Fish on the radar
Bream and pike in some of Britain’s most popular rivers are being tagged and monitored in a project to find out more about the lives of coarse fish.
Harmless acoustic tags that allow scientists to accurately track fish are being deployed in large numbers on the Norfolk Broads as part of an Environment Agency project.
The aim of the work, which is running alongside a PhD study by Emily Winter from Bournemouth University, Fishtrack and Natural England, is to assist with the future management of fish stocks by better understanding their habits and how they respond to particular environmental changes.
EA Fisheries technical specialist, Steve Lane, told Angling Times: “We have been catching, tagging and releasing fish and learning about where they forage and spawn, what areas of the Broads they are using and when, how they react during storm surges, and what influence salt plays in tidal areas.”
Rivers included in the project are the Bure, Ant and Thurne, which have all suffered fish kills from tidal surges in the past.
Local anglers have been helping by catching fish for the project, which will enable the team to track the subjects for up to three years after being tagged.
The scheme, which is partly funded by EA rod licence money, plans to tag more than 130 fish on the Broads, and signals from the acoustic devices will be picked up by 45 receivers dotted around the system when fish swim within 300 yards of them.
Similar projects have been run before, and Steve says they have thrown up some eye-opening data: “Previous tagging projects have turned up startling results.
“Some fish, including bream, have been recorded as travelling up to 17km in a night,” he added. “That was a surprise.”
Breadflake fools two 2lb Itchen roach
There’s no better bait to catch a big river roach than a piece of breadflake, and this was proved by Andy Childs when he banked two impressive specimens.
The fish weighed 2lb 4oz and 2lb 1oz, and were caught by the Colchester rod when he visited a stretch of the lower River Itchen.
A feeder packed with liquidised bread and a small piece of flake folded around a size 12 hook did the trick and brought his total of roach over 2lb to seven.
Return of the catfish record?
Catfish could be back on the British Record Fish List – for the first time in 17 years!
This week Angling Times can exclusively reveal that the British Record Fish Committee (BRFC) is discussing whether wels should again be recognised in fishing’s history books.
It’s a move that was sparked by charismatic fishery owner and passionate big-fish fanatic Zyg Gregorek, who owns Anglers Paradise Fishery in Devon and has reared wels from fingerlings.
Zyg contacted BRFC chiefs, stating the need for the organisation to review its ‘outdated’ current stance on catfish, which currently doesn’t recognise record fish of a species that continues to grow in popularity among UK anglers.
Not only has the Specimen Cat Lake at Zyg’s complex just produced a venue record of 62lb, but recent nettings there revealed a number of huge cats that have grown on from babies a couple of inches long to over 60lb.
“There’s absolutely no reason why in this day and age there shoudn’t be a record list for catfish and that’s why I have really pushed the BRFC to put this right at the top at its agenda – I’m very pleased that it has,” Zyd said.
“It’s all about provenance. I have big cats in my lakes that are legal, and I can prove that they have grown on from fish that were just a few inches long to the ihuge sizes they are now.
“When I feel passionately about something I don’t give up, and I really do feel very strongly about this because people love to catch them. They haven’t been stocked at stupid weights, but grown on in legitimate UK environments.
“The current stance on catfish is so outdated, especially now that so many fishery owners like myself now have proper licences to stock them and are nurturing big fish in the correct manner.”
The last big catfish to be written into the official record books weighed 62lb and was taken from Bedfordshire’s Withy Pool in 1997.
The decision to scrap the record in the year 2000 was during what many consider as a dark time in UK catfishing history.
In some cases big wels, some well over the 100lb mark, were being transported to the UK from abroad and illegally and unscrupulously stocked.
Not only did the authorities say that such activity increased the risk of the spread of disease and pose a threat to our native carp stocks, but recognised that the very fact that there was an existing record list for the species only encouraged these illegal stockings – hence the organisation by the BRFC to scrap the record.
Fast forward 17 years, and the wind of change is beginning to gather momentum.
BRFC Chairman Mike Heylin, along with the rest of the committee, is now listening to the plight of not only Zyg, but many other fishery owners and anglers alike who want to see the catfish record reinstated and recognise fish that have grown up and continue to thrive in UK fisheries.
“Zyg came to us and presented his case. This committee is here to serve angling, and that’s why Zyg’s propopsal is right at the top of the agenda,” said Mike.
“He raises a very valid point so it’s our duty as a committee of passionate anglers that care dearly for the future and integrity of our sport to have in-depth discussions about the catfish record.”
Carp Wars is back for a second season
Fishing fanatics across the UK are celebrating this week with news of the launch of a highly anticipated new series of the hit TV show ‘Carp Wars’
In just over a week’s time – at 7.30 pm on Thursday, November 30 – ‘Carp Wars 2’, an action-packed show that pits some of the nation’s top carp anglers against one another in a series of matches will launch on the Sky Sports Action Channel.
Dave Lane, Ian Russell, Iain Macmillan, Dave Levy and Lee Morris are the stars who will be joined by this year’s rookie in the person of mad-keen carper Steven Coe.
He won his chance to be in the series via an online competition hosted by Carp Wars creators Fishing TV.
Steven hopes to emulate the success of the winner of the last series, Harry Pratt.
There are 15 rounds of action at various venues across the UK and they provide the gripping,
fish-filled footage for each 30-minute show where the largest overall weight will decide the winner.
Points will be awarded for the biggest fish and the scores will be tallied up after the 15 rounds to decide which two anglers will go head-to-head in the final, staged at a prolific venue in France.
“This show is a must-see for anyone who has a passion for angling... it’s carp fishing at its best,” said respected carper Ian Russell, who starred in the first series of Carp Wars.
“The first series was great, but this really is something else because we hit the ground running and knew exactly what the viewers wanted from the show – that’s lots of fish, laughs and fun.
“You won’t believe how many fish we caught either, and a few records were smashed too, but I can’t give too much away – you’ll just have to see for yourself.”
Each episode will also be shown online via Fishing TV the day after being aired on Sky Spots Action, and will feature extended footage and many other extras as the series progresses.
Carp Wars director and producer, Paul Cooper, is immensely proud of the upcoming series.
“This amazing show is testament to every single person in front of and behind the cameras, because the end result has blown us all away,” he said.
“The competition, banter and relationships between the anglers will keep viewers glued to their screens and there are more and bigger fish than ever before.
“There’s loads in here for the non-angler too – it really shows how accessible and fun this great sport can be. The launch of Carp Wars 2 is not only great for everyone watching, but also tremendously positive for the promotion and the progression of fishing.
“People are going to love it.”
To find out more about the show visit: www.fishingtv.com
When to watch the series
Episode 1: Iain Macmillan v Dave Levy, Par Fisheries 30/11/2017
Episode 2: Ian Russell v Steven Coe, Fryerning 07/12/2017
Episode 3: Dave Lane v Lee Morris, Loggies Lake 14/12/2017
Episode 4: Ian Russell v Iain Macmillan, East Delph 21/12/2017
Episode 5: Dave Lane v Steven Coe, Brightlingsea 28/12/2017
Episode 6: Lee Morris v Dave Levy, Honey Pot Lakes 04/01/2018
Episode 7: Iain Macmillan v Steven Coe, Stanwick Lakes 11/01/2018
Episode 8: Dave Lane v Dave Levy, Blasford Hill 18/01/2018
Episode 9: Lee Morris v Ian Russell, Birds Green Lakes 25/01/2018
Episode 10: Iain Macmillan v Dave Lane, Manor Farm 01/02/2018
Episode 11: Dave Levy v Ian Russell, Fryerning 08/02/2018
Episode 12: Lee Morris v Steven Coe, East Delph 15/02/2018
Episode 13: Dave Levy v Steven Coe, Loggies Lake 22/02/2018
Episode 14: Dave Lane v Ian Russell, Honeypot Lakes 01/03/2018
Episode: 15 Iain Macmillan v Lee Morris, Blasford Hill 08/03/2018
Episode 16: Final – Etang le Fays, France, 15/03/2018
Brilliant summer for kids' fishing!
