no more than 15mm to safeguard migrating silver eels, and the Agency's own hydropower Good Practice Guide stipulates 12.5mm for the type of turbine to be used at Gunthorpe and Sawley. The screens proposed have a 20mm wide gap, which would allow eels to enter the turbine channel where they are at risk of being mutilated or killed.” Fish Legal – the legal arm of the Angling Trust – is now considering a case against the EA on behalf of a member club whose fishing will be damaged by the scheme. The Angling Trust has recently made a series of detailed proposals to change the EA’s guidelines to developers of hydropower schemes. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ANGLING TRUST Vs EA Angling’s governing body is poised to take legal action against the Environment Agency following growing concerns that the Government body could fail in its statutory duties to protect fisheries across the UK. The Angling Trust has revealed that should the EA’s spending priorities change to affect the Agency’s legally-binding duty to maintain the UK’s fisheries, it would be forced to act on behalf of Britain’s anglers. The move has been prompted by last week’s spending review, in which the Coalition Government handed down swingeing cuts to the EA’s overseeing body, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The effect that these cuts will have on the EA is due to be announced over the next few weeks. So far Defra has stated only that it intends to reform the EA through ‘structural, process and cultural changes’. In the meantime the angling community can only wait to see what the outcome will be. “Defra will tell the EA how much grant in aid it will be getting and the Agency will then hold an internal meeting to carve it up,” said the Angling Trust chief executive Mark Lloyd. “We know that there will be cuts to fisheries jobs, which concerns us,” he continued. “And with more cuts on the horizon, we have huge concerns that the EA will not be able to carry out its legally-binding duty with regards to anglers and fisheries. If that is the case, we will not hesitate to take action.” Brian Powell, of Three Counties Fisheries, Herefordshire that runs a large stretch of the River Wye, backs the Trust’s stance: “I’m with the Angling Trust all the way with this,” said Brian. “The EA is not what it used to be. In fact it’s pretty dire now, and we need someone to stand up for anglers who have been taken advantage of for years now. To be honest, though, I don’t see how cuts could make the Agency any worse – it’s stripped down as it is.” The EA responded to these concerns, stating: “The Treasury has awarded Defra its settlement for the next four years. The EA will discover its share of the allocation in the coming weeks.“We will continue working with communities and businesses to reduce flood risk, prevent pollution and improve land, air and water quality with the funding we receive.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ POSSIBLE
WELSH RECORD CHUB Chris Tarrant TV Angling is celebrating this week after Chris Tarrant announced that he’s currently working on a new fishing series that he hopes will be aired on terrestrial television. The fanatical fisherman – best known for the hit TV phenomenon Who Wants to be A Millionaire – has already struck deals with Discovery and an American TV station, but is now in talks with ITV, Channel 4 and Channel Five regarding his collection of programmes entitled It’s a Kind of Madness. Each show follows Chris catching fish in some of the most stunning angling destinations around the globe – from battling huge sailfish in the Maldives, to braving the extreme, but beautiful setting of the Yukon to catch trout to 44lb. The series is by no means all about the exotic, though. Chris also masters the art of flyfishing for pike on Bristol’s vast Chew Reservoir, as well as targeting predators on tough Irish waters with top fishing guide and friend John Horsey. “I’m extremely proud of the content that we have because the camera work is absolutely stunning and I’m completely in my element,” <>“The fishing in the Maldives was crazy. We were getting double hook-ups and catching up to a dozen sailfish to around 150lb every day. “This really is a labour of love for me, and the main inspiration behind making the series is that I want to show people what a fantastic sport we have and how proud I am to be a part of it. “I know people will love watching this series as much as I enjoyed making it.” Even though there is no shortage of fishing-related programmes shown on both Sky and digital channels, the sport has always found it notoriously difficult to negotiate any prime-time slots with terrestrial channels. But it’s hoped that Chris can use his profile and connections, along with some superb content, to secure the sport some much-deserved mainstream coverage. “I can’t believe how hard it is to try to get the terrestrial channels to take on fishing programmes and for the life of me I don’t understand why because they can be beautiful, inspiring and educational,” Chris continued. “Anglers really get a raw deal when it comes to TV compared to other sports, but I’m going to do my damnedest to push this series as far as I can because we deserve coverage on terrestrial television.