You have to give credit to the Angling Trust - Rob Hughes
First things first – I want to say a big thank you for the messages you’ve sent me throughout the lockdown, and also for the personal stories about what fishing means to you. There’s no question that angling is so much more than just something that we do. It’s a part of us, and we’ve got it back. Well done to everyone who has behaved impeccably and followed the guidelines thus far. It’s up to us now.
I’d also like to say a thank you to two people in particular, both key members of the Angling Trust: Martin Salter, whose knowledge and understanding of the political world allowed us to get into the heart of Government, and Jamie Cook the new CEO whose ambition and drive took us there. I genuinely believe that without these two we would still be in the queue to get out of lockdown.
It’s fair to say that I’ve been a critic of the Trust in the past. I still am in certain quarters. I joined and stepped up to the plate as an Ambassador and Consultant (totally unpaid but with loads of grief attached to it, before anyone mentions anything about gravy trains) as I wanted to help. As a sport, angling should punch its weight but it never really has.
Now look at what’s just happened as a prime example of what can be done with good leadership. Whatever you thought of the Trust in the past, let’s give the new fella a chance. Forget the old and move forwards for the future of our sport.
Jamie Cook has done a great job so far
‘What I wish I’d known at 20’ - Adam Rooney
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, so for this series, we asked some of angling’s stars what nuggets of wisdom they would share with their 20 year-old selves and why. It makes interesting reading...
Adam Rooney - former starlets ace and boss of guru tackle
“When I look back at my fishing at the age of 20, there were clearly things that I should have done differently. One of my biggest flaws was setting up too much gear and this often made me late for the start of contests.
“I’d regularly fish the White Acres festivals with top anglers such as Richie Hull and Gaz Stanley and although I experienced success there, I would certainly have a lot more rods and top kits out than pretty much anyone else!
“It all boiled down to a lack of confidence in certain areas on my attack, but I now know that you need to focus on a select few methods that you feel that you’ve mastered. If you stick to your guns with these, they tend to work more times than they fail. One of the best ways to realise what your faults are is to surround yourself with anglers who are proven winners.
“Fishing with Richie taught me so much. I’d take time out from actually fishing and sit behind him, taking note of every little detail. He was the best by a mile at commercial meat fishing and by quizzing him almost constantly I managed to master the tactic.
“It’s so tempting to rush to the lakeside and start fishing as quickly as you can but if there are local experts on site, take a little time to have a chat with them. There’s no doubt that small amount of time will make a massive difference to the amount you catch when you finally wet a line.”
Starlets were quick to recognise the talent of a young Adam Rooney.
The trophy that put Adam on the road to big-time match fishing success.
New fishing lake to be named after WW2 veteran Tom Moore
A TOP Midlands fishery is honouring WW2 veteran Tom Moore by naming one of its newest lakes after him!
The owners of Peterborough’s Float Fish Farm and Fishery have been making the most of lockdown time by building two new match and pleasure waters, then they sought suggestions from more than 5,000 of their Facebook followers to name them.
Michael Brooker, the fishery’s on-site tackle shop manager, tells us:
“We asked the question on our Facebook page and among the suggestions was Captain Tom, which we later elaborated into Captain Tom’s Pond.
“It just felt right! The other lakes on our fishery are all named after birds, so we decided to call the second water Nightingale after the hospitals which have been built in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Tom has raised nearly £33 million for the NHS following his fundraising walk, achieved a UK number one in the music charts and been promoted to the rank of colonel by British Army officials.
The fishery owners are now trying to reach out to Tom to see if he could officially open the lakes when restrictions are lifted.
“Both Dale and Elaine Hudson, who own the fishery, are keen to get in contact with Tom to get a potential date booked, but that might be difficult considering he’s a national celebrity!” Michael adds.
The lakes are expected to be finished and open for day tickets and match bookings by the end of July – subject to Government guidelines.
For updates on the lakes and more information about the fishery, visit or follow it on Facebook.
