Thames is the best bet for three new record fish - Keith Arthur

Those that know far more than I on the matter have been saying the perch record is under pressure for a few years now. In fact it could go before you read this but if it doesn’t, and if I was a bookie there would be very short odds on the stripey being replaced.

The 6lb 3oz current record has been challenged a few times in 2019, including by a Thames fish that weighed a genuine 6lb 1oz. Not many know where it was caught but if it is caught again before March it will be heavier. Whether the next (or same!) angler who nets it will divulge the details is a different matter. In fact, that could already be the case.

It could be from a section close to where I thought the record barbel would be captured and, indeed, still may be. There are a couple of potential record barbel and definitely several stripeys on course to conquer.

Similarly, a record chub from the Thames wouldn’t be a shock, and I think it may well come from the Thames. I have definite reports of fish within a few ounces of the old Fishers Green fish of 9lb 5oz. Thankfully at the moment it would seem like the threat of a carp angler catching a ‘nuisance’ double-figure chub from a carp syndicate seems to have died off, unless, of course it has already happened but the captor doesn’t care or the fishery has a no publicity rule. We live in weird times, not only politically but piscatorially too.

1000 Fish Donated by Veteran Angler

Lifelong angler John Vincent has selflessly donated 1000 fish to a park lake in memory of his mother, who played a pivotal role in getting him into fishing.

John, who is 68-years-old, wanted to commemorate his mother in a way that would last for years to come:

“If we got a park bench it would maybe have lasted for 10 or 15 years before the wood started to rot, but the fish are a bit more permanent. They’ll last for generations and hopefully they can set up a breeding
population.”

The fish comprised of 500 tench and 500 bream, and these have gone into South Norwood Lake in Croydon, which is one of the few day ticket lakes in South London.

British record barbel - the full story...

THE BRITISH barbel record has been beaten following the capture of a 21lb 2oz giant.

Self-confessed pleasure angler Colin Smithson, who banked the fish from an undisclosed river in Sussex, revealed that he ‘almost drove into a ditch’ when a friend told him that he had just beaten the national best for the species. 

The fish beats the old record, set by Grahame King with a fish from the Great Ouse in 2006, by just 1oz, and was taken during a short afternoon session on a club-owned stretch of river.

Colin (60), who retired last year, revealed how the capture was just reward for the countless blank hours he had spent on the tricky, low-stock waterway over the past 15 years. 

“It’s a difficult river. You could go every day for three months and not catch a fish, so this one has been a long time coming,” said Colin, who caught the fish on November 7.

“On the afternoon that I caught it, the conditions were brilliant. The river was 3ft up and coloured, and still rising steadily. I fished the swim for an hour then introduced some sticky groundbait on the crease line of a marginal slack to put down a scent trail. 

“After an hour or so a big mirror carp rolled in front of me and sent up a sheet of bubbles from my spot. After a while I called my daughter and said ‘I’m going to give it another 25 minutes as I think something might happen’… and it certainly did!”

When he got the bite, Colin presumed he was playing the big carp he’d seen roll earlier, and it wasn’t until the back-end of the fight that his opinion changed.

He said: “The tip went knock, knock, bang! And my first thought was ‘I’ve got that carp on’. The fish it was doing big loops around the swim, making really strong runs. When I finally got it to the surface I could only see its back, and at first I thought ‘Wow, it’s actually a common carp!”

“Things then got scary when it snagged me under the bank. I got it moving again, and when it hit the surface a second time I could see it was a barbel. My heart started pounding as it again dived for the same snag, but it all came good in the end!”

Colin’s catch was photographed and weighed in the presence of other club members, before being released. But it wasn’t until he was on his way home that Colin learned the significance of his capture.

“I thought that I had smashed the club record. When I told my friend Bradley Hughes the weight, he replied: ‘That’s not just a club record!’ At that point I almost put my car in the ditch! The next day I contacted the British Record Fish Committee and got the process going.” 

The remarkable catch also evoked poignant emotions for Colin, as he revealed.

“I want to dedicate this catch to my brother Roy, who died a couple months ago aged 63. He lived for fishing and was a National disabled fishing champion. When I got the fish in the net I looked up at the sky and said: ‘I don’t know if that was you, but thanks Roy’. He would have loved to see this fish. It’s an incredible creature and I’m a very happy man – my Mount Everest has been climbed.”