Angling received a massive boost this week with the news that junior rod licence uptake has risen by 25 per cent.
According to the latest Environment Agency figures the permit, which is now free to youngsters between the ages of 12 and 16, was taken up by 52,117 anglers at the end of the 2016/17 season and rose to 65,487 as of August 21, 2017.
Along with the free licence, the welcome increase in junior participation in the sport is being put down to the record number of events held this summer designed to introduce new blood into the sport.
The EA worked in partnership with organisations such as the Angling Trust, Get Hooked On Fishing (GHOF) and National Fishing Month in order to run fun fishing events in every corner of the country – and judging by the recent statistics it’s a move that’s paid dividends.
Kevin Austin, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Children today have a wealth of technology at their fingertips and that, coupled with the costs parents face, makes it easy to see why fewer youngsters are enjoying outdoor activities.
“We’re really pleased to see that a growing number of young people are taking up the offer of a free junior licence, helping them to enjoy the outdoors and this great sport.
“Today’s children are the anglers of tomorrow. It’s important we attract them to the sport early, and offering a free fishing licence is one way to achieve that.
“Not only does fishing offer great health and educational benefits, but angling generates over £1 billion for the UK economy and creates over 37,000 full-time jobs.
“This is a great platform for us to build on, and bodes so well for the future of fishing.”
Fish o' Mania 2017 match report
It's Fish O' Mania time again with £50,000 up for grabs to the winning angler, along with the title of Fish O' Mania champion. Live on Sports 3, the competition is being held at Cudmore Fisheries, Stoke. You can keep up with the action by checking out our regular updates this afternoon. Angling Times will provide you with the updates you need, just in case you can't get to a TV screen this afternoon. A total of 25 anglers, including the first international competitor from Germany, will battle it out for glory on a beautiful afternoon at the Cudmore Fishery.
Here is the Vanarama Fish‘O’Mania XXIV PEG DRAW
1. Lee Bennett
2. Andy Power
3. Bob Giles
4. Andy Adams
5. Jason Collins
6. Chris Weeder
7. Jamie Hughes
8. Steve Jackson
9. Paul Blinkhorn
10. Stephen Openshaw
11. Adam Richards
12. Jason Redgrave
13. Tony Curd
14. Ross Harold
15. Steve Cooke
16. Steven Hamilton
17. Will Raison
18. Ben Sharp
19. Keith Pentland
20. Dave Roberts
21. Lee Kerry
22. Markus Billen
23. Steve Barraclough
24. Colin Scott
25. Richard Chapman
Hour one
Bob Giles stormed into an early Fish O' Mania lead during the first hour of the competition at Cudmore. The Welsh Wizard, 49, making his 18th appearance in the competition, took 3k 300gr in the first half hour and followed that up with two lovely carp in second 30 minutes to post a total of 6k 800gr from peg three. Steve Cooke on peg 15 also had a fine first hour with just over five kilos. Former World Champion Will Raison, on peg 17, found the going hard with no carp yet plenty of silver fish to show for his first hour's work. But the 42-year-old from Aldershot saw his swim die as the first hour progressed. Jamie Hughes was in fourth place after the first-hour. Lee Kerry on peg 21 was the only angler not to catch in the first hour.
Hour two
It's all change at the top of the leaderboard with bookies favourite Jamie Hughes, gunning to become the first angler to win the Fish O' Mania title for a third time, storming to the top with two carp weighing a total of 4k 500gr - taking his grand total to 9k 050gr. Changes in the weather, with more sunlight and wind, pushing sport down among the 25 anglers. But Hughes bagged two big carp on pellet to take over top spot from Chris Weeder who had a fine first half-hour. Weeder was leading after three weigh-ins with 6k 900gr ahead of Bob Giles at peg three on 6k 800gr. But after four weigh-ins, Hughes remains on course to make Fish O' Mania history
Hour three
Jamie Hughes consolidated his bid to make Fish O' Mania history by landing 5K 425gr of carp in the third hour of enthralling contest at Cudmore Fishery. He now has a total of 14k 475gr. Lee Bennett on peg one had briefly threatened to make a challenge for the top spot by taking a slender lead at the halfway point in the hour. But four good sized carp put the two-time winner Hughes back in pole position as the rest of the field faltered. With eight weigh-ins to take place before the final klaxon, Hughes has a four kilo lead and it now appears that the tournament is his to lose. Before it began Hughes made it clear he wanted to become the first angler to win it for a third time and unless Hughes blanks for the rest of the time left, he is on the brink of achieving that ambition.
Hour four
Jamie Hughes continued to maintain his lead after four hours of intense fishing but veteran Steve Jackson, the oldest angler in the final, stormed into second place with his eyes on the runner-up prize of £10,000. Hughes leads the way with less than one hour to go with 23k 275gr but Jackson overhauled Ross Harold with 16k 700gr. Harold could only finish the fourth hour mark with 15k 975gr. While Hughes looks set to create Fish O' Mania history, Jackson is in line for the second spot after an afternoon fishing through the pain barrier. A plumbing accident earlier in the week left Jackson with a dislocated thumb and he was in clear pain throughout the match. But as the contest wore on, the pain wore off, and he is on the brink a nice pay day for the runner-up place.
The Result
Jamie Hughes created Fish O' Mania history by becoming the first angler to win it for a third time. Hughes, champion in 2013 and 2015, destroyed the 24-man opposition in the 2017 tournament at Cudmore Fishery, Stoke to collect a £50,000 first prize with a total catch of more than 26k. The 34-year-old angling coach from the Wirral shrugged off a slow start to power into the lead with a succession of big carp. Once in front, Hughes, determined to win it for a third time, was in no mood to let it slip. An emotional Hughes told Sky Sports: "It's incredible, it will take a while to sink in." Angling Times columnist Keith Arthur commented: "This is almost Usain Bolt stuff." Hughes was a clear winner over runner-up Andy Power, who made an astonishing late run in the last hour to finish second and clinch the £10,000 prize ahead of Ross Harold and Steve Jackson.
Your complete guide to the 2017 Fish O' Mania final + free tickets!
WHERE AND WHEN?
This Saturday July 8, the Sky TV cameras and crowds descend on Cudmore Fisheries for the Fish O’Mania XXIV final, to see who will depart £50,000 richer.
Twenty-five qualifiers will line up on Arena Pool at the Staffordshire fishery for five hours in what will be a new look final. More anglers are competing than ever before and you’d be hard-pushed to pick a winner.
HOW CAN I WATCH?
LOCATION: Cudmore Fishery, Pleck Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5HW
T: +44 (0)1782 680919 W: www.cudmorefisheries.co.uk
Get your FREE final entry tickets HERE
To watch from home, tune in to Sky Sports 3 from 12pm
WHO SHOULD I PUT MY MONEY ON?
Check out the current best odds HERE
The finalists, in the order they qualified...
Steve Jackson
Qualified at: Bait-TechViaduct Fishery
We say: A former champion and a veteran of the competition with several finals under his belt. Steve likes fishing for big carp but will the mixed small fish stock of Arena suit him?
