A fishing trip in Wales - as angling returns to TV this month!
WELSH anglers have some more fantastic fishing TV to look forward to this month, with the start of a new series on S4C - Pysgod i Bawb.
Actor and fishing enthusiast Julian Lewis Jones guides Ryland Teifi in the series
The series, which starts Monday the 29th of September at 8.00pm, stars Actor and fishing enthusiast Julian Lewis Jones as he guides his lifelong friend, Ryland Teifi, on an angling journey.
A Hollywood actor with credits including Invictus, Justice League, and Zero Dark Thirty. This will be Julian’s third fishing series, with the two anglers embarking on a unique trip around the coast of Wales.
“I’ve spent more time with Ryland in three weeks than I’ve ever done with almost anyone else - and I won’t say more than that! We both share a camper van, and travel from south to north Wales fishing in the country’s best waters,” says Julian.
“Ryland is not a fisherman, so he gets a crash course on fishing during the series. Fishing is one of the few things you can do safely during the Covid crisis and I would love to see more people taking up the craft, especially after watching Ryland learn over this series,” he continued.
Filmed during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the two friends have formed a bubble in accordance with Government guidelines.
“I never imagined I would be in a bubble with Ryland. We’ve both been through tough times as actors. Especially now - there’s nothing much happening in the acting business!
“We are very close, and hopefully, everyone at home will enjoy joining in the fun.
“Three weeks, two friends, one boat and one bubble - what could possibly go wrong?”
Three weeks, two friends, one boat and one bubble - what could possibly go wrong?
60 fish in 60 days - but I need your help!
A PLEASURE angler hoping to raise £6,000 for charity by catching 60 species of fish in 60 days has just embarked on the fishing challenge of his life – but he needs your help to reach his goal.
Between September 2 and October 31, Hugh Arnott will be travelling the length of the UK to slip his net under as many fish as possible to raise vital funds for Get Hooked on Fishing, the English Disabled Fly Fishers and Fishing for Forces charities.
Hugh Arnott will be raising money for charity with his attempt to catch 60 fish in 60 days
While catching some species will be easy, the 60-year-old admits there are a few that will prove a challenge.
He said:
“I’m particularly worried about catching salmon, catfish and eels, and I’m sure even the bullheads and minnows will prove elusive!
“If anybody feels there’s a species they could help me catch, or if fishery owners are willing to offer a free day ticket, I’d love to hear from them.”
Hugh started his challenge on September 2 at Get Hooked on Fishing’s Northolt complex and caught roach, rudd, tench and crucians with Angling Trust ambassador Keith Arthur.
If you would like to help Hugh, email 60fishin60days@gmail.com
to Donate to Hugh’s cause, Visit:
Will he do it?
Survey highlights benefits of angling to mental health
AS ANGLERS, we all know the difference that a good day’s fishing can have on our wellbeing, and now the director of a leading charity has become the latest to highlight the sport’s positive impact on mental health.
Dr Anthony Kousoulis, Director of the Mental Health Foundation, extolled the feelgood factor of fishing following a survey by the Angling Trust, in which 99 per cent of respondents stated that angling benefits their overall physical and emotional wellbeing.
Angling benefits overall physical and emotional wellbeing.
He said:
“Growing evidence suggests that spending time in ‘green’ and ‘blue’ spaces has a very positive effect on our mental health.
“It is important for people’s health that they can continue to pursue angling in a safe way both during and after the pandemic.”
With over 100,000 new people fishing since the end of lockdown, it seems that angling’s therapeutic benefits are appreciated more than ever!
Mental Health Foundation
The great club book boom!
MANY OF Britain’s fishing clubs have postponed memberships until 2021 after becoming full to capacity following the post-lockdown surge in angling participation.
The news demonstrates just how popular the sport has become since restrictions were lifted in mid-May, and reflects the Environment Agency’s latest report which highlighted a 17 per cent rise in rod licence sales compared to last year.
