All of this.... from your old, used line
Kayaks, bobbins, sunglasses and buckets are just a few of the angling-related items that can be made out of old fishing line, according to one of the men behind the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme.
Now, ANLRS co-founder Viv Shears is urging more anglers to recycle their discarded line and help save the planet.
“When fishing line is melted down it helps bind other recyclable plastics together, which can then be moulded into a shape,” he said.
“What you can create from this plastic is up to the manufacturer – so there’s no reason why it can’t be moulded into a tackle box, a pair of sunglasses or a bobbin. The possibilities are endless.
“All it takes is the imagination of a recycler to produce a raw material that a manufacturer can use to make other products.
“How often have we heard that certain plastics aren’t recyclable? But we can now take all fishing lines including fly lines and braid along with the plastic spools that these come on!”
To help transform fishing line into other items, Viv is working with Maltings Organic Treatment Ltd director Steve Carrie, who has been involved in the recycling business for the last 30 years.
Steve is also a keen angler and is co-owner of DNA Baits and understands the effects plastic waste has on the environment.
He said: “Getting involved with ANLRS was a no-brainer for me and I’m glad I can be helping in some capacity to support the scheme and give it some longevity.
“At Maltings, we are able to take these lines that the guys from the scheme are sending us and turn them back into usable products very quickly, while also looking into new developments for using the products.
“We’ve already used blended down fishing lines to create surface boards which can be worked into anything you could imagine.
“They’ve been turned into work surfaces, toilet cubicles, chairs, fishing platforms and signage, to name a few.
“The arty design is also deliberate and is created by a unique blend of melted plastics.
“One tackle brand I was talking to last year also got excited about having one of its products made from recycled fishing lines – it’s all possible with the right mindset and support from the industry.”
The development has been welcomed by anglers and is evident by the hard work of many volunteers who have removed waste line from the environment.
Since March 2018 the ANLRS has signed up 256 tackle shops, 75 fisheries and angling clubs, seven angling coaches and five charter vessels, with an estimated 2.8million metres of line recycled.
Adding to this, the scheme has now been implemented in Northern Ireland and Eire, with plans to do the same in Germany and Belgium.
Viv said: “A local focus within a region or country can only be a positive for the scheme. The recent appointment of Go Fishing Northern Ireland and Bill Brazier, of Off the Scale magazine in Ireland, as volunteer co-ordinators to increase the promotion and availability of recycling locations is fantastic and an obvious extension to the scheme.”
The angling world says goodbye to John Wilson
More than 300 anglers, friends and family members gathered to celebrate the life of angling legend John Wilson MBE in Norwich Cathedral.
John, voted the greatest angler who ever lived, passed away at his home in Thailand in November 2018.
As news of his death spread across the globe, fans, followers and anglers alike paid tribute to the Go Fishing star, and at 2pm on Friday, May 24 all were invited to celebrate John’s life at the stunning Norfolk venue.
A host of recognisable faces filled the impressive cathedral including Des Taylor, Jeremy Wade and John Bailey, before heartfelt tributes were led by Keith Arthur and Martin Bowler – who took to the stand to pay their personal respects to a man loved by so many.
Keith said: “It’s been a privilege to be honouring John Wilson today. He inspired millions to take up fishing through his programmes, which were both aspirational and inspirational. His legend will live on.”
Martin struggled to fight back tears in his emotional speech, as he remembered a lifetime of fishing on the bank with his ‘Uncle John.’
“Many here fished with the great man and even if you didn’t, a favourite angling show or book meant you did in a way because the person I knew was the same person you did.
“I can assure you that the laugh was real and so was the fun because he loved angling and angling loved him. So goodbye John and enjoy the river in the sky. I can hear him now as that longed-for 3lb roach comes over the net – ‘Careful Wilson’!”
Aside from being a superb angler John was also a proud father and his children Lisa and Lee made several appearances on his TV shows.
His daughter Lisa gave an emotional dedication towards her dad on the day:
“He was a fishing legend, an author and TV presenter – but more importantly he was a husband, brother, son, uncle, grandfather, father, my dad – my world. Being in his company was something I never tired of, and never would have.
“His passion came out of the TV and enabled other people to spend time on the bank together too – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren. It was a privilege to be his daughter.”
Big-name dedications
Jeremy Wade: “I only met John a couple of times at angling shows but the impact he had on people and the sport we all love was incredible.”
Des Taylor: “He was larger-than-life and his laugh was infectious – louder than a church bell on some days and he still managed to catch fish! I will miss my mate.”
Chris Yates: “I loved watching his programmes. They were very methodical, and he was great at conveying the message that fishing could be fun and productive at the same time.”
Bob Nudd: “John was always good company and an excellent angler too. More than that, he was the first angling celebrity. Even if they didn’t fish, people knew who John Wilson was.”
Ali Hamidi: “I could write an essay on what this man has done for angling. John had so many wonderful terms and phrases, so many incredible TV moments shared with millions.”
49.8% vote to scrap the river closed season
Nearly half of Britain’s anglers want to see an end to the closed season on running waters, Angling Times can reveal.
The results are in following the Environment Agency’s consultation earlier this year, which saw 13,680 people having their say on the future of fishing on running water.
Of those who responded:
49.8 per cent voted to remove the closed season altogether
38.8 per cent voted to keep the closed season as it is
9.2 per cent voted to keep the closed season, but change the dates to April 15-June 30.
2.2 per cent were undecided
Because the survey was a consultation, not a referendum, the EA will now review the comments it received alongside the votes.
However, it has stated that, after such a close result it is ‘even more important’ to consider whether the evidence supports a case to change the current bylaw. These findings will be published in several weeks’ time.
Commenting on the results of the consultation, the Angling Trust’s Head of Policy, Martin Salter, said: “While I would have liked to see an even higher level of engagement, the fact that this is the largest-ever response to an EA consultation shows just how important it is to ensure that anglers’ views are taken on board on this highly contentious subject, which has evoked strong opinions on both sides.
“In the past, changes were made to the closed season without any reference to those affected by the decisions.”
Top river angler Dave Harrell, who wants the closed season abolished, was pleased with the responses to the consultation.
“The closed season was created in 1878, which is the same year that Alexander Graham Bell presented the telephone to Queen Victoria! It’s well overdue an update, and the fact that 59 per cent of people want some sort of change speaks for itself.
“Clubs and fisheries should be allowed to manage their own waters, but as a consequence of the closed season they struggle for revenue for three months of the year.
“I like to think that the EA will follow this through, and I believe that it would be wrong for it to sit on the fence.”
However, One of Britain’s leading specimen anglers, Martin Bowler, has a different view…
“I’m disappointed that so many anglers want to scrap the closed season completely, but I guess the anglers wanting change are always going to be more vociferous in expressing their opinion.
“I spend a huge amount of time on a rivers in the current coarse fishing closed season due to my love of salmon.
“I appreciate it’s a wonderful time to be by flowing water but I watch our coarse species spawn during this period, starting with perch and ending with barbel.
“I might be missing the point here, but isn’t that the reason we have the current closed season? It seems to be perfectly timed to me.
“I do wonder whether the reasons behind the push to change the status quo are motivated by environmental concerns or selfish desires?” he concluded.
Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, Kevin Austin, said: “We are really grateful to the people who took the time to respond to the consultation.
“We are processing the many comments from the 13,680 responses to understand the evidence around the closed season and to determine whether there is a case to change the current bylaw.”
Makins: Why I’m selling up
The outgoing boss of one of the country’s oldest commercial fisheries has revealed his reasons for putting it on the market.