Steve Openshaw
Qualified at: Heronbrook Fisheries
We say: Steve is a prolific open match winner in the North West and is very good at fishing worms and casters, which are likely to be the dominant baits. Could be dangerous.
Paul Blinkhorn
Qualified at: Tunnel Barn Farm
We say: Another North West angler who likes to fish with natural baits. Has been close to qualifying several times before and will be keen to put the 'blinkers' on and do well.
Richard Chapman
Qualified at: Coleman’s Cottage Fishery
We say: Richard is by his own admission an outside bet who is usually behind a camera photographing Jamie Hughes or Andy May at the event. Can he cause a major upset?
Bob Giles
Qualified at: Bait-Tech Viaduct Fishery
We say: Bob was the most relieved angler in Fish O' history when he qualified as one of his keepnets was disqualified, with 90lb of carp in it. He won by 1lb! Can his luck last at Cudmore?
Andy Power
Qualified at: Preston Woodland View
We say: Andy is one of the best young anglers in the UK and no stranger to this match. He'll be keen to use his experience to make a serious impression this year, definitely one to watch.
Tony Curd
Qualified at: Monk Lakes
We say: This is Tony's third final, a very aggressive big-weight angler who could do well if the lake fishes well. Sources tell us that Tony has been catching plenty of fish in practice.
Andy Adams
Qualified at: Barford Lakes
We say: This is Andy's first big final and another outside bet. Will the East Midlands man be in the mix with past champions and England internationals?
Colin Scott
Qualified at: Partridge Lakes
We say: Colin is an angler who is very good at fishing with light tackle and negative feeding so the fishing on Arena should suit him. A dark horse who is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Jason Redgrave
Qualified at: Guru Makins
We say: Jason does well on carp lakes in the Midlands but can he fine down his tactics enough to pose a threat on Arena? The Maver Gold man will certainly be going for it.
Adam Richards
Qualified at: Tunnel Barn Farm
We say: Now in his third final, Adam is a very quick angler when he's on fish and has been a bank runner here too. A recent neck injury may cause a problem so he'll be hoping to fully recover in time.
Ross Harold
Qualified at: Monk Lakes
We say: A very underrated angler, Ross was third in last year's final and was a front runner all match. He definitely had the method sorted and with similar fishing expected, is well worth a punt
Jamie Hughes
Qualified at: Lakeview Fishery
We say: The twice Fish O' champion is always a major threat and knows exactly what the score is on Arena. It's a question of whether you can find him at odds high enough to warrant your hard-earned!
Steve Barraclough
Qualified at: Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery
We say: Steve is back on the big match scene again and is a very capable angler on a mixed fishery like this, where silver fish and F1s are expected. Worth a shout.
Lee Kerry
Qualified at: Garbolino Lindholme Lakes
We say: Lee has been in exceptional form this year in England and Ireland, in our opinion one of the finest all-rounders going. The fishing will suit him down to the ground, definitely worth a few quid.
Steve Cooke:
Qualified at: Messingham Sands
We say: Veteran Steve just cannot stop qualifying for the final. He's hoping to do better than his last appearance here however, when he blanked. Plenty of experience of the big occasion.
Jason Collins
Qualified at: Coleman’s Cottage Fishery
We say: Jason was a finalist in 2016 and did well. He'll be formulating a similar plan together with good friend and fellow finalist Ross Harold. One to keep an eye on.
Lee Bennett
Qualified at: Oaks Lakes
We say: Lee will be hoping to keep his cool in his first major final. He'll have good support in the form of his brother, top matchman Andy, who was bank runner for last year's winner Andy May.
Ben Sharp
Qualified at: Bag ‘Em Baits Larford Lakes
We say: A former Maver Match This finalist too, Ben definitely knows how to win matches. Will he have enough in the can to conquer Cudmore?
Chris Weeder Junior
Qualified at: Preston Boldings Pools
We say: Chris isn't actually a junior. He shares the same name as his dad who also goes fishing! Makes his debut in the final and could do well if the fish come up-in-the-water.
Keith Pentland
Qualified at: Woodland Lakes
We say: Another debutant, Keith likes to catch mirror and common carp at Woodland Lakes, Thirsk. If big fish feed he could cause an upset but it's likely to be small fish match.
Steve Hamilton
Qualified at: Partridge Lakes
We say: Steve is made up just to get to the final and his family have 'Team Hammy' clothing and hats made up, ready for the day. He has the support but will he have the tactics?
William Raison
Qualified at: Gold Valley Lakes
We say: The England star and former world champ is a master tactician who has done well on this lake before in the international Fish O' event here. Will is the bookie's favourite and rightly so.
Dave Roberts
Qualified at: Garbolino Lindholme
We say: A former finalist with plenty of pedigree, Dave has a habit of delivering in qualifiers but can he go a stage further and win? Definitely has the potential.
Markus Billen
Qualified at: Germany
We say: The German angler is a long shot but stranger things have happened. Last year the Dutch angler who won the international event would have won the main thing too with his catch!
EXPERT'S VIEW
2016 Champion Andy May
“It’ll be hard fishing. Five or six pegs will be brilliant and the rest will struggle in terms of an outright win, although there will be bites for everyone because the stocking of the lake hasn’t altered from last year. That means small F1s, ide, skimmers and tench and the odd big carp. I’d say pegs 1-10 on the day will be good.
"However, eight pegs are not in use so I don’t know how these will balance themselves out. If there aren’t blockers fishing then the end pegs could well be brilliant! There will be a lot of technical work to keep several lines on the go with light lines and small hooks. I think chopped worm and caster will be the baits most in evidence on the day.
“In terms of who will win it, I’d have a few quid on William Raison. Not only is he an excellent angler, but he’s also got knowledge of fishing the lake and the fishing will suit him. That said, Jamie Hughes, Lee Kerry, Adam Richards and Andy Power are all outstanding as well! So much will depend on who draws where, and also what the weather is like."
Young anglers to get their own river record list for barbel fishing
A record list for running water has been created to help get more youngsters into river fishing.
The Barbel Society’s river record list for anglers aged 17 and under is already proving hugely popular, and society officials have been inundated with pictures and catch reports of barbel since the opening of the season on June 16.
“So many youngsters start their angling careers by becoming ‘instant carpers’ and probably don’t even try river fishing. That is a real shame,” said Barbel Society records officer Ray Kent.
“The idea of creating a junior record list for each river is to give young river anglers a target to aim at, and it creates that element of competition that keeps youngsters interested.
“Getting kids out on the rivers and learning the basics of watercraft makes them better anglers, and we hope this will help bring on the fishing stars of the future,” Ray continued.
“We all know many of the biggest names in the sport started their angling journeys this way.”
As well as currently creating lists for each species, the Barbel Society has also had printed official record certificates.
These will be awarded to anglers under the age of 18 who have caught the biggest barbel from their chosen river.
“We really hope that other organisations see what we are doing and follow suit,” said Ray.
“This has to be a great way of getting more youngsters into the sport.”
l If you are under the age of 18and have landed a big barbel – or know someone in the same age bracket who has – contact Ray Kent on the website www.thebarbelsociety.co.uk to see if you can claim a river record.
£6,000 for winner takes all R&J Pipework Masters winner!
A mouth-watering £6,000 will be on offer to the winner of this year’s R&J Pipework Masters taking place on Wednesday July 19 at Peterborough complex Decoy Lakes. Won last year by Graham Dack (above), the one-off match will see one angler heading home with a very nice payday for five hours’ work, entry at £50 all-in with tickets selling fast!
The 2016 event fished in red hot conditions saw some of the sport’s biggest names doing battle and this year event sponsor Terry Pygall (below) of R&J has pledged a further £1,000 to the main prize.