One club that’s just sold the last of its 2020 memberships is Northamptonshire’s Vauxhall AC.
Head bailiff Dave Binge tells us:
“Usually we have 700 to 800 annual members, but this year we’ve exceeded 1,000.
“We could have sold a lot more too, but with the current rules on social distancing in place we had to put a cap on our sales so we could keep all of our members safe.
“The extra income has been incredibly beneficial to the club and will contribute to maintaining and stocking our fisheries.”
Sales of club books have soared since lockdown
Despite some anglers missing out on memberships for certain clubs this year, many associations are continuing to provide day tickets for the same waters.
Newark and District Piscatorial Federation (NDPF) is still offering memberships to anglers living within an eight-mile radius of Newark, although those living outside that area must now wait until May 1 of next year before they can submit an application.
According to club bailiff Alfie Naylor, though, there are still plenty of free pegs for day-ticket anglers to enjoy.
“Like the annual memberships, our day-ticket sales have also increased this year and have more or less doubled compared to 2019,” he says.
“However, we’re fortunate at NDPF to have a large selection of River Trent venues that provide plenty of space for anglers.
“Although we have seen an influx in anglers buying a day ticket, our stretches just never get close to being full or too busy.”
Clubs on the River Trent have been particularly popular
Commercials playing their part in the angling boom - Reader letter
A long time ago, angling celeb and TV personality Matt Hayes wrote an article about ‘real’ fishing and compared it with commercial fisheries.
Matt said that he felt that commercials were responsible for sanitising fishing, and that the real excitement of a catch came from anticipation.
At the time, many of us would have shared Matt’s sentiments. However, since then commercials have been quietly maturing. They contain some cracking roach and monster perch, piling on weight from the pleasure anglers’ baits to offer a challenge worthy of the best of us.
Knowing Matt’s commitment to all things fishing, I’m sure he will be absolutely buzzing at seeing the explosion in fishing over the last few months, and be grateful to the part commercials have played in this upturn.
Commercial venues are about much more than just carp
Ron Brooke, via email
Do you agree with Ron? Let us know by emailing your letters to atletters@bauermedia.co.uk
Take a Friend Fishing - How to get youngsters fishing for the first time
ANGLERS across the nation have warmly welcomed the return of the immensely popular Take a Friend Fishing scheme.
‘Delighted’ and ‘proud’ are among the positive words we’ve received from readers in support of the decision by campaign leaders the Angling Trust and Environment Agency, which enables rod licence-holders to obtain a free licence for a friend.
But in the messages we received, one question regularly cropped up: ‘What is the best way to take someone fishing for the first time?’ It’s a tricky one to answer, so we enlisted the advice of Angling Trust ambassador Zenia Drury-Gregorek, an expert in getting kids into fishing, who reveals some of her secrets.
“I have two sons, Zaine (nine) and Zeejay (six), both of whom have fished since they were just a few years old,” she tells us.
“One of the key things to remember is not to force it. Zaine is a natural born angler, but Zeejay is a bit of a live wire and doesn’t have his big brother’s patience! If he doesn’t want to go, I’ll not push him and make it a battle – that would be an easy way to put him off before he’s even on the bank.”
Zenia got her sons fishing at an early age
Once they’re out the house, Zenia believes it’s all about making things short, simple and fun.
“Always start with short sessions. While we think nothing of sitting on the bank for five hours straight, to a small person an hour is a long time. Either go for quick sessions or have regular breaks for walks, wildlife spotting, or simple games.
“Kids love watching a float,” Zenia adds,
“so a short pole or whip is an ideal set-up to start with. You don’t get many tangles, and kids can focus on the magic of watching that float disappear.”
Kids love to watch a float
Quiet spells when the fish aren’t biting can quickly lead to boredom, but Zenia has a crafty way around these.
“Take lots of snacks! These keep children entertained while they wait for bites, and avoid the nightmare of a session being cut short because they’re hungry.