Speaking exclusively to Angling Times, Makins Fishery owner Alan McDiarmid admitted the time had come to move on after being in charge at the Warwickhire venue for 11 years.
“I’m now 70 years old and retiring. My wife and I would like to move closer to our granddaughter in Wiltshire – but it’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly,” he said.
“I’ve loved every minute of being in charge of Makins, meeting so many anglers over the years and watching some huge matches won on these waters.
“Everyone who has fished here has been so nice and I’ll probably miss that the most.”
The fishery – one of the country’s largest commercials with 18 lakes and more than 600 swims – is up for sale for £1.75 million, according to estate agents Colliers International, whose Robert Smithson said: “The current owners have done an excellent job in growing the business and establishing its reputation across the UK.
“This is a rare opportunity for a new owner to acquire an outstanding commercial coarse fishery business in an ideal trading location.”
Makins first opened its doors to the public nearly 30 years ago. It was created by match angler Billy Makin who sold it to British Waterways in 2003 before Alan took over five years later. It remains one of the country’s most popular commercials and was most recently sponsored by Guru.
During his time there, Alan opened a bait shop and café, as well as an adjoining caravan park with 35 pitches, three high-specification holiday lodges and a three-bedroom bungalow.
Top match angler Phil Ringer, a regular visitor to Makins since it opened, was full of praise for the fishery and its owner.
“Alan has done an amazing job in the 11 years he’s owned it,” said Phil. “It’s a fantastic fishery and hopefully the new owners will keep it that way.”
BBC reveals new fishing TV series
The BBC is to air a brand new TV fishing series this June, Angling Times can reveal.
‘Go Fish with Will Millard’ is set for screening on Friday, June 21 and will follow the BAFTA award-winning presenter through four half-hour episodes in search of giant sharks, monster pike, sea trout, and some of the UK’s biggest carp.
Will, a lifelong angler and author of one of the most popular fishing books of 2017 – The Old Man and the Sandeel – is known to viewers through previous ground-breaking BBC shows including My Year with the Tribe and Hunters of the South Seas, both of which won global acclaim.
He was also a star guest on the John Wilson Legends stage at the recent The Big One Show in Farnborough, where he wowed visitors with stories from his book and the forthcoming series.
“Go Fish is very different to other fishing series on TV,” admitted Will. “It’s not about rigs, baits, or tactics, but each episode has a theme which sees me investigate unusual and classical venues, look at environmental issues, and meet some remarkable people with amazing stories which wouldn’t normally be told.”
Locations for the first series are centred around Will’s adopted home of Wales, with the imposing Wharf Fishery in Cardiff and Caerphilly Castle moat providing the dramatic backdrops for the must-watch carp episode.
“The Wharf is home to possibly the biggest carp in Wales at present, but this episode isn’t just about catching big fish – it’s very much character-led and highlights the sub-culture of the growing urban carp scene and some of the people involved in it,” he said.
“I also wanted to find out whether it was ethical to catch sharks on rod and line so I went out to the Celtic Deeps with a shark tagger to investigate both sides of the story.”
Angling Times Editor-in-Chief, Steve Fitzpatrick has followed Will through the production process of the new series, and has sneaked an early viewing.
“I defy any angler not be inspired by Will’s enthusiasm, his brutal honesty when things don’t quite go to plan, and the joy he exudes when the target fish are caught.
“This isn’t a ‘how-to’ fishing series, it’s much more than that, showcasing the diverse characters in angling, our passion for the environment, and the amazing moments we experience and love about our sport,” said Steve.
l Go Fish will initially screen on BBC1 Wales on Friday, June 21 at 7.30pm with following episodes each Friday. BBC1 Wales is on Sky channel 952. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
Five minutes with: Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer
Comedy legends Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are set to hit the shelves across the UK with a fishing book, following their award-winning TV series.
The book ‘Gone Fishing’ is a guide to angling like no other. With lessons in both fishing and life, the duo take you through their journey into angling, with hilarious insights into their experiences along the way.
We caught up with the two friends to find out more, as well as get a glimpse into the contents of their new TV series…
Q) What was your motivation to write a book after the success of your TV show?
Paul: In a book we can tell more of a story, and we wanted to tell people why we started fishing together. We’re also pre-empting other people writing it!
Bob: I think one of the most appealing parts of the TV show was that it highlights the beauty of the British countryside. While we can’t do this in the book, we can go into more detail about other things. Take the section on recipes, for example. We show you how to make all the heart-healthy food we made during the series. We couldn’t do this on TV, but in a book we can show much more.
Q) Your TV show appealed to both anglers and non-anglers. Does your book do the same?
Paul: I think we’ve filled a gap with the show, and have shown the non-angling public how accessible fishing is. We showed that you can go fishing, and that you don’t need loads of tackle and all the rest of it. In the book we’ve continued this simple theme, and hope that we convey the same message.
Bob: I think Gone Fishing was almost the ultimate fishing show! It appealed to loads of people, and we’ve had lots of women telling us that they like it. In the book we talk about history, as well as fishing and food, and I like to think we’ve included something for everyone.
Q) Have you heard from many people who have been inspired to start fishing after watching your programme?
Bob: There are lots of people who fished as kids, but like me they lost touch with angling as they got older. I’ve had a steady stream of people who tell me they’ve got back into fishing after watching the show, and we like to think that we’ve brought fishing back into the public eye.
Q) Although you do lots of fly fishing, what is it you like most about coarse fishing?
Paul: It’s been a joy for me to do more coarse fishing again. Floatfishing is a real favourite of mine, and I love trotting for grayling. Oh, and fishing for tench – not a lot beats that, I think.
Bob: There are all these extreme sports that people do, but I like coarse fishing because it advocates a pastime where you can just sit on your arse! I also just love the mystical, invisible connection between you and the float. I think it’s the best form of meditation. The only thing I don’t like are the bream! They disgust me. They’re like naan bread.
Q) What do you think of on the modern carp angling scene?
Paul: I remember going carp fishing with Chris Yates, and all we used as bait was maggots. His approach showed that you don’t need all the hi-tech stuff, and this simple approach to angling is still incredibly effective.
Bob: As I’ve already said, I’m a sucker for sitting, so I like carp fishing!
Q) What are your opinions on the closed season?
Paul: I’m on the fence about it. I love June 16 – it’s such a special day for anglers. I suppose it gives the fish a break, and it’s good to leave them alone for a bit.
Bob: I’m no expert on it, but I always feel that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I suppose it’s a bit like football. I hate the break when the season ends, but I love it when it comes back.
Q) Tell us about the new TV series…
Paul: We’ve followed the same theme as the first series, as this was what worked and appealed to so many people. We show the British countryside in all its glory, and still include sections talking about things away from fishing. We travel more around the UK and target new species, such as salmon in Scotland and pike in Wales.
Bob: We also go carp fishing in Essex, where we have a match of the new techno approach verses traditional float tactics. You’ll have to watch the episode to see which comes out on top.
Q) How are your hearts? Are you well?
Paul: We’ve both been eating healthily, but we currently have a Twix sat in front of us! In all seriousness, we’re both all right. I’ve been doing a show every night, and have been keeping busy doing lots of exercise.
Q) Finally, what are your angling ambitions?
Bob: Catching a tench on the float is currently my fishing goal. I love that classic scene of watching a float sat next to the lily pads. You really can’t beat that.
Paul: Do you know, Bob, some anglers fish for tench with feeders, casting miles into the distance?
Q) Would you not fancy doing something like that?
Bob: Oh no, Paul. I don’t think I’m interested in that!
Paul: At the end of the book we talk about a man we met on the banks of the River Tay in Scotland. He had cancer and knew he didn’t have long left to live, but he had made the decision to spend the last of his days fishing. This is how we’d like to spend the last of our days, and I think that is the ultimate ambition.
Buy the book
Bob & Paul’s book Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (Blink Publishing, £18.99) is available now in audio, print and eBook.
Iconic Fishing T.V series available for the first time since the 70’s!
HIT 1970’s fishing series ‘Go Fishing with Jack Charlton’ is set to receive its first ever home-entertainment release, Angling Times can reveal.
The show will be available to buy on DVD from May 20 and is sure to be a hit with anglers and football fans alike.
The series sees the football legend and accomplished fly-fisher take us entertainingly and instructively through river coarse fishing and the thrills of sea wreck fishing, not to mention salmon fishing in Scotland – where the legend shows us he is just as skilled on the river bank as on the football field.
His down-to-earth common sense and humorous approach make him the ideal guide, and across the six episodes he meets with various experts to discuss their gear and specific tactics for different types of fishing – a proper blast from the past!
Go Fishing with Jack Charlton will be available for purchase on DVD from May 20 2019.
RRP is £14.99 but is available from www.amazon.co.uk for £10.99, or from www.networkonair.com for £9.00.
It’s all change for Britain’s superwaters
Two- of Britain’s biggest and busiest fisheries have unveiled exciting plans for expansion over the next 12 months in a bid to keep up with anglers’ demands.
A mile-long snake lake is on the schedule for Doncaster’s Drennan Lindholme Lakes, and at Oxfordshire’s Linear Fisheries there are proposals to add new waters to the already massive complex.
Both fisheries are doing this to cater for the countless anglers that visit every year, and in recent weeks sport has been so busy at Linear that venue officials have taken to Facebook to warn oncoming visitors of peg shortages.
We spoke to owners Neil Grantham (Lindholme) and Chris Blunt (Linear) to find out why both fisheries are so successful.
“Anglers have invested money into Lindholme, and we’ve put everything back into the fishery,” said Neil.
“We’ve not been too greedy, and we try to look after everybody by putting the anglers first.
“We continuously go forward, and if you stop you’ll start to go backwards.”
Neil’s plans for Lindholme include investing £40,000 in fish stocking for the lakes to keep the 60,000 annual visitors happy.
“We’re also adding a new café and restaurant, alongside a large new tackle shop featuring a pole alley,” he revealed.
“In addition, we have purchased 20 acres of land, where we plan to build 40 new lodges, 50 touring caravans, and 300 new fishing pegs.”
By next year Lindholme will have a total of 1,000 pegs – 150 of which will be on the new
mile-long snake lake.
“We will also build a new specimen water to cater for anglers who like that style of fishing. It’s a really exciting time for the fishery,” he said
Linear Fisheries can be seen in a similar light to Lindholme in terms of its popularity too, as fishery manager Chris Blunt explained:
“One of our main approaches to managing this busy fishery is to just be honest with people.
“We always let people know how busy we are over social media because people travel a long way to fish at Linear and we don’t want them being disappointed.
“There certainly appears to be a lot more carp anglers these days – not necessarily with a demand for record-breaking fish, but more who want a social experience when fishing.
“This is why I think people don’t mind fishing the complex when it’s busy, as we certainly offer that social aspect.”
Like Lindholme, investing in fish stocks and lake expansion is also key to Linear’s success:
“Our stocking policy over the past thirty years has played a big part,” said Chris..
“Even though we don’t have necessarily the biggest individual fish in comparison to other waters, the numbers of 20-40lb-plus specimens on site is staggering and almost unrivalled.”
And with such a large demand for pegs, Chris is always looking for new ways to develop the fishery.
“We have another syndicate opening in the next 12 months, a new tackle shop, and without giving too much away, a new day ticket water is also being planned.”
Top 10 ‘super-waters’ to try
Drennan Lindholme Lakes, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Contact: 01427 875555
Postcode: DN9 1LF
The Oaks Lakes, Sessay, North Yorkshire
Contact: 01845 501321
Postcode: YO7 3BG
Decoy Lakes, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire
Contact: 01733 202230
Postcode: PE7 2AD
Makins Fishery, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Contact: 01455 220877
Postcode: CV11 6QJ
White Acres, Newquay, Cornwall
Contact: 01726 862519
Postcode: TR8 4LW
Wyreside Lakes Fishery, Lancaster, Lancashire
Contact: 01524 792093
Postcode: LA2 9DG
Baden Hall Fishery, Stafford, Staffordshire
Contact: 01785 851495
Postcode: ST21 6LG
Bluebell Lakes, Oundle, Peterborough
Contact: 01832 226042
Postcode: PE8 5HP
Linear Fisheries, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Contact: 07885 327708
Postcode: OX29 7QF
Anglers Paradise, Beaworthy, Devon
Contact: 01409 221559
Postcode: EX21 5XT
Spawn to be wild... Kids help to save our eels
Thousands of children are seeking to raise public awareness of our critically endangered eels – by getting involved in a rearing project to increase their numbers in UK rivers.
The Spawn To Be Wild project, run by the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and Avon Wildlife Trust, is rolling out to 11 schools this spring and involves the growing of eels in school classrooms.
The project is funded by Bristol Water, A Forgotten Landscape and the Avon Frome Partnership.
“We are excited to announce the project will be running again this year, with even more schools signed up,” said Spawn to be Wild organiser Harriet Alvis.
“How the project works is this – each school will receive 50 elvers (baby eels) and the students will rear them for four to five weeks before they are released into nearby rivers. During this time pupils will learn about the life cycle of the eel, threats to their survival and what we can do to protect them. The learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Part of the project involves net dipping on local rivers.
“This teaches the children about all the life forms in our rivers, from small invertebrates to larger fish. It’s great to get them interacting more with the freshwater environment and learning how rivers connect to the seas.
“Primary and secondary school pupils as well as our first special needs school are all taking part. The project starts in April and the eels will be released in May.”
Other Rivers Trusts around the country are rolling out similar schemes under different names, with all are featuring eels.
“It’s great news that this focus is being put on the eel, a fish that has suffered a catastrophic decline of 97 per cent since the 1970s and is a largely unknown, and critically endangered species,” Harriet said.
Simon Nicoll, one of the teachers involved in the scheme, said: “The children loved having the elvers. They were so excited and haven’t stopped speaking about releasing them into the river.”
Stolworthy crowned drennan champion!
“I’ve got the biggest smile on my face – I didn’t expect to win the Drennan Cup at all!”
These are the words of an elated Darryn Stolworthy, who has been crowned champion of the country’s most prestigious specimen fishing competition.
The Angling Direct-backed ace took top spot and a cheque for £2,000 after one of the closest-run votes in the competition’s 35-year history, with Darryn finishing just 10 points ahead of his nearest rival, Rich Wilby.
In a phenomenal season Darryn scooped four weekly awards, the first of which came in June after a mega haul at Bawburgh Fisheries in his home county of Norfolk. Darryn landed tench to 12lb 4oz and part of a haul of 60 fish that also included a 10lb 1oz male and a 33lb 12oz carp.
Over the following months Darryn added an 18lb bream, a 4lb 4oz perch and a 3lb 3oz stillwater roach to cap off a truly superb season’s fishing.
“When I had that big hit of tench in June I wasn’t going to publicise it, but thankfully my mate convinced me to.
“Then the big perch and bream came along and I really couldn’t not send them in!”
Of his four winning catches, it was the bream haul that turned out to be his favourite, as he explained: “Only two bream were caught all season from the water but I managed fish of 12lb 13oz, 14lb 14oz, 15lb 3oz, 16lb, 17lb 2oz and the 18-pounder in a single session.
“There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so you couldn’t have had worse conditions for bream, but somehow I still managed to catch them!” he continued.
“You can be a skilful angler, but at the end of the day luck ultimately has the biggest part to play. I’m just completely shocked and delighted to have won.”
There was little surprise that Rich Wilby took second-place after his maiden Drennan campaign yielded no fewer than five weekly awards – the most taken by a single angler throughout the season.
These included a haul of rudd to 3lb 6oz, 15 eels to 5lb 2oz and a 2lb 14oz River Waveney roach.
“I’m delighted to have come this close and it’s definitely given me the motivation for next year,” Rich told Angling Times.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience but it’s totally deserved for Darryn,’ he added.
Third place went to Essex-based angler Paul Faint who won a quartet of Weekly Drennan Cup awards for his catches of huge barbel (19lb 11oz), rudd (3lb 6oz) and perch (brace of 4lb 1oz and 4lb 7oz).
All round specimen ace Dan Gale filled the final position on the podium following his captures of a 3lb 2oz roach (River Frome), a 16lb 9oz barbel and a 3lb 8oz rudd.
How it works
Captures are submitted to Angling Times, then forwarded to Drennan to be considered for an £80 Weekly Award. Anglers who break a British record get a one-off award of £300. After 12 months a list of winners is published and voting letters are sent to previous Drennan Cup Weekly Award winners from previous years.
They list their top four anglers – four points going to their top pick, down to one point for their fourth pick. The result is revealed in late April, when the angler with the highest total number of votes wins the trophy.
You could win!
Due to the rolling nature of the competition, entries are already being accepted for weekly awards in the 2019-20 Drennan Cup competition.
Entries will cease being taken at the end of March 2020. If you catch a specimen coarse fish (other than a carp or catfish) by design in the next 12 months, try to take good quality photos, weigh the fish carefully and, if possible, have a witness on hand. Tick all three boxes, and you could have a chance of winning!
DRENNAN CUP HOTLINE
If you’ve caught a specimen fish, contact Angling Times news editor Ian Jones on 01733 395111 or email ian.jones@bauermedia.co.uk. All big fish are put forward for consideration by Drennan and will be featured in the Angling Times.
£23m cash injection from rod licence windfall
The future of fishing is looking brighter than ever after the Environment Agency revealed it sold more than one million rod licences in the 2017/18 season – generating a whopping £23,132,885 for our sport.
The figures were showcased in an annual EA report which highlighted where the money was spent during that year; with habitat improvement, fisheries enforcement and stocking programmes ranking highly on the authority’s priority list.
In a double delight, the EA’s account also revealed that it had planned for a profit of £22.2million in 2017/18, but sales of rod licences were so good that more than £23million was generated – with all money being put back into fishing and the environment.
Kevin Austin, who is the Deputy Director for Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Income from fishing licence sales is used to fund our work to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries.
“Fishing rod licence income is vital for so much of the work we do including fisheries enforcement, fish rescues, restocking, improving habitats for fish and facilities for anglers as well as working with partners to encourage people to give fishing a go.
“To ensure we could provide the investment needed to deliver the services for angling we increased the price of the licences for the first time in 7 years.
“The cost of a standard coarse and trout fish licence rose by £3 from £27 to £30 and a full salmon fishing licence from £72 to £82.
“This wasn’t a decision we took lightly and it comes with a guarantee that we won’t raise prices again until at least 2020.
“The additional money generated in 2017 to 2018 was invested in fisheries improvements and you can read about examples of these projects in our report.”
All you need to know about The Big One Show - Stoneleigh
Welcome to Angling Times’ bumper guide to our brand new fishing show - The Big One Stoneleigh.
It’s high time that anglers in the Midlands had a show of their own... now they have, and what a show it’s going to be!
Over the past 12 months we’ve worked really hard behind the scenes with our event partners, exhibitors, star anglers and past visitors to make our new-for-2019 event the best it can be.
Stoneleigh Park is a fantastic location for a fishing show as it’s right in the heart of the country and has some of the best facilities you’ll find anywhere, including loads of free parking and easy access to the two big halls. These will be packed out with top fishing manufacturers and retailers over the weekend, all revealing their new tackle and baits for the season ahead. There are also some seriously good, show-only deals to be had if you’re quick!
Our new John Wilson Legends Theatre was a huge hit at our recent Farnborough show, so we are excited to bring the stage to Stoneleigh as well. Not only does this entertainment area pay tribute to our much-loved fishing hero, but it will be packed with top fishing stars delivering unmissable talks and demos.
I’m proud to be able to welcome River Monsters TV superstar Jeremy Wade, plus World Feeder Champion Steve Ringer, carp legend Alan Blair, big-fish ace Des Taylor and many more famous faces to the stage. Proceedings will be hosted by England Carp Team manager Rob Hughes.
Inside this guide you’ll find a full rundown of what’s happening at the weekend, with a sneak preview of the new tackle to look out for, the timetables of who’s talking in the big theatre each day, and essential visitor information.
It’s not too late to get your tickets for the show – buy them in advance online now, or get them on the door from 9.30am each day.
How to get there
Make sure you allow plenty of time for your journey to The Big One. Traffic build-up can be considerable, and although there is ample parking for everyone, it will pay to arrive with plenty of time to spare
Date: Saturday, April 13 & Sunday, April 14
Location: Halls 1 & 2, NAEC Stoneleigh, Stoneleigh Park, Warks CV8 2LZ
Directions: Stoneleigh Park is located between the M6 and M40 motorways, close to Kenilworth and around six miles south of Coventry close to the A46. The Park is accessed from the B4113. The Big One will be well signposted from this point
SatNav postcode: CV8 2LZ
By rail: Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Warwick Parkway rail stations are situated on the main London Marylebone to Birmingham line, while Coventry is a regular stop for the Virgin West Coast Mainline
By bus/coach: Coventry bus station is six miles from Stoneleigh Park. Warwick bus station is nine miles away
Meet the stars
Fishing’s biggest stars will be at The Big One Stoneleigh this weekend – and you can meet them all at the John Wilson MBE Legends Theatre and Demo Pool!
Hosted by TV star and England Carp Team manager Rob Hughes, there are 13 demos and insightful talks taking place over the weekend, when visitors can learn from the experts.
It’s also the place to see some sneak previews, especially during global TV legend Jeremy Wade’s appearance. He’ll be revealing his new ‘How to Think Like a Fish’ book, and giving visitors an exclusive look at his new TV series – Dark Waters.
In addition to his exclusive fishing demo, Steve Ringer will be signing copies of his latest Guide to Pole Fishing book on the Angling Times stand on Saturday – don’t miss out!
JOHN WILSON MBE LEGENDS THEATRE & DEMO LAKE
HALL 2 – Hosted by Rob Hughes
An unmissable mix of exclusive demos from the country’s top anglers, plus entertaining talks from the stars of fishing
SATURDAY APRIL 13
10.00am – 10.30am | Andy May – Fish O’ Champ and angling coach exclusively reveals how to catch more fish on the pole.
10.45am – 11.15am | Des Taylor – Angling Times columnist and Midlands fishing maestro talks about his fishing adventures and reveals some of his funniest stories from days on the bank.
