Broads sport is set to soar

The rising popularity of UK river angling shows no sign of slowing down this week as a venue regarded as many as ‘the best natural fishery in the UK’ announces an ambitious project that will see hundreds of new pegs created and the opening of free previously un-fished stretches.

Anglers that have been fishing the famous Norfolk Broads for over 50 years have regarded the fishing so far in 2013 to be the best that it’s interconnecting river systems have ever produced with 170 anglers recently weighing in well over a tonne of roach and skimmers from the Rivers Bure and Thurne.

But the future looks even brighter for visiting anglers thanks to a collaboration between Norwich & District Angling Association, the Broads Angling Strategy Group and the Environment Agency.

They are working to open up 150 pegs on a previously inaccessible stretch of the River Bure upstream of Upton, 40 new pegs downstream of Upton Dyke over 40 new pegs on the Thurne system.

News that will not only come as music to the ears of the thousands of coarse anglers that visit the venues every year to plunder the vast shoals of roach and bream, but also predator fishermen that will go in search of the huge pike that lurk within these plentiful waterways.

“The broads are in the best form ever and it’s a massive step forward to be able to work on these plans that could see so much new water opened up to visiting anglers because who knows what sort of catches are possible from these areas,” said Tony Gibbons Chairman of N&DAA.

“Our partnership has already seen over 100 new pegs created in 2013, which have produced some really huge catches and there’s no doubt that the new areas will do the same and the other great aspect of this is that the fishing is free.”

This news comes in the same year that has seen a revival in the popularity in river fishing with the birth of Dave Harrell’s Riverfest, which is being staged on some of the best running water venues in the UK.

Top match angler and Broads fishing fanatic Mark Pollard is of the opinion that the expansion and development of the system is just what the sport needs.

“The Broads encompass the best natural venues in the UK and the fact that you’ll be able to fish new areas that would probably only be accessible by a boat is fantastic and will open up a world of possibilities for anglers of all disciplines,” said Mark.
To find out more about the BASG visit: www.basgonline.org