ELVER THIEVES CAUGHT
Two Haverfordwest men were reported last month by Environment Agency Wales Enforcement Officers for illegally fishing for elvers (young eels) close to Bosherston Lakes, Pembrokeshire, on National Trust land. Eel fisheries are the most valuable commercial fisheries in England and Wales, providing significant benefits for the rural economy.
On 24 February 2008 Agency officers intercepted the two who were fishing for elvers with dip nets near the lake outfall on Broadhaven Beach. They had the appropriate commercial elver fishing licences but did not have the necessary permission from the land owner. This is a breach of the Theft Act and a contravention of the conditions of an Environment Agency fishing licence.  The men were also fishing too close to the outlet of the lake, by a weir. Local fishing byelaws state that elver nets must not be used within 10 metres of a river obstruction that hinders the passage of the eels such as a tidal gate. This is to protect the young eels from over-exploitation.  The site lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and forms part of a National Nature Reserve. This is partially due to its diverse biodiversity, including otters, of which eels form a major part of their diet.
The Agency is currently considering the most appropriate form of action to take.  Steve Williams, Senior Environmental Crime Officer, Environment Agency Wales said:
Elver Concerns
“There are many concerns regarding the status of eel stocks, both in the UK and Europe. In Wales the elvering season runs from January to 25 June. There are around 100 fishermen. Prices of elvers can vary dramatically from year to year, but currently can be over £250 per kilogram. In the late 1980’s a licensing system was introduced to help conserve eel stocks and make sure that elvers weren’t over-exploited by what was becoming a multi-million pound global industry. We are striving to ensure that the illegal taking of elvers is not allowed to happen.”
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ANGLING UNITY
Chairmen of the major angling bodies in England have taken a major step towards a single unified body to represent all anglers. In a joint statement they said
‘We have agreed that the following bodies intend to wind up their organisations and form a single new organisation to represent all anglers. This will be subject to each organisation passing the necessary legal and financial checks – known as ‘due diligence’.
Anglers’ Conservation Association  National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives
National Federation of Anglers  National Federation of Sea Anglers  Salmon and Trout Association Specialist Anglers’ Alliance
The transition process is being managed by the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust, the umbrella body for fisheries and angling organisations. FACT has retained legal, financial and marketing professionals to advise on the formation of the new body.
Each of our organisations has contributed £10,000 to FACT to cover the new body’s start-up costs, a clear indication of our commitment. In addition to funding the essential due diligence much work is needed to improve marketing and our services to members.
The target date for incorporation of the new body, ie legal registration as a company, is early July with full operation by January 2009. Before then each organisation will seek approval to proceed at a general meeting - NAFAC has already done so. As Chairmen of long-established organisations with loyal members we have not taken this step lightly. However we all believe that a single new organisation is needed to fight for the interests of all anglers and the fisheries they enjoy. We have already received many messages of support for the move and look forward to a bright future.’ Stephen Marsh-Smith, Chairman ACA Martin Read, Chairman NAFAC Terry Fell, Chairman NFA Richard Ferre, Chairman NFSA James Carr, Chairman STA Chris Evans, Chairman SAA
Historically, angling has become segmented into several different groups, even within the three main disciplines of coarse, game and sea. This fragmentation has meant that for too long the huge influence that should be exercised by the sheer numbers of anglers has not been realised.