The fish fell to a hair rigged pellet on a size 10 hook on an 8lb hooklink attached to a Banjo feeder, a pattern which Colin believes holds bottom well on rivers. He beat it using a 1.75lb Shimano Vengeance rod and a 6000-sized reel loaded with 15lb mainline.

Line Recycling Scheme scoops John Wilson Award

LAST year we announced the creation of the John Wilson Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Angling’, and in 2019 there can be no more worthy recipient of the inaugural gong than the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme.

Launched just 18 months ago, the ANLRS has gone from strength to strength, collecting a staggering five million metres of old fishing line, half of which has already been recycled into boards to be made into other products.

Tackle shops have been quick to embrace the scheme, with nearly 300 of them across Britain already having bins into which customers can deposit their old line. 

Back in March the ANLRS had a stand at the largest fishing show in Britain, The Big One Show at Farnborough, and its stall was inundated with anglers keen to get involved and keep the momentum going.

When told of the unanimous decision by Angling Times readers to make the ANLRS the first recipient of the new award, co-founder Viv Shears said: “It’s an incredible honour to receive an award named after John Wilson.

“All we really are is a group of passionate anglers who want the sport perceived in the right light.

“Besides Steve Tapp (the other co-founder) and me, there are loads of other volunteers and supporters behind the scenes making things happen. I must also thank Steve Carrie of The Maltings Organic Treatment Ltd and ReWorked, who are recycling the materials into new products.”

It’s not only the angling industry getting behind the ANLRS either, Viv revealed. “The RSPCA has now put reclycling bins at its wildlife centres, so we are beginning to move outside of angling, he said. “Several groups, including the Marine Conservation Society and Torbay Cleaner Coasts Initiative, that carry out beach cleans and similar activities, have made contact as we now have a viable route for these general plastics to be recycled properly.”

Never one to rest on his laurels, Viv is keen to keep furthering the cause, at home and abroad. He said: “We’re hoping to start working more closely with angling clubs and fisheries. There is lot more work still to be done.

“The initiative is already beginning to gain a presence in Europe, with Belgium and Ireland creating mirror image schemes.” 

Above all else perhaps, it is the many long hours of selfless, unpaid work that has been put into the scheme by passionate individuals that makes the ANLRS such a worthy winner of the John Wilson award. 

Viv said: “As the scheme grows, we are becoming increasingly aware of what we could do with more time. Steve and I work 15-20 hours a week on the ANLRS outside of our normal day jobs, and we have 10 fantastic volunteers helping us out too.

“Funding is our biggest problem, and this is becoming more noticeable as the scheme grows. We don’t have the money for storage yet, so the spare room of my house has to do for now – it probably holds around two million metres of line, and there are a few boxes behind the sofa too!” 

Viv also revealed the importance of the help he has received from within the industry.  

“Linear Fisheries has been a great sponsor for us, and Gardner tackle reps have collected line from shops which I can then pick up from its warehouse – it is all so important.

“Nash has also taken an interest and is keen to add the logo to its packaging, as well as providing prizes for competitions to help us raise funds.”

But why is recycling your old fishing line so important? Viv made clear that the main goal of the ANLRS is to make the process the norm among the angling community. 

He said: “Our primary aim is to protect the image of angling. With increasing focus falling on sports such as hunting and fishing, it’s so important that we have our own houses in order and show we are taking every step necessary to protect our environment.”

More pegs in Preston’s premier 2020 feeder series

Dates and venues for the 2020 Preston Innovations FeederMasters event are out – and there’s a slightly different look to next year’s qualifiers, with some of the 20 matches having their peg numbers increased to 66, meaning 22-peg as opposed to 20-peg zones.

Tickets (£35) go on sale on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 10am and, as last year, will only be available via a link that appears on the FeederMasters Facebook page on that day. 

The event culminates in the two-day final at Tamar Lakes in the South West over the weekend of September 26/27.