“Remember that size doesn’t matter to kids, so by targeting small fish you’re less likely to have long waits between bites.”
Keep sessions short, bring snacks and fish for bites to keep kids entertained on the bank
We can probably all admit that, as kids, our fish care wasn’t where it should have been, and Zenia believes it’s crucial to show correct practices right from the off.
“It’s down to us to show how important it is to look after our catch, so I’ll set an example by always using a net and unhooking mat. I’ll also teach kids how to use a disgorger, as well as how to place fish gently back into the water, not throw them back. These lessons will soon become good habits that will lead to a lifetime of quality fish care,” she says.
“Ultimately, though, the most important tip is to enjoy making memories as a family. Make the most of every catch, whatever species it is, and show kids just how much fun fishing can be.”
Canal angling on the up!
THE NATION’S canals witnessed a surge in popularity among anglers following lockdown, it was revealed this week.
The Canal and River Trust (CRT) said that since sport resumed on May 13, there had been a significant rise in fresh faces lining the banks and a 30 per cent year-on-year hike in sales of tickets for the Canal Pairs Championships qualifiers and Waterway Wanderers fishing permits.
The CRT’s National Fisheries and Angling Manager John Ellis said:
“It’s fantastic to see families and people of all ages taking an interest in canal fishing again and rediscovering what they have to offer. Many want to fish as close to home as possible and canals are perfect for this.
“The Canal Pairs Champs could see in excess of 200 participating anglers – which is a rarity in this arm of the sport. It’s an exciting time for canal fishing.”
The Angling Trust’s Let’s Fish campaign, which helps get families into fishing on canals for the very first time, is also now back up and running. Log onto the CRT’s website to book a free Let’s Fish session.
More anglers are heading to the nation’s canals
Fishing Tackle and Bait Industry Booming Since Lockdown
BRITAIN’S tackle industry is thriving like never before as shops and manufacturers continue to benefit from the boost in newcomers to the sport after lockdown.
Many companies and small shops feared the worst back in the spring when fishing, like other sports, was curtailed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, since restrictions were lifted in mid-May, a massive increase in demand for tackle and bait has helped companies more than make up the lost ground, with many experiencing unprecedented sales.
A few months ago we spoke to Dan Brydon of Norfolk’s Wensum Valley Angling and, at the time, he had serious concerns about the future of his business. But that’s all changed now, and he’s having to work 13-hour shifts just to keep up with orders.
“It’s been total carnage! Online orders have gone through the roof, and although we’re only doing ‘one in, one out’ in the shop, that’s also been very busy,” he tells us.
“A lot of people say that they’ve been clearing out the garage, found an old rod and want to get back into fishing, so lots of the stuff we’ve sold has been for beginners, but plenty of higher end tackle too.”
It’s a similar story with the sport’s manufacturers, as firms struggle to keep shelves stocked with the latest kit.
Daiwa’s UK marketing manager Stephen McCaveny says:
“The uptake in fishing took everybody by surprise, and our sales have been superb, with match feeder and carp tackle selling particularly well.”
The bait industry has also been booming, says Daryl Hodges, head of marketing for Dynamite Baits:
“We have had record week after record week and it shows no signs of slowing down. Sales are more than double for this time of year, and we’ve had to work around the clock for nine weeks to keep up.”
There has been a high demand for fishing tackle post lockdown
Charity calls for anglers help
A MAJOR charity is appealing to the angling community to help generate vital funds through fishing matches after the organisation’s 2020 fundraising events were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marie Curie, which provides care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families, has continued its incredible work throughout the crisis but is now in desperate need of your help.
Holly Carey, a Community Fundraiser for the charity, said:
“If you’re a keen angler and thinking of heading back to your local fishery or lake, we’re asking that you and your friends consider indulging your passion whilst raising much-needed funds for our cause through a fishing match or tournament.
“Even the smallest amount will be a huge help in recovering what we have lost and will further aid our hardworking nurses, hospices and Support Line through this tough time.”