Dale and Elaine Hudson owners of Float Fish Farm on the banks of Captain Tom’s Pond
Bailiffing for Free Fishing
Fisheries across the land were hit by a rise in poaching incidents during lockdown, but now an initiative aimed at combating this increased threat to valuable fish stocks has been created.
Named Local Anglers Against Poaching, the scheme is the brainchild of electrician Greg McNally, who hopes it will support the work the Environment Agency and the police are doing in tackling fish theft.
“The idea is to get anglers to do a short patrol at their local fishery, in exchange for a few hours’ free fishing,” Greg tells us.
“Having people on the bank would no doubt help to deter any offenders, and if we encountered any, we could report them to the police and the EA.”
Greg has now set up a Facebook page where anglers who want to volunteer can meet fishery owners looking for help. Visit the Local Anglers Against Poaching page on Facebook to register your interest.
Would you patrol your fishery for free fishing?
ANGLERS FLOCK TO ‘FISH’ VIRTUAL MATCH
A Fishery has engaged nearly 300 anglers in what’s believed to be the largest virtual fishing match to take place since lockdown began.
Weston Pools, in Oswestry, Shropshire, drew in 298 matchmen after venue owner Darren Humphreys invited anglers to participate on the fishery’s Facebook page.
Darren started the free-to-enter matches around five weeks ago but never imagined they’d get quite so big.
“What started off as an idea to keep our regulars entertained has gained massive popularity lately – which wouldn’t be a problem if we had enough pegs!” he said.
“With only 232 pegs on-site, we ended up having to run two virtual events to keep up with demand, but they both fished incredibly well with weights in excess of 220lb needed to win.
The matches have been great, giving rise to loads of banter from the anglers on social media and providing a welcome escape from the grim times we are enduring at the minute.”
Darren has now taken the matches to the next level and has created a virtual Weston Pools festival. If you’d like to participate and find out how the matches work, simply register your interest on the Weston Pools Facebook page.
The Weston Pools virtual fishing matches have proved to be very popular
Important steps fisheries and tackle shops have taken to keep customers safe
Bosses at Lindholme Lakes Country Park, near Doncaster, have introduced a range of new safety precautions for returning anglers.
The venue’s co-owner, Aaron Grantham, says:
“We’ve included two-metre distancing markers on the floor both inside and outside our on-site tackle shop, which will also now feature a one-way system like those seen in supermarkets.
“Hands-free sanitizer dispensers are located at the front of the shop, and we’ve installed protective plastic screens at the till areas, which now have more contactless payment machines.
“We will be encouraging anglers to pre-book their fishing and make any bait or tackle orders for the session beforehand. To begin with it will be pleasure fishing only, and so there must be a free peg between each angler.
“I made a video of all the changes and uploaded it to Facebook, and it received around 12,000 hits in just two days.” adds Aaron.
Lindholme Lakes 2m distancing floor markers
Lindholme have also installed protective screens
Meanwhile, a number of tackle shop owners have come up with proactive ways of kickstarting trade again, while still maintaining social distancing between staff and customers.
One of these, Kent’s Medway Tackle, has incorporated a delivery service within an eight-mile radius of the shop, which is free if customers spend over £20.
Owner Richard Taylor says:
“The point of the delivery service is to help keep the business rolling, but it’s mostly for the safety of our customers. People just need to give us a call, place an order, and every Wednesday or Saturday I’ll jump in the car to deliver it to their doorstep.”
World Champs cancelled!
Match fishing has been struck the ultimate blow with the cancellation of the Men’s World Championships, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was scheduled to be held in Italy in September, but world match fishing governing body FIPSED has had to pull the plug, consigning the event to the same fate as the World Feeder, Ladies, Youth, Disabled, Veterans, Masters and European Champs. The likely outcome seems a full postponement of all these until 2021.
“I think there are plans to have the Veterans and Feeder events fished in October, but as for everything else, it’s been scrubbed,” said England boss Mark Downes.
“I’ve pressed for things to be carried over a year, so that we are fishing the venue in Italy that we’re supposed to be on in a few months’ time when we return in 2021.
“Everything is still a bit up in the air at the moment, but at least we have clarification and can begin to plan for next year. It’ll feel odd come September, not getting ready for a World Champs!”
