10-step plan to save our canal fishing

A fanatical angler who heads up one of the most important organisations in fishing has revealed a revolutionary plan to improve canal fishing across the nation.
The Canal & River Trust is responsible for maintaining over 2,000 miles of water and the head of the organisation has shown his commitment to boosting angling participation by creating a number of forward-thinking initiatives in the form of a 10-point action plan.
Getting more juniors on to canals, stocking fish and launching new high-profile competitions, are all part of the strategy, with work set to get under way immediately.
A surge in the number of people visiting natural waters has been recorded recently and chief executive Richard Parry is determined that the trend continues.
“Our canals offer fantastic fishing for coarse anglers of all disciplines and, although we have noticed an increase in the number of anglers using these waters, we are determined to do even more to keep that momentum going,” he said.
“By working with clubs, the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency, we are confident that we can generate more opportunities for anglers.
“The 10-point plan is just the start of our future commitment to angling on canals – we are always open to suggestions as to how we can make even bigger improvements.”
Richard’s passion for angling has been on show for all to see – he attended the Division One National on the Gloucester Canal last month to watch the event and conduct the presentation.
C&RT national fisheries and angling manager John Ellis believes that this kind of dedication will help create a bright future for canal fishing.
He told Angling Times: “It is fantastic that the head of the organisation is so passionate about the sport we all love and that can only be good news for canal angling.
“I’m looking forward to working with Richard to apply this very exciting plan of action.”
The news has been widely welcomed by clubs throughout the UK, with many of them expressing a desire to help the C&RT execute the plan.
Birmingham AA controls stretches on five different canals.
Its secretary, John Williams, hopes the new pledge will lead to positive action.
“Our canal stretches are full of fish, but there are a number of issues that stop people visiting them, with access one of the major sticking points,” he said.
“The C&RT now needs to put this plan into action and prove it is fully dedicated to providing a better service for angling.”

THE CANAL & RIVER TRUST 10-POINT PLAN

1 Introduce more juniors
A series of instructional videos are set to be filmed to promote canal fishing to youngsters. The footage will be made available to watch for free online. The Junior Canal Championships will also be staged in the coming months.

2 More competitions
The Canal Pairs Championships was launched in 2014 and this year’s effort has once again been well received. Talks will get under way to see whether other high-profile canal competitions can be fitted into the calendar.

3 More freedom for clubs
The Canal & River Trust was formerly British Waterways and under the old establishment clubs found it difficult to upgrade their stretch. The red tape has now been removed to make it much easier for clubs to make improvements such as adding new pegs.

4 Increased patrols
Staff from the C&RT are to team up with the Environment Agency and Angling Trust to conduct more patrols on canals to prevent poaching and illegal angling, with venues in London set to take advantage of the scheme first.

5 Improved access
Long walks and a lack of parking are often cited by anglers as major reasons for avoiding canals, but better access is set to be installed close to popular stretches to solve the issue.

6 Leasing more stretches
The C&RT has revealed it is keen to lease more stretches of canal to clubs at affordable prices.

7 Fish stockings
Fundraising efforts have started to collect £5,000 to help rejuvenate roach stocks in the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes. Similar fundraising projects could be launched to benefit other canal stocking campaigns.

8 Improved online presence
The C&RT website is set for a major overhaul, with officials promising more information on top canal stretches to fish, on ticket prices and news updates for anglers.

9 Fish surveys
A lot of mystery surrounds what is present in our canal systems, but staff are set to conduct fish surveys on numerous stretches to give anglers a better picture of fish stock levels.

10 Create community waters
Stretches of canal that are currently being underused could see coaching and community events that would help draw new people into angling and reduce issues such as anti-social behaviour in the process.

For more details visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/

Two 20s and a 40lb carp – all on floaters

Floaterfishing sessions don’t get much better than the one Rich Seeds experienced at Farriers in Gloucestershire.
The 31-year-old banked two twenties to 27lb and this 41lb 6oz common carp.
The Hampshire fishery manager said: “It was a great day’s floater fishing, with this new surface personal best. This was the first bite of the session, which was unbelievable!”
Rich spodded floaters and presented a 12mm Sticky Krill pop-up on a size 10 Korda Mixa hook tied to a 4ft length of Korda Kruiser control.

Angling Trust to challenge Government over pollution

See you in court! That’s the message from the Angling Trust this week as it prepares a legal challenge to the Government over its failure to protect some of the nation’s most cherished waters.
The sport’s governing body, with its legal arm Fish Legal and wildlife conservationist the World Wildlife Fund – UK (WWF-UK), has been granted permission from the High Court to challenge the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency over a failure to safeguard rivers, lakes and coastal areas from agricultural pollution.
The Government is required by law to take every necessary step to ensure the protection of habitats known as ‘Natura 2000’ sites, where pollution is harming fish and other species that should otherwise thrive.
The Hampshire Avon, River Wye and Poole Harbour are all included.
The Government is required to ensure these aquatic ecosystems are in good health in compliance with the EU’s Water Framework Directive before the December 2015 deadline.
The case is expected to go to court later this year.
Mark Lloyd, chief executive for the Angling Trust and Fish Legal, says poor agricultural land management is to blame for creating a problem that affects almost every UK angler. “Soils carrying nutrients and pesticides are being washed into our rivers, seriously harming important fish species,” he said.
“This is not only bad for fish and wildlife, but also anglers, who contribute billions to the economy every year.
“We must ensure the necessary measures are in place to stop this pollution, and give our rivers and lakes a chance to recover and thrive.”
Now that permission for a judicial review has been granted, and if the Government’s actions are found to be unlawful, it will have to identify the regulatory steps necessary to tackle pollution affecting these areas.
“We are calling on the Government to use the tools at its disposal to tackle the issue,” said David Nussbaum, chief executive, WWF-UK.
“It’s hoped this legal action will lead to a rethink of the approach of the Government and Environment Agency, so that we can see real improvements in these places.”
In response to the decision by the High Court, an EA spokesman added: “After considerable investment, rivers in England are at their healthiest for 20 years. This is down to more than a decade of hard work to improve the health of England’s rivers.
“The Environment Agency will continue to work closely with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality wherever, and however, possible.”

Trent prebait pays off with fantastic barbel haul

A two-day prebaiting campaign paid dividends for big-fish angler Mitchell Godfrey, who landed eight big barbel topped by this 14lb 4oz specimen.
The Nottingham-based angling guide fed around four kilos of hemp, a kilo of boilies and a kilo of big pellets into a spot on the River Trent before casting a Bait-Tech Poloni boilie tipped with a PVA bag of half boilies into his swim. Using 10lb mainline and a 12lb Gardner Trickster hooklink tied to a size 6 Kamasan B175 hook, Mitch was into fish from the first cast, landing two other doubles during his overnight session.

300,000 crucian carp in stocking boost

The largest-ever stocking of crucian carp is set to help secure the future of one of the nation’s favourite species.
Around 300,000 thoroughbred crucians will soon be introduced to two popular venues as part of the already hugely successful National Crucian Conservation Project (NCCP).
Norfolk’s Rocklands Mere Fishery has already received 150,000 of these fish and Downham Market & District AA’s Lake One Fishery at Wallington Hall is the latest venue to be hand-picked by the Environment Agency to receive 150,000 fish donated by its Calverton Fish Farm in Nottingham.
The latest introductions are just two of many ongoing projects that have been launched as part of a joint venture between the EA and the Angling Trust in a bid to re-establish the species, which has been in sharp decline in recent years.
“This is truly fantastic news that will see the project not only help re-establish true crucians in the Norfolk area, but throughout the country as more waters are stocked,” said DMDAA secretary, Ian Harding.
“These crucians are from a pure stock taken originally from a lake near Holt and bred at Calverton – so you know true Norfolk strains can be caught here.
“In years to come we look forward to having prime crucian fishing, as well as providing a source of mature fish for other waters.”
The NCCP is the brainchild of well-known specialist and angling artist Chris Turnbull.
 “It’s been great to see so much interest from fishery owners in the project over the last year,” he said.
“Both Wallington Hall and Rocklands Mere have now taken on 150,000 crucian fry, which is the highest number of stocked crucians to go into any water since the project began.
“These are really encouraging signs, but there is still so much more to be done.”