11.30am – 12pm | Steve Ringer – Join the World Feeder Champion as he reveals his techniques for catching more on the Method and Hybrid feeders in this exclusive demo pool session.
12.15pm – 12.45pm | Dr Paul Garner – Enjoy a lure fishing masterclass on the demo pool with Angling Times’ resident predator expert – find out everything you need to know about catching bigger pike, zander, and perch.
1pm – 1.30pm | Mark Holmes – Top carp angler reveals his bait theories for catching bigger fish this spring and summer.
1.45pm – 2.30pm | Jeremy Wade – Behind-the-scenes insights into his River Monsters and Mighty Rivers TV shows, plus sneak previews of ‘How to Think Like a Fish’ book and Dark Waters TV series.
2.45pm – 3.15pm | Dave Harrell & Darren Cox – Don’t miss this exclusive match Q&A with these two Midlands river fishing legends!
SUNDAY APRIL 14
10.00am – 10.30am | Andy May – Fish O’Mania Champ and angling coach reveals how you can catch more fish on the pole in this exclusive demo.
10.45am – 11.30am | Alan Blair – Legendary carp fishing expert will help you put more, and bigger, carp in the net this season.
11.45am – 12.15pm | Dr Paul Garner – Enjoy a lure fishing masterclass on the demo pool with Angling Times’ resident predator expert – find out everything you need to know about catching bigger pike, zander, and perch.
12.30pm – 1.15pm | Jeremy Wade – Behind-the-scenes insights into his River Monsters and Mighty Rivers TV shows, plus a sneak preview of his new ‘How to Think Like a Fish’ book and forthcoming Dark Waters TV series.
1.30pm – 2.15pm | Des Taylor – Angling Times columnist and Midlands fishing maestro talks about his fishing adventures and reveals some of his funniest stories from days on the bank.
2.30pm – 3pm | Dave Harrell & Darren Cox – Don’t miss this exclusive match Q&A with these two Midlands river fishing legends!
SIX things to do at the show
1) See the latest tackle…
Stoneleigh show visitors will be treated to many new launches from the biggest names in fishing, with new gear for 2019 from the likes of Shimano, Nash, Garbolino, Maver, Rod Hutchinson, RidgeMonkey, Navitas, Prologic, MAP, Wolf, Thinking Anglers, Frenzee, NGT and Wychwood, to name just a few!
The big-hitters will be joined by many of our artisan brands, bringing a real mix of unique products for all styles of fishing – check them out!
2 …and buy it
The UK’s biggest retailers are at Stoneleigh with huge stands and huge bargains, including special The Big One show-only deals – so not only can you get your hands on the latest gear, but you’ll be able to save £££s on the full prices too!
Don’t miss top deals from retailers including Vale Royal Angling Centre, Eric’s Angling, Total Fishing Tackle and more.
3) Meet the stars
Fancy meeting Jeremy Wade and learning more about his new TV series? Want to ask Steve Ringer about catching more fish on the feeder, or Andy May on becoming a better pole angler?
What about planning your next carp session with tips from Alan Blair? We’ve got a whole host of top anglers doing demos and giving exclusive talks on the John Wilson MBE Legends stage and Demo Pool all weekend – you won’t want to miss them!
4) Stock up on baits
This year’s The Big One show has more big bait manufacturers than ever, with all the latest creations for carp, match and river anglers. Get your hands on new feeds from CCMoore, Sticky, Crafty Catcher, Blakes Baits, Shilham, Munch Baits and more.
5) Shop and Drop
Visitors will be able to take advantage of a new Shop&Drop facility at The Big One where you can leave your bulkier purchases until you’re ready to collect them and take them home. Getting them back to your car should be easy too, with parking close to the halls.
6) Relax and refresh
A fully kitted-out inside restaurant and outside catering facilities will be there to provide a huge variety of food and drink for all visitors throughout the weekend.
IT’S TIME TO VOTE FOR YOUR 2018/2019 DRENNAN CUP CHAMPION!
Below is a full list of all the weekly Drennan Cup award winners from the 2018/19 season.
WARNING: Anglers who have won a weekly Drennan Cup award in the last three years are only allowed to vote. Weekly Drennan Cup winners cannot vote for themselves.
Votes submitted by none weekly Drennan Cup award winners shall not be counted.
A letter has been posted to each of the weekly Drennan Cup award winners from the last three years informing them on how they can submit their votes.
Take a look at some of the amazing catches here:
Multiple Award Winners 2018/19
Five Weekly Awards:
· Richard Wilby: Five rudd to 3lb 6oz, 15 eels to 5lb 2oz, 2lb 10oz roach plus others over 2lb, a 1lb 8dr dace, 2lb 14oz roach
Four Weekly Awards:
· Darryn Stolworthy: 12lb 3oz tench, 18lb bream, 4lb 4oz perch, 3lb 3oz roach
· Paul Faint: 16lb 13oz barbel, 19lb 11oz barbel, 4lb 7oz and 4lb 1oz brace of perch, 3lb 6oz rudd
Three Weekly Awards:
· Dan Gale: 3lb 8oz rudd, 16lb 9oz barbel, 3lb 2oz roach
· Matt Atkins: 4lb 1oz, 4lb 10oz and 5lb 6oz perch, 2lb 13oz roach, 1lb dace
· Andy Cheetham: 4lb 9oz perch, 4lb 14oz perch, 5lb 3oz and 4lb 7oz perch
Two Weekly Awards:
· Christopher Taylor: 11lb 4oz brace of tench, 11lb 8oz and 10lb 9oz tench
· Ken Brown: 4lb 7oz crucian carp, 4lb 7oz perch
· Dave Harman: 11lb 10oz tench, 5lb 8oz eel
· Alex Warren: 7lb 4oz chub, 7lb 14oz chub
· Roman Sivak: 16lb 5oz barbel, 7lb 7oz chub
· Harry Langley: 17lb 4oz zander, 4lb 12oz perch
· Brett Longthorne: 15lb 6oz bream, 7lb 6oz chub
· Gary Palmer: 17lb 2oz zander, 31lb 10oz pike
· Rob Inns: 4lb 12oz perch, 1lb 1oz 2dr dace
· Nick Goode: 2lb 14oz roach, 31lb 6oz Pike
· Mark Woodage: catch of roach to 3lb 3oz, 3lb 1oz roach
Weekly winners in issue order
April 17 2018
Neale Woodward, 2lb 15oz roach
April 24 2018
Ken Brown, 4lb 7oz crucian carp
May 1 2018
Paul Faint, 4lb 7oz and 4lb 1oz brace of perch
Tony Bennet, 2lb 10oz roach
May 8 2018
Kevin Sanders, 2lb 8oz and 2lb 15oz brace of rudd
May 15 2018
Chris Stothard, 10lb 4oz tench
May 22 2018
Christopher Taylor, 11lb 4oz brace of tench
