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.

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:

Saturday 26 June
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.

Sunday 27 June
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.

  Monday 28 June – Saturday 3 July
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 1^st prize £400 plus trophy, 2^nd prize £200, 3^rd prize £100, 4^th 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.

<> Wednesday 30 June
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

Wednesday 30 June
Junior Coarse Fishing Championship at Wolfsdale Pitt Fishery, Camrose

For junior anglers aged 9-16. Great prizes for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place.  Entry fee £2.50. Bring bait and tackle; keepnets and landing nets supplied. Space limited, booking essential; contact Brett Kilner on 01437 765612.

Friday 2 July
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.

<> Saturday 3 July
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

Saturday 3 July
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’.

Saturday 3 July
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.

Sunday 4 July
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, 1^st prize £750, 2^nd prize £250, 3^rd 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.

Sunday 4 July
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.Following a sensational season during which he banked impressive tench, pike, eels and roach, the 27-year-old Devon-based specialist held off a late challenge from eel-fishing fanatic Barry McConnell, with the pair polling almost 50 per cent of the votes between them. Outgoing champion Terry Lampard finished in third place, having taken four weekly awards over the year, just ahead of Mark McKenna, who smashed the British bream record last September with a huge 22lb 9oz fish. As well as getting his name inscribed on the sport’s most prestigious big-fish trophy, Julian also picks up a cheque for £2,000. “I’m absolutely over the moon! Since childhood I have been inspired by the catches that have featured in the competition. Although I set out to do as well as I could this season, I never thought for one minute that I would win,” he said. “The truth is that no-one can win a competition that requires such a huge level of commitment and motivation without support from their friends and family, and I would like to thank them all for their help. I can’t wait to pick up the trophy from Peter Drennan and Terry Lampard as they are two of my angling heroes,” added Julian, who works full time as a recruitment manager. The extent of Julian’s season-long efforts were not lost on those responsible for handing out the weekly awards. Stewart Moss, from Drennan, said: “Congratulations to Julian for a richly-deserved win. Not only did his consistency and effort stand out in a really tough season for specimen angling, but to win the award by taking the majority of his fish from the south-west of England is inspirational.” Meanwhile, runner-up Barry McConnell, the captor of a monster 9lb 2oz eel in August who picked up £1,000 for his efforts, insisted his prize money will be put to good use. “What a fantastic surprise! I wasn’t really expecting to win anything, so thanks to all the anglers who voted for me. The cash will certainly help pay for a few more lobworms! “It’s a pity I don’t really fish for other species, because each year I catch plenty of big fish, including carp, perch and bream, on small deadbaits intended for eels, especially early on in the season. Maybe I should have a proper go for them next year,” joked Barry
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________
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 Clubs renewing their FWA insurance or wishing to join the scheme should contact Tony Rees: 
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

ENGLAND DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPIONS