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.”

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.

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.

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.

TIME TO STOP FISHING! - Angling Trust

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

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/