‘Priceless’ hand-made Dick Walker reel found

An antique tackle collector has accidentally bought one of the rarest items of fishing equipment in existence via an internet auction site – a reel hand-made by the legendary Richard Walker.

Original split cane rods built by the man known as the ‘godfather of modern angling’ are some of the most valuable items of vintage tackle, changing hands for up to £4,000 apiece.

A celebrated author, Angling Times contributor and innovater of fishing techniques and tackle, Richard not only used his incredible engineering skills to craft the infamous Dick Walker MK IV rods. He also made a pair of one-off centrepin reels that were believed to date from the late 1940s and early 1950s.

So when John Nightingale paid just £130 for a reel on the popular internet auction site eBay, he thought it was a replica of one of the pair – now known as the ‘BB’ reel – that ‘Dick’ made  for fanatical angler and celebrated author Denys Watkins-Pitchford, otherwise known as ‘BB’.

What he actually bought was the other original centrepin that Dick made for himself and later presented to former Angling Times editor Jack Thorndike.

And its whereabouts has been unknown for decades... until now.

“I still can’t believe that I’ve just bought Dick Walker’s very own reel for £130. It doesn’t get any better than this – what a find,” said John, who comes from Essex.

“A man called Barry Grantham made 70 copies of the legendary Richard Walker ‘BB reel’ and this is what I thought I’d bought, but after contacting Barry I discovered this wasn’t the case.

“I then emailed another legendary angler, Len Arbery, who owns the original centrepin Richard made for ‘BB’ and he told me about the second reel that Dick made for his own use.

“You can clearly see the reel in the black and white picture of the man himself sat in his workshop and this is the reel I’ve just bought.

“I’ve been collecting antique tackle for more than 15 years, with upwards of 200 centrepin reels to my name, but nothing could have prepared me for this.”

The discovery of the lost reel has understandably caused huge interest within antique tackle circles, as well as among the thousands of anglers who have been inspired by Richard Walker and his contribution to fishing.

Chris Sandford is one of the sport’s best known antique tackle enthusiasts who has been collecting for over 30 years and owns the Dick Walker MKIV rod that the man himself used to land the British record carp named Clarissa, weighing 44lb and caught from Redmire Pool in 1952.

“This is a remarkable find and I’m very pleased for John because this is a one-off item and extremely valuable,” said Chris.

“It’s so hard to hazard a guess at the value of something like this because it’s worth as much as two people are willing to bid for it – but put it this way, nothing would surprise me.

“I have the famous ‘Clarissa’ MkIV and also the rod that Dick presented to ‘BB’, and both these are right up there with the very best of what I have in my extensive collection.

“If John ever decided to sell I would be bidding like mad, but I know I wouldn’t be alone,” he added.

The finding is as amazing as it is timely, since the Walker family are currently working through Dick’s old archives to preserve and digitalise them. They are also researching hundreds of articles, letters and numerous other items of interest in order help to build up a clearer picture of the past.

“I heard the exciting news last week, and while I knew about this and the reel given to ‘BB’, I had assumed it was somewhere in safe keeping with the Thorndike family,” said Richard’s son Rob.

“However, I heard from Len Arbery that he had tried to track down this second reel and he told me that he’d spoken to Jack in the late 1980s, adding that Jack had no recollection of it. So it seems there’s a mystery here – where has it been all these years?

“Having seen numerous photographs and compared them to the few we have of the original, it certainly looks the part. I guess it’s over to the experts.”