To enter, either send a cheque made payable to R&J Pipework Masters to the address below or pop into Norwich tackle shop Wensum Valley Angling to secure your place. Don’t forget to include your name, address and contact details with your cheque so that your place can be confirmed!
Wensum Valley Angling
Unit 3 Taverham Nursery Centre
Fir Covert Road
Norwich
Norfolk
NR8 6HT
Drennan Cup Winners Revealed!
I’m just an everyday angler who’s obsessed with catching big fish… I’m in total shock.” These are the words of Iain McDonald, who’s been crowned champion in the world’s biggest specimen fishing competition.
In one of the most convincing victories in the Drennan Cup’s 32-year history, votes cast by the UK’s best big-fish specialists saw the Kent angler’s dreams come true as he finished 53 points ahead of his nearest rival, Stoke-on-Trent’s Bob Pickering.
Iain secured no fewer than five Drennan weekly awards during a season to remember. It all began last May, when he banked a 4lb 3oz perch from his local Mid Kent Fisheries – a venue that also produced a pair of huge tench weighing 10lb 9oz and 10lb 5oz just a few weeks later.
Not bad for a man who doesn’t drive – and who relies on his trusty pushbike and lifts from his mates to get him to the banks of waters that have produced fish many can only dream of!
“I just can’t believe this has happened to me,” an ecstatic Iain told Angling Times. “My rigs are simple, I don’t have the money to buy loads of bait or fish expensive syndicates and I don’t have a car. But here I am with the biggest prize in specimen angling… it’s incredible.”
Despite breaking his arm when he fell off his bike last summer, the 45-year-old from Canterbury soldiered on, turning his attentions to running water when the season started. His third weekly award came in the shape of a 15lb 4oz barbel from a southern river, and this was followed by a 1lb dace from a river in Kent.
A fin-perfect 2lb 10oz roach, again caught from a Kent river, was the icing on the cake of Iain’s incredible season and a fish which saw him scoop his fifth and final award.
“This just goes to prove that as long as you have determination, watercraft and know where to find big fish in your local venues, anyone has a chance of winning this prestigious trophy,” he said.
“The fact that my name will now be mentioned in the same breath as so many fishing heroes of mine really hasn’t sunk in yet… I’m not sure it ever will.”
Determination is an attribute that second-placed Bob Pickering has in abundance, as it was a giant bream that he’d been trying to land for no less than 30 years that saw the cream of UK specimen angling vote him into second place.
It weighed 21lb, and was taken from a daunting 90-acre mere in the North West where he fished a 6mm pellet cast 60yds out in to the huge stillwater.
Third place went to Hampshire’s Simon Daley, who enjoyed arguably his best-ever season in search of barbel. It was this species that earned him three of his four Drennan weekly awards.
Personal-best barbel of 15lb 8oz and 16lb 5oz were both caught from his local River Avon. The Hampshire specialist also struck gold when he set a new barbel record for the River Itchen with a fish of 15lb 10oz.His final award was for 7lb 9oz chub from the Hampshire Avon.
Matt Jackson took the final place on the prestigious Drennan podium by banking his fifth roach over 3lb – it went 3lb 5oz 8dr, and he caught it an hour before sunrise on a frosty February morning on banks of a southern river.
Steve Ringer's new book is here!
World Feeder Champion Steve Ringer has unveiled his brilliant new book – and it’s guaranteed to catch you more fish this season!
Steve’s Ultimate Guide to Feeder Fishing is a bumper 132 pages packed with great info and essential advice on getting the best out of Method, groundbait, pellet, Hybrid and maggot feeders, with easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides to rigging and fishing them and it's only £6.99!
Each feeder type is explained in full with simple rigs and how you can tie them, bait prep and feeding tricks, hookbait tips, and exclusive on-the-bank sessions in search of carp, bream, tench and roach. The book kicks off with Steve’s guide to picking the right type of feeder, plus the gear you’ll need – rods, reels, lines, hook and rig bits, and those must-have accessories.
The chapters take us through all four seasons of fishing, with spring and summer bagging tactics through to long-range fishing in autumn and a special chapter on getting the best from the bomb, where he shows you how to keep catching on the coldest of days, and reveals his winter bait secrets.
There’s a brilliant section on Steve’s greatest feeder matches where, in his own words, he reveals the events that shaped his fishing career. These include record-breaking catches in the UK and Ireland, speed fishing for big roach nets, and how he earned his ultimate victory – double gold at the World Feeder Champs.
“Whether you fish small commercials for carp or big lakes for bream this book will definitely help you put more fish in your net,” said Steve.
Take a look inside!
Tommy's shock catch!
Angling legend Tommy Pickering couldn’t believe his eyes when he netted a rod and reel combo worth £200!
The Preston Innovations-backed angler was enjoying a day on Oasis Lake at Lincolnshire’s Lindholme Lakes when he hooked into a big fish on the pole. Having lost the fish in a snag, Tommy tried to pull for a break – but instead he gradually retrieved something that turned out to be the top quality items of tackle. “I’ve never landed anything like this before,” he said. “It was even more bizarre as the tackle was all manufactured by my sponsors! I couldn’t stop laughing.”
The Big One set to be the biggest ever!
Thousands of anglers are set to attend this year’s most exciting fishing show this weekend.
The Big One, being held at the FIVE complex in Farnborough, Hants on April 8 and 9, is expected to see a record-breaking 20,000 visitors over the two days. This year’s angling extravaganza extends over an area of more than three football pitches, and organiser Vince Davies thinks its popularity is down to the sheer number of additional exhibitors and angling stars on site.
He said: “The Big One has been the number one consumer tackle event for the last 26 years, and this year we’ve already smashed the record for the number of early tickets sold – so you know this is the one single show people want to be at. “The Big One is bigger and better than ever before with 220 exhibitors, more than 30 angling stars and two seminar rooms where anglers can interact with their favourite celebrities.”
As usual, visitors will get to meet some of the greatest names in the industry including Steve Ringer, Martin Bowler and Bob Nudd, all of whom will be there over the two days to share their tips and secrets to help you put more fish on the bank. To accommodate expected visitor numbers, the organisers have improved parking and boosted the catering service area with an outdoor zone.
You will be able to find the Angling Times team on stands 147 this weekend where we will have lots on offer such as Steve Ringer's new bookazine - Ultimate Guide to Feeder Fishing. we will also be offering out a FREE goodie bag that will be handed out so make sure you come and pay us a visit.
To make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible weekend be sure to book your tickets now. Call 0345 873 1900 or visit the show website: www.fishfacepromotions.co.uk/thebigone
Check out who is up for the Drennan cup this year!
This season has been one of the best for big-fish captures and in just a few weeks time Angling Times will reveal the winner of the uk's premier big fish competition. The winner will lift the coveted Drennan cup trophy and will pick up the £2,000 first prize.
The 2016/17 season has produced an unprecedented number of species from rivers, stillwaters and canals. The panel of judges have handed out no fewer than 133 weekly awards to a diverse mix of anglers. It's the Drennan weekly winners themselves however that will be deciding the top four for this year, so take a look at the best big-fish catches from the past 12 months. Who would get your vote?
Roach
This stunning picture and the story behind the capture of such an incredible river roach epitomises what the Drennan Cup is all about.
On a dark, cold February morning fanatical roach angler Matt Jackson was on the banks of a southern river an hour before sunrise to ensure he had the best possible chance of catching his fifth roach over the magical 3lb barrier. And he ended up doing it in style, with the biggest roach of 2017 weighing 3lb 5oz 8dr.
