Make your own float challenge!

Being stuck inside and not able to go fishing in the glorious sunshine is nothing short of agonising for us anglers. 

But now Bob Shone, of handmade float company Pablo RWC, has created DIY float kits to satisfy our longing in another way. 

“As anglers self-isolate, boredom and a lack of challenge is likely to get to them,” says Bob.

“To help combat this, we’ve created make-your-own packs, each of which contains six float bodies, six stems, six eyes and six tips to put together.

“We’d like people to send in their creations, and in a month’s time I’ll judge the best ones. The top five will each receive a £20 set of totally unique floats that I will make myself.”

Now that has to be a prize worth winning!

Each kit costs £7, including postage and packing.

To order, email Bob Shone at: bob@pablorwc.co.uk, or message him on Facebook.

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Keeping the fish fed during lockdown

FISHERIES nationwide are stocking up on pellets to keep their valuable stocks fed during the lockdown period.

Fish are at their hungriest now and are looking to feed up prior to spawning, so keeping them in top condition is essential.

One such fishery preparing a lockdown feeding programme is Stafford Moor in Devon. Owner Joanne Coombes says:

“We’ve just paid over £1,000 to have a tonne of pellets delivered. It’s important we keep our livestock fed while anglers aren’t fishing and putting bait in.”

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Advice has been released by the Institute of Fisheries Management to other venues anxious about the uncertain months ahead. It recommends a regular but limited feeding programme of quality pellets and frequent water quality checks.

The IFM says:

“It is important that fishery managers consider the implications of the loss of anglers’ baits in waters with limited natural food or high stock densities. However, there is a greater risk from over-feeding than under-feeding, so we recommend that managers are very cautious with any feeding regime.”

For the full guidance document, search ‘Institute of Fisheries Management’ on Facebook.

Fishery to raise thousands for NHS nurses

ONE of the country’s biggest match fisheries has come out in full support of NHS workers who are currently fighting the virus outbreak, with plans to raise thousands for frontline staff.

Staff at Drennan Lindholme Lakes in Yorkshire have planned a one-off NHS Nurse Appreciation Day, scheduled for August 31 this year assuming venues have reopened by that date.

The event will be a fishing match of epic proportions, with the owners aiming to fill all 400-plus pegs on the 10-lake complex.

Entry will be priced at £20 per person, with £10 going into match pools for the participants and the other £10 going directly to NHS staff.

If you want to attend and support this great cause, head to the Drennan Lindholme Lakes Facebook page, click ‘events’ and register your interest

Who knows? You may find yourself taking part in one of the best fishing matches in history!

Lindholme will fill every peg!

Lindholme will fill every peg!

Get the bivvy up to support our NHS

A keen catfish angler is calling on other anglers to throw up the bivvy and spend a night in the garden this Friday, to show support for the NHS.

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Fifty-five-year-old Steve Stewart, who is a member of the Catfish Conservation Group, came up with the idea after seeing a post from a friend on Facebook, who had set their bivvy up out the back of the house to get their fishing fix.

Dorking based Steve told Angling Times:

“A light bulb went off for me this morning, when I noticed my friend’s Facebook post.

“I thought how cool would it be if the fishing community could come together as a group to support our NHS staff.”

Steve also revealed that like so many others the NHS is very close to his heart…

“It’s a personal one for me as my daughter is a front line worker.

“A great deal of us are sat at home, some with children that need amusing. So as anglers lets show our support this Friday in a way we know how.

“If anyone can make a small donation, I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated.”

Steve has set up a JustGiving page and aims to raise £500 for NHS staff, click the link to donate

JustGiving Page

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No licence refund...for now

THE Environment Agency have confirmed that they are not currently offering out refunds for fishing licences as a result of the current COVID-19 lockdown.

There have been growing calls on social media for the Agency to provide some compensation to anglers, who have not been able to get out on the bank due to social distancing laws.

A spokesperson from the EA told Angling Times:

“We do not know how long the restrictions on movement will apply and so do not know what impact Coronavirus will have on people’s opportunities to go fishing over the rest of the year.

“We are not currently offering a refund on licences or other options such as extending the period of time a licence is valid. We are, however, continuing to review the situation and will take any action at the appropriate time.