River experts to grow a British record

Plans to create a breeding pool to produce the record-breaking fish of the future have been revealed.
Thousands of juvenile fish are released into our rivers each year but it is uncertain how many of them actually make it to adulthood, with predation and flooding hitting these stocks hard.
To combat this, officials on the River Lea in Hertfordshire have stepped in with a forward-thinking idea to help boost the future angling potential of the waterway, and have announced their intention to build a specialised breeding pond that will replicate river conditions and grow on big chub and barbel.
Man behind the scheme, Kings Weir Fishery owner Andrew Tredgett, told Angling Times: “Our stretch of river is renowned for chub to over 9lb and barbel to 16lb, but unless action is taken now the river could become devoid of big fish in the future.
“The Environment Agency stocks fish every winter but a good proportion of them are unlikely to survive through to adulthood. I believe urgent action is needed to boost the numbers of mature fish in the river.”
“The pool we are creating will have pumps to move water and a waterfall to replicate a weir, so when the fish are finally released into the river they will be used to the conditions. I plan to rear chub and barbel to around 2lb. We want fish of all sizes in the river but this scheme could grow the record fish of the future,” he added.
The idea was sparked by the Avon Roach Project, a group that has helped silverfish shoals in the Hampshire Avon flourish. Eggs are taken from the river, and the fish are grown on to a suitable size before release – and the Avon is now home to thousands of quality roach. Scheme co-ordinator Trevor Harrop sees no reason why the concept cannot be rolled out to other species, saying: “The Avon Roach Project has been a big success and I believe a similar scheme can help rejuvenate stocks of other species.
“Hats off to anyone who starts a project like this to ensure the future is bright for anglers.”

UK clubs urged to claim a share of cash grants

Angling clubs are being urged to take advantage of millions of pounds in grants which are being made available to secure the future of fishing.
The call is being made by members of Northants-based Desborough & Rothwell AC, who recently secured £50,000 to spend on their fishery after applying for a grant via a local scheme.
Millions of pounds of government cash is made available to clubs and fisheries every year through both the Environment Agency and Sport England, but many could be missing out on cash from other doners which is simple to claim.
Desborough & Rothwell got their money by applying for a local grant through the charity Grantscape – a leading UK community fund administrator that has distributed more than £70 million to nearly 1,300 national projects.
 The charity referred the club to Mick George – a construction and waste industry firm which gives away £200,000 every year for community and conservation projects local to its operating sites.
With the money, the 300-strong club was able to secure the lease on its lake in Rushton for a further 10 years and transform it from a run-down venue to an angling haven.
Club secretary Chris Orgill was surprised how easy it was to get much-needed help: “I applied for the grant on the Grantscape website and just a few months later got a letter saying we were successful.
“Our club would have folded if it wasn’t for this scheme,” Chis said. “You wouldn’t recognise the fishery now.
“We are so grateful to the charity and Mick George. The club might have gone under without the cash boost – it also allowed us to build new paths and platforms and carry out fish stockings. Other clubs should know how to get funding.”
Nottingham Anglers Association is another club that has successfully applied for cash in recent years.
It received £50,000 in 2014 after applying for Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund, a scheme which offers millions of pounds towards the modernisation of local sports facilities.
It also secured £10,000 from Nottingham County Council as part of an Olympic Legacy Fund. Secretary Dave Turner said: “Both grants have helped us to improve access and parking at our Bestwood Duck Ponds complex, which we use to introduce kids into the sport. “We are now building a classroom on site to help train youngsters. It just goes to show the money is out there if you make the effort.”
It is not just clubs that have benefited from grants. Midlands match complex Makins Fishery has also been given a cash boost from the Angling Trust’s Fisheries Improvement Fund.
The scheme, funded by the EA, sees £65,000 a year given to projects that encourage more people into the sport.
Makins was given a small amount of cash to be spent on providing access for disabled anglers on one of its lakes via concrete pegs.
Makins Fishery owner Alan McDiarmid added: “I am so glad I applied for the money – it was so easy to do and it has allowed us to provide something which otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to.”
This fund, which is subsidised by rod licence money, has so far awarded 13 clubs, three fisheries and one angling project free cash and is set to continue into the future.

Anglers raise £5,000 for tackle shop after burglars clear out stock

Anglers have raised thousands of pounds to keep a tackle shop open, weeks after it was ransacked by thieves in early July.

“I’d like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” said Alan Stephens, owner of Alcester Sports and Tackle, who – with the help of anglers across the UK – is beginning to restock and make money from the business.

The 72-year-old has been at the helm of the Warwickshire shop for 36 years, but was on the verge of closing it permanently after over £40,000 worth of gear was stolen.