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________ <>The FIPSed 12th World Carp Championships will be hosted by Angling Trust for the very first time, and will be held at Linear Fisheries, Witney, Oxford from 7th – 10th October 2010 with 20 nations taking part in this very prestigious event. This year there has been a change to the England team with Ian Russel and Brian Jarrett (Pairs) joining the existing line up of Andrew and Tom Maker (Pairs) and Jamie Londers and Billy Flowers (Pairs). The England Carp team will be working hard to compete for the World Championship title this year with a very strong group of competitive carping pairs on home soil. South Africa took team gold medals in 2008 and 2009, and unfortunately Jamie Londers and Billy Flowers (Pairs), England Carp team just missed out last year and had to settle for silver medals with 73.190kgs (B section winners). The 20 nations taking part this year are; Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, England, France, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and the Ukraine. Linear’s waters have been chosen for this superb event and a lot of work has been incorporated with the fishery to be able to host this World Championship. Angling Trust would like to thank Len Gurd, Roy Parsons and Chris Blunt for all their support and help in the build up to the Championship. The event is open for all spectators to come along, free and watch this prestigious event between Thursday 7th October and Sunday 10th October. It’s a one off chance to see some of the best international pairs carp anglers from around the world in a merit selection event. Mitch Smith, England Carp Manager said “ This is a great opportunity for English Carp fishing to show the rest of the world what we have to offer here in the UK, Linear’s Fishery is an excellent venue and I’m sure it will do us proud with heavy weights and lots of fish captures. The squad is without a doubt the strongest team we could have prepared for this exclusive event, all 6 of the anglers are Linear’s regulars so we expect to be a hard team to beat. This will be the 6th World Carp Champs we have been invited to and I am extremely keen to make this one the year we take the team title to sit alongside our other silvers and bronze’s in team honours and gold and silvers in the individual event”. Dick Clegg, OBE, International Events Manager said “I have complete faith in the ability of the England team and it’s Manager to win major honours in the first ever FIPSed World Carp Championships fished in home waters. Mitch Smith has done an excellent job in selecting the team and organising the event and deserves great credit for all his efforts. I will certainly be in attendance to witness some of the 4 day event and I urge all interested anglers to support the English team by spending some time watching this unique competition”. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ TACKLE THEFT Anglers are being urged to take extra care following a spate of incidents in which individuals were followed home from matches before having their tackle stolen. One fisherman who was been hit particularly hard is Paul Barnes, from Peterborough, after £14,000 of top end tackle was stolen from his garage overnight. Paul, who believes he was followed home three times, was told by police that he was one of several victims in the area, with officers believing that the culprits had eyed up his gear while he fished at a local fishery. “The first time a car seemed to be following me home from the venue but stopped in a layby at the top of my road. Then I clocked the same car following me home from a match on Norfolk’s River Yare. I was then followed a third time by another car from that same commercial,” said Paul. A few days later, Paul awoke to find his garage had been broken into ¬ despite it being made from 9ins thick brick and having three padlocks on the door. Among the list of stolen items was a Maver Elite 77 pole and a Daiwa Tournament Airity pole, several Daiwa Tournament feeder and waggler rods, Normark Microlight and Titan 2000 float rods and specimen carp and pike gear. “I work hard and believe in investing in the best fishing tackle you can afford, but what upset me most was that they took my daughter’s gear, too. She’s only seven years old and this has nearly put her off going fishing for life. “I think those responsible must be anglers or know the industry well,” he added. Two more victims of tackle theft were budding anglers from Maccelsfield. Left devastated after having all their tackle stolen, brother and sister, Leon (14) and Leah Heath (6) had been fishing a local junior match when they were targeted. Their mother, Lisa Heath, told AT that she was sure that they were also followed home from the match at a local fishery. “There’s no other way they would have known about the tackle, which was worth over £2,000. They kicked in the shed door and stole all the fishing kit, but left other stuff so they knew what they were after. The worst thing is that Leah has nothing left to fish the final with now.” _______________________________________________________________________________________________ David Bird, ex-president of the National Federation of Anglers (NFA) and Chairman of the Specialist Anglers' Alliance, sadly passed away on Wednesday 18th August. From Mike Heylin, Chairman of the Angling Trust -It is with the greatest regret that we have to inform you that David Bird a good old friend and a tireless Champion for angling and fisheries died this morning, August 18th 2010. David was a past President of the National Federation of Anglers and until the formation of the Angling Trust in 2009 was Chairman of the Specialist Anglers' Alliance. David started the concept of Information Sheets when he was President of NFA and they were later taken on by NAFAC. Angling Trust now publishes them, so his original idea lives on. David was a very dear friend, mentor and a special inspiration for many of us involved in the administration and development of angling organisations. He had done it all in angling, been a successful match angler, match organiser, club secretary, NFA rep, President of the NFA, Conservation Director of the ATA, chairman of the SAA and finally chairman of the Fish Welfare Group, of which he was immensely proud. He enjoyed nothing more than his trips to Kenya hunting marlin, sailfish and other exotics with Maggie his wife and was looking forward to the next only last week. He became President of the NFA at a time when change was needed and gave his health to that struggle. He was only in the job a short time before it took its toll and he had to resign. But he never gave up the fight for stronger representation