Action from a previous fishing World Champs
Breathtaking lockdown artwork
THE lockdown was like torture for the angling community but it’s been business as usual for wildlife artist David Miller, who’s made the most of the free time to complete a trio of breathtaking sea bass artworks.
The 53-year-old from Pembrokeshire, whose stunning paintings of fish feature on the annual rod licences, has been hard at work over the last two months keeping up with commissions, but admits that painting has been a welcome distraction.
“I guess I’m an expert isolator having been an artist for years, although painting has been like therapy for me,” he tells us.
“The extra time has meant my imagination has been like a sanctuary, which has taken me back to favourite places and times spent off the coast of Pembrokeshire.”
Each of David’s artworks took around two weeks to craft and could sell for around £1,600.
To view more of David’s work, visit his website at www.davidmillerart.co.uk
David Miller’s sea bass artwork
Giant reservoir match to raise thousands for the NHS
WELSH angler David Healey is trying to raise thousands of pounds for the NHS through a massive fishing match… and he wants you to fish it!
The 35-year-old from Cwmbran reached out to anglers on Facebook to see who would participate in a fundraising fish-off on the 434-acre Llandegfedd Reservoir in Wales, and within just a couple of days more than 150 people had signed-up!
The 434-acre Llandegfedd Reservoir will host the epic match
He’s now calling for other anglers to step forward, alongside tackle manufacturers, to help sponsor a potential raffle on the match day.
“The response has been unbelievable and it’s fantastic to see that anglers want to show their respect and support for NHS staff,” David says.
“I will confirm a date when the lockdown has been lifted, but hopefully we can raise at least £2,000 for the NHS, which has given us such a great service during the battle against Covid-19.
“With the assistance of my mates Rob Skellet and Adam Toomey, we have the potential to make this the biggest natural water fishing match in Welsh history.”
Organiser David Healey
Get involved
If you’re interested in taking part or would like to donate a prize, email Dave at davidjohnhealey@gmail.com.
Night Fishing - What is going on?
FISHING may be set to return in England on Wednesday but social media has been full of confusion in the last 24-hours, on whether the new guidelines permit anglers to fish at night.
Angling Times has this lunchtime spoken to Martin Salter, the Angling Trust's head of policy, who told us he expects clarification over night fishing to come from the government tomorrow.
He predicted night fishing would be prohibited but said the Trust would challenge the decision.
He told us:
"We fully believe it's an unintended consequence. If anything, it's safer to self-isolate alone at a lake at night and leads to less travel.
"It's a perverse outcome and we hope the government allows anglers to night fish very soon."
This news comes as the government is believed to be releasing guidance tomorrow, which will require people to return to their home each night. The obvious consequence of which, would be no night fishing.
We understand the Trust is frustrated by this latest lack of clarity and intend to resolve the issue for anglers.
The situation is constantly developing, but at present, it would be best advised to refrain from staying at venues overnight and keep up to date with the Angling Trust guidance before making any plans.
Night fishing could be banned under guidelines suggesting people should ‘return home each eachday’
Anglers to return to the banks on Wednesday! - Here are the new guidelines
LAST night anglers in England recieved the news we have all be waiting for - we can go fishing again!
Fishing will once again be a permitted outdoor activity in England from Wednesday 13th of May, under new guidelines set out by the UK government.
The new guidelines are in part a result of the hard work of the Angling Trust and their ‘When We Fish Again’ report to government. The report gained substantial support from MPs and anglers, with over 8000 emails sent to parliament.
Here is what we know so far about the new guidelines for anglers in England, based on reports from the Angling Trust…
Fishing permitted with members from same household
No limits on travel
All anglers must carry a valid Environment Agency rod licence
No fishing on rivers until June 16th
Two metres social distancing rules must be followed at all times, however, Angling Trust encourages fisheries to adopt pegging of at least 15 metres.
Angling Trust encourages all clubs, fisheries and anglers to follow their ‘Phase one - When We Fish Again’ proposals
Nothing in place that specifically blocks night fishing, however, the Trust is seeking clarification on this.
