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.
Roped-off swims could be the new bankside norm
RIGHT now, all anglers need to practise social distancing on the bank – so when Angling Direct’s Swindon branch manager Kev Hewitt had an encounter that was far too close for comfort, he decided to take action.
Would you feel more comfortable behind a rope like this?
“I’d gone to Bluebell Lakes in Oundle, near Peterborough, for five days and was setting up when another angler walked straight in and stood next to me, probably less than a foot away,” Kev tells us.
“I’d only been there an hour and it made me feel very uncomfortable.
“To make sure that it didn’t happen again I grabbed an old ratchet strap and some bungees from my van and made a barrier behind my swim. I even put up a sign telling people to stay behind the rope.
“After that I never had a single person cross the line and I have been able to chat to other anglers from a safe distance.
“We are very privileged to be able to fish right now, so let’s not mess this up.”
Kev Hewitt’s cornered-off swim at Bluebell Lakes
Since fishing resumed in England on Wednesday, May 13, staff at the five-lake Bluebell complex have been keeping anglers safe by closing the on-site-tackle shop, collecting day-ticket money from them in their cars and enforcing a strict two-metre distancing policy on the bank.
They also see no harm in letting anglers adopt Kev’s approach.
“Anything that will help anglers stick to the 2m social distancing rule is backed by us,” says Bluebell staffman James Waller.
“We hope that common sense will prevail, but creating a barrier around your swim does remind anglers to adhere to the rules we’ve put in place.
“As anglers we have a responsibility to help prevent the spread of the virus, so it’s very important we stick to the protocols.”
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
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
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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!