In today’s world the current situation is not sustainable. Anglers face many threats, which could significantly affect how we fish, where we can fish, and even if we might fish at all. Over abstraction, pollution from ever-more complex chemicals (such as gender-bending endocrine disruptors), foreign diseases, fish theft, the serious decline in sea fish stocks through persistent commercial over fishing, and competition from other better-organised and resourced sports for new recruits are all issues which need concerted action backed by all anglers. After very careful consideration of all these factors, angling’s leaders realised that the existing uncoordinated and fragmented approach, no matter how well meaning, was not going to provide an answer. Modern problems needed modern solutions.
As a result, discussions began regarding the formation of a single body that could resolve the problems of too much duplication of effort, too much unnecessary cost, and too many organisations still competing for the same membership market. It was a brave step but, possibly for the first time ever, there was a commitment from the leading organisations to success. More importantly, ordinary anglers were also seeking the same goal. In 2007 the five major bodies, the Anglers’ Conservation Association, the National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultative, the National Federation of Anglers, the National Federation of Sea Anglers and the Salmon and Trout Association began discussions to agree a way forward which would see each give up its own identity and establish a single body for the common good. Latterly, the Specialist Anglers’ Alliance has also joined the group. The task now is to design a structure that meets the above requirements whilst retaining all the positive aspects of the existing organisations. A Unity Implementation Group, with a representative from each of the founding organisations, has been established. Researchers and advisors in corporate restructuring have been engaged and are in the process of conducting a series of focus-group interviews. The feedback from these interviews will help the Group to design the structure of the new organisation. It is too early to predict exactly what this structure will look like, although there is general consensus that there should be a strong regional structure that allows individual anglers, clubs and other groups to exert real authority on what happens in their region and also to influence what happens at a national and even international level. A good deal of careful planning will be necessary if the objectives are to be met. However, it is recognised that if the process is turned into a long drawn out affair, the resulting uncertainties will not serve angling well. Therefore, the proposed timescale is for the management and governance structure to be determined by 1 July 2008 (Vesting Day), when all members of the existing organisations would automatically become members of the new organisation. Then as membership renewals fell due, individuals clubs and others would be invited to renew through the new unified organisation.
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Gary’s Barbel Delight
End of the season has produced some fantastic sport on the rivers Nationally.
And the River Taff in Cardiff was no exception. Gary Swain (Cardiff) Former International Angler. Known for his Carp exploits decided to try his luck for Barbel on The River Taff in Cardiff. Gary witnessed the introduction of Barbel to the River back in 1995 whilst working for Gary Evans Tackle centres. Then he said they were only 6 to 8 inches long and introduced by the Environment Agency. In all their were only 500 introduced below Blackweir and 500 below Llandaff weir Cardiff.
Since then not have they only grown to double figures they have also spawned producing great sport all along the river. This phenomena can be seen by the huge shoals of 2lb fish that roam the feeder in Bute Park Cardiff.
Having also caught these specimens
(See picture) of 14lb 8oz and 12lb 6oz he also landed a 2lb 12oz youngster. Fishing his favourite method of Feeder using fish pellet and large boilies on a size 8 hook he used 10lb breaking strain line. With the River up from a spate of rain and colour in the water. Gary used the feeder method casting well out into the fast water. Hooking the fish he said was fantastic as Barbel are one of the strongest pound for pound fish in British rivers and with the fast current they hold bottom extremely well. Taking over half an hour to land each fish was exhausting he commented. And loosing another one much
larger is a good omen for this vastly improved River.
 