Tackle shops currently not to open to internal customers until June 1st at the earliest, however, the Trust are seeking government permission for shops to open earlier.
Shops urged to consider adopting click and collect or delivery systems.
Trust seeking guidance from government for onsite retail - currently only outdoor facilities may open.
Fisheries advised to follow the Trust’s guidance when providing day tickets and ensure adequate social distancing measures are in place. Consider online booking and avoid cash transactions when possible.
Decisions to open a fishery are ultimately down to the owners/fishery managers. Those in charge should not feel pressure to open, if they feel they cannot comply with social distancing rules.
These guidelines could well change within the next 48-hours as the specifics are looked at in more detail.
For more information visit the Angling Trust Support Hub.
Please note - fishing in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is still prohibited.
We can get back on the bank but keep your distance from others
Sport England has come to the rescue - Rob Hughes
AT last some good news for angling, and in particular angling clubs and organisations.
Sport England has put together an emergency fund of 20 million quid to help out sports clubs and community projects that are having problems as a result of the lockdown.
Angling clubs qualify for this too and it helps with things like rent, insurance and utility bills. There, are of course, certain criteria that have to be met, but that goes for anyone applying. Far too often angling clubs either don’t know, or find out too late, about these things and miss the boat. That’s not the case at the moment. The money is there in the bank waiting to be spent, and grants of between £300 and £10,000 can be applied for.
There’s been a rise in the number of clubs and community venues that are potentially in trouble, especially those with small memberships. Rents and renewals are often due in the old closed season – now – and cash is king when there are bills to pay. If they lose waters through lack of funds they’ll get poached relentlessly and there will only be pieces to pick up once we’re through all this.
If you can, please support your club by joining. For those of you reading this who sit on club committees, now’s the time to get applying for those funds.
Full information on how to apply can be found in the Community Emergency Fund section on Sport England’s website.
It's important we hold on to our dreams - Des Taylor
PEOPLE are constantly asking me what I’m doing with my time, now that I can’t go fishing.
Well, throughout this shutdown I’ve been feeling positive and doing positive things. Already I have rebooked my two cancelled trips – one to Holland after monster perch and the other a week in Texas after giant alligator garfish. Having something like that to look forward to with my mates really raises the spirits.
My wife Maggie, in turn, has rebooked a cancelled golfing trip with the girls to Portugal. When she’s away I always book a week’s fishing from my bivvy somewhere in the UK, so happy days for us both.
I think it’s important that we start planning for the future and hold on to our dreams. If one thing has come out of this shutdown it’s been a chance to look in the mirror and perhaps resolve to change something in our lives.
I hope that all you anglers who have been watching DVDs, downloads and YouTube, or reading books about fishing, will take some of this on board and not just return to sitting around a commercial two days a week.
Isn’t that what you have been doing for the past 10 years, and aren’t you getting a little bored with it?
The lockdown has certainly made me think about some of my friends that I haven’t been on the bank with for years – good friends and good company, but perhaps, in my eagerness to catch big fish on my own, I haven’t made the time for them that they deserve. That must change, because friends are more important than fish.
On the subject of angling films, it gave me a lift when my son-in-law sent me a photo of my granddaughter watching my own films that I released only a couple of weeks ago. I feel happy that in years to come she will be able to share some of the great memories fishing have given me with her friends and, later, maybe her husband, children and even her grandchildren. I like that.
Right now I’m busy getting my thousands of angling photographs into some kind of order, something I’ve been meaning to do for years. They are bringing me so much joy and highlighting so many things that I take for granted in this great sport of ours. Of course, there are the trophy photos of big fish, but the ones that bring the most smiles to my face are the dawn shots, the sun going down, the wildlife seen while I’m fishing and photos of new friends made in other parts of the country or indeed the world.
So many good times – and remember, there are so many still to come, so stay cheerful.
This is why it’s important to stay positive, fishing will be back soon.
Bottle that intense yearning to fish - Dom Garnett
There are infinitely more important concerns than fishing right now but when angling of any sort is off limits, the very thought of casting into your favourite swim seems like a delicious, forbidden pleasure.