It was a story that touched the hearts of anglers nationwide. Now, thanks to an online fundraising campaign coupled with cash donations, Alan is using the almost £5,000 raised to get back on his feet, and has just celebrated his best sales figures since the burglary.

“I’ve been given more than £1,000 by anglers who have come into the shop.

Cheques and letters sent in the post from fishermen from Nottingham to Bristol, and the JustGiving page set up by a family friend, raised almost £3,000.

“The support has been truly incredible and brought a tear to my eye,” Alan told Angling Times.

“I was advised to declare myself bankrupt, but the support I’ve had gave me the drive to say no.

“I’ve used savings and donations to pay for stock and ensure I can get by and make enough money to keep going.”

It’s not just anglers who have shown their support – some of the sport’s biggest tackle companies have also come to the aid of Alan as he continues to increase his profits and build up his stock.

“I got lots of new stock for the summer which was all stolen, but it obviously still needs paying for,” Alan continued.

“But companies including Maver, Preston and Seymo have been fantastic. They have extended my credit, and some have even offered me big discounts on stock.

“The whole sport has pulled together to help me out, which just goes to show what great people we have in fishing and why I’m so proud to work in this industry.”

Graduation day at Korda Carp Academy

Thirty young carp fanatics graduated from this year’s Korda Carp Academy at Manor Farm in Bedfordshire.

The three-day course saw the likes of top anglers Ali Hamidi and Danny Fairbrass (pictured) team up with the youngsters to help smash their personal bests.

Korda boss Danny said: “The attitude of all the kids has been brilliant – the amount they’ve learnt has been fantastic and the instructors, as always, have given it their all 24 hours a day.”

Max Andrew, who banked three pbs from Damsel Lake under the tuition of Richard Stewart, said:

“I can’t wait to go fishing again and put all I’ve learnt into practice. All the instructors have been absolutely brilliant and I’ve had a great time – thank you.”

£4m deal is set to secure fishing’s future

The future of angling looks brighter than ever this week with the signing of a deal that could see more than £4 million ploughed into the sport.

Angling Trust chiefs signed a contract with the Environment Agency in a landmark agreement that will see the organisations work together for the next four years and provide vital funds that will allow the sport’s governing body to achieve its goals that will directly benefit UK anglers.

Far-reaching  plans to improve the sport will address key issues facing angling, such as increasing participation and bringing youngsters into the sport, providing funds to develop running and stillwater fisheries, as well as clamping down on bankside crime.

The amount of money provided by the EA will vary according to licence sales, but with the contract estimated to be worth £1m per annum, the Trust will now have more financial clout to achieve its objectives and secure the future of fishing after becoming the EA’s strategic partner for angling services.

Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Angling Trust, believes the contract is great news for the Trust and the sport: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract, as both organisations are committed to protecting and improving freshwater angling by tackling the issues identified by anglers as part of the National Angling Strategy,” he said.

“Money has already been earmarked for projects like events to introduce more anglers to the sport as well as rolling out the voluntary bailiff service across the country, a project which has so far been confined to the South East.”

The Trust will also be responsible for the EA’s new fishery improvement fund, a free grant-based scheme which has already seen thousands of pounds delivered to clubs and projects across the country to help improve their facilities.

The partnership is supported by the secretary of Birmingham Anglers Association, John Williams.

“It’s great for clubs to have a better opportunity to get some cash for improving their fisheries and helping to get more people into angling,” he told Angling Times.

“Giving the Trust more responsibility and the cash to help the sport is certainly a step in the right direction as it is better equipped to provide a service to angling than anyone else,” he said.

Rumours surrounding who would get the contract have been rife for months, with a number of organisations expressing their interest.

All the applicants, including the Trust, had to go through a strict pre-qualification questionnaire to ensure they were suitable to be formally invited to tender for the work.

Sarah Chare, Environment Agency head of fisheries, said: “We chose the Trust as it was in the best place to help us continue our efforts to improve the sport.

“By contracting and working with partners like this, we will secure the best future for angling by playing to our strengths and making rod licence income go further – it’s the ‘all England’ approach to improving the sport.

“We will also not be taking any money away from our area teams, who will continue to offer fisheries and clubs advice as well as operating our incident response service and licence checking.