of the sport he loved so dearly. He had fought for angling for over thirty years and it was his life. He and I worked closely together for many years, had many and frequent massive rows about policy but never once did those arguments dent our friendship. I last saw David at the Game Fair, an annual pilgrimage for him. He was obviously not well and waiting the results of some medical tests. He and I shared a cup of tea and we spoke at length but he no longer had the energy I knew him for. He had planned today (Wednesday) to have a living wake because he didn't want us to have a funeral for him that he would not remember. He would have enjoyed having his friends around him one more time. He died only three hours before we were due to see him again. He was formative in the development of the Fish Welfare Group which exists today and carries on the work he started. He, along with others, defended angling when it was under attack from the animal rights movement and remained vigilant to the danger of personal attacks on his home. David had an opinion on everything, from Europe and the Common Fisheries Policy to the international needs of fish and angling and anglers. He had a world vision, was well read in his subject and had an incisive and agile mind in developing new ideas and carrying them into fruition. David was not everyone's cup of tea, but he was a dear friend and I was proud and privileged to know him. When we were together we both felt we had known each other for ever and we were brothers. The world is a poorer place for his leaving us but we are all richer for the fact that he was here. It is our responsibility as anglers to continue so much of what David started. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Martin Faulkes Sadly to report this week that the well known Angler Martin Faulkes has suddenly died. Anglers will remember Martin him who was larger than life and a well known personality, who hailed from the west midlands. Some will remember him helping May Vince in the popular Twyford Match series on the Warwickshire Avon during the 90s. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ ANGLING MORE POPULAR
THAN EVER 6.1m people have
been freshwater or sea fishing in the past two years The survey also
revealed angling is being viewed more positively by the public. Apparently, more
feel ‘angling is an acceptable pastime’, fewer people thought that
‘angling is
cruel’, and an increasing numbers of young people think angling is ‘an
okay
thing to do’ The findings reinforce the sport’s growing popularity
¬ rod
licence sales have increased by 35 per cent over the past decade, from
1.09m in
2000/01 to 1.47m in 2009/10, far faster than the UK’s six per cent
growth in
population. “The news is
generally very positive and the figures really encouraging. The survey
clearly
demonstrates the public’s improving attitudes towards our sport, and
that can
only be a good thing,” said Angling Trust boss Mark Lloyd. “Unfortunately,
such views are not always reflected by those in positions of power,
some of
whom seek to restrict access to public waters or fail to recognize the
vital
role angling plays in local communities and in the protection of the
environment.” It seized upon the
figure of 1.9m sea anglers as proof that the Government needs to see
that
recreational anglers are properly represented on the 10 new inshore
fisheries
and conservation authorities that come into effect next year, as
opposed to
pandering to the commercial sector. “Sea angling
continues to increase its contribution to the coastal economies of
England and
Wales at a faster pace than we expected,” said John Amery, chair of the
Trust’s
Marine Committee. “It has become a
vital part of the much larger tourist industry and is of particular
benefit to
those communities outside the peak tourist months, The Trust also
stressed the
apparent increase in popularity of sea fishing, up 23 per cent on the
numbers
published in the Government’s Drew Report in 2003 ENGLAND LOOSE FOOTBALL BUT WIN FISHING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Cat fish and Bleak where the secret to A fantastic team win for England in this years. 57TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FRESHWATER FISHING FOR SENIORS CIUDAD REAL – SPAIN 26-27 JUNE 2010 See Results Pembrokeshire
Fish Week, 26
June - 4 July This
celebration of the county’s abundant
seafood, spectacular coastline and fishing heritage has reeled in a
haul of
awards since its launch in 2000; it currently holds the Food Tourism
Destination Gold Award in the Wales True Taste Awards and Pembrokeshire
Tourism
Awards’ Premier Event. For more
information, visit www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk. Fish
Week
features several fishing competitions and events open to all, as
follows: Family Fishing Experience at Watermeadows Coarse Fishery, Broadmoor, near Kilgetty Try a new
experience together as a family with coaching from PFAC (Pembrokeshire
Federation of Angling Coaches) to give help and advice. All equipment
supplied
and fishing licence provided. £3 adults, £1.50 children.
Places limited, early
booking advised. To book, call 01437 767424. Fishing with professionals; an introduction to fishing at Llys y Fran Reservoir & Country Park Coaching
on hand from PFAC, open to all aged 8+ and suitable for those with
disabilities. The day
will include: setting up tackle, fly and
bait fishing and fly tying demonstrations. All equipment, licence and
permit
provided. Please bring appropriate clothing for changeable weather.
Book early
with Llys y Fran Visitor Centre to avoid disappointment; tel 01437
532694. Fee:
£3 adults, £1.50 children. FBM Holidays Coarse Fishing Championship, Llyn Carfan Coarse Fishery, Tavernspite Entry fee
£10 inc pool money. First 4 anglers each evening progress through
to grand
final on Sat 3 July, with guaranteed 1st prize £400
plus trophy, 2nd
prize £200, 3rd prize £100, 4th prize
£50. To enter
contact Huw on 01994 240819 or email llyncarfan@aol.com.