Even just taking a ride along the canal near home (if you’re still allowed to by the time you read this!), you might be forgiven for feeling like a recovering alcoholic walking past Oddbins. Never mind an all-day session in the local hotspot, I’d give my left arm for just a solitary hour in a duff swim right now.
While a global pandemic will always be more important than filling a keepnet, a degree of frustration is understandable. Alarmingly, the reaction from our more vocal anglers has been rather like the classic five stages of grief, from denial – “Fishing is exercise, they can’t stop me!” to anger – “How dare they tell me what I can and can’t do?” – to bargaining – “If my neighbour can go cycling, why can’t I fish?”
Acceptance is now the only way forward. But weird as it sounds, rather than just grumbling and turning on Netflix, we should try to bottle that intense yearning to fish. Once things return to some shade of normality I believe we will treasure our freedom to get out on the bank like never before. Far from bringing bitterness, a forced absence from fishing should make us more grateful than ever for the riches we have. Because the plain truth is that we take so much of it for granted.
We just assume we can go fishing for whatever we like, whenever we like. We have one bad day at a fishery and decide that it’s rubbish. We get so fixated on catching massive fish or winning matches that we miss 101 other joys along the way. We whinge freely about problems A to Z, but spend far less breath celebrating all that is good in our sport, not least all the amazing work done for us by angling clubs, fisheries and volunteers.
Well, perhaps now, at long last, more of us might gain some perspective on what angling really means to us and our communities.
Never mind catching every fish in the lake or smashing PBs, just being out in the fresh air and going fishing in a safe, free country is a great privilege.
Regardless of what we catch, won’t that first session back feel amazing? We should make that first cast not only with happiness and relief, but a sense of deep gratitude and a renewed appreciation of just how good we really have it.
Report submitted to get anglers fishing again
A report entitled ‘When We Fish Again’ has been submitted to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and the Fisheries and Sports Ministers.
The report, compiled by the Angling Trust, sets out the means by which recreational fishing could be permitted and draws on experience in other European countries including Germany, Holland, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Norway. In these countries, angling has been allowed to continue under certain conditions during the pandemic. This has provided significant benefits to both wellbeing and the economy, without having a detrimental impact on their efforts to combat COVID-19.
In the report, the Trust recommends a phased or ‘traffic light’ approach to the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Phase one, calls for recreational angling on lakes, rivers and sea to be added to the list of permissible activities subject to these guidelines:
Angling to be undertaken on a solitary basis - social distancing in accordance with government guidelines must be maintained at all times.
Local fishing only – anglers must follow current government guidance on travel for the benefit of recreational activity.
All freshwater anglers must be in possession of the relevant EA Fishing licence
Sea angling from beach and shore to resume along with small scale private boat fishing.
No sharing of fishing tackle or any other items
No sharing of fishing positions (swims) except by members of the same household
No angler to fish within 15 metres of any other angler
No keepnets or competition fishing
Online and electronic day ticket payments to be made wherever possible
Onsite shared facilities such as cafes and clubhouses to remain closed
Fisheries unable to adhere to these guidelines should remain closed until further notice
Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or who shares a household with any individual displaying symptoms, should not go fishing and should continue to follow government advice on isolation.
The report has been backed by national angling and fisheries groups including the Canal & River Trust, Salmon & Trout Conservation, the Institute of Fisheries Management and representatives of the angling trade.
Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Angling Group, Sir Charles Walker MP said:
“I have spoken directly to the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Nigel Huddleston MP, to ask that angling, and other outdoor activities suited to social distancing, once again be given the green light. I explained to the Minister that the Angling Trust has produced a fantastic and detailed template as to how we can return, in a safe and responsible fashion, to the sport we love. The Trust’s plan provides a sensible and pragmatic way forward.”
Newly appointed CEO of the Angling Trust, Jamie Cook, was a key contributor to the report and is keen to get angling to the front of the queue, he said:
“We have demonstrated that angling in the UK could be permitted as a safe, healthy, beneficial outdoor activity.
