Fishing permitted with strict guidelines elsewhere in Europe
LIKE it or not, fishing has been outlawed in the UK, but we’re not alone in being housebound.
In France, for example, all anglers have been asked to stay in and across much of Europe the rules are the same.
In the Netherlands, however, fishing is still permitted, provided that anglers follow strict guidelines.
“Thankfully, we’re allowed to fish, but there are rules in place to keep anglers safe,”
says Tim Janssen, Dutch angler and manager of Korum Benelux.
“First, you have to fish on your own, so all matches are banned. We should also fish only in rural areas, which reduces the chances of seeing other anglers or pedestrians, and we must stay 1.5 metres apart at all times.”
These rules come from Sportvisserij Nederland, the official Dutch Sport Fishing Organisation, and will stand until April 28, when they will be reviewed and updated in line with the Covid-19 threat.
SN says that provided anglers are healthy, they should be able to go fishing to get a breath of fresh air.
It seems unlikely that we’ll be allowed out over the next few weeks, given Oliver Dowden’s (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) reinforced order to stay home and avoid non-essential travel.
But maybe, once we begin to win the battle against the Coronavirus and our restrictions relax, fishing in Britain could resemble what’s happening in Holland.
Angler beating Covid-19 urges others to stay at home
AN angler currently recovering from Covid-19 has shared his emotional story on social media and is urging others to stay at home to avoid the virus.
More Takes Bait boss and veteran carper, Jim Rawcliffe, posted the below on his Facebook page, shortly after coming out of hospital…
Jim was happy for us to share his story, to raise awareness in the angling community and help others.
There have been several reports of people breaking lockdown rules to go fishing this week, which is against government guidelines.
Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.
Jim has been making carp baits for the last 50 years!
KORDA and GURU go blue to support NHS
CREATING a positive atmosphere online is going to be vital for people’s mental health during this virus pandemic and lockdown.
It is therefore brilliant to see companies big and small doing their bit to cheer anglers up, whilst they can’t get out fishing themselves.
One thing that has proved popular this week is tackle brands Korda and Guru’s changes to their logo. Both have decided to go blue in support of our NHS workers.
Whilst only a subtle change, it is a nice touch, and worthwhile recognition of the work of our frontline services.
A statement from Tackle Guru on social media says:
“POWER TO NHS 💥🚑💙 We’re sending our love and support to all the NHS hero’s fighting against COVID-19... True super hero’s that put their own lives at risk for us 👊🏼❤️ Stay safe everyone, stay at home and save lives 👏🏻”
Both Korda and Guru are putting out a host of video content on their Facebook pages, so be sure to go and check them out!
Support hub launched for angling businesses
THE Angling Trust has set up a support hub and hotline for all angling organisations following the Government ban on all non-essential movement.
Fishery owners, fish farmers, tackle shop owners and angling clubs can access the helpline, as well as information regarding financial support that could be available, by visiting the Angling Trust website.
Trust chief executive Jamie Cook, also revealed he has written to the Government in a bid for clarification on whether fishing could be classified as permitted exercise during the lockdown.
“It’s clear that the only permitted activities that have been specified are walking, running and cycling for the purpose of local daily exercise,” says Jamie. “Therefore until further notice we should all refrain from fishing. This is about saving lives and supporting the NHS.
“However, we have written to the Sports Minister highlighting the benefits to both physical health and mental wellbeing that angling provides and that we are ready and prepared to offer whatever support the Government or Sport England require now, or in the future, to get people back fishing as soon as is safely possible.”
Clubs, fisheries and other angling organisations seeking support should visit:
