~
Home
~

Your Views!
~
News Features
~
Coarse Reports
~
Results
~
Juniors

Carp

Whats On
~
Game
News & Reports

~
Sea
News & Reports

~
Record Fish Weights
~
World Championship
Tables
~
Welsh Clubs and
Associations
~
My Story
~
Product Revue
~
My Angling Tips

Weekly Tips
~
My Match News
~
My Tuition
~
Clive Branson
Products


Angling Associations

Fishing Glossary
~
Fishing Venue Guide
Wales

~
Classified
~
Links
~
Fishing with
Jurgen Opladen

Utube Video Page

Angling News Gift Shop
Gift Shop

Now on DVD

Clive Branson's
Video Collection




Clive Branson's
Float Encyclopedia



Clive Branson's
Fishing Guide
to Wales and the Borders


Clive Branson Coarse Fishing secrets
Clive Branson's
Coarse fishing
Ebook




Your Own
Fishing
Web Site
From only 49.99


Are you angling for some more
 online casino news?
Find out about casino games
like blackjack and play
blackjack games
at GamblingCity.net!

Discount Fishing Tackle




Ads by <Tacklebargains









News Features

Please email any relevant information

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 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.

<> 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 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.

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, 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.

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
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

FISH KILL
Fish Legal has been alerted to a serious agricultural pollution that took place on 28th April on a tributary of the River Teifi. Slurry escaping from a farm on Wednesday evening poured into the Afon Cych, which feeds into the Teifi - known by anglers as the “Queen of Rivers” - at Abercych. Environment Agency officers and Fish Legal members - the Teifi Trout Association - were at the river bank yesterday assessing the extent of the fish kill.

It is understood that the farmer responsible for the pollution has been cautioned.
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.
John Holt, local resident and member of the Teifi Trout Association, said:
“We were working upstream from Environment Agency officers and over a 400yard stretch we pulled out hundreds of dead fish. We had buckets full of a mix of large sea trout and brown trout up to 10 inches long. That’s broodstock. We didn’t even begin to collect up all the tiny fry and fingerlings that littered the river bed. Many of them would have hatched out this year”.
He added: “I would say at least 25,000 fish must have been killed overall.”
Following the outcome of the Environment Agency’s investigation, Fish Legal will look to take legal action against the farmer on behalf of the Association to fully compensate the club for the impact to its fishing.
NOTES TO EDITORS

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________


Subject: Fish to Win Pairs - Round Three - Tylers Common Ash & Willow Lakes - Wednesday 14th April 2010 - Mat

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.
Ash Lake Section A
Geoff Vallance (Preston Innovations Delcac) on his first visit to the Essex venue took the honours with 198lb 14ozs on peg 9, second place in peg 3 was Robbie Taylor (Preston Innovations Delcac) with 146lb 2ozs fishing in close and down the edge, in 3rd place was Mark Parrett again on his first visit to the venue weighed in with 141lb from peg 10 and these were the top three weights overall over the 2 lakes.
Willow Lake Section B
Pete Upperton (Middy) scooped maximum points from peg 24 on Willow with 141lb 8oz and began the match fishing close or up in the water at 14 metres and only have 7 fish in the first couple of hours, so a change of tactics and fishing on the deck at 14 metres found the fish and caught on pretty much every put in for the remainder of the match.
In second place local knowledge came into play as Graham Dack (Middy) from unfavoured peg 17 weighed in with 135lb 4oz who jokingly mentioned that he fished pretty much every line possible from waggler to pole at long and short and even down the edge to find the carp and to avoid the Rudd.
In close 3rd place was Zac Brown (Preston Innovations - Delcac) weighed in with 135lb from peg 4.
Round 4 of the pairs moves to Fairlight Fisheries near East Grinstead on Saturday 24th April 2010 with promises to be interesting as a majority of the field have never seen or been to the venue before.
Fish to Win South East starts on Wednesday 7th July 2010 at Marsh Farm in Surrey
Fish to Win National starts on Wednesday 14th July 2010 at Partridge Lakes in Cheshire
Full details and ticket availability can be found on the website http://www.facebook.com/l/74e88;www.fish-to-win.co.uk
Warmest Regards John Bell Tel : 020 8599 2285 Mob : 07724 841722
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cardiff Bay is open for angling as Cardiff Harbour Authority launches   ‘FISHING FOR EVERYONE’! From today anglers from Wales and across the UK are being welcomed to Cardiff Bay to get hooked on the UK’s biggest participation sport.

Over the past ten years the ecology of Cardiff Bay has developed into a good diversity of habitats and fish species and a healthy coarse fishery with which should maintain the interest of both novice and expert anglers. Species present include roach, chub, dace, perch, bream, carp, rudd and pike.