“There is a large amount of evidence of the benefits angling has on both physical and mental health – it is prescribed by a number of NHS trusts as a proven therapy for mental wellbeing, and numerous military charities and organisations to combat PTSD.
“Fishing transcends social and physical boundaries, engages able-bodied and disabled participants alike, and with the majority of the population living within five miles of a waterway it can safely and practically be achieved without significant travel.”
For more information or to read the report in full, visit https://www.anglingtrust.net.
Watch the full video here: “When We Fish Again”
Drennan Cup winners immortalised in pencil by artistic specimen-hunter
DETERMINED to keep busy during the lockdown, Ash Bradley, a specimen enthusiast living in Worcestershire, reached for his pencil and paper and began recreating photographs of anglers with their prized catches.
Two-times Drennan Cup winner Dai Gribble was one of the first subjects, with Ash producing a stunning drawing of him with his record-shaking 20lb 10oz bream.
When Dai saw the high quality of work, he quickly snapped it up for his own collection.
“I’ve been drawing since I was a child, but the interest slowly waned as I grew up and other things took over my life,” Ash tells us.
“When I needed a way to keep my mind occupied while I was stuck indoors, I started dabbling with drawing anglers and their big fish. I showed a few friends my early efforts and they were really impressed. I decided to share my work elsewhere, and I was soon being commissioned by others, including Dave Owen, who asked me to sketch his 3lb-plus roach that recently won a Drennan Cup weekly award.”
Ash isn’t alone in combining his love of fishing and art, with Angling Direct offering kids the chance to download free pictures to colour in of fish in comical settings.
Examples of the entertaining images include a grinning perch preparing to chomp a terrified worm down and a greedy bream tucking into a pile of loosefeed.
The hope is that it will help inspire children to get out on the bank as soon as the current situation allows.
10 great things that angling gives you the perfect excuse for!
IF the Coronavirus pandemic has given us anything, it’s afforded us time to sit and reflect. And sometimes it takes a moment without fishing to realise just how special it is.
From the birdsong soundtracked dawn starts to the Zen-like moments of quiet reflection, it’s all too easy to let the magic be drowned out.
Here are 10 reasons to fish you might have forgotten about...
Eating a huge fry-up
An army marches on its stomach and anglers sit down for hours on their gutbuster brekkies. Somehow, even normally calorie-conscious partners will encourage you to consume all your recommended daily fat and carbs intake before 9am if a day on the bank beckons. ‘You’ll need a good breakfast inside you, it’s a long day,’ they’ll helpfully say, blissfully unaware that you’ve also packed two rounds of sarnies and a fistful of snacks.
Climbing trees
Ask a normal adult when they last climbed a tree and they are likely to have to dig deep into their memory banks to answer you. For anglers, particularly speci-hunters, scaling a trunk or two is a normal part of our quest to find fish.
It’s a simple pleasure that affords a viewpoint rarely seen by others since childhood. Which might just be a metaphor for angling itself!
Taking money off good friends
An occasional flutter on the horses is all well and good, but you just can’t beat a bit of friendly fishing competition with a bounty at stake.
Nothing beats a five-hour match with a group of pals and a healthy pools pot. Add in unique rules and the threat of forfeits for even more banter and belly laughs.
Wearing waders
Rubber trousers might be the most-mocked item of clothing anglers own, but those who take the mickey have clearly never experienced the pleasures of wading.
Enclosed by the cold pressure of water and down almost at eye level with the surface, it’s a unique experience that helps you appreciate the power of nature in an intimate way.
Putting your mobile phone away
The good thing about the outside world’s limited understanding of angling is that saying: “Sorry I didn’t answer my phone, I was fishing” is a legitimate and totally watertight alibi.
Non-anglers aren’t to know that you could have taken the call and let a loosened clutch or bite alarm temporarily act as sentry. They also aren’t to know that your remote bankside location receives a perfect mobile phone signal, even if you pretend otherwise.
Wearing camo
Do the fish care? Probably not. Do you look cool? Probably not.But is it the only acceptable way to keep alive your childhood dreams of being just like Action Man? Absolutely.