The key to Matt’s capture wasn’t just being in the right place at the right time. His meticulous swim preparation and the finely-balanced rig he used were also central to success. Before fishing he baitdropped a tight bed of hempseed and maggots, and then cast a maggot feeder rig over the top made from 4lb mainline, a 3lb hooklink and a size 20 hook carrying a single red maggot.
“A big roach may only feed in short spells, so as soon as it’s doing so you need to be in with a chance of the fish picking up your bait quickly,” Matt told Angling Times.
“Loosefeeding by hand or with a catapult can spread the bait all over the place because river currents can be deceiving and baits sink at different rates. A bait dropper is the most effective way, and is the secret to laying a trap for a big roach.”
Tench
An incredible brace of tench was arguably the highlight of what was a truly memorable campaign for Kent angler Iain McDonald. The 45-year-old, from Canterbury, netted two stunning fish weighing 10lb 9oz and 10lb 5oz during a manic three-hour spell at Mid-Kent Fisheries.
Originally, Iain had turned up with carp on his mind, but when he saw how busy his chosen lake was he decided to go after the tench instead and picked a swim in a deep bay which he started to feed with maggots and hemp. An hour later he spotted a group of huge tench hovering over his bait in the clear water, and the panic set in.
He said: “I realised that I didn’t have enough bait, so I ran across the complex to buy some more maggots. Luckily the fish were still there when I got back.” Iain cast out a 2oz Korum grub feeder filled with maggots and sporting a 4ins hooklength tied to a size 12 hook baited with maggots. Within 10 minutes he had banked a new personal best 10lb 5oz fish, and this was followed an hour later with the even bigger specimen.
The catch was just one of five awards earned by Iain during the season; the others were awarded for a 15lb 4oz barbel, a 1lb dace, a 4lb 3oz perch and a 2lb 10oz river roach.
Perch
Simple waggler and worm tactics provided Iain McDonald with his second specimen in a week he’ll never forget, during which he banked three PB perch, topped by a 4lb 3oz specimen. Targeting a lake owned by Mid-Kent Fisheries, Iain kicked off proceedings by catching a 3lb 4oz stripey, before following it up in the same session with fish of 4lb and 3lb 1oz.
Just a few days later, Iain returned to the venue to bag the biggest of the lot and break his best once more. All the fish fell to an insert waggler rig baited with pieces of lobworm, which he fished at close range while spraying maggots over the top.
The deadly efficiency of methods such as drop shotting and jigging have recently converted many of the nation’s top anglers, among them former Drennan Cup holder Jamie Cartwright. In February the Northamptonshire Specimen Group member showed just how devastating lure fishing for perch can be with the capture of a 4lb 6oz specimen.
Jamie tempted the thickset fish, which fell just 3oz short of being a new personal best for the species, along with four other fish over 2lb from a stretch of the River Great Ouse, where he used a 9.5cm Savage Gear shad mounted on a 7g jig head.
“My eyes were truly opened to the effectiveness of lure fishing when I caught 15 perch from a swim I had previously struggled to get bites from using conventional tactics and baits,” he said.
Barbel
There have been some tremendous barbel catches in 2017. One angler who enjoyed arguably his best season ever for the species was Simon Daley. The big fish specialist from Hampshire set a new personal best back in February with a stunning 16lb 5oz monster from his local River Avon.
It was a specimen that was tempted on a homemade boilie used in conjunction with a simple leger rig with 10lb mainline, a braided hooklength and size 8 hook. The barbel saw Simon beat his previous PB of 15lb 8oz, a fish he caught from the same waterway earlier in the campaign and one he also won a weekly award for.
He also won awards for a river record Itchen barbel of 15lb 10oz along with a 7lb 9oz chub from the Hampshire Avon to make it four for the season.
Bream
A 30-year quest to land a giant bream finally came to fruition for Bob Pickering when he won a richly-deserved weekly Drennan Cup Award for a 21lb monster from a north-west stillwater. This competition awards dedication and the specialist, from Stoke-on-Trent, showed he has this in abundance when he fished a 90-acre mere that he had been targeting in search of its elusive bream for three decades.
It’s well documented that bream favour feeding over clear areas of lakebed, and Bob stuck to the textbook by locating and baiting up a suitable area 60 yards from the bank. The bite he’d been waiting for finally came after he legered a 6mm pellet on a 15lb braided hooklink and a size 10 hook.
Zander
A legered bleak hookbait fished just a few yards from the bank accounted for a massive 18lb 13oz zander for James Benfield. The impressive predator was landed by current British record holder James Benfield when he fished a stretch of the River Severn. Low-resistence rigs are absolutely key when it comes to presenting baits for zander, and James connected with the hugely-mpressive specimen after noticing the slightest tap on his rod tip.
“I use my 1.5lb test curve rod like a quiver tip, and strike at any movement. If I’d been relying on a bite alarm the fish might have ejected the bait before I’d even known about it,” he said. It was a catch that came nine years after the big-fish hunter, from Malvern, Worcs, made history by banking a 21lb 5oz British best from the same venue.
Chub
There’s little to beat catching fish on the float, and that’s exactly what Gary Norton used to compile this astonishing haul of big chub.
Using simple waggler tactics, Gary caught five fish in a dream session, topped by a 7lb 15oz specimen, from the River Lea Navigation in Herts. He kept the bites coming by continually feeding casters and fishing the same bait on a size 18 Drennan Super Specialist hook tied to a 2.6lb hooklink.
Pike
The mighty Chew Valley Reservoir has had one of its best-ever seasons, with an incredible number of big pike for visiting anglers. It produced seven weekly Drennan Awards in total, one of the best being Derek Beagley’s sensational 40lb 2oz predator.
The Londoner battled for over 20 minutes with the huge fish after tempting it using a fly. The 59-year-old, who broke his previous best by nearly 20lb with the capture, said: “I was twitching the small bait along the bottom in around 8ft of water when a huge fished grabbed it and everything went scarily solid.
“When it broke the surface, me and my boat partner just looked at each other like we had seen a ghost!”
Rudd
Jamie Martin proved the merits of doing your homework before setting out to go fishing when he used the Angling Times to help him land an award-winning 4lb 1oz rudd. The Ely-based angler scoured AT’s match pages in order to help him locate some big rudd after previously spending years trying to beat his previous best for the species, which stood at 2lb 10oz.
The big-fish specialist finally achieved his ambition after pinpointing a fishery in the Fens which held rudd to over 3lb. Jamie fished a pink mini dumbell boilie alongside a small feeder packed with liquidised bread, but started to wonder if he had made the right decision after receiving no bites during daylight hours.
As night fell, however, his swim came alive and an aggressive take soon saw him playing a fish he had long dreamed of: “It gave me an epic fight and I was convinced I was into a tench but when I saw the big bar of gold close to the surface my legs turned to jelly. “When I finally got the fish in the net I knew I had cracked it!”
Crucian
The Method feeder is a deadly tactic for crucian carp, and this was proved by specimen all-rounder Adam Perna (33) when he made a catch many can only dream of. The Oxfordshire angler raised eyebrows back in April when he banked no fewer than seven fish over 3lb, topped by a monster 4lb 2oz specimen, which all fell to the devastating feeder tactic.
Fishing a two-night session at a southern stillwater, Adam adopted a minimalist feeding approach, using a 35g Method feeder alongside a single fake white caster hair-rigged to a size 16 hook. Despite seeing other anglers spodding out lots of feed, Adam opted to just use fishmeal groundbait and 2mm pellets on his feeder to land all of his fish. Later in the season Adam earned another Drennan Weekly Award with the capture of a stunning 3lb 2oz grayling.