Booking form downloadable
from www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk. Visit
www.fbmholidays.co.uk for
accommodation offers. Angling for the Disabled at Treffgarne Gorge Explore
your potential with the help of Pembrokeshire Anglers Association and
the
Environment Agency, using our purpose built, wheelchair-friendly
platform. All
tackle, license and permits supplied free. Vehicle access direct to
river. PFAC
coaching available free of charge. Booking essential: contact John
Pilcher on
01437 764917, email rjpilcher@hotmail.co.uk. Website www.pembrokeshire-anglers.co.uk Junior Coarse Fishing Championship at Wolfsdale Pitt Fishery, Camrose For
junior anglers aged 9-16. Great prizes for 1st, 2nd
and 3rd place. Entry fee £2.50. Bring bait
and tackle; keepnets and landing nets supplied. Space limited, booking
essential; contact Brett Kilner on 01437 765612. Moonlight Fly at Puddleduck Trout Fishery, Freystrop Whether a
complete beginner or you would like to improve, PFAC coaches will be on
hand to
assist. All equipment and licence provided. Open to all. Please bring
appropriate clothing; hot and cold drinks available. Fee: £3
adults, £1.50
children. If you wish to take home any fish caught, they will be
charged at
£1.20 per lb. Spaces limited, booking essential; contact Margaret
Mathias on
01437 891845. Pembrokeshire Anglers Association: Open Fishing Day at Treffgarne Angling Centre Open to
all, no license required. A chance to try river fishing, or take a
guided tour
of the fishing available to PAA permit holders. Contact John Pilcher on
01437
764917. Website: www.pembrokeshire-anglers.co.uk Family Sea Angling Coaching Day, Fishguard Harbour Breakwater Free
event open to all over 8 years+. Equipment provided or bring your own.
Experienced coaching from Welsh Ladies Team and Welsh Federation of Sea
Anglers. Bring packed lunch and appropriate clothing. Light refreshment
provided courtesy of Stena Line. Space limited, booking essential;
contact Helen
Pearce 01970 820063 or helenpearce@toucansurf.com,
or phone 01437 764551 & quote ‘family sea angling’. Coarse Fishing at Wolfsdale Pitt, near Camrose, Haverfordwest Free
event, courtesy of Pembrokeshire Piscatorial Association. PFAC coaches
on hand.
Suitable for all ages and those with disabilities. All equipment, bait
and
license supplied. Booking essential, space limited. Contact Peter
Tadman on
01437 741285. Please wear suitable clothing. Free BBQ but donations
accepted. Pembrokeshire Fish Week Open Competition, Fishguard Harbour Organised
by Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers, sponsored by Stena Line. A PENN
Points
catch and release competition, 1st prize £750, 2nd
prize
£250, 3rd prize £100. 70 pegs available (pegs
also available for
those with disabilities), entry fee £15 plus £5 optional
pool. Book in advance
with Martin Thompson of Anglers Corner on 01646 698899; place only
reserved
when payment is received. Learn to Fly Fish at White House Mill Trout Fishery, Lampeter Velfrey, Narberth Open to
all 8 years+, including those with disabilities, with coaches from PFAC
and
WLAD (Welsh Ladies Angling Development). All equipment and licences
provided.
Take home any fish caught! Places limited, booking essential; contact
Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust on 01437 767424. Fee £3 adults,
£1.50 children. ____________________________________________________________________________ World Championship venue change! Extraordinary circumstances have prompted FIPSed to take the unusual step of changing the World Championship venue, 5 weeks before the start of the official practise program. It has NOW BEEN OFFICIALLY confirmed, by the sports governing body, that Lake Vicario has been replaced by the Guadiana River in Merida, just east of the Portuguese border at Badajoz. abnormally high levels of water on Lake Vicario which, not only created insurmountable problems for the logistics of accommodating hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators alike, but also the fact that the fish stocks seem to have completely vanished into the lakes vast depths! These dramatic increases in levels, saw the lakes' specially created platform areas submerged under several metres of water, as well as numerous trees and bushes, which effectively pushed the anglers seating area back, almost to the top of the viewing and access roads. The situation had been known for several months and the hope was, quite reasonably, that the waters would recede back down to their normal level. This has not happened. It has not been caused by any FIPS or Spanish mis-management, but by a global one! The decision to move from one venue to another in such a short space of time could not have been an easy one, for both FIPSed and the Spanish Federation in charge of Ciudad Real. The main considerations must have been the management of the competition and fish stock availability, but others facing FIPSed was the many flights already pre-booked into Spain, by hundreds, if not thousands of people and to some extent, that of accommodation facilities booked in the Ciudad Real area. While cars and hotels may be un-booked with more ease, flights, especially those with budget carriers, have no such facility and would therefore could cause competitors, officials, general public and press, countless thousands of pounds/euros over any switch. Therefore, the view was to keep any venue chosen, as close to the central and existing point of entry...Madrid The new venue chosen is the Guadiana River at Merida, just east of the famous historical area of Badajoz, which is a few kilometres away from the Portuguese border. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ WEBCAM THE FUTURE Wasted journeys to flooded rivers could be a thing of the past, now that a series of webcams has been installed on popular river stretches to help anglers monitor the condition of their favourite swims. Members of the Ribble Fisheries Consultative Association are now able to log on to the website, enter a password and instantly view an updated image of various rivers from the comfort of their own home. The scheme has proved immensely popular, stopping anglers from travelling long distances only to find an unfit venue. Game fishing stretches were the first to benefit from the forward thinking initiative, but a popular coarse angling area is being prepared to house a webcam in the near future.“Anglers thought it was a great idea, and the further they lived from the river the more they liked it! The first camera was installed at Waddow Weir on the Ribble and was massively popular, so we agreed to put in a further two as soon as we could afford it,” explained consultative chairman David Hinks “It has helped increase membership and we now have the second one working at Winkley Weir on the River Hodder and a third awaiting completion at the mixed Jumbles fishery, half a-mile-away from the River Calder confluence,” added Dave. Other organisations, including the Wye and Usk Foundation, have trialled similar schemes and Doncaster AA chairman Ian Hurst believes webcams could soon become commonplace on running waterways across the country. “It’s a great idea, and it’s certainly something we could look at introducing in the future. We control stretches of the River Don and a webcam that could be viewed from home would benefit a lot of our members,” explained Ian. see this website http://www.floodwarn.co.uk/rivercams.htm _____________________________________________________________________________________________ DRENNAN CUP Julian Chidgey has won this year’s Drennan
Cup after being voted the best specimen angler in the country by his
fellow fishermen. FISH KILL An eye witness 2 miles downstream of where the pollution went in described the water level rising by around 18 inches as a result of the spill. With very little rain in the area recently to dilute its potency in the river early indications are of environmental damage on a massive scale. 1.