“Clubs will benefit from not only the Fisheries Improvement Fund, but hopefully the increase in participation.

“The number of youngsters entering the sport has fallen, and we want to buck this trend,” she said.

Sarah Collins, the newly-appointed director of the Angling Trust and CEO of Get Hooked On Fishing, an Angling Trust-backed charity which helps to get thousands of kids into the sport every year, is excited by the planned greater emphasis on improving participation.

“This contract will mean more money for getting kids and families into the sport, as well as allowing us to run more follow-on days where those who have already tried fishing can continue to seek advice.

“The more kids and newcomers we get into the sport, the more licences we sell and the more money gets pumped back into fishing,” she said.

Biggest ever bankside crackdown on illegal angling beats criminals

The biggest-ever crackdown on illegal anglers has seen more than £40,000 in fines handed out to law breakers in just one month.

Thanks to a massive increase in the number of bankside patrols and initiatives to stamp out illegal activity on rivers, lakes and canals nationwide, angling’s governing body, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, has this week named and shamed 154 people who have been fined for crimes committed on the bank.

The Angling Trust has just released a prosecution list via its website which details a catalogue of offences committed across 23 counties between September 2014 and March 2015, They were all dealt with by the courts in June.

Almost 80 per cent of the offences committed were for fishing without a valid rod licence, but more thorough checks and bankside policing have led to anglers being prosecuted for being too far away from their rods, using illegal baits and keepnets, along with fishing in the closed season and illegally removing fish.

All the information was provided by the Environment Agency, which along with the Angling Trust’s National Enforcement Team and police forces across the UK, has ramped up efforts to combat fishing crime.

The Angling Trust’s fisheries enforcement manager, Dilip Sarkar, believes that police involvement has significantly help change the fight against angling crime across the country.

 “Getting the police to understand that fishing without permission and a licence is part of their responsibility has been a huge turning point and this notion has played a huge part in the success of these convictions,” he told Angling Times.

“It has taken three years to get to the stage we are now at, with 24/7 action being carried out by all kinds of authorities, including the EA, police and enforcement projects such as the Angling Trust’s TRAVERSE and LEVIATHAN operations, which have seen 15 police forces join the fight against illegal fishing in that time.

“But this is just the start – ultimately the whole of England and Wales will be covered by these operations and I’m confident we will see more of these great results.”

The new records have also shed light on which counties have had the most convictions throughout June – with Yorkshire topping the table with 39 cases.

The Environment Agency believes it’s now harder for licence cheats and illegal fishermen to operate and intelligence on the ground is growing – specifically in areas well-noted for illegal fishing. 

Sarah Chare, Environment Agency head of fisheries, said: “Anglers who fish illegally show a blatant disregard for the law and the health of fisheries.

“People who don’t buy a licence are not only cheating other anglers and the future of the sport, but run the risk of a criminal conviction and a fine. Working in partnership is cost- effective and it makes it harder for offenders to get away with anything. It makes the most of more eyes and ears on the riverbank by using different approaches to detect, deter and disrupt illegal fishing.”

And the authorities are quick to point out that it’s not just the banks of running waters that now receive regular patrols, with a large number of private and commercial fisheries now enjoying regular checks.

Bluebell Lakes in Northamptonshire was just one of a long list of venues that was visited by the EA back in January, which resulted in one angler paying a £177 fine for not having a valid rod licence.

Bluebell Lakes owner Tony Bridgefoot added: “The EA works closely with us to ensure everyone is fishing legally. Nine times out of 10 the angler does have a valid licence, but a few do manage to sneak through. It’s important the partnership between authorities and fishery owners continues to keep the pressure on licence cheats, poachers and illegal anglers.”

Keith Arthur plans to return to our TV screens

The creators of some of the most successful TV programmes in fishing history have revealed their intentions to launch a new show to replace the iconic Tight Lines.

Sky Sports bosses recently called time on the programme after 20 years, but this week presenter Keith Arthur has set his sights on a speedy return to our screens.

The Angling Times columnist is adamant that fishing deserves a prime time spot on TV, and has already started work on a brand new concept.

He said: “There can be no doubt about the success of Tight Lines – it lasted 20 years and more than 800 shows, and that proves that there is room for a quality fishing show
on TV.

“I have a few ideas myself, and I know there is interest in at least two of them, so I don’t think British TV has seen the end of angling – or me – just yet.”

Global sports promoter Barry Hearn was among the thousands that were upset at the demise of Tight Lines, and he has joined the campaign for a new show to be developed.

The Matchroom Sport boss has been the brains behind hundreds of sports programmes that have aired across the world, and he told Angling Times: “Tight Lines coming to an end was a real shame for the sport of fishing and it will be missed by thousands of anglers.

“But that doesn’t mean this is the end of angling on ‘the box’ and I believe there is scope to air a new and exciting show in the future.

“I am always looking at new ideas and concepts for TV shows – after all, that is what Matchroom Sport is all about.

“There are a lot of broadcasters out there that could be interested, so let’s see what happens,” added Barry.

Improve Your Coarse Fishing Bait Guide 2015

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7lb 4oz eel smashes 103-year-old record

This huge 7lb 4oz venue record-breaking eel sets a new personal best for John Greenhalf.

The president of Clive Vale Angling Club in Hastings, East Sussex, beat the previous club record, that stood for a staggering 103 years, by 2lb when he paid a visit to one of the organisation’s own venues.

He legered a fish-flavoured boilie close to a snag to attract the attention of the fish that was beaten on 15lb line, a braided hooklink and a size 6 hook.

“The advantage of using hair-rigged boilies is that this species tend to get deeply hooked, but this set-up helps the hook set into the eels’ lips and ensures they go back safely,” said John.

New stretch of Hampshire Avon opens to day-ticket anglers

An untapped stretch of river which has the potential to become one of the UK’s top specimen waters has been opened to day-ticket anglers.

The previously unoccupied stretch of the Hampshire Avon at Sopley became available to the public after Christchurch Angling Club secured the rights to the venue earlier this month.

A small area of the 2km zone, which is sandwiched between the famous Royalty and Bisterne fisheries, has previously been targeted by a small number of anglers and threw up barbel to just ounces short of the current British record.

Christchurch committee member Stephen Jenner is excited by the prospect. He told Angling Times: “We used to hold part of the same stretch a few years back and it produced some monster barbel as well as some superb bags of dace, but the half mile main river section has never been fished so who knows what’s in there? It is completely untapped,” he said.

Angling guide Kenny Parsons, who regularly fishes the Avon, believes Christchurch’s acquisition is a huge coup for the area’s anglers. 

“The middle stretches of the Avon, which include Sopley, are well known to contain some of the largest chub and barbel in the UK. To spice things up, the newly acquired waters haven’t been fished for years.

“Add the two together and the fact that’s it’s a day-ticket venue make it a superb prospect for river fans. It’s fair to say there are few day-ticket stretches to equal this on the whole river,” he said.

Devon anglers raise more than £1,000 for Alzheimer’s Society

A Godalming man has raised nearly £500 for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his father. Gary Wood’s dad, Stanley, died earlier this year and instead of flowers, he requested family and friends donate money to the charity.

Along with the money raised by his loved ones, anglers at the Devon holiday venue Anglers Paradise also dug deep and managed to raise £1,100 for the charity in Stanley’s name. The staff and visitors to Angler’s Paradise raised the money through a raffle and other fund raising events in just 3 months.

Mr Wood passed away in March this year, having been diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in 2010. Every year for around 18 years, Mr Wood would venture to the fishery with his son Gary.

Son Gary has now handed over the cheque from Anglers Paradise over the Alzheimer’s Society at the charity’s Dementia Community Roadhshow in Cranleigh on Wednesday 29th July.

Gary, 48, from Godalming, said:

‘The owners Zyg Gregoreck and his wife Rose have been amazing in raising this money and I’m sure dad would be very proud. He used to love going fishing and to see the angling community coming together in his memory is a fantastic feeling.’

Hannah Tiley, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser for Surrey and West Sussex, said:

‘We are extremely grateful to Stanley’s friends and family as well as everyone at Angler’s Paradise for all the time that has been put into raising money for Alzheimer's Society.  As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like this to help us support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.’