Groundbreaking new hook pattern launched, first pictures (APRIL FOOLS)
A unique new style of hook is being launched in the UK after 'groundbreaking' field test results.
The Hexa-G hook has been manufactured in China and involves a radical new hexagon-shaped gape which leading tackle designers in the country found results in zero fish losses from hook pulls. Made from a top secret form of carbon wire, a Hexa-G X Strong version is also set to be launched for bigger fish too. Sizes are to range from size 2 for specimen carp right down to a 22 for roach.
An artist's impression of the new Hexa-G beside one of the new £1 coins
Chief designer of the Hexa-G, Dr Zhang Wei-Weng, said that the pattern was discovered by accident by a malfunction in a part of an existing hook-making machine.
"The machine broke, it bent the hook-shank five times. Usually it makes a continuous circular shank. My assistant Lei went to throw the offending hook away but I told him 'No! Give me it please'. I inspected it and I decided to tie it to line and try it in our test tank. We have lots of fish in it, big fish. They go mad when you hook them.
"Normal result is for 4 out of 10 fish to throw a standard hook in the tank. With the Hexa-G out of 72 hook ups every fish was landed. We could not believe our eyes. It looks all wrong, the gape is very narrow. But we know this hook will be very big. I predict it will change the way we do fishing forever!'
Stocks of the Hexa-G are currently being exported and it's expected to be available in UK tackle shops in Mid-April. Given the success in testing, we reckon you'd be a fool not to try them out...
Take a friend fishing for free this easter!
The Easter holiday period heralds the first of three Take A Friend Fishing (TAFF) campaign initiatives for 2017. The aim is to encourage everyone to enjoy fishing with family members and friends who have not fished before, free of charge.
TAFF is run by the Angling Trades Association in partnership with the Environment Agency and supported by Angling Trust fisheries, clubs and coaches and individual fishery venues.
Angling Times is participating in this great offer so new anglers can obtain a free one-day rod licence (each worth £6) to enable them to take their mates or family members fishing between Saturday 8th April and midnight, Sunday 23rd April 2017.
In addition to a FREE rod licence, participants can also fish without charge at a number of individual venues and Angling Trust fishery and club member venues. Details of the fisheries that are taking part in this TAFF promotion can be found at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk. Some exclusions may apply to each venue, so please check carefully.
It’s really easy to Take A Friend Fishing - cut out or print off the rod licence voucher, fill in all the contact details, validate it online at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk, read the Terms and Conditions, grab your fishing tackle and the voucher, and go fishing with a friend!
The free rod licence voucher cannot be used to fish for salmon, sea trout or coarse fish on rivers, streams or drains in England and Wales between 15th March and 15th June inclusive, when there is a ‘no-fishing’ close season to allow fish to breed. The closed season may apply to some canals and still waters in your area too - please check before you go fishing.
Many new anglers catch the bug just after one session. It’s easy to get a rod licence, just visit www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence – and buy a rod licence for a whole year. For the first time, juniors aged 12-16 can get an annual licence for free!
A great place to find out more information on your local venues is www.fishinginfo.co.uk.
Take a Friend Fishing - Day Ticket Offers
To support the Take A Friend Fishing promotion between Saturday 8th April and midnight, Sunday 23rd April 2017, a number of individual venues and Angling Trust fishery and club members have kindly put forward a selection of offers on their waters.
Whilst we have gathered as much information as possible, please check the information carefully for exclusions and make sure that you call the contact number to make them aware that you will be fishing at their venue. You should take your validated TAFF voucher with you as evidence that you are taking part in the TAFF event. The person accompanying you must hold a current rod licence and have it with them for inspection.
EAST
Alders Farm Fishery
Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Bucks, MK17 9AH
Contact details: Charlotte Monk 01525261713, admin@aldersfarm.com, www.aldersfarm.com
Type of Fishing: Specimen fishing, match and pleasure fishing venue. Mainly carp, also some silver fish in Pines Lake.
Offer: 2for1 and kids fish free on the promotion days
Normal Prices: £9 adults and £5 kids per day on smaller carp lakes, £16 on specimen.
Rules and exclusions: Available on our website www.aldersfarm.com
EAST MIDLANDS
Sherwood Forest Fishery
Sherwood Forest Farm Park, nr Mansfield. NG21 9HL
Contact Details: Mick 07721316334, email mickyfish2@hotmail.com , website www.sherwoodfishery.co.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: There are five lakes and 185 pegs at Sherwood set in 20 acres far away from the madding crowd, and each offering something different. There are six large car parks at Sherwood and thus easy access to most pegs by car, with disabled parking possible at most pegs.
Offer: Two for One
Normal Prices: Adults one rod £7, two rods £10. Juniors under 16 £5 one rod, £7 for two. OAP’s £5 for one rod, £7 for two.
Rules and Exclusions: See the website for details.
WEST MIDLANDS
Lechlade and Bushyleaze Trout Fisheries
Lechlade Trout Farm, Burford Road, Lechlade, Glos. GL7 3QQ
Contact Details: Tim Small 01367 253 266, enquiries@lechladetrout.co.uk, website www.lechladetrout.co.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: Day Ticket Trout Fishing. Tackle Shop, Clubhouse, Tuition, Rod Hire. 2 lakes, 22 acres and 8 acres.
Offer: Children fish free when accompanied by an adult (and share their ticket).
Normal prices: From £27.50 to £65, depending on ticket type.
Rules and exclusions: Please visit website
Andy’s Fishing Lake
Tretire, Pencoyd, HR2 8ND
Contact Details: Speak to any of the Pursey family on 01989 730210 or email pursey.trevase@btconnect.com, www.andysfishinglake.co.uk
Type of Fishing and Facilities: Carp, Roach, Tench, Bream and Perch on 5 acre lake
TAFF Offer: Age 16 and under fish for free
Normal ticket price: £7 day ticket or £6 for concessions
Rules: Barbless Hooks only, No Keepnets, Two rods permitted per angler, you can fish from Dawn until Dusk,
Please park vehicles well away from the edge of the lake, no fishing on the wildlife reserve pool at the top end of the lake, please take all litter home with you, please use the toilet provided, situated in the car park near the entrance
NORTH WEST
Bay Malton Angling Club
Border Fisheries, Waybutt Lane, Balterley, Crewe CW2 5QA
Contact Details: Dave Grosvenor 01270 820812, david.grosvenor@hotmail.co.uk, www.baymaltonanglingclub.org.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: Coarse. Café and toilets on site open Tuesday to Sunday all year round.
Offer: Two for One day tickets and children £3.00
Normal prices: Adults £7, OAP £5, Children £4
Rules and Exclusions: Barbless hooks only and fishery pellets to be used. Rules available on the club website www.baymaltonanglingclub.org.uk
SOUTH
Meon Springs
Whitewool Farm, East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1HW
Contact Details: Roger Greentree, roger@meonsprings.com, 01730 823134, www.meonsprings.com
Type of fishing and facilities: Fly fishing for trout from 2lb to doubles in four stunning spring-fed lakes in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Check our website for a full list of facilities.
TAFF Offer: 2-for-1 Day ticket.