Fish Legal is the new name for the Anglers’ Conservation Association,
which was founded in 1948 to use the law to fight to protect the
aquatic environment and fisheries. Since then, the organisation has won
in excess of two thousand cases and recovered many millions of pounds
in damages, which has been returned to the members represented to
plough back into angling and the protection of the aquatic environment.
Only four cases have ever been lost in Court. Fish Legal employs its
own in-house legal team covering the whole of the UK. 2.
Fish Legal operates throughout the UK and is backed by thousands of
individual anglers. In England only, Fish Legal is the legal arm of the
Angling Trust. 3.
Angling clubs or fishery owners wishing to join Fish Legal and Angling
Trust and individuals wishing to become supporters of Fish Legal and
Angling Trust should phone 01568 620447 during office hours, write to
the address below, or download a subscription form from the website:
www.fishlegal.net or www.anglingtrust.net 4. The Teifi Trout
Association controls over twenty four miles of prime fishing on the
Teifi from the upper tidal limit near the bridge at Llechryd to
Cenarth. Their waters are described as “probably the best mixed game
fishery in Wales” and are renowned in particular for the three species
of game fish: salmon, sewin and brown trout.
After a
successful practice session on a warm Saturday 10th April where weights
were in 200's and high 100's everyone was really looking forward to
round 3 of the Fish to Win pairs match at Tylers Common in Brentwood
Essex where everyone fancied Willow Lake to pick up the bigger weights,
however with a very cold North Easterly wind blowing made things
difficult and the fish had moved out away from the margins into deeper
water at 14 metres, whereas on Ash Lake the fish were in the mood to
have a good munch. Today was also the Semi Final of the Individual
Knockout element of the comp which saw Alec Roberts (Middy) Pete
Upperton (Middy) and Tony Lock (Garbolino Apollo) progress to the knock
out final. Cardiff
Over the past ten
years the ecology of Research indicates
that there are a large number of people who would like to fish but do
not have access to safe local angling facilities or the necessary
support. The development of Coarse fishing in the Bay can only further
enhance participation will be a real boost to suitable local
facilities. By opening Sea fishing already
takes place from the Barrage, an ideal venue for coaching young or
inexperienced anglers – the Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers have
commenced sea angling coaching sessions, and the area is developing a
strong reputation for shore fishing. Offering ample parking facilities
and easy access for the elderly, disabled and children this is an ideal
fishing location! Today sees the
launch of freshwater fishing enabling anglers to fish regularly in the
Bay. Harbour Authority Fishing Licences are required and these are
available from the There are four
purpose built angling platforms on the River Ely just above As a group, anglers
are keen to maintain and improve the environment in which they fish.