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 Cardiff Bay up for angling, the Harbour Authority is hoping that fishing activities will increase the number and diversity of people visiting and using the Bay, and provide an opportunity to attract more people into the sport.

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 Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, Channel View Leisure Centre and a range of fishing shops across the capital. Fishing is permitted in several locations from Hamadryad Park on the River Taff, between Grangemoor Park and Sanatorium Park on the River Ely, and the Barrage Embankment.

There are four purpose built angling platforms on the River Ely just above Penarth Road suitable for disabled anglers, which will improve access and encourage participation.

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 Cardiff Bay, fishing as part of the Council’s Virtual Inclusion Programme. This is a 9 week programme providing youths access to activities such as life saving, motor biking and fishing.

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 Cardiff Bay to a wider audience.

“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 England and Wales amounts to £3.5 billion Environment Agency Wales

Sustainable Fisheries Officer Michael Clyde said: “We are always looking to increase angling participation and fishing at Cardiff Bay is a great way to help do that.   With the large number of local anglers in South Wales, and the visitors that Cardiff Bay attracts, I am sure this site will be very popular with anglers for years to come.

“By encouraging more people to take up fishing, we will sell more rod licences and the money raised will benefit fisheries throughout Wales.”

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
A move that will ensure the future of a historic, traditional fishery in the Severn Estuary, while protecting local salmon stocks, has been agreed between the fishermen and Environment Agency Wales, who own the fishery.
The new lease will protect the rights of the Black Rock Lave Net fishermen to continue fishing the Severn, and protect the local fish population This formal agreement was signed last week following detailed discussions. The lave net fishermen of Black Rock, near Portskewett in Monmouthshire, have fished a particular stretch of the Severn for hundreds of years. They have succeeded in creating a unique tourist attraction to maintain their tradition. With a set timetable for demonstrations and a new net house opened in 2006, the fishermen are attracting the public to see their highly skilled fishing method first hand.
Prior to the agreement, the fishermen were permitted to fish at Black Rock by the Agency for many years. Both the Agency and the association representing the fishermen were keen to formalise this agreement in the form of a lease of the fishing rights. Now the agreement has been reached, the fishermen can continue with this historic fishing method, providing a boost for the local economy as a fishery and tourist attraction. Environment Agency Wales has concerns over the current stock levels of salmon in the nearby River Wye, and this agreement will see both stocks and tradition protected.
The new lease will mean that:
• Seven fishermen can fish the area covered by the lease, with one trainee, to ensure the tradition continues
• There is a maximum catch of 15 salmon per season (7 fish were caught last season)
• A tagging system is used identifying the salmon as being caught from a sustainable source

____________________________________________________________________________________________
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

Blackweir Poachers Fined

Environment 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.
The prosecutions were brought by Environment Agency Wales.
On 10 June this year Steven Lovering of Prendergast Place, Ely pleaded guilty to fishing for salmon out of season in a prohibited area. He was fined £300, with
 £200 costs and a £15 victim’s surcharge.

Last week (15.09.08) at Cardiff Magistrate’s Court, Stephen Phillips of Illtyd Road, Ely was found guilty of fishing for salmon out of season, failing to state his
details to a water bailiff, fishing in a prohibited area, failing to hand over equipment to be seized, and obstruction. He was fined £400, with £200 costs and a £15
victim’s surcharge.
On Monday 12 November 2007 three Environmental Crime Officers from Environment Agency Wales responded to a report from a member of the public of persons
 fishing illegally at Blackweir on the River Taff. At Blackweir, all angling is prohibited 27.4 metres upstream and 75 metres downstream of the weir.
On arrival the officers found two men standing on the sill of the weir, fishing for salmon. When the men were asked for their rod licences they became abusive and
aggressive towards the officers. Phillips was arrested at the scene and both men had their fishing tackle seized. The men were reported for fishing out of season in a
prohibited area.Andy Schofield, Fisheries Strategy and Policy Manager, Environment Agency Wales said:

“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
caught at this location as they pass through the weir.  In November the weir pool was full of salmon and although no fish were caught the possibility was high.
“We really appreciate the help of members of the public, in letting us know about illegal activity such as this, on our emergency hotline number               0800 80 70 60      
The River Taff is in the process of recovery from the effects of around 200 years of industrial pollution. Salmon were eradicated from the system and remained locally
extinct until the late 1970s.  Since then the Environment Agency has been working in partnership with other organisations to successfully bring about the recovery
of the river. 


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.
Rhayader Elan Valley AA Presentation Evening

____________________________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________
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 Car
p.
___________________________________________________________________________________

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.
___________________________________________________________________________________