Grimsby-based angler Glenn Gollins is already doing his bit and for the last seven years has run an annual fundraising match on his local fishing pond.
He told us:
“Eight years ago I lost my wife and Marie Curie were there for me every step of the way, so I wanted to give something back. Over the years the match has grown in popularity and we raised £2,000 during the most recent one.
“It shows that anglers have a heart and can make a difference when it matters.”
To get involved, email holly at holly.cary@mariecurie.org
Marie Curie provides care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families
Thousands given to support fishing clubs
TWO angling clubs have received thousands of pounds of funding to help protect them from the financial fallout of the Covid-19 lockdown.
At the end of March the Government created the Community Emergency Fund using £20million of National Lottery money to help all kinds of sporting bodies survive the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Dozens of cash-strapped clubs applied, and in May the first of these was awarded a much-needed cash injection. Now two more have benefitted – The Stoke on Trent Angling Society, which received £7,500, and Southwold & District Freshwater Angling Preservation Society was awarded £6,000. The latter will use the cash to cover rent costs on its waters as well as carry out essential maintenance work.
Club chairman Barry Read said:
“We were delighted to have had our bid for support accepted at what was a very worrying period for the Society. The lockdown came at a time that traditionally sees the highest level of income, along with the highest level of expenditure, in the club’s year.”
The Sport England fund is National Lottery funded
Rod licence sales boom!
MORE than 335,000 rod licences have been sold since May 13, 2020 when lockdown restrictions on angling were finally lifted, according to data released by the Environment Agency this week.
The staggering figure, which represents a hike of 200,000 – or 230 per cent – over the same period last year, is thought to include a significant number of licences bought by newcomers to angling.
“It’s been encouraging to see not only anglers returning to the sport, but also newcomers trying fishing for the first time amongst those buying licences”
said Dr Graeme Storey, EA Acting Deputy Director for Fisheries and the Natural Environment.
“Fishing is an excellent way to engage with nature and the outdoors, which provides much needed positive health and welfare benefits,” he added.
“As a consequence of revenue generated through the sale of rod licences, we are able to protect and improve the things anglers care most about.”
Rod licence sales boomed in the UK after lockdown restrictions were lifted.
NEW match fishing league to raise thousands for UK charities
AN ANGLER from Kent has created a match fishing league in a drive to raise £10,000 for three charities – and he wants you to fish in it!
Ian Hardie, 54, from Maidstone, is calling for up to 80 anglers to take part in the Togetherness Charity League, which will be hosted at Kent’s Lavender Farm Fishery during October 2020.
The competition will consist of five matches and, aside from raising vital funds for three incredible causes, participating anglers will also have the chance to win cash prizes and Preston Innovations tackle items.
Ian tells us:
“The main objective of the Togetherness Charity League is to further support the NHS Covid-19 Appeal, the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity and the Abbey Physics Community Garden – which is a local mental health charity that I work for.
“Abbey Physics is close to my heart, but considering what’s happened over the last three months, I couldn’t stay idle and knew I had to do something to help fight Covid-19 and support our war veterans – just like Colonel Tom Moore.”
The money raised from entry fees will be split equally across each of the three charities, and Ian is already working towards securing further prizes from the tackle trade.
The Togetherness Charity League logo
Fish farm cuts prices to help fisheries stock up for new anglers
THE owner of a fish farm in Kent is slashing his prices on carp and F1 hybrids to help lighten the load for fisheries looking to buy new stock.
Jason Dorkings, whose Babylon Fish Farm produces more than 100 tons of F1s a year, said that his phone has been ringing off the hook since fishing returned.
“During the lockdown I was worried about our sales for the season but I’m now being inundated with calls from fisheries who’ve been saying they need fresh stock to keep the influx of new anglers happy,” Jason says.
“Most of the fishery owners I’ve spoken to say their banks are full every day, which is a superb sign that angling is getting back on its feet.