Studies have shown that participation in fishing by the young can
result in reduced truancy rates and anti-social behaviour, and improve
educational achievement. This is
exemplified today as children from Fitzalan, Cantonian and Michelson
Super Ely are all in As part of the Bryn
y Deryn PRU, the Virtual Inclusion Programme working alongside the
Cardiff Council Leisure department is a pilot reintegration scheme set
up to help young people re-focus in school, spending time in new
environments working on behavioural issues. The programme last for one
school term and helps to raise self esteem and boast confidence by
offering several forms of accreditation. Pupils will end the programme
by being reintegrated full time into their mainstreams school after
having developed a new range of coping skills. Councillor Nigel
Howells, Executive Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture said; “We are delighted
to officially launch Fishing for Everyone here today. By opening up the
Bay for fresh water fishing, we are able to give local people the
opportunity to experience this very enjoyable pastime right on their
doorstep. “Linking in with
clubs and retailers across the city, we also think this new activity
will help promote the facilities on offer in “I have been lucky
enough to spend time with the children here today and can see for
myself how much enjoyment and self-worth they are able to derive from
being involved. We look forward to welcoming novice and enthusiastic
anglers to the area from today onwards!” The Environment
Agency estimates that annual economic activity associated with angling
in Sustainable
Fisheries Officer Michael Clyde said: “We are always looking to
increase angling participation and fishing at “By encouraging
more people to take up fishing, we will sell more rod licences and the
money raised will benefit fisheries throughout Parking is
available at the car park at the Penarth end of the Barrage, and at
Channel View Leisure Centre on Jim Driscol Way. For further details visits www.cardiffharbour.com SEVERN PLANS Anglers Pay Tribute to Stan June 28th 2009 will be the date for anglers to attend the popular Cardiff Angler Stan Crowley Memorial Charity Match. Fishing at Newport AA water who kindly offer the free day at Morgan Pond. Draw is 8.30am fishing from 10 to 3pm Booking with Neil Harrington on 07516 455079 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ GLAMORGAN WATER CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Treoes Pond has been closed until further notice from 2nd March 2009. This is due to a fungal infection that is affecting a proportion of the Carp in Treoes Pond, which has already killed 20 + Carp. The Environment Agency have been called in to investigate what the actual infection is and what affect it will have on the Carp stock. A small number of fish have been removed and sent to the Environment Agency Laboratory at Brampton for analysis, _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WORLD RECORD FRESHWATER RAY A recent capture of the Worlds Largest freshwater fish reports CLICK HERE The Welsh Federation of Coarse Anglers A recently held Extraordinary General Meeting of the Welsh Federation of Coarse Anglers looks set to bring about the beginning of a new era for coarse angling in Wales. The WFCA, one of the three constituent National Governing Bodies of the Federation of Welsh Anglers was in dire need of restructuring and redirection, the well-attended AGM looks to have achieved this in one fell swoop with the election of new Principal Officers and much-needed changes to the constitution which will bring to an end the ‘job for life’ ethos of the previous constitution and a return to democratic annual election of leading post-holders. The mood of optimism at the meeting was given a further boost with the goodwill and promise of support throughout Wales from those unable to be present at what was a historic occasion for Welsh coarse angling. The new WFCA Principal Officers will be: Chairman: Berny Farr (Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association) Vice Chair: Jon Taylor (Glamorgan Anglers) Secretary: Nick Massey (Ynys Mon Angling Association) Treasurer: Tony Rees (Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association) To join or re-join the WFCA or for further information please contact Nick Massey : Tel: 07748701326 Email: Zandorion@aol.com Tel: 01685 723520 Email: Tony@mtaa.co.uk _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NFA : New Fish 'O' Mania Venues Announced The National Federation of Anglers and Matchroom Sport are pleased to announce that the 2009 PartyPoker.com Fish 'O' Mania will be introducing three new venues into the list of 16 qualifiers for this year's £25,000 competition. Octoplus Boldings Fishery in Bridgnorth, Stafford Moor Fishery in Devon and last year's NFA Ladies National venue Lakeview, will all provide new tests for competitors. The much anticipated online entry process will be open from 9.00am on Monday 19th January available from the NFA website, NFA National Federation of Anglers - The Governing Body for Freshwater Angling in England. (http://www.nfadirect.com). The closing date for entries will be Monday 9th February at 16.00pm. Once again there are 16 qualifiers with tickets priced at £22.50 per venue and the winner of each going through to the Grand Final where they will have a chance of winning £25,000. The application process will work in the same way as the 2008 competition with entrants being required to visit the NFA website, NFA National Federation of Anglers - The Governing Body for Freshwater Angling in England. (http://www.nfadirect.com) and follow the PartyPoker.com Fish'O'Mania online entry process. Anglers who entered in 2007 and 2008 will be able to use their log in details previously obtained to enter. However, first time entrants will need to fully register on the site following the guidelines. The Veterans' Club will once again be operating this year, with the number of guaranteed starts for members maintained at six. The Veterans' Club was formed to reward who have supported the event over the years. There are 30 members in total - 2008 Champion Mick Bull was automatically added to the list with his victory last July. Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport said, "We're very much looking forward to going back to Cudmore where Mick Bull won so well last year. "We have some big plans for the final weekend and will be working hard to put everything in place. We have some exciting new qualifying venues set for 2009 and once again everyone will have a chance of getting a ticket" 2009 Dates and Venues are listed below DATES Saturday 4th April Viaduct Fishery Saturday 11th April Lakeview Fishery Wednesday 15th April Barford Lakes Saturday 25th April Octoplus Boldings May Saturday 2nd May Stafford Moor Fishery Saturday 9th May Maver Larford Lakes Wednesday 13th May Monk Lakes Saturday 16th May Tunnel Barn Farm Saturday 23rd May Woodlands View Saturday 30th May Heronbrook Fishery June Saturday 6th June The Oaks Wednesday 10th June Willinghurst Fishery Wednesday 17th June Cudmore Fisheries Saturday 20th June Woodlands Lakes, Thirsk Saturday 27th June Moorlands Farm July Wednesday 1st July Lindholme Lakes _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The National Federation of Anglers (NFA) held an Extraordinary General Meeting at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham on Saturday 6 December to approve the dissolution of the NFA and the transfer of its assets and staff to the Angling Trust as of 5th of January 2009. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ NEW RECORD BARBEL a British record barbel has become wonderful reality for a Norfolk angler fishing a prolific stretch of the river not far from his home.The proud captor of the 21lb 2oz beauty is Chris Mack from Church Street, Elsing who baited his hefty tackle consisting of a size eight hook tied to 10lb breaking strain line with a chunk of black pudding rescued from his breakfast left-overs. The superb specimen, locally known as “the beast”, beat the previous record caught from the Great Ouse near Bedford by just one ounce. Commented the 55-year-old Bartles Lodge fishery manager: “I've been fishing for barbel for about three years and although I've managed a lakes complex I'm very fond of my River Wensum. When I decided to fish the river the other afternoon it suddenly occurred to me that the bit of black pudding left on the breakfast plate might be a decent bait so I took it along with me, hooked a sizeable piece to the ledger rig and cast out. “There was no response so I tried again and the bite came after about 45 minutes. I knew this was the big one by the way it tore off line in the main flow but steadily I played it back towards the landing net and it was on the bank after a 20-minute tussle. Obviously this fish made my day and as I was sure that I could not do better I was off home and indoors after just one hour's fishing.” He concluded: “I'm not at all surprised that the Wensum has produced a record barbel for I've believed for a year or two that a fish would make the weight for some lucky angler and I'm glad to say that I was the one.” The fact that River Wensum barbel have now outstripped those famous fish of the Great Ouse is testimony to the combined efforts of the Environment Agency and the Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association who have created the ideal barbel habitat along the Lyng stretch. The barbel there have put on weight rapidly and now that the river has produced its first record it is almost certain more will visit the bank in the near future. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ EUROPEAN FISHING TACKLE TRADE SHOCKED BY CORMORANT IMPACT ON FISH STOCKS Depleting fish stocks by 1,000 tonnes a day! The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association, EFTTA, today backed calls for a Pan-European cormorant management plan - after new research indicated that fish stocks are being depleted by the birds at a rate of 1,000 tonnes a day. The Association held its Annual General Assembly during the three-day EFTTEX exhibition on June 13-15 and saw graphic evidence that an increasing number of colonies of the fish-eating birds were sweeping across Europe at an alarming rate. With more than 1million cormorants established on the continent - each capable of eating half a kilogramme of fish a day - the organisation is concerned that unless effective control measures are put in place, fish stocks could be wiped out in many areas of Europe. Members heard that new figures for the number of breeding birds will be presented to the European Parliament Fisheries Committee later this month by Franz Kohl, of the European Anglers Alliance. It is hoped that the evidence will give additional support to the movement for a Pan-European Cormorant Management Plan - being spearheaded by Fisheries Committee member and German MEP, Dr Heinz Kindermann - which is due to be voted on by the Parliament in November. ________________________________________________________________________ Angling: Your chance to be coach THE next level one coaching course for anyone planning on taking the first step to becoming a qualified angling coach is on Saturday, October 11, at Osprey Fly Fishers Club, Glancynon Terrace, Abercynon, and starts at 9.30am. Application forms are available from the national coaching co-ordinator, Helen Pearce, at 9, Maes Afallen, Bow Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY24 5BL, or telephone 01970 626888 or 01970 820063 and must be completed and returned prior to the course. More information is available from the regional co-ordinator Andy Rawlings on 07969 919362 Blackweir Poachers FinedEnvironment Agency Two men, who were caught
fishing in the weir pool at Blackweir, on the River Taff in Cardiff
last November have been ordered to pay over 1,100 in fines and costs. “These
cases send a clear message that illegal fishing will not be tolerated.
The men were fishing at Blackweir which is a prohibited area because
the fish are more easily Hello Clive Please find attached the O'Callaghans
Inniscarra 2008 festival results to together with the dates for 2009
festivals. Which I
thought might be of use to you for your magazine. As
you
will see from the attached sheet all the welsh entries are printed
in red.Mike Towler won two out of three festivals & in doing so ensured the Vintners Cup can back to Wales for the second year insuccession having won it myself in 2007. This brings Mike Towlers Irish tally to 4 festivals having won the Hackett Cup twice in successive years.. Many Thanks Anthony ![]() Mike Towler ___________________________________________________________________________ ENGLAND DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPIONS ENGLAND
WIN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WILL RAISON WINS
INDIVIDUAL GLORY Italy 2008 Spinadesco Canal 5-7 September 2008 A first day lead of 16 points gave England a comfortable lead going into the second day. 4th on the second day with a credable two 1st and two 2nds in a section plus 19th & 29th with total points of 53. An overall winning points winner of 75 overSan Marino who scored 104 points. Will Raison who won his section on the first day and Second in section on Day 2 saw him take the Individual Gold with a total weight of 23,530 kilo Steve Gardner 3rd overall with a section 3rd on first day and winning his section on the second. An overall weight of 15,530 for his Bronze medal Wales came back strong on the 2nd Day with 46 points for second place on the day and 6th overall with Lee Edwards winning his section. Wales finishing 6th overall. Click for Full Results WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008 ____________________________________________________________________________________ WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS HUNGARY 2007 The World Freshwater Angling Championship held on Hungary's Lake Velence rowing course. After a decade in the World championship wilderness Wales achieved a reputable 4th position just outside the medal positions. Italy 1st, Belgium 2nd Hungary 3rd. with England 5th Alan Scothorne became Five World champion using a waggler slider method. (See Coarse reports) ![]() Alan on the Slider HAND HELD BAROMETERS FOR BIGGER CATHES Pressure changes really do affect our fishing according to fishery scientist. As an angler I knew this for many years that pressurechanges can and do affect our fishing and especially our catch rate. This is very evident in commercial and carp fisheries. As the atmospheric pressure changes and go upwards Carp will tend to feed higher up in the water and in particular on the surface.And after a change in pressure fish tend to need at least tree days to acclimate. Some huge bags of fish can be expected after a high pressure change. It is no surprise that more and more anglers relay on hand held barometers these days to forecast feeding habits in changes air pressure. (See New product ranges) ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association Presentation Evening. Mr Peter Medlicott ( on right
) presenting Mr Mick Simms from Rhayader with the Claerwen Shield.