                

             Gary's 14lb 8oz Barbel                                               14lb 8oz       12lb.6oz     2lb 12oz                     

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 4^th position just outside the medal positions.
Italy 1^st, Belgium 2^nd Hungary 3^rd. with England 5th  Alan Scothorne became Five World champion using a waggler slider method. (See Coarse reports)

Alan on the Slider

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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 pressure changes 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)  
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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.

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HALF PRICE LICENCE
The almost three million people who receive Disability Living Allowance in England and Wales are eligible for a half price fishing licence from April 1, 2007.

The Environment Agency has extended the disability concession – which used to cover only Blue Badge holders with severe mobility problems – to include all people receiving Disability Living Allowance. New rod licences can be purchased from 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them. For more information telephone 0870 1662662 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

A review by the Environment Agency, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and the British Disabled Anglers Association (BDAA), found further scope for the half price licence beyond the 30,000 that now claim the concession.

"Angling is one of the most popular outdoor activities amongst disabled people," said Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans. "We hope extending this concession will encourage more disabled people to take the sport up, including those with mental disabilities. We anticipate an extra 45,000 people will receive the half price licence."

Terry Moseley, president of the British Disabled Anglers Association said: "The Environment Agency’s inclusive approach to angling and disability issues is always very important, as its decisions have a significant impact for the number of disabled people who participate in fishing.

"The BDAA are in full support of the new extended coverage offered to disabled anglers. These changes, along with advances in developing improved access and disability awareness courses by the Environment Agency, is a positive step forward to the future of angling for disabled people.

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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.
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FLOOD WARNINGS with over 20 national warnings click here
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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

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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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GAME FAIR 2006

From July 28-30 all roads lead to Broadlands, in Hampshire, site of this year's CLA Game Fair, the world's
 biggest countryside event.The fishing area at the Game Fair is in its own right Britiain's biggest angling
exhibition, offering visitors a wealth of diverse features, exhibits and demonstrations.
On the FishingWales stand in Fisherman's Village we greatly look forward to meeting you.
Do come along and have a chat.The Game Fair officially opens at 9.30am-6pm
(open until 7.30pm on Friday) However the gates open for early arrivals:
6.30 am Friday and 7am Saturday and Sunday so you can get in early and enjoy some
breakfast while studying the programme.
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Hello Angling News

It is getting close to the best time of the year to fish for the Mighty Mahseer in India and Indian Beat would like to announce its dates for Mahseer Angling tours. The Mahseer found in the rivers of Southern India grows to size of over 100 lbs, is the largest and hardest fighting game fish in India. Pound for pound it is said to give a better fight than the Salmon. There is also the opportunity to fish for other carp species such as Pink Carp, Carnatic Carp, Rohu, Grass and Common Carp. The fishing camps on the fast flowing Cauvery river, coupled with pristine forest, wildlife, colorful people and cultures make this a once in a lifetime adventure. Come experience it with us. This year we are conducting two guided trips in March 2006
Trip 1: 01st March to 15th March 2006  Trip 2: 16th March to 31st March 2006 <>

You can view the full brochures for the above trips by clicking on the link
http://www.indianbeat.net/index.php?option=content&pcontent=1&task=view&id=18&Itemid=58
The trips are identical in itinerary, however this time we offering anglers the chance to depart after the fishing dates allowing you to either return home or tie it in with a longer holiday in India at locations such as Goa or the Golden Triangle

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Bracknell pond wins two national awards:
The team behind a project to restore a Bracknell pond is celebrating a double success after winning two prestigious national awards. Fish had been dying in the dirty, silted waters of the Mill Pond, off Wildridings Road, but, over the last two years, the pond has been relandscaped in a £175,000 scheme designed to encourage wildlife, improve the angling facilities and make Bracknell Mill Park a better place for the local community.

The 2005 coming to a close and the 2006 fishing season fast approaching we have been frantically preparing our fishing packages for next year.We now have a select range of fishing holidays to some of the best fishing locations in the Czech Republic with more to be added over the next few months. All packages consist of bed and breakfast accommodation, a fishing map, a Czech national fishing licence and water permit for the duration of your fishing holiday. Getting to the location can not be easier. With hire car rental available from around £10 per day through our partner supplier Alimex Czech Republic you get affordable car hire from one of the Czech Republics leading hire car companies. On request we will also supply visitors with a map and route card to help them get to their fishing location. Packages start from £360 per person for a 1 week fishing break with discounts for larger groups. For more details of locations and accommodation types visit the following page:  www.czechflyfishing.cz/holidays.htm

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WHITE SPRINGS XMAS MATCH

18th December, hopefully subject to weather this will be on the match lake, the competition will include the usual meal and drink after and will have a fifty pound top up cash prize money. Entrance is twenty pounds and strictly by bookings only with a fair number already confirmed, if you are interseted phone vince 01792 885699 to book, if you require breakfast prior to the match, you need to book this the same time as entering the match.

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Bad Weather? Bring out the bivvy!

Fishery owners meet over Bird Flu threat

Leading fishery owners from throughout England and Wales are to meet in the Midlands to find out how angling could be affected if the Bird Flu virus arrives in Britain. Concerned that angling could potentially be devastated by the effects of the virus, The Professional Coarse Fisheries Association has organised an Open Meeting for fishery owners at the West Midlands Golf Club on Wednesday, November 16. It was originally planned to restrict attendance to PCFA members.  However, the influential Association  realises that the implications of Bird Flu could be so serious that the meeting should be open to any fishery owner who wishes to attend. In addition to discussing the potential effects a Bird Flu epidemic could have on angling, the meeting will also discuss how recreational fisheries can better be protected if the virus does arrive in the UK. The PCFA, which represents many of the most popular coarse fisheries in England and Wales, is concerned that fisheries could be badly hit if British bird flu is not quickly brought under control and eradicated. PCFA Chairman Ann Freeman said:  “A Bird Flu epidemic in the UK has the potential to cause devastation to fisheries even more damaging than the outbreak of foot and mouth disease a few years ago.” She added: “Fisheries attract large numbers of wild fowl, many of which are migratory and are highly likely to carry the disease.  This means that huge numbers of people could stay away from angling.  The effects would be even more damaging if the virus mutates into the human-to-human H5N1 strain.“As fishery owners, we need to assess the potential effects of a Bird Flu epidemic on fisheries and on the sport of angling as a whole in the UK.  Fishery owners should be considering now what plans they can make to alleviate the potential effects of the disease and protect their livelihoods.” The important meeting will be held at 10.30am on Wednesday, November 16 at the West Midlands Golf Club, Marsh House Farm Lane, Barston, Solihull B92 0LB.  Entry is by ticket only and anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Ann Freeman at Tingrith Fishery, Tingrith, Bedfordshire on 01525 714012 or by e-mailing her at: info@tingrithfishery.co.uk.  Admission to the meeting is £30 for non-PCFA members.  The entry fee includes a sit-down lunch.
For further information please contact:
Ann Freeman Office: 01525 714012 
Sarah Thomson Office: 01603 759624
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FANCY FRANCE HOLIDAY

1. Fishing Australia is dedicated to promoting recreational fishing and fishing clubs across Australia. View the latest fishing reports participate in interactive forums. Welcome to Fishing Australia.
2. View the latest fishing reports participate in interactive forums. Welcome to Fishing Australia.
3. Welcome to Fishing Australia

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The UK's biggest discount fishing tackle road show is coming soon to a venuenear you ... bringing the world's leading brands in fishing rods, reels, line, bait, hooks, tackle boxes, nets, clothing, all under one roof ... all at discounted prices. Don't just take our word for it ... see what Anglers Mail had to say about our fishing shows! Visit our website for this and much more about your local Tacklemania Tour. When you come to a Tacklemania show you will find that all our exhibitors sell high quality fishing tackle, angling clothing and accessories at rock bottom prices. Exhibitors carry a huge range of top branded fishing tackle. In fact everything that the angler could ever need for coarse fishing, game fishing, sea angling, specimen fishing, match fishing etc. Whatever your experience, from novice to expert,
the Tacklemania Tour has it all ... and remember ... all at discounted prices! www.tacklemania.co.uk or tel: 0800 107 7847 for further information.
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Newest World Record Game Fishes annual expected January 1st

It has been called “the most comprehensive piece of fishing information available anywhere,” and members of the IGFA will be receiving their copy of the latest edition of the World Record Game Fishes annual beginning the week
of January 1.  The popular book is the official guide to freshwater, saltwater and fly fishing records for nearly 400 species across the globe. The 2006 edition will feature over 400 pages of records, illustrated articles, angling rules and regulations, species identification, tag and release information and more.

One outdoor editor wrote: “The IGFA's book is an encyclopedia on fishing and fishes of the world second to none. If ever there were a textbook on the up-to-date status of fishes and fishing, IGFA's annual publication would be it.
” Plus it’s another great benefit to being a member of the IGFA.  To join or to renew your IGFA membership, go on-line to www.igfa.org or call the IGFA headquarters at 954-927-2628