“They’re desperate to keep these new anglers on the bank, so I thought I’d help out by reducing my prices.”
Jason usually sells 6ins F1s and carp for £5 per pound, but is now offering them for £3.50 per pound, with orders and deliveries being taken for September onwards.
He adds:
“In this warm climate it’s not safe to ship stock, so we will be taking orders now and delivering during the autumn.”
The fish farm has dropped its prices for carp and F1s.
Football stars turn to fishing
FORMER Chelsea and England defender John Terry has swapped football for a fishing rod over the last couple of weeks – sliding a number of chunky carp into the back of his net in the process!
The 39-year-old, who’s now an assistant coach at Aston Villa FC, treated his family to a day on the bank at the popular Bury Hill complex in Dorking, Surrey, where he landed a number of good fish, including this fine low double-figure mirror using a boilie approach.
Bury Hill’s owner David De Vere tells us:
“I’ve known John for a few years and it’s always great to see him. This time he brought along his wife, kids, brother – and even his dog – and they enjoyed a superb day’s sport catching good numbers of tench and carp from Bonds Lake.
“John’s a really nice guy and didn’t mind having a few snaps being taken with some of the other anglers, including my grandson, who’s a big fan of his!”
Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry with a Bury Hill carp
John wasn’t the only professional footballer to get out and catch a few fish over the last few weeks either.
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimović hooked and boated a string of double-figure pike during a recent guided trip on a lake in his home nation of Sweden.
Zlatan enjoyed a recent pike fishing trip
Tackle shops prepare to re-open
FISHING’S gradual emergence from lockdown received another boost after tackle shops were given the thumbs-up to get back to business from June 15 – the day before the new river season begins!
Many outlets were facing an uncertain future after struggling to keep their tills ringing over the past two months, with only online sales or limited click-and-collect services to fall back on.
But following the latest announcement by Downing Street, shops will now be allowed to open fully in six days’ time, provided safety measures are implemented.
At Frames Tackle in London, which has been in business for 60 years, preparations for the restart are already underway.
“We’ve put lots of precautions in place to keep staff and customers safe, including the installation of hand sanitisers at the entrance, a one-way system for visitors to follow, and floor markers to maintain social distancing,” says boss David Frame.
“I’m expecting an extremely busy period, and the news is a massive boost that the industry needed.”
Similar precautions have been taken at Chiltern Tackle & Bait, Northants, where boss Andy Pell tells Angling Times:
“We began offering a click-and-collect service from the middle of May and sales went through the roof overnight. It’s going to go up another notch once we fully re-open!”
Tackle shops can get back to business on June 15th if social distancing measures are in place
Anglers celebrate after Government lifts ban on competitive fishing
THE final piece in the jigsaw of angling’s full return slotted into place this week after Government gave the green light for competitive fishing to return.
Pleasure anglers received consent to return to the banks three weeks ago, but social distancing guidelines banning big gatherings of people meant that many fishery regulars and matchmen were unable to follow suit.
This has now all changed, however, after the Angling Trust successfully argued that match fishing deserved special dispensation as entrants could socially distance at all times, including at the draw and weigh-in.
The news came as a huge relief for Britain’s commercial venue owners, and the reaction from anglers has been overwhelming, with many fisheries struggling to cope with the instant demand for pegs.
At Somerset’s Viaduct Fishery the phones started ringing off the hook as soon as the announcement was made. Manager Matt Long says:
“We expected anglers to get involved, but we didn’t anticipate selling every ticket for our first batch of matches within 10 minutes! It shows that lots of people are itching to get back.”
Euphoria aside, the welfare of visiting anglers remains a priority for venue owners, and safety protocols have been introduced.
Matt Long adds:
“Everyone’s pegs will be drawn for them. Entrants will be asked to keep away from the weighing-in area.”
Similar provisions have been made at Partridge Lakes in Warrington, where technology is set to play a role in making sure safety guidelines are followed.