Kevin Durman, 10lb 4oz tench
May 29 2018
James Crameri, 21lb 12oz bream
Lee McManus 16lb 10oz bream
Tony Arbery, 10lb 2oz eel
June 5 2018
Eddie Court, 11lb 14oz tench
Thomas Humphries, 10lb 12oz tench
Hugh Boyle, 10lb 12oz tench
Trevor Gunning, 4lb 10oz perch
June 12 2018
Christopher Taylor, 11lb 8oz and 10lb 9oz tench
Daniel Woolcott, 11lb 3oz tench
June 19 2018
Dai Gibble, 5lb 7oz eel
Darryn Stolworthy, 12lb 3oz tench
Steve Grinaham, 11lb 12oz tench
Dean Taylor, 11lb 8oz tench
June 26 2018
Richard Wilby, Five rudd to 3lb 6oz
Paul Scowen, 5lb 4oz eel
July 3 2018
Nick Proctor, 13lb 1oz tench
July 10 2018
Gary Knowles, 3lb 2oz rudd
Den Willetts, 16lb 1oz barbel
July 17 2018
Scott Walker, 4lb 4oz crucian carp
Dean Aston, 6lb 6oz eel
July 31 2018
Paul Faint, 3lb 6oz rudd
Mark Lindsay, 7lb 8oz chub
Mark Woodage, 3lb 1oz roach
Roman Vann, 17lb 2oz barbel
August 7 2018
Ken Brown, 4lb 7oz perch
Darren Clarke, 5lb 3oz eel
Dave Harman, 11lb 10oz tench
August 14 2018
Phil Spinks, 3lb 2oz rudd
August 21 2018
Neil Wayte, 7lb 12oz chub
Dave Harman, 5lb 8oz eel
August 28 2018
Harry Langley, 4lb 12oz perch
September 4 2018
Dan Gale, 3lb 8oz rudd
Adam Hughes, 15lb 8oz barbel
September 11 2018
Dan Gale, 16lb 9oz barbel
Roman Sivak, 16lb 15oz barbel
September 18 2018
Nick Duffy, 5lb 4oz eel
Darryn Stolworthy, 18lb bream
Martin Abonyi, 2lb 4oz roach
September 25 2018
Mervyn Wilkinson, 16lb 5oz barbel
Darryn Stolworthy, 4lb 4oz perch
October 2 2018
Brett Longthorne, 15lb 6oz bream
October 9 2018
Stuart Barnes, 7lb 6oz chub
Frank Partington, 2lb 10oz roach
October 16 2018
Mark Everard, 3lb 2oz roach
October 24 2018
Dan Gale, 3lb 2oz roach
Matt Atkins, 4lb 1oz, 4lb 10oz and 5lb 6oz perch
Alex Warren 7lb 4oz chub
October 30 2018
Paul Slade, 39lb 3oz pike
Michael Taylor, 16lb 7oz barbel
November 6 2018
Simon Daley, 2lb 10oz roach
Mike Lyddon, 4lb and 4lb 1oz crucian brace
November 13 2018
Paul Faint, 19lb 11oz barbel
Mark Woodage, huge bag of roach to 3lb 3oz
Adam Gorst, 17lb 2oz barbel
November 27 2018
Vinnie Durn, 3lb 8oz roach
Alan Rio, 2lb 12oz roach
Nick Goode, 2lb 14oz roach
Alex Warren, 7lb 14oz chub
Richard Wilby, 15 eels to 5lb 2oz
December 4 2018
James Champkin, nice perch over 3lb to a best of 4lb 4oz
Chris West, 4lb 6oz perch
Janusz Kansik, 17lb 2oz zander
Robin Cave, 16lb 12oz barbel
Stuart Taylor 16lb 12oz barbel
December 11 2018
Simon Baker, 7lb 10oz chub
Roman Sivak, 7lb 7oz chub
Darrell Carter, 4lb 3oz perch
Darryn Stolworthy, 3lb 3oz roach
December 27 2018
Matt Hughes, 18lb 8oz barbel
Robert Dowsett, 17lb 11oz barbel
Phil Mapp, 7lb 15oz chub
Roy Jones, 2lb 4oz and 2lb 12oz roach
January 8 2019
Richard Wilby, 2lb 10oz roach plus other two pounders
Ian Wilson, 14lb 11oz and 15lb 1oz zander brace
January 15 2019
Tony Mayhew, 16lb 7oz barbel
Chris Gardner, 16lb 8oz barbel
Ben Smith, 5lb 3oz perch
Gary Palmer, 31lb 10oz pike
Garry Bagley, 19lb 2oz zander
Vince Cater, 1lb 8dr dace
Jamie Cartwright, 5lb 2oz perch
January 22 2019
Tom Sampson, 3lb 1oz roach
Paul Restall, 3lb 1oz roach
Chris Lowe, 30lb 2oz pike
John Cadd, 7lb 9oz chub
Paul Faint, 16lb 13oz barbel
Rob Inns, 4lb 2oz perch
January 29 2019
Tony Gibson, 7lb 13oz chub
Matt Atkins 2lb 13oz roach
Simon Ashton 3lb 1oz grayling
Gary Moth, 16lb 8oz barbel
Harry Langley 17lb 4oz zander
February 5 2019
Mark Pitchers, 3lb 2oz grayling
Aaron Burnside, 31lb 4oz pike
Gary Palmer, 17lb 2oz zander
February 12 2019
Richard Wilby 1lb 8dr dace
Brett Longthorne, 7lb 8oz chub
Andy Waters, 3lb rudd
Mick Mills, 19lb 8oz barbel
Craig Lancashire, 33lb 10oz pike
February 19 2019
Matt Atkins, 1lb dace
Andrew Cheetham, 4lb 9oz perch
Charlie Dawkins, 3lb 1oz roach
Joe Frogett, 3lb 1oz roach
February 26 2019
Ryan Pevy, 19lb 15oz barbel
Rob Inns, 1lb 1oz 2dr dace
Robert Horwood, 8lb 4oz chub
Andy Cheetham, 4lb 14oz perch
Neill Stephen 4lb 3oz grayling
March 5 2019
Andy Cheetham, 5lb 3oz and 4lb 7oz perch
James Wainwright, 30lb 4oz pike
Nick Goode, 31lb 6oz pike
James Ufton, 17lb 15oz barbel
March 12 2019
Ryan Hayden, 4lb 10oz perch
Jake Hogger, 16lb 9oz barbel
Andrew Field, 1lb 1oz dace
Richard Wilby, 2lb 14oz roach
James Butler 7lb 13oz roach
March 19 2019
John Llewellyn, 20lb 12oz barbel
Paul Allen, 8lb 1oz chub
Rob Murfin, 18lb 14oz barbel
Ian Godbolt, 35lb 2oz pike
March 26 2019
Pete Cranstoun, 8lb 5oz chub
Michael Barnshaw, 5lb perch
Julian Barnes, 16lb 8oz barbel
Carp fishing to hit the big screen
BRITISH film about a group of youngsters going carp fishing will be released in cinemas later this month.
‘Pond Life’ is set in a former mining village outside Doncaster in 1994, and follows the lives of five young people as they head to the local pond for a night fishing trip in search of Nessie – a giant carp that has pulled an angler’s rod into the water.
The gang is led by experienced fisherman Trevor (played by Game of Thrones’ Tom Varey), who gathers enough kit for the youngsters to fish alongside him.
The film stars a clutch of young British actors alongside a host of recognisible faces including Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street), Shaun Dooley (Broadchurch, Gunpowder) and Siobhan Finneran (Benidorm).
The original music is provided by Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley.
Writer Richard Cameron said of the film: “The idea for Pond Life came from the summer, when I ran an activities summer school for special-needs teenagers. It was exhausting.
“To relax, I’d go fishing – sometimes back to the pond near where I grew up in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, next to a former pit village. I started to think about a young girl with special needs being looked after by a young man on the dole, taking her fishing.
“Often stories get told of monster carp in these ponds – always the one that got away – so I decided I needed the legend of a monster carp and an all-night fishing expedition, with a gang of youngsters.
“The kids in Pond Life make their own magic, in a place where life is tough, where the life and soul of the community has gone.”