Normal day ticket prices: Two fish ticket - which entitles you to catch and keep two rainbow trout - is ￡35
Rules or exclusions: See website for details
LONDON AND SOUTH EAST
Brick Farm Lakes
The Fishing Lodge, Brick Farm, Windmill Hill, HERSTMONCEUX, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4RS
Contact Details: Fishery Manager – Annie Latter – 01323 832 615 – annie@brickfarmlakes.co.uk, websitewww.brickfarmlakes.co.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: Fly fishing for trout. Brick Farm Lakes offers three very well-stocked trout lakes. We have a really wonderful Fishing Lodge offering Free Tea, Coffee and biscuits to our anglers daily, with clean WCs, ample parking, friendly staff and a very comfortable environment. There is also a large deck area outside with tables and seating for those sunny days. No dogs please but plenty of room for families to picnic if preferred.
TAFF Offer: We are happy to offer 2 for the price of 1 for anglers introducing a friend who has not fished with us before and Children under 16 can fish for free on our 2 and 3-Fish tickets. We will also offer a £5 discount, if preferred, on our Shared 5-Fish ticket for Guardian/child under 16 year’s combination. This is usually a 4-Fish ticket. All our tickets last all day.
Normal day ticket prices: All day tickets at 2-Fish £25, 3-Fish £30, 4-Fish £35, Guardian and child under 16 years £35, Shared 5-Fish £40, 6-Fish £45
Rules or exclusions: Please visit our website for our Fishery Rules which can be found on www.brickfarmlakes.co.uk then choose the ‘Your Fishery’ option from the top menu, followed by Opening Times and Information from the drop-down list. The Rules are towards the end of this page.
Jacks Lake
Cockfosters, London, EN4 9DW
Contact Details: Hadley Angling and Preservation Society, haps.org.uk@hotmail.com www.haps.org.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: Carp and general coarse fishery
TAFF Offer: Children (16 and under) fish free if accompanied by an Adult purchasing a day ticket
Normal day ticket prices: Adult: £6 per Rod per day Child: £3 per rod per day
Rules or exclusions: Standard HAPS day ticket and fishery rules apply. Not available match days (see website for details)
SOUTH WEST
Coombe Fisheries
Milton Coombe, YELVERTON, Devon. PL20 6HP
Contact Details: 01822 855585 evenings or 078 999 584 93, schorn@tiscali.co.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: 2 coarse fishing lakes - lakeside parking
Offer: 2 for 1 - children free
Normal Prices: £7.00 per day - £10 overnight
Rules or Exclusions: Barbless hooks – no peanuts or pulses
YORKSHIRE
Southfield Fisheries
Southfield Farm, Rainton Lane, Dishforth, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3DA
Contact Details: Tel 01765640231 email archer699@btinternet.com Facebook Southfield Fisheries Rainton
Type of fishing and facilities: Coarse Fishing, 2 Ponds, Car Park, Toilet suitable for able and disabled fishermen,
Ponds surrounded by Otter fence. Pond A Carp up to 14lbs, Roach, Rudd, Bream, Perch, Ide, Crucian Carp and Chubb.
Pond B Carp up to 22lbs, Tench, Crucian Carp and Roach.
Offer: Children fish free with one paying Adult
Normal prices: Adults £8, Concessionary and juniors £6
Rules and Exclusions: Juniors under 14 must be accompanied by Adult. Only Barbless hooks allowed. Anglers must be in possession of a landing net at all times. Keep nets only allowed in pre booked matches. No fish to be removed from site. No night fishing. Pond A - 12lb minimum line and an unhooking mat are recommended to be used. In order to prevent the introduction of disease, fishermen are requested to disinfect landing nets in tanks by Pond B prior to fishing. The gate to the Fishery should be kept closed at all times
NORTH EAST
West House Trout lakes
Mill lane, Bishopton, Co Durham TS21 1LL
Contact Details: www.westhouse-troutlakes.co.uk Tel 07836 330157 sales@hadrianequine.co.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: Trout
TAFF Offer: Children free with adult
Normal day ticket prices: 4 hours + 1 fish £15 full day + 1 fish £18
Rules or exclusions: see website
SCOTLAND
Glen of Rothes Trout and Coarse Fishery
Glen of Rothes, Aberlour, AB38 7AG, Scotland
Contact Details: Telephone 01340 831888 or 07967 466973, website www.morayflyfishing.co.uk
Type of fishing and facilities: Carp, brown trout, rainbow trout, tench, bream. If you don't have tackle of your own, and you want to have a go, we have both fly and bait rods, nets, and a large selection of flies and lures all here on site - all you need to bring is yourself. We have a heated lodge, with toilet facilities for the disabled, as well as a sitting area and a selection of snacks and hot and cold drinks. Car parking is right beside the lodge, and 30 metres from the lochs, but disabled anglers are welcome to drive right up to the edge of the water.
TAFF Offer: Children free with adult
Normal day ticket prices: Full day 3 fish for £28, 6 Hours 2 fish for £24, 4 hours 2 fish for £20. Parent and child (under 14yrs old) 4 Hours share 2 fish £26 (must kill first 2 fish). COARSE LOCH, 1 rod used £10 8 hours, 2 rods used £15.
Rules or exclusions: see website
Praise for the new rod licence!
Easier to buy, fairer to multiple rod users and kids get to fish for free!
The new rod licensing system has been well received by anglers nationwide. Thousands have already purchased their new permits for the 2017/18 season, and the Environment Agency aims to bring new blood into fishing by letting juniors fish for free. Specimen and carp anglerscan save money too.
The licences are available online or over the counter at the Post Office. Anglers can buy one higher-priced licence to fish with three rods instead of having to purchase two separate full licences.
The new system also means that the licences, which feature artwork from angling artist David Miller, now last for 12 months from the day of purchase rather than expiring on March 31, 2018 in order to give anglers better value.
On top of this, the EA has launched a website to simplify the buying process, scrapping the Post Office website purchase route. Judy Proctor, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Angling creates over 37,000 full time jobs and generates over £1 billion for the UK economy, but at its heart it’s a much-loved outdoor sport connecting people with nature.
“We’ve listened to anglers’ concerns and improved the fishing licence to make the process of getting out and fishing legally simpler.” Sales of licences for the 2015/16 season raised £21 million.
The money was used to restock rivers with 452,220 coarse fish, encourage more than 35,000 people to try angling for the first time and bring 2,043 successful prosecutions against crimes such as fish poaching.
It is hoped that the new system and the more convenient way of buying the licence will generate more sales and bring down the number of anglers breaking the law by not buying theirs.
Angling Times editor Steve Fitzpatrick has already purchased his new licence. He said: “It’s far easier and quicker to buy than it was before, and if you’re like me and like to fish for carp with three rods it’s a real money-saver.
“I’ve also obtained a licence for my young daughter. It’s great that kids like her can fish for free. Full marks to the EA for making these much-needed changes.”
Where to buy...
On the web: www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence
Over the counter at the Post Office
Call: 0344 800 5386
Prices...
Prices for 12-month licences after April 1, 2017
Trout and coarse 2-rod £30 Trout and coarse 3-rod £45 Salmon and sea trout £82
Over-65 and disabled
2-rod £20
3-rod £30
Salmon and sea trout £54
Junior (12 to 16) – FREE
The Big Fish Off series 3!
These behind-the-scenes images are from of one of the most successful angling TV shows ever, soon to hit our screens for a new season. The third series of The Big Fish Off will be starting across the UK this Thursday with co-presenters AliHamidi, Dean Macey. Their team have given us a sneak preview of the five episodes.
Millions of anglers and non-anglers are expected tune in to get their fill of action, laughs and banter from a host of celebrities from the world of sport and reality TV. They include snooker legend Jimmy White, boxer Ricky Hatton and darts player Bobby George, who will join the boys in the most varied and exciting fishing challenges yet.