Owner Barbara Ikin says:
“Anglers will book on and pay for their peg using an online system and all payouts will be done via bank transfer. It means that everyone can get back to match fishing and stay safe.”
The news has been welcomed by Britain’s top matchmen, among them former Fish O’Mania champion Andy May, although he was keen to sound a note of caution.
“I can’t wait for the buzz of competing again, but Covid-19 hasn’t gone away,” he says.
“It’s important we follow the rules at each fishery to make sure angling continues to be held in high regard by the public.”
The green light has been give to competitive fishing
Meet the dogs who love fishing!
It’s not only anglers who’ve been itching to get back on the bank – their four-legged friends have been panting for it too! As these heart-warming tales tell us...
Frankie - (Owner, Matt Fernandez, Southampton)
“Frankie walks the rivers with me while I work as a bailiff and has done so since she was four months old, so she’s used to being near water.
“She’s been out with me every time since we got the green light to go back out fishing and she was definitely as excited as I was!
“When I settle down on the bank, she watches the wildlife, but I always have one of her favourite toys with me to give her if she gets bored.
“She’ll happily chew and fetch it for hours.”
Frankie is always excited to go fishing!
Hobie (Owner, Richard Ward, Manchester)
“My little mate Hobie the Jack Russell growls when I catch a fish, so the other lads always know when I’m catching!”
Hobie often gives the game away!
Halle (Owner, John Jackson, Hampshire)
“I have my one-year-old Labrador, Halle, with me pretty much every day as part of my job as a river keeper on the River Test in Hampshire, so she was still able to go out during the lockdown and spend some time by the river.
“I’ve trained her so she won’t dive in and disturb the spot while I’m fishing, although being a Labrador she loves water. On a pre-lockdown session on the Kennet and Avon Canal, she sat patiently as I landed carp, roach, bream and this fine tench. She gave it a quick sniff and nose inspection before I put it back. When she saw it swim away, she looked keen to dive right in after it!”
Halle wanted to dive after this tench!
Roxy, (Owner Colin Bernard, Fife)
“Roxy comes on most trips, whether it’s boat, bank or camping. She even collects firewood for us!”
Roxy is great at collecting firewood.
Connor (Owner, Brian Kelley, Fife)
“This picture of my border collie Connor was taken at Loch Tummel in Perthshire, Scotland. The first few times I took him pike fishing he didn’t understand what was happening and would crash into my rods and set my alarms off. Nowadays, he’s a lot calmer. He never wants to leave at the end of a session and sometimes I have to physically lift him into the car!”
Connor never wants to leave the bank
Evie & Archie (Owner, Chris Haydon, Devon)
“My partner's dogs Evie and Archie will sit patiently behind me and take it all in, but because they love a good swim I always have to keep them on the lead. A good thing about having dogs with you is that they are quick to spot other wildlife that you might be missing.”
Evie and Archie love a good swim!
Juno (Owner, Stephen Stones, Stamford)
“Whenever I go fishing overnight Juno, my eight-year old lurcher cross, comes with me. As we drive down to a lake near Cambridge, she starts whining because she’s so delighted. She knows that she’ll get a steady supply of sausage sandwiches and biscuits, and kip in my sleeping bag all weekend.
“Like all sight hounds, she hates the water and won’t go past her ankles. Whenever I use a marker or spod rod she goes nuts, yelping and spinning round on the spot with delight. Lord knows why!”
Juno isn’t a fan of water but loves sausage sandwiches
Harvey (Owner, Tom Jackson, Swindon)
“My old Labrador Harvey has gone fishing with me since he was a puppy, and is now 13 years old. We usually head for Hannington on the Thames where, when he was younger, he used to love going for a swim. Harvey and I are both looking forward to June 16 when we can get back to the tranquillity of the River Thames and sit peacefully together.”
Harvey is looking forward to the magical 16th of June!
