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
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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,
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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 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)
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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.

Rhayader Elan Valley AA Presentation Evening

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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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clive@angling-news.co.uk