FeederMasters 2020 dates and venues

Saturday, April 4 - Decoy Lakes

Sunday, April 19 - Barston Lakes

Saturday, April 25 - JCB Lakes

Sunday, May 3 - Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery

Sunday, May 10 - Barston Lakes

Sunday, May 17 - Southfield Reservoirs

Saturday, May 23 - Gold Valley Lakes

Saturday, May 30 - Larford Lakes

Sunday, May 31 - Ferry Meadows Lakes

Sunday ,June 14 - Tamar Lakes

Sunday, June 21 - Gloucester Canal

Sunday, June 28 - River Yare

Sunday, July 5 - Ferry Meadows Lakes

Sunday, July 12 - Carr Mill Dam

Sunday, July 19 - Patshull Park

Sunday, July 26 - Nicholls Pit

Sunday, August 2 - Tamar Lakes

Sunday, August 9 - River Trent 

Sunday, August 16 - Carr Mill Dam

Sunday, August 23 - Southfield Reservoirs

Let's Fish! Campaign brings in 7,000 new anglers

THE FUTURE of fishing is brighter than ever after a recruitment campaign introduced more than 7,000 youngsters to the sport in 2019. 

The Let’s Fish! project, run by the Angling Trust and the Canal & River Trust (CRT), was designed to encourage families to give angling a try through 250 free fishing events held across the country.

John Ellis, the CRT’s National Fisheries and Angling Manager, said: “These events have proven incredibly popular since we first went into partnership with the Angling Trust in the spring of 2018.

“You never forget catching your first fish and these events have got a really important role to play in developing the next generation of anglers. 

“Let’s Fish! provides the opportunity to discover the health and wellbeing benefits of fishing, while enjoying some quality family time and having a go at something different.”

In addition to the success of the Let’s Fish! initiative, some angling clubs have also been implementing their own coaching schemes.

Bryan Dray, who is a licensed level two coach for Lets Fish! and Wellingborough and District Nene AC, said: “We’ve established an angling development team with three Level 2 and three Level 1 coaches, and as a result we’ve managed to boost our junior membership numbers from around 50 to 176. Plus, at least one parent from each child has joined the club.

“Our in-house junior matches are attended by 20 to 25 anglers per match, and this was only limited by the size of the lake we could use! We see our jobs as not creating future world champions, but shaping anglers that will hopefully support their local clubs in the years to come.”

Get involved

If you would like to become an angling coach or want to find out more information about Let’s Fish events in 2020, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing/lets-fish

5 minutes with John Edwards - The man who recreates anglers’ memorable fish

WE all love a good fish photo to remember our best catches – but what about having that fish perfectly replicated as a physical trophy?

Years ago, of course, this was the norm, with memorable fish killed and framed by a taxidermist. Such trophies can be seen in fishermen’s huts and riverside pubs across the country.

But what if a brilliant replica could be made from just a photo? This week 60-year-old John Edwards, of Fish Recreations. shares with us how he puts together some fantastic pieces of fish art, including the record Wykeham pike…

Why fish replicas?

JOHN EDWARDS: Well, I have always enjoyed art and I like fish. I’m a self-taught artist and have drawn and painted in many mediums ever since I can remember. I mainly did shore fishing and spent many winters on cold North East beaches. Six years ago I got into fly fishing and am really enjoying this along with a renewed interest in sea fishing from boat and shore. 

I get real satisfaction from creating a fish replica for someone, knowing that it is a special fish for many reasons to that individual. I would not supply a replica unless I would be happy with it myself – this has always been my philosophy. After all, why should someone pay for something they don’t like?

How did it start? 

JE: I started doing replicas full time nine or 10 years ago. I had grown tired of my ‘flat art’ and had been toying with fish taxidermy, but then I saw some replicas on a USA website and said to myself ‘I could do that!’

My first attempt was not a pretty sight! After realising that it was not as easy as it looked I started to teach myself the ropes, and spent a lot of time and money experimenting to get the desired results. Even now I continue to move forward and try to better myself with each commission.

My big break came after I’d been doing a few replicas here and there for a couple of years. I spent a year preparing enough fish and then took a stand at Scone Palace Game Fair in 2012, where I met Gary Wingate from Glasgow Angling Centre. I was kindly invited to take a table at their open weekend, and thanks to Gary and GAC owner Paul Devlin my work was seen by hundreds of people at that first weekend show, and several more shows after that. 

What goes into producing a fish replica?

JE: I can either make a mould from a dead fish, or simply work from photographs, which I mostly do these days. When I work from photos I can source a ‘cast’ to match the client’s fish. These can come from my own mould collection, or from colleges in Europe and the USA or Canada. I then work and alter the cast to match the customer’s fish. 