Ted (Owner, Jim Evans, Doncaster)
“I reckon my boy Ted is only happy when he’s out on the bank. At four years old he’s the youngest of three golden retrievers I have and is a great companion. He loves coming fishing with me, whether it’s on the coast or to the banks of my local River Don.
“Since the restrictions were lifted we’ve enjoyed trips to the New Junction Canal, as well as a beach fishing trip.
“He’ll happily sit by my rods while I wait for a bite and will eat any bait the fish don’t want. If the bream aren’t on the corn, I know who will be!”
Ted is only happy when he is out on the bank
Don’t knock these angling newbies! - Rob Hughes
I’ve seen a bit of talk on social media lately from people complaining about ‘pop-ups’ as they call them. These are groups of people who aren’t lifelong anglers but who’ve just spent a few bob on a box and a £30 nettle-thrasher and are out there on the bank, treating it like it’s a party, being loud and spoiling everyone’s day.
The thing is, we were all there at one stage. Not necessarily antisocial anglers, but beginners coming into a new sport, not knowing what to do, or how or where to do it. Back in the day, it’s likely that we had someone to guide us through those early stages.
Now no-one wants a gang of blokes pitching up with tents and tinnies. But we all know that angling has been shrinking over recent years and we could do with a numbers boost.
In the current situation, and fishing being one of the few things people can do, now’s the time to encourage more people to try it, especially those who once fished and may still have some kit in the garage.
As I write this, many lakes are crowded with the initial rush of social distancing anglers, but once things have calmed down a little, and if Government suggestions are right, we will soon be allowed to mix with people from other households.
If it’s safe, and you feel comfortable doing it, wouldn’t it be great if we could take a non-angling pal and their offspring for an evening out and encourage more people to take up fishing responsibly and properly?
Now is the time to encourage more people to try fishing.
Day ticket fishery installs pellet dispenser to reduce Covid-19 risk
A Devon fishery is helping to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19 over the tackle shop counter with the installation of an on-site pellet dispenser.
The large hopper on the new machine at Digger Lakes can hold up to 250kg of pellets at a time and will cost anglers £2 for just over 1kg.
Fishery manager Ben Gratwicke tells us:
“I’ve had the idea of having a pellet dispenser on site for a while but lockdown gave me the time to finally have one installed.
“Before the pandemic, If anglers wanted to buy our feed pellets we’d come round to their swims with a barrow-full, but with social distancing rules now in place it’s no longer safe.
“With most tackle shops remaining closed, the dispenser is a safe way for anglers to get good-quality bait, plus it’s quicker to obtain than mail order.
“It’s only been installed for a couple of days but it’s already proved to be a hit with our anglers.”
The dispenser is completely unmanned, and the risk of spreading the virus is low, because there are no buttons to press.
Just place your bait bucket under the chute, insert £1 coins into the slot and the pellets will come out.
£2 for a 1kg of pellets from Digger Lakes new pellet dispenser
Anglers raise money for NHS PPE
Members of the River Swale Fishing Facebook Group have raised £1,725 through an online raffle to help provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for key workers.
The group’s administrator Michael Hunter organised the raffle to help two men in his hometown near Leeds, who have given up their time in lockdown to make PPE.
Michael says:
“When I discovered that Nathan Bullough, a 3D printer, and Simon Brooks, a tailor, were making PPE and scrubs for NHS keyworkers, I knew I had to do something to help fund the materials they needed to make the equipment.
“I reached out to anglers and clubs to see if they’d be interested in donating prizes for a raffle and their generosity was overwhelming. As soon as the raffle went live, ticket sales went through the roof.”
Anglers put their hands in their pockets to buy £5 raffle tickets to aid the cause and to be in with a chance of winning prizes which included a Leeds and District ASA annual membership book, a Vortex Baits bundle and a Middy feeder package.
“The money we’ve raised will ensure Nathan and Simon can continue their work,” says Michael. “It shows what anglers can do when we work together.”
Complete visors ready to be shipped to hospital
Raffle organiser Michael Hunter