The first episode will air at 8pm on ITV4 on Thursday, March 16 and sees boxing superstars Ricky Hatton and Johnny Nelson at a lake in the Cotswolds. Expect cheating, tantrums and wind-ups as they go for tench, carp and silver fish.
“We are all extremelyexcited because this series will deliver so much to those people who have fallen in love with the show already, as well as attract a load of new fans,” said Ali.
“It’s the celebrities that make this show what it is. They give every episode a different dynamic. As in series one and two, all the guests are awesome.
“There are too many great moments to list. The first show sets the scene for the rest as Johnny Nelson and Ricky Hatton are so good in front of the camera and are really, really funny... plus they catch some really cracking fish. This goes for all the other episodes. It really is family entertainment and will make people want to go fishing.”
The remaining one-hour shows will see Jimmy ‘the Whirlwind’ White and Bobby ‘The Dazzler’ George bag-up on carp, while Superbike king Carl Fogarty and boxer Kell Brook get locked in an-ultra competitive battle which includes some incredible smoothhound action in Skegness.
Reality TV stars and fishing virgins Casey Batchelor and Jessica Hayes join the boys in Newquay, Cornwall and get involved in plenty of banter, fish kissing, catfish, bream and carp.
The grand finale is set in the Amazon jungle with footballer Bobby Zamora and boxer Paul Smith Jnr, where there are specimen fish, injuries and challenges that test the team like never before in the history of this record-breaking series.
“This is my favourite series of shows so far,” said Dean. “It really is a dream come true to be involved. Ali and I play our part, but there are so many people behind the scenes that work way harder than we do to bring you this awesome show.
“Every celebrity brings something different to the table and just proves how absorbing, rewarding and fun fishing can be. “Each show is knockout and will have you laughing out loud and glued to the screen.”
The Big Fish Off episode rundown!
Episode 1 – Ricky Hatton v Johnny Nelson, 8pm Thursday, March 16, ITV4
Team captains Ali Hamidi and Dean Macey are joined in the Cotswolds by boxing legends Ricky Hatton and Johnny Nelson. Plenty of wind-ups as the lads go for tench, carp and silver fish.
Episode 2 – Jimmy White v Bobby George, 8pm Thursday, March 23, ITV4
Snooker god Jimmy White and darts legend Bobby George have some banter-fuelled fishing fun in Oxfordshire. The teams catch ghost carp, crucians and goldfish
Episode 3 – Carl Fogarty v Kell Brook, 8pm Thursday, March 30, ITV4
High-octane fishing in Skegness with world Superbike king Carl Fogarty and world champion boxer Kell Brook, who catch orfe, carp and smoothhounds.
Episode 4 – Casey Batchelor v Jessica Hayes, 8pm Thursday, April 6, ITV4
Ali and Dean are joined in Newquay by fishing virgins and reality stars Casey Batchelor and Jessica Hayes. There’s fish kissing and giggles aplenty as the teams go for catfish, carp and bream.
Episode 5 – Bobby Zamora v Paul Smith Jnr (Amazon Special) 8 pm Thursday, April 13, ITV4
The series finale sees the team head to the Amazon with footballer Bobby Zamora and boxer Paul Smith Jnr. There’s drama, injury and battles with gigantic fish as the teams go all out for piranha, peacock bass and piraiba catfish.
Terry Hearn: "The rig that caught the Parrot!"
In conditions eerily reminiscent of his 1996 capture of Mary from Wraysbury, Terry Hearn has eclipsed his long-held pb with the Parrot at 63lb. The long mirror, which set the current official British record at 68lb 1oz last January, came from Cranwells, on the Wasing Estate in Berkshire, during Storm Doris.
Terry racked up 176 captures in around 150 nights there before finally meeting the one he wanted. Terry said: “The windier the better, when the air’s full of energy, the trees are creaking and cracking, and you can barely hear yourself think... always a favourite for the big ’uns.”
The swim where Terry caught the Parrot.
With conditions looking spot-on, Terry plotted up in the Lifebuoy swim and got to work. “I had a fair idea where I’d be putting my baits. Stretching out for over 100 yards straight in front were 3ft-4ft shallows, then tighter to the island the depth drops away to 9ft.
“The deeper gulley always looked good for action, but I’d fallen into that trap plenty of times before and rarely caught from it. This time all three rods were going shallow, nothing in more than 5ft.
“I waited until gone 4pm before boating the rods out, all at range – one to the left, one to the right, and the banker rod out in front in a slight depression where the depth increased to 4ft 6ins.
“Two shaved tigers on the hairs, a couple of handfuls of hemp, a few chewed nuts and a sprinkling of ‘super maize’ and corn around each. Try putting that out with a spod at 120 yards when it’s blowing a hooligan!”
During darkness Terry heard fish crashing in shallower water to his right, but resisted the urge to cast to them, knowing they would push out at dawn. “I awoke at first light with no action, and with Storm Doris at its peak and my sleeping bag feeling even more snug than usual, I shut my eyes again and dozed back off.
“Just before 8am I woke to a single bleep, and saw the middle tip starting to bend round. A few more bleeps as I was putting my boots on, and by the time I got to the rod, line was slowly ticking from the tight clutch.
“The first few minutes were nothing out of the ordinary – a big heavy weight at range. A little closer and suddenly its tail started slapping the surface over shallower ground. Shallower, but still around 3ft deep, yet its head was on the bottom and its tail was on the surface – it had to be the Parrot. I knew it, but I was still trying hard not to think it.
“Probably only 15 yards away its wide, crusty back broke the surface. Sod the waders – I just walked straight in up to my waist. Weed picked up when it hit the slightly deeper gulley in my margin made it a tad easier to guide over the net, but as I went to lift it woke up again and rolled back over the cord.
“Now it was thrashing about on the surface, shaking its head from side to side, but the next time it settled down I took another step or two out into the lake, pushed the net deep down beneath it and lifted. YES, YES, he was mine! 63lb of long, dark, scaly mirror.
“One thing’s for sure, the longer the campaign, the longer you have to wait, the bigger the buzz at the end of it. Still on cloud nine now.” Terry told Angling Times he plans to fish the Thames for predators until the end of the season before resuming his carp campaign.
Terry Hearn's tiger nut rig
Terry’s bottom-bait rig is a tried-and-tested classic that has caught him hundreds of big carp. It might look quite ‘aggressive’, with a big shrink-tube kicker and the hair trapped on the bend of the hook with a piece of silicone tubing, but it really works.
The weight of the hookbait pulls the hook down into the fish’s mouth and the hair position and shrink tubing combine to flip it over and take hold.
Terry suggests tying this rig relatively short, as it relies on the fish tightening the hooklink against the weight of the lead. On this occasion he used E-S-P Tungsten Loaded coated braid and a size 5 Drennan Super Specialist Barbel hook.
Also in evidence is Terry’s love of particle baits. Two tigers on the hair, surrounded by maize, corn and a few chewed nuts, were enough for the Parrot,. They’ll work anywhere.
New carp website promises news, tactics and laughs
A new website for carp anglers has been launched.
Carpfeed.com covers every aspect of carp angling and is updated daily.
The site features in-depth venue guides, comprehensive carp tackle reviews, step-by-step rig-tying tutorials, catch news and much more.
There are longer reads to keep you entertained on the bank, interviews and a huge array of tactical tips.
Carpfeed editor Thom Airs said: “Carpfeed acknowledges that modern carpers are always searching for information, often on their phones and tablets on the bank, and our aim is to provide it.
“We’ve got bespoke carp fishing venue maps, catch reports and tactical features, but we’ve also got entertaining reads written with a sense of humour.”
Carpfeed can also be followed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