If I can’t get a good match I won’t take the commission on. The fish are made from various resins, mostly polyester/fibreglass but also polyurethanes and others. Fins proved to be difficult until I eventually found a way of making them somewhat flexible. 

I hand-paint all my own fish eyes – all are different and my replicas have to match a specific fish. I use a mixture of hand colouring and airbrushing to achieve the colouring. 

It is done in layers, built up with gloss layers in between to achieve the depth of colour found in real fish. One individual scale can have as many as 14 layers on it! I have counted up to 4,000 individual scales painted on one side of a fish, times this by an average of, say, 10 layers and you get some idea of the work involved.”

How are they presented?

JE: I didn’t like the idea of the old fashioned ‘half a fish on a board’, so all my replicas are whole fish with wall mounts painted on their show side. But I also wanted something different, and started my ‘table-style’ fish, viewable all round and usually moulded in dynamic positions to add all-important movement to my work.

I try to be as artistic as I can with my wall mounts and 3D mount bases. Each piece is designed carefully to look as aesthetically pleasing as possible. I usually work with clients very closely at times to achieve the look they might want, or what I think would look right. I have also experimented with copper work for reeds and such.

How long does the process take?

JE: On average, with my current workload, a replica would take anywhere from 13-15 months from payment of a deposit to completion.

What fish have you replicated?

JE: I have been lucky enough to have done a number of fish species, and I always like working on fish that are a little different from the norm. Most of my work is with game fish, trout and salmon in particular, but also popular are pike and perch. 

I am now starting to get quite a few exotic big-game fish such as tuna, permit and giant trevally. This year the former British record pike died at Wykeham Lake, and I was lucky enough to have the fish donated– not easy, moulding a 46lb pike, let me tell you! I’m in the process of completing the first of a few casts for this fish.”

What should people do if they want a fish replicated?

JE: If anyone is thinking of getting a replica done, you can either freeze the fish if you decide to ‘take it’ or it simply fails to ‘go back’ for whatever reason. I can then arrange a courier to collect it at your convenience.

Try to take as many pictures as reasonably possible on capture. If you release the fish, simply take as many pictures as you can before release, and measure the length. The weight is not really necessary as the length and shape of the fish are most important to achieve a good match. 

I do struggle with many species for casts, especially coarse fish such as carp. As such I rely heavily on people donating dead fish for me to mould. Any fish found dead in good condition may be suitable but it would mean it has to be frozen by the finder. I get fish from fish farms, fisheries and anglers. All fish die at some point and at least I can work with them and put them to use after their death.”

More information

Visit: www.fishrecreations.co.uk

Tel: 07930 586100 

Email: john@fishrecreations.co.uk 

or on Facebook

England will host the world champs!

ENGLAND is set to host its first major fishing world championships for more than 25 years, Angling Times can reveal.

Not since Bob Nudd’s memorable 1994 triumph at Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont has a truly Blue Riband fishing event been held on home soil – but that’s all set to change next summer after England won the right to hold the first-ever Ladies World Carp Angling Championships.

Although the finer details of the ground-breaking event have yet to be decided, it is likely to be fished next September. 

Even at this early stage, teams from as far afield as Russia, the US and South Africa have expressed a desire to be involved, and once the final line-up is settled, a venue will be chosen. Discussions are already being held with TV companies about broadcasting options for the championships. 

Carp Team England manager Rob Hughes played a central role in formulating the bid and the ratification process. Both were submitted to FIPS Ed, the governing body of sport fishing, by the Angling Trust. 

Rob said: “This is a significant step forward for women’s competitive carp fishing, and I’m over the moon that FIPS has endorsed the proposals and that we have won the honour of hosting the inaugural event. 

Participation in competitive women’s carp fishing has risen rapidly since the first female international was held between England and Wales in 2016. That evolved into a Tri-Nations event and then an exhibition World Cup competition hosted by France last year.

Bev Clifford, manageress of the women’s team, said her charges would be entering the highly-anticipated match with bold expectations. “We’re really pleased that FIPS has recognised the importance of ladies’ carp angling as an international sport. We are really looking forward to competing and we will be doing our utmost to win historic gold on home ground,” she said. 

More records tumble...

ALONGSIDE the ratification of Colin Smithson’s British barbel best, the BRFC also announced that records have been broken for four other species.