Originally written and toured as a play, Pond Life has been brought to the big screen by Open Palm Films. It was filmed in and around Edlington, Doncaster, and the fishing scenes were shot at Phoenix and Parkgate Angling Club’s Ravenfield Ponds.
The Rod and Reel Angling shop in Bawtry also features in the film, while carp coach Ian Gemson was an angling consultant, alongside Kurt Thorpe. Having debuted at last year’s Leeds International Film Festival, Pond Life is released in UK cinemas on April 26.
The Big One Show - Farnborough hits new heights
A record-breaking crowd enjoyed one of the greatest fishing events ever staged last weekend as The Big One welcomed visitors to its first show of 2019.
More than 20,000 mad-keen anglers headed to the famous Farnborough location over the two days, with Saturday proving to be the busiest in its 25-year history.
Visitors were treated to more big tackle launches than ever before, retailer deals, and three entertainment theatres packed with fishing’s most famous names.
In the John Wilson Legends Theatre the crowds were treated to demos from Steve Ringer, Tommy Pickering and Des Shipp, plus behind-the-scenes talks from Ali Hamidi, Dean Macey, Will Millard and Terry Hearn.
TV superstar Jeremy Wade revealed the stories behind his River Monsters and Mighty Rivers series, and unveiled his new How to Think Like a Fish book and upcoming, top-secret filming project ‘Dark Waters’.
Event director Vince Davies said: “I was worried that we wouldn’t fit everyone in – the crowds were massive on the Saturday and it was great to hear so many positive stories from everybody.”
Retailers reported their busiest Saturday’s trading ever at the country’s biggest fishing show, with some selling out of key items by mid-afternoon on the first day!
This year’s The Big One show was attended by a host of exhibitors too, including Pure Fishing, Preston Innovations, Korda, Browning, Nash, Shimano, Maver, Trakker and RidgeMonkey.
Anglers looking for new baits to try saw innovative creations from Dynamite Baits, Crafter Catcher, Sticky, Sonubaits, Spotted Fin, Ringer Baits and more.
Vince added: “We’re now preparing for our new show at Stoneleigh Park in the Midlands on April 13 and 14 – I look forward to seeing you there.”
What the visitors, exhibitors and stars thought of The Big One Show at Farnborough
Stars and Exhibitors
Darren Cox, Garbolino: “It’s been a really good weekend and we’re really pleased with how the show has gone – I’ve not been stood still once and am losing my voice from talking to so many people!
“Yesterday (Saturday) was the best day we’ve had at the show for three years. There are more match and pleasure anglers here than in previous years, and this has been a big boost for us.”
Erics Angling: “It’s been brilliant! We’ve constantly been busy, and we’re really happy with how it’s all gone. Saturday was particularly hectic, and Chubb gear was very popular. This has been the best year we’ve had. We’ll be back!”
Steve Ringer, Guru: “This has been the best show we (Guru) have been to! Saturday was the best day, and unsurprisingly our Hybrid Feeders have sold really well.”
Stu Redman, Sensas: “We arrived with seven tonnes of groundbait, and on Sunday morning we have just a few boxes left. Our four bags for £10 deal was incredibly popular.”
Darrell Peck, Korda: “It’s been very busy and we’ve had a really good show. We’ve been coming here for years, and its great learning first-hand what people think.
“We’ve had lots of positive feedback, and our most popular product has been the Spinner Packs, which is unsurprising as these are the in-vogue rig.”
Visitors
Melissa Ackroyd, London: “The queue to see Jeremy Wade took me and my husband about 40 minutes to get through but it was well worth it – he’s such a lovely man and very passionate about fishing.”
Ronald Kyte, Kent: “The Lure Live Arena was excellent and it was great to see the lures work underwater. I loved Gary Palmer’s talk on fishing for zander on canals.”
David Kemp, Reading: “I’ve been coming to The Big One for six years now and this one has been by far the best yet – from the much improved parking to the variety of exhibitors and the talks. It couldn’t have been done any better.”
Guru sponsors England under 15s
Tackle giant Guru has revealed it is to sponsor the England Under 15s World Championships Team for this year’s event in Spain.
This is the first time the Under 15s has received full sponsorship, and Tackle Guru brand manager Adam Rooney was delighted to secure the deal with angling’s governing body The Angling Trust.
“Guru is keen to work with the Trust to help and inspire young anglers by giving them something to build up to and set them on positive tracks for their future in our sport,” he said. “Finding funding for the very youngest Under 15s international team has always been hard, and we’re keen to make it more professional.
“On top of covering full funding to send the team over there, we’ll provide them with all the terminal tackle they require for the World Championships in Spain this year. We’ll kit them out in full Guru clothing, and supply every team member with Guru-Rive Team Seatboxes and full Guru Fusion Luggage – the full outfit!”
Tackle Guru’s Matt Godfrey, a former World Youth Champion himself, will be coaching the Under 15s for this year’s match in August.
“I’ve been involved with the set-up since 2005, and it will be nice to give something back,” he said.
“Helping young anglers is such a positive thing to do, and our sponsorship follows on nicely from the successful Guru Match Academy which we also support.
“This event has grown in popularity every year since it started in 2016, going from 20 applicants to around 60 last year.
“It is a fantastic way of bringing young anglers through the ranks with the ultimate aim of fishing for their country, the pinnacle of match angling.”
The media team from Tackle Guru will be following the Under 15s in Spain, providing regular updates and live feeds on Facebook.
Managing the team again is Joe Roberts, who has been involved with youth matchfishing in England for over a decade, and he was keen to show his appreciation to Tackle Guru for its support.
“I started the talent pathway around 10 years ago. It’s always been a struggle with this youngest team, but it’s an essential part of international matchfishing’s future and to have full support from Guru is amazing,” he said.
The international team will be selected from the Talent Pathway Final which takes place at Barston Lake on April 20.
13,600 respond to closed season survey
Nearly 14,000 people have responded to the Environment Agency’s questionnaire on the future of the closed season, Angling Times can reveal.
The deadline for responses was March 15, with more than 13,600 people recording their opinions. These will be considered alongside those of the 5,147 who responded to an email survey back in May 2018.
The results are now being collated, and will be used to determine whether there is a case for changing the current closed season by-laws.
A spokesperson from angling’s governing body the Angling Trust said: “Any proposed change to the current by-law (whether to change the dates or remove the closed season) must be advertised, to give everyone the opportunity to object or support the proposal.
“We will respond to these objections, before applying to the Government for confirmation.
“The final decision ultimately rests with the Government.”
Any change in by-laws will not affect the 2019 closed season, when ‘Operation Clampdown’ patrols will take place for the seventh year.
During this campaign, Environment Agency officers will be supported by Angling Trust Volunteer Bailiffs in patrols of our waterways to enforce the closed season.
Last year this operation uncovered more than 250 instances of illegal fishing or unlicensed offenders being reported over the course of 927 patrols.
Kevin Austin, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Our job is to protect fish stocks and improve fisheries. The majority of anglers, who fish legally, rightly demand that we take action to catch offenders.
“During the closed season our fisheries enforcement officers, supported by Angling Trust volunteer bailiffs, will be targeting illegal fishing.
“We take illegal fishing very seriously. Anyone fishing illegally can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine.
“We urge anyone to report illegal fishing as quickly as possible by calling our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
is this carp going to grow to be our next record?
The offspring of the country’s biggest ever carp are being grown on to create the next super strain of fish with the potential to reach record-breaking sizes in double-quick time.