“In the mean time we urge anglers to follow government guidelines on leaving the house only when necessary.”

For all the latest updates on how Coronavirus will impact your fishing, head to our ‘Lockdown Lowdown’ page.

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Paint your favourite coarse species during lockdown

STRUGGLING to keep the kids entertained during lockdown?

For those who want to keep kids interested in fishing, whilst not being able to access the bank, Angling Direct have released some fantastic drawings, which can be coloured in or painted.

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Once completed, in any way you like, these can be shared with AD by using the hashtags #ColourYourADFish and #AnglingDirect.

Angling Direct Media Manager, Hassan Khan, was keen to comment on this new form of lockdown entertainment, he said:

“Following on from the work we've done aiming to help increase awareness from young people in fishing, with the current COVID-19 situation, we wanted to put something simple, accessible and positive out to encourage parent child interaction.

“We hope this will keep inspiring children to get out on the bank as soon as the current situation allows.

“A massive thanks has to go to Craig Stanart for the illustrations and we hope it brings everyone a bit of fun and helps us all get through this time together both kids and ‘big kids’ alike.”

We think this is a great idea and will be keeping our eye on the hashtag for any weird and whacky examples to share in the magazine.

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Anglers breaking social distancing to be dealt with by police not EA

REPORTS have surfaced on social media this week suggesting that the Environment Agency will be removing anglers from the bank who are breaking lockdown rules. This is, however, a matter that can only be enforced by the police, according to EA officials.

The message circulating on social media platforms reads:

“The Environment Agency have set up a National Incident hotline and are operating 24/7, to try and remove any anglers breaking the rules. They said that they will almost definitely be up in the court of law and facing massive punishments.

“Here’s the number if anyone wants to report anyone that’s breaking the law.

0800 80 70 60.”

We contacted the Environment Agency for clarification, they said:

“Enforcement of government regulations on social distancing are a matter for the police.

“We continue to operate the national incident hotline, for the reporting of environmental incidents.

“We will also continue to enforce regulations on illegal fishing, such as fishing during the closed season or without a license.”

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We will continue to update anglers with the latest ‘Lockdown’ information as it develops.

TIME TO STOP FISHING! - Angling Trust

THE Angling Trust have called on anglers to stop fishing, following Government guidelines on non-essential movement.

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In a recent statement, Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, said:

“In light of the Government’s announcement on 23rd March, the Angling Trust and Fish Legal are asking that all anglers follow the current guidance and stop fishing.

Whilst we understand the proven benefits on active lifestyles, physical health and mental wellbeing that angling provides, it is not currently classified as one of the safe exercises in which to engage.

The Angling Trust have sought clarification on this point and we hope to work with Government, the Environment Agency and Sport England as things move forward, to ensure that access to fishing and the benefits it brings are part of the nation's plan for ensuring our community’s health and wellbeing.

For now though, we as a community, must take responsible action to protect ourselves, our families and our communities through this period. This is about saving lives and supporting the NHS. 

For more on COVID 19 and fishing guidance, please visit:

COVID19 Support Hub | Angling Trust & Fish Legal Membership https://joinanglingtrust.net/covid19-support-hub/

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Support hub launched for angling businesses

THE Angling Trust has set up a support hub and hotline for all angling organisations following the Government ban on all non-essential movement.

Fishery owners, fish farmers, tackle shop owners and angling clubs can access the helpline, as well as information regarding financial support that could be available, by visiting the Angling Trust website.

Trust chief executive Jamie Cook, also revealed he has written to the Government in a bid for clarification on whether fishing could be classified as permitted exercise during the lockdown.

“It’s clear that the only permitted activities that have been specified are walking, running and cycling for the purpose of local daily exercise,” says Jamie. “Therefore until further notice we should all refrain from fishing. This is about saving lives and supporting the NHS. 

“However, we have written to the Sports Minister highlighting the benefits to both physical health and mental wellbeing that angling provides and that we are ready and prepared to offer whatever support the Government or Sport England require now, or in the future, to get people back fishing as soon as is safely possible.”

Clubs, fisheries and other angling organisations seeking support should visit:

www.joinanglingtrust.net

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