Among those granted were three sea fish, with the first being a colossal shore-caught tope weighing 77lb 3oz – taken by Ryan Wingfield at a Pembrokeshire mark.

Ben Wallis’ boat-caught streaked gurnard record of 1lb 7oz 15dr also made the list, alongside a shore-caught thin-lipped grey mullet of 8lb 8oz 13dr, caught by Gary Marquis from Guernsey. 

Mat Faulkner’s three-spined stickleback of 8g and taken from Lower Beauvale Ponds near Nottingham completed the line-up.

Should F1s be considered as silvers? - Keith Arthur

I have never hidden the fact that I don’t like F1s.

I think fishery owners were conned when the original crucian x goldfish hybrid was subtly switched to a goldfish x king carp strain.

The originals, which don’t grow over 4lb, would be fine in silver fish matches but how can a fish that has reached well into double figures and average 6lb-plus in some waters be considered not to be a carp?

It’s bonkers. If they must count (probably to keep the weights up) why not give them a nominal weights say a maximum 2lb?

F1s can grow to an impressive size - bigger than most silver fish

A National for feeder anglers coming in 2020

A new National Championships for feeder anglers has been created in a major big-match revamp by the Angling Trust.

The competition will be the vehicle for qualification for the World Feeder Champs. Furthermore, the Trust has also announced that winners of the annual Sensas Challenge will be invited to fish the World Float Champs.

Previously, qualification was achieved by teams fishing bespoke one-off events, but these proved controversial and struggled to attract numbers, with only two teams signing up for this year’s cancelled float eliminator.

However, all that will change with the big news that is sure to appeal to a wider audience.

First up is the Sensas Challenge on the Gloucester Canal at the end of March, an event that’s fished to strict international rules over two days, thus suiting the type of fishing the highest-ranked English team will do in the Float Champs in Slovenia or Italy next summer.

Then comes the new Feeder National again on the Gloucester Canal on Sunday August 23, the winner of that heading off to either Bulgaria or the Ukraine for the 2021 event, as the qualifier for next summer’s champs has already been fished.

Entry into the six a side Feeder match is just £120 per team and is open to all Angling Trust member sides and this too will be fished to international rules. Teams are welcome to register their interest in the Feeder National at this early stage by e-mailing Sandra Johnson at sandra.johnson@anglingtrust.net and application forms for all Nationals listed below will be available in the New Year.

2020 Angling Trust National & qualifier dates at a glance…

Saturday March 28 & Sunday March 29 - Sensas Challenge, Gloucester Canal (World Float Club Champs qualifier)

Saturday April 25 - Commercial National, Drennan Lindholme Lakes

Saturday June 27 - Junior and Youth Nationals, Packington Somers

Saturday July 28 - Ladies and Disabled Nationals, Gold Valley Lakes

Wednesday July 29 - Veterans and Masters Nationals, Decoy Lakes

Saturday August 1 - Individual National, Grand Union Canal Northampton

Saturday August 15 - Division One National, Grand Union Canal Northampton

Sunday August 23 - Feeder National, Gloucester Canal (World Feeder Club Champs qualifier)

Saturday September 12 - Division Two National, Gloucester Canal

Should match vets have more time to get set? - Keith Arthur

I used to be a regular visitor to White Acres and would be today if my circumstances were different. I know how well run all the fishing is down there which makes it very difficult for me to understand how in the recent Veterans’ Festival, only 90 minutes was allowed from the start of the draw to the ‘all-in’.

At least two great anglers, ironically both with Team England management experience, fell foul of this race to get fishing: John Weedon, who manages the disabled squad, and none other than the great Dick Clegg.

Dick at least got to fish, albeit starting very late without the all his required kit assembled: John on the other hand was disqualified for the day by having too much bait with him. He isn’t the first to fall foul of that very sensible rule but with terrible weather and the massive rush to start he forgot he had stuff already in his carryall.

Dick seems to have made the decision to not fish the event again because of the lack of time to set up, which is also very understandable. It’s sad and perhaps more consideration should be given to us veterans to prepare.

Anglers unite to keep veteran fishing brothers on the bank

A FACEBOOK fundraiser has collected more than £1,000 to help buy winter clothing for two elderly brothers struggling to get out fishing in the cold weather.