The carp known as ‘Big Rig’ hit the headlines in 2016 when the British Record Fish Committee would not recognise The Avenue fish as the record, following its capture by Tom Doherty from the Shropshire lake at a weight of 69lb 3oz. The carp was subsequently caught at 71lb 4oz, but again did not take the record, before its death in the summer of 2017.
Before it died, the carp – reared at Fenland Fisheries, Cambs – was successfully spawned with two big males from the popular RH Fisheries Avenue Syndicate water in a bid to create a super strain.
RH Fisheries boss Rob Hales told Angling Times: “We got approximately 4,000 babies from her. The biggest of 800 were graded to be sold on, but we have had to postpone plans and orders for them to make the venture more financially viable.
“We have just invested £100,000 in building a new home for 400 of these fast growers which will be held there until they are over 20lb – which we expect them to be in late 2020. At that point they will be sold to fisheries around the country, and we know they will be very popular.
“We have already stocked some into our own waters at The Monument, The Avenue and Acton Burnell, and they are showing exceptional growth. Stocked at two years and four months old, most of these fish were 7lb-plus with the biggest being 8lb 2oz. Any fish farmer will tell you these weights are quite exceptional at this age.
“They are quite long fish with big frames. Without a doubt they have the potential to become future record fish – after all, they have the same genetics as their mother, who reached over 70lb.
“It’s going to be fascinating watching these fish develop.”
These aren’t the only monsters RH Fisheries is growing, Angling Times can reveal. The popular ‘Super Freaks’ have also shown remarkable growth. Rob said: “The ‘Freaks’ are offspring of fish from our renowned Monument Fishery. These much shorter fish have shown astonishing weight gains and sell really well.
“Our best example is a fish stocked last year into the Avenue at 16lb and recently caught at 29lb.”
For the first time these two super strains will be living alongside each other with RH Fisheries’ recent purchase of the Top Lake at Acton Burnell, which has been stocked with both bloodlines.
“There has already been substantial work done on this beautiful lake, with over 1.7 miles of otter fencing erected to protect these special fish,” Rob said.
With both these strains now living together, we asked Rob if we could potentially see a new super strain emerge in the future.
“We keep both strains separate on the fish farm to keep the bloodlines pure. Now they are in the fishery at Acton Burnell together, though, of course there is a chance they will breed naturally. They are two strong fast growing strains so the combined result could be incredible.
“Maybe that’s something we shall think of in the future, but who knows what the fishery may eventually produce?” Rob said.
New scheme will help ‘app’rehend offenders
A scheme to share illegal angling activity instantly on the social messaging service WhatsApp has been hailed a success just weeks after launching.
The Shrewsbury Poacher Alert initiative uses WhatsApp to quickly share information about suspect angling activity in order to assist voluntary bailiffs in the Shrewsbury area.
And already the scheme is bearing fruit. Chris Wood, secretary of Shrewsbury Anglers Club, is one of the officials pioneering the idea, and he spoke to Angling Times about the problems local clubs were encountering.
He said: “One of the problems with poachers is that they will often move somewhere else after being kicked off a fishery, and angling clubs needed a way to quickly pass on information about illegal angling activity.
“The Voluntary Bailiff Service does an excellent job and we wanted to help them by finding a way to communicate issues with them fast.”
After talking to a number of local angling clubs, it was decided that WhatsApp could be used to the bailiffs’ advantage.
“We found that WhatsApp is the best way to communicate quickly, so we created a group containing head bailiffs from clubs including the Birmingham Anglers Association, Prince Albert Angling Society, and Lymm Angling Club,” Chris added.
Just a few weeks into the scheme, it’s working.
“The other day, one bailiff caught four anglers fishing with no permits, and after they were kicked off the water they were reported in the WhatsApp group so that other bailiffs were instantly aware,” said Chris.
“By sharing information about poaching incidents it is also possible for bailiffs to gain back-up when entering potentially hostile situations – when offending anglers can sometimes become aggressive.
“The scheme has been created solely for the benefit of our sport, and I hope that other angling clubs can use our idea to their advantage too.”
How your club can get involved...
If you are an official of your angling club and want to start a similar scheme, follow these simple steps...
1) Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (android)
2) Search ‘WhatsApp’ and download the app
3) Open the app and create an account
4) Add the members’ mobile numbers to your phone contacts (these will automatically become WhatsApp contacts)
5) Open the app and select ‘new group’ on the right-hand side of the menu and add any club members or bailiffs
6) You will now be able to share any information, images or videos relating to illegal fishing
Win BIG in new lure-based fishing competition
Tusses Lure Division have partnered with SPRO Freestyle to bring you the Tusses Freestyle Pairs League.
Anglers across the country have the chance to participate in a lure-based pairs fishing league where the winners will take home a share of a hefty cash prize pot.
Coventry-based angling club Tusses Lure Division have introduced the competition in a bid to get more people into lure fishing and to help promote the excellent rod-bending sport that can be found on the UK’s veining canal networks.
Like any match however there is a competitive element and the club’s Chairman David Warren reckons that the league will be hugely popular with those who are keen light lure anglers.
He told Angling Times: “You see lots of big reservoir lure matches nowadays but there hasn’t really been many held on our canals.
“Light lure fishing is a hugely popular area of the sport and this league will hopefully make lure matches on canals a big hit.
“Our members are hugely passionate about their lure fishing and together we came up with the idea – there definitely was a demand for this kind of event.”
On top of enjoying four/five days of fishing on the bank, successful participants will also have the chance to appear on TV and win a share of a big prize pot alongside some fantastic tackle items.
“All cash prizes will be paid out of the pot and currently we have £520 in it – so the more people who join, the bigger the prize pot will be,” David added.
“SPRO Freestyle have also kindly donated a number of lure-based prizes including rods, reels, lures, luggage, mats and nets – so there’s plenty up for grabs in the final.
“I urge anyone who is interested in lure fishing to sign up to Tusses Lure Division and participate – and you could even make it on TV as Sky will be filming our final!”
Fancy joining? Here are the details behind the league:
The Conditions
To participate anglers must become a Tusses Lure Division member which is just £20 for 12 months. To join, please visit www.tussesangling.co.uk/membership. You can also receive regular league updates by joining the Tusses Lure Division Facebook page.
Once you have joined you must register your pair at http://bit.ly/2HAPVqH. The entry fee costs £40 per pair.
The Match Dates
There will be four qualifying matches and ultimately a final. Only 10 teams will be allowed to compete in the final. Pairs who have caught the highest weight of fish and the longest length of fish over the four qualifying events will make it to the final.
Round One – March 24 2019: Coventry Canal Basin (Any size of fish will count)
Round Two – May 5 2019: Coventry Canal Nuneaton (Any size of fish will count)
Round Three – September 15 2019: Ashby Canal (Minimum fish size requirement 15cm)
Round Four – October 13 2019: Oxford Canal (Minimum fish size requirement 15cm)
Final – November 3 2019: Hawksbury Junction (Minimum fish size requirement 15cm)
Meeting times and locations to be revealed when you sign up
The Rules
Lure fishing tactics only – no livebaits
No rod limits per angler
Bank fishing in designated fishing zone only (fishing zone to be revealed on the day)
Single lure rigs only
All fish to be photographed on an unhooking mat with competition card in view and to be recorded via a competition log sheet
Only one sub allowed per pair for if a team member cannot make a particular date – although a sub cannot be used in the final
Your three best results count towards your overall score – meaning you can drop your worst result if you have a bad days’ fishing.
The fish that count towards your score are perch, pike, zander, ruffe and chub. No other fish will count