It’s ridiculous when you consider the colours of waterside predators herons and kingfishers, but you feel 10 per cent more likely of success when you don some camo!
Seeing the sun rise
If angling is an affliction that tests and torments you, witnessing dawn outdoors is the soothing balm that makes it all seem worthwhile.
If you’ve fished all your life, recall those memories of dewy mornings and 4am birdsong and realise that the average person sleeps through them all.
It is a privilege worth reflecting on every now and again.
Digging for worms
If there’s a theme running through this list it’s surely that angling allows you to regress to childhood without fear of (too much) ridicule. Digging for worms – and, more precisely, using weird and wacky methods to tempt them from the soil – is a delight non-anglers leave behind long before finishing school. Patting the ground? A sprinkling of washing-up liquid? Loud music? How do you charm yours?
Doing nothing
Sitting. Watching. Alert but unhurried. It’s a beautiful state of mind to be in, but incredibly rare among non-anglers.
Hours on end can pass, you can feel the sun inch across the sky, you can hear the birds singing and you can see wildlife that few others witness regularly.
It’s easy to take it for granted…until a worldwide pandemic forces you to appreciate it just a little bit more.
Winter barbecues
A concept almost unheard of for those strange folk who don’t spend their lives beside water, but the winter barbecue is a staple of the carp and specimen fishing scenes.
Let’s be honest, it’s often the only thing to look forward to when you’re scratching around for bites in the frozen depths of January and February!
Yorkshire matchmen plan to get more kids fishing
A GROUP of veteran Yorkshire match anglers is planning to run a series of events for junior anglers after the Covid-19 lockdown as part of a drive to get more youngsters into the sport.
The forward-thinking initiative, which is being headed up by 66-year-old Kev Holvey, has been granted free use of Moorfields Fishery in Goole to host the matches, and tackle has been donated by local anglers for the youngsters to use on the day. The lucky participants will also be able to keep the equipment once the sessions are finished.
Kev, who ran a similar series of events last winter until fisheries were forced to close, said:
“We’ve already collected a vast amount of kit from supportive anglers and there is certainly a desire for these sorts of events. Over the winter we had around 20 kids and their parents attending each match. The kids love it, and at the start of each session we name each one of them after an angling superstar. They can get quite feisty if you get it wrong, saying things like, “No, I’m Bob Nudd today!”
For more information and to sign up for ‘Kev Holvey’s Coaching For Kids’, please visit his personal Facebook page.
Historic tackle shop closes
THERE has never been a more important time to support your local tackle shop than now, as proven this past week by the heart-breaking closure of Veals Fishing Tackle in Bristol.
Trading since 1846, the family business confirmed over social media, that due to the current climate and forced Covid-19 closure, the business had to go into administration.
The shop will be greatly missed by local anglers, many of which bought their first ever seat boxes, rods and reels from the store.
Grateful for the support shown, Veals said:
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff past and present and of course all our customers, many of whom have become great friends. We thank you all for the decades of great memories.”
Thankfully, the legacy of Veals Fishing Tackle will live on, with the Veals Mail Order business founded back in 1992 still going strong.
Image from ‘Veals Fishing Tackle’ Facebook page
NHS staff will fish for free on country's best roach water
ANGLERS who work for the NHS have been given the chance to fish for free on one of the country’s best roach stretches.
Christchurch Angling Club recently confirmed they would be providing free club books to NHS staff currently fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The membership covers fishing on the famous Winkton stretch of the Hampshire Avon, where numerous 3lb-plus redfins fell last season.
Club Publicity Officer, Andy Walker, told Angling Times:
“The complimentary books will have the same, full fishing rights of every other CAC member so will include Winkton, along with all our other stretches of the Avon, Stour & Frome plus all our stillwaters.
“We have all been deeply moved by the selfless professionalism and dedication displayed by the magnificent staff of the NHS throughout this crisis.
“We are delighted to extend this invitation and hope many of them find the time to enjoy some fantastic day’s fishing on our waters over the coming season. They have certainly earned it!”
The free permits will be administered on behalf of the club by Ringwood Tackle.