The money-making campaign was organised by matchman Steve Jackson, who fishes regular club matches with Albert and Bill Pearce, but noticed they had started missing events since temperatures dropped.

Steve said: “I’ve fished with Albert and Bill for the last 15 years and they’ve never missed a fishing match until now.

“All anglers who participate in our matches wear full Gortex clothing which keeps them warm at this time of year, so I’d thought I’d create a fundraiser to raise money for two full Gortex suits and matching wellies – just to ensure Albert and Bill can keep fishing throughout the winter.”

Steve’s Facebook was soon embraced by warm-hearted anglers, and most of the £1,400 target has already been raised.

But it’s not just cash that has been donated, as Steve revealed:

“The response has been incredible and it’s really restored my faith in people,” Steve added.

“Since it’s been live, £300 has been deposited a day with donations spanning from £1 to £100.

“Some people in the industry have even donated hoodies, joggers, beany hats and snoods.”

“Albert and Bill have been fishing three times a week in the Tamworth and Bonehill over 50’s matches for years.

“Despite both being in their 80s, come rain, wind, sleet or snow they are there at the draw.

“They’re both widowers and they live for each other and fishing – it’s inspirational to see that they both still want to attend these fishing matches and hopefully their new clothing will ensure they keep going for years to come.”

Albert (Left) and Bill Pierce

If you would like to donate to Albert and Bill’s cause please visit www.facebook.com/donate/742029686273999/

"Is it possible anyone other than Jamie Hughes can be Match Angler of the Year?" - Keith Arthur

Once again I see it’s time for the Angling Times awards… and there are some interesting decisions to make.

River of the year? While the Hampshire Avon will surely be in the running to usurp the Thames as River of the Year - and both have produced some stunning catches - both the Trent and Wye must also be in with a good shout. Even the Severn, described as ‘dead’ by some top names last season, has been excellent much of the time.

As for the champion Stillwater, Tamar Lakes must be right up there especially as some challengers, such as Ferry Meadows, Southfields and Bough Beech seem to have peaked and are now falling away, although I’m sure it’s temporary and probably conditions-related.

There is one decision though on which there can surely be no debate: is it possible anyone other than Jamie Hughes can be Match Angler of the Year? Lee Kerry and Andy Bennett would be shoo-ins in other years but not this year, surely!

I’m looking forward to reading the results in next week’s issue…

(Winners will be revealed in our December 10th Christmas special)

Have your say on cormorant control

THERE is still time to participate in a public consultation which could see stricter control of cormorants and other fish-eating birds.

The in-depth survey has been created by the government’s Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) who are reviewing the country’s current general licence for bird control.

To fill out the consultation please visit www.consult.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-management/wild-birds-general-licence-survey/

Your views and evidence are needed to help decide how general licences for wild birds should be used to kill or take wild birds to conserve certain criteria – including fisheries and inland waters.

The consultation will close on Thursday 5 December 2019.

Skill, not brute force, is required to land big fish - Keith Arthur

Catching a fish over 80lb on carp tackle is a brilliant feat. 

No matter how strong the tackle, exerting pressure on a fish using a long rod is not easy. 

I once challenged a good carp angler to make a drag set at exactly the test curve of the rod work. It was an original Daiwa Emblem and a 2.75lb Kevin Nash Amorphous 12ft. He couldn’t do it without putting the butt on the floor, bracing it against his knee and pulling with both hands.

I was only holding the reel, not walking away – that would have flat-rodded him and set the drag off, as a fish would do. 

Anyway, hats off to Jacqueline Horvath, who landed an 86lb carp from monster carp water Euro Aqua. There’s a degree of skill in getting the fish to take the bait, but that is nothing like the skill (strength barely comes into it, by the way) required to put a fish of that size over a landing net.

TO READ THE FULL STORY ON JACQUELINE’S CATCH VISIT: https://www.carpfeed.com/fishing-news/article/is-this-the-first-90-pounder-banked-by-a-woman-video

FOR MORE FROM FISHING’S TOP COMMENTATOR PICK UP ANGLING TIMES THIS TUESDAY!

Have you seen this spooky ghost carp?

A VIDEO of a ghost carp with a ‘human face’ on its head has gone viral – leaving thousands of people unsettled by its spooky appearance.