Awarded for the heaviest
basket caught on Claerwen Reservoir in the 2006 competition. ![]() ____________________________________________________________________________________ HALF PRICE LICENCE The
Environment
Agency has extended the disability concession – which used to cover
only Blue Badge holders with severe A
review by the
Environment Agency, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and the
British Disabled Anglers Association "Angling
is one of
the most popular outdoor activities amongst disabled people," said
Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Terry
Moseley,
president of the British Disabled Anglers Association said: "The
Environment Agency’s inclusive approach to "The
BDAA are in
full support of the new extended coverage offered to disabled anglers.
These changes, along with advances in GO FISHING The UK's premier fishing show, Go Fishing, has joined forces with Sky Sports to bring you the all-new Angling Times Super Theatre at the March 16-18 NEC event. Sky is the home of televised fishing in the UK and Ireland, with programming dedicated to your favourite sport that provide fantastic viewing all year round. Viewers of Sky Sports will be familiar with Tight Lines, Sky’s weekly magazine show dedicated to all things angling. Presented by Keith Arthur, the show features special guests, features, a viewers’ phone-in and tips from the top. It’s a fun-filled hour and must-watch viewing. Sky Sports shows live coverage of Fish 'O' Mania, the UK’s leading coarse fishing match in July with £25,000 up for grabs for the winner, together with shows such as Bass Fishing, Thinking Tackle and Carpfest, Carpshow and Extreme Carp. ___________________________________________________________________________________ FLOOD WARNINGS with over 20 national warnings click here __________________________________________________________________________________ Scottish Television Productions are filming a series about angling and would like to post a message on your site, or could you please circulate this info as we are looking for people who are novice or partly experienced anglers to take part. The programme shall be filmed in the Scottish Highlands late September/Early October, tuition would be provided as would accommodation and meals.8 people of various levels will be chosen to take part, male and female, parent and child (minimum age 15) and from different areas throughout the UK. Many many thanks for your help in this matter, Yvonne G Yvonne Gray Researcher Scottish Media Group 0141 300 3150 Yvonne.Gray@smg.plc.uk __________________________________________________________________________________ AMERICAN PROFESSOR CONFIRMS WHAT ANGLERS HAVE KNOWN ALL ALONG An
American professor, has completed the most comprehensive study ever
carried out on nervous systems and responses of fish,
and has proved that fish do not feel pain. The academic study is the work of Professor James Rose (60), a professor of zoology and physiology at the University of Wyoming. Professor Rose said: “We compared the nervous systems and responses of fish and found that their brain is not sufficiently developed to allow them to sense pain or fear. The awareness of pain depends on functions of regions of the cerebral cortex which fish do not possess.” This is the largest study into
piscine
neurology ever carried out and represents a massive set-back for
anti-angling groups like the
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) who boast they have £2million to spend to see that angling is banned in the UK. Professor Rose has also
attacked
previous studies (like the Medway Report) that indicated fish can feel
pain. “They confused
nociception (responding to a threatening stimulus) with feeling pain” said Professor Rose. NFA President Ken Ball
commented:
“Although the Study has only confirmed what we all know, it is a great
victory for the sport
in the sense that the animal rights activists must now look elsewhere; our victory is a knockout blow for the American branch of PETA who must accept these findings as conclusive proof that fish do not feel pain.” Martin Salter MP, the
Parliamentary
spokesman for angling said: “This Report is terrific. It will help nail
the lie that fish feel pain.”
Bob Clark, NFA, Membership
Services
Manager, agreed: “At last the sport has got the up-to-date scientific
support it needed. All
anglers know that fish don’t feel pain but many people out there need convincing. I can see this Study resulting in thousands of people taking up the sport and many commentators, who have previously had their doubts about angling, changing sides and giving us the publicity the sport deserves.” The academic Study will be
great news
to potential sponsors who have previously had mixed feelings about
putting their brand
name behind the sport. “Some school teachers have had mixed views about angling but the in-depth Report by Professor Rose, has given angling the green light and a clean Bill of health.” commented Bob Clark. Copied from the NFA web site by
kind
permition of Bob Clark.
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