There’s still time to donate to Gary, in memory of his father, by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/Gary-Wood11/

Anglers rally to rescue shop after break-in

It’s your chance to join the fight to save a tackle shop that was on the brink of closure after being wiped out by thieves.

Alan Stephens, owner of Alcester Sports and Tackle, was left heart-broken when his livelihood vanished overnight. Over £40,000 worth of poles, seatboxes, rods and reels were taken during the recent break-in at the Warwickshire business.

But now, following the launch of an online campaign to raise money to save the tackle shop, the 72-year-old has admitted to being ‘overwhelmed’ by the support of the local community. He is now determined to secure the future of the popular shop.

“I was ready to pack it all in after these people took everything that I’ve worked for for the last 36 years,” said Alan.

“But how can I walk away from this after the incredible support I’ve been shown? I feel it’s my duty to carry on.

“A local young lady called Loren Lewis, a friend of my grandson, launched a ‘JustGiving’ fundraising page which has already gained an overwhelming response and has really moved me.

“So here I am selling maggots and bait from my shop. It’s all the thieves left me with, but I will continue the fight and provide for anglers.”

Loren’s JustGiving page initially set out to raise £200 for Alcester Sports & Tackle, but money donated has already exceeded £2,400– and with 15 days left to go until the donation window ends, anglers across the nation are being urged to show their support.

River legend Dave Harrell has known Alan for more than 30 years and is just one of countless anglers that have visited Loren’s JustGiving page and pledged a contribution to Alan’s fighting fund.

“This is devastating not just for Alan, but for the sport. Small, local shops are the backbone of fishing communities and I’d urge you all to donate something, even if it’s just a couple of quid,” said Dave.

“He’s given so much to the sport and I know it would mean so much if we could do our bit to repay the favour in his hour of need.”

Click here to visit the JustGiving page.

Clubs aim to bring hundreds to the bank for matches

The sight of hundreds of matchmen lining a river bank every weekend could soon become a regular occurrence on UK waterways thanks to a new initiative being piloted by a group of angling clubs.

In a bid to rekindle the glory days of big competitions held on natural venues, a number of angling clubs in the South West have joined forces to organise the first in a series of huge matches aimed at club anglers.

At least 10 organisations have already signed up to the event which will be staged next month and held on the prolific stretch of the Bristol Avon at Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, which has been home to many huge running water matches in the past including the Division One National.

It’s the brainchild of Airsprung Angling Club, which is encouraging other clubs to plan their own contests that will help attract more anglers to natural venues.

Club chairman Andrew Fox said: “It’s a good way of bringing smaller clubs together, as well as encouraging anglers to go back to running water. “Most of the clubs involved in this match were already doing interclub matches between themselves, so we thought ‘why not organise one huge event for over 100 anglers?’.

“We want the rest of the country to see how much of a success big matches on natural venues can be.”

The sport has experienced a resurgence in river fishing over the past couple of years thanks to events like the Angling Trust’s RiverFest, but it is hoped that this latest effort will attract less serious competitors.

“Our competition will be more affordable than some of the big opens, but it will also provide the chance for the average angler to win some big money and enjoy some cracking sport,” Andrew continued.

To take part in the event, which costs £15 per person, anglers must be a member of one of the competing clubs. To find out how to join one, visit any of the clubs’ websites, or call Wests Tackle Shop on: 01225 755472.

UK’s biggest barbel eaten by an otter

The biggest known barbel in the UK has been killed by an otter, Angling Times can confirm.

Following rumours that the predator had struck at a stretch of the River Ivel in Bedfordshire, it has been revealed that the fish, whose heaviest recorded weight was a record-shaking 20lb 7oz, is now dead.

A local angler contacted Angling Times and told of the moment when he disturbed the otter as it attacked the huge fish on a stretch of the river in Biggleswade.

“I heard this sickening crunching sound as I approached a reed bed with my torch,” said the angler, who wishes to remain anonymous.“The otter vanished and I looked down to my horror as the huge fish - which I recognised instantly as I’ve caught her four times before - lay there dying. There was nothing I could do.”