The short clip was taken by tourists in Kunming, China who were shocked when the carp emerged from a local lake and ‘looked at them’ with what appeared to be human eyes.

Confused viewers took to Twitter to portray their thoughts of the sighting, with one person stating: “Are You Serious? This Fish Is Demonic!”

To watch the video please visit www.digg.com/video/fish-with-human-face

It's official - Fishing is good for you! - Marina Gibson

The power of angling has been promoted by record-breaking fly angler Marina Gibson at an event for National Stress Awareness Week, where she revealed the positive impact that fishing has on mental health.

Marina, who is a lifelong angler and qualified fishing coach, became truly aware of the power of angling whilst working in the busy capital city.

“When I was living in London and found the stresses of everyday life all too much, fly fishing at Syon Park offered me an escape.

“Fly-fishing has long been heralded as a great source of therapy and it demonstrates how fishing and being outdoors allows you to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“It clears your mind by focusing on the beautiful surroundings as well as the art and technique of exercise, as well as keeping your mind busy with an art form.”

Since the event Marina has continued to spread her message on the positives of fishing by appearing in an article by The Times newspaper and in an interview on Sky News.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing to return for third series

FILMING has started for a brand new series of the countries much-loved and critically acclaimed angling show – Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

The announcement was made by the BBC after the show’s second series charmed the nation over the summer, boasting viewing figures in excess of a staggering 2.2 million.

The format for the new series is set to stay the same with the comedy duo exploring venues across the UK and possibly abroad.

Each episode focuses on a particular species, with Paul using his extensive angling knowledge to be Bob’s fishing guide, whilst Bob hunts out unique places to stay and prepares some ‘heart-healthy’ food.

Talking to Angling Times whilst out on the bank, an excited Paul Whitehouse said:

“It was a surprise to be honest as following the feedback from the second series, the BBC were quickly on to us to begin the third – so it was a very quick turnaround.

“Filming has started and this series we plan to showcase fishing through all four seasons.”

Paul and Bob will be looking to build on the universally positive reviews the shows second season received, whilst recognising this support, Paul was also keen to bring a new element to the show, as he explained:

“We really want to bring anglers together and highlight just a few of the issues that affect our sport, whilst still in keeping with the feel good factor of the show.

“I think that the angling community will be in a much stronger place if we can show a unified front on conservation issues and we have the audience to highlight some of those.”

So what can viewers expect in season three?

“There will be all the usual antics, laughs and tears. At the end of the day we are the fishing show for people who don’t go fishing.

“Bob likes to use a float and hopefully we can capture that magic of watching one, whilst probably behaving like a couple of kids”, Paul said.

Revealed: plans for new ‘masters’ of matchfishing

A new ‘invitation-only’ event to discover the true king of Britain’s match anglers could be launched next summer. 

Under the groundbreaking proposals, all of the winners of this year’s major events pitted against each other in a one-off match to discover the true ‘champion of champions’. 

The event is the brainchild of a lifelong angler and Angling Times reader who, although wishing to remain anonymous at this stage, has outlined his plans for the exciting event and has said that he is willing to provide a hefty prize fund of around £40,000 from out of his own pocket.

Speaking ahead of formal meetings to thrash out the finer details of the proposed match, he said: “It struck me that both snooker and golf have ‘Masters-style’ tournaments where all the best players fight it out at the end of the season, yet fishing doesn’t.” 

“I thought it would be great to see the winners of all the big-money matches to participate in an annual match to decide who is the true champion. 

“I’m in my late 70s now and would love to make this happen. I’d like the event to operate on an ‘invitation-only’ basis, and I’m in talks with Angling Times to see how we could expand on this idea and turn it into reality. Watch this space!”

As well as inviting the winners of high-profile events such as Fish O’Mania and Maver Match This, the winners of ‘natural water’ competitions such as the Division 1 and 2 Nationals, as well as RiverFest, could also be included to give a true reflection of who the UK’s best matchman.

Angling Times will report on the event’s progress as it develops, but initial conversations with the cream of UK match anglers have received a resounding thumbs-up. 

Jamie Hughes, winner of this year’s Maver Match This and Golden Reel Winner, said: “I think an all-star match sounds phenomenal! It would really take things to the next level and be another step towards true professionalism for fishing.

“It’s something I would love to get involved with, and I’m sure many of our best anglers would be too!”