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Pike brace scales a sensational 76 lb!

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PIKE fans have been admiring one of the UK’s best braces ever, caught from a hush-hush trout water which allows very limited pike fishing.

Pike specialist  John Rushworth was the captor of the giant crocs,  scaling 40 lb 2 oz (pictured above) and 36 lb 8 oz.

The Preston, Lancashire-based angler smashed his previous PB of 29 lb at the venue, which only rarely gets a public mention for coarse fish.

Anglian Water sent out a Press release explaining the pike had come from their 100-acre Ravensthorpe Reservoir in Northamptonshire.

John, a 50-year-old engineer, explained: “I have fished the Lake District for a decade, massing 20s from all waters up to my PB from Lake Windermere.

“But realising that catching a thirty could take another ten years, I decided to travel south, and booked a two-day pike trial on a 100 acre southern trout fishery hoping for the possibility of a new PB.

“First day on the boat the weather was strong north-westerly winds with a -7 degree chill, and we headed off to the shallows and soon had a 21 lb 8 oz pike on a drifted float over ten foot of water.

“But somehow it didn’t feel like the big girls were in shallow water so we moved and found a good drop off with a 20 to 26 ft deep area which felt better.

“For the next two hours we had to suffer hailstones showers and strong gusts but I wasn’t disappointed when we slipped the net under a cracking 31 lb 4 oz pike, and was delighted with a new PB.”

But there was more in store for John…

John Rushworth followed his 40 lb 2 oz pike with this 36-pounder.

“Next morning we knew where to head to and after quietly positioning and dropping anchor we only had to wait half hour for the deep water to produce the longest pike I’ve ever seen, a 40 lb 2 oz monster. It was awesome, elusive and seldom caught.

“Then at dinner time the deep water amazingly produced again another similar length pike, but this was slightly lighter at 36 lb 8 oz.

“What a brace, I could never have imagined being so lucky to hit it so right especially in such stormy weather,” concluded John, who used a variety of sea deadbaits.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

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You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!

More from Angler’s Mail about pike

Massive natural water pike

The 21-year-old tyre fitter from nearby Fairford added 14 others to mid doubles with Ian, using legered lamprey at the…

Unknown giant pike

Alan said: “It’s full of large rudd, roach and bream so the ecology certainly pointed to it being a good…

Massive 39 lb pike!

Framfield, East Sussex-based Steve smashed his old pike personal best of 28 lb 8 oz caught from Ardingly Reservoir. It…


Birmingham AA leader demands mass vote on river fishing Close Season

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BIRMINGHAM AA club official John Williams is calling for all rod licence holders to have an official referendum to sort out the river fishing Close Season chaos.

Birmingham AA have put the pressure on the rising issue, just as the 2017/18 river season neared its end, for the March 15 to June 15 (inclusive) Close Season.

The Angling Trust are remaining neutral at a time when a major review of the Close Season is due to be published.

The Trust have one ‘keep’, one ‘change’ and one ‘scrap’ voice on a three-man panel that is sitting on an official Environment Agency review.

Many anglers fear the EA will never scrap the Close Season which was abandoned on lakes back in 1994.

Now John Williams, chairman of mighty Birmingham AA, thinks the EA should officially ask rod licence holders to vote in a full referendum when they renew their annual licence.

Birmingham AA chief John told Angler’s Mail: “I reckon there should be an online referendum where all anglers could have a vote regarding the Close Season when they renew their annual rod licence.

“Unlike Brexit, I’m sure there would be a very decisive majority in favour of abolition which should settle the matter once and for all.”

Birmingham AA chief says act soon

John continued: “We need the Angling Trust as our representative body to get off the fence and come out strongly in favour of abolition which I’m sure the majority of anglers want, but they are frightened of upsetting people against change.”

“There has never been any true scientific basis for the close season, it is just one of these historic anomalies.

“Fish have survived and prospered in stillwaters where there is no close season so why shouldn’t they on our rivers? After all a roach is a roach wherever it is.

“When it (the Close Season) was abolished on our lakes and canals, some people were predicting a disaster but it proved a great boost for angling and even revolutionised fishing, prompting the huge growth of commercial fisheries.

“Fishing has actually improved on our canals as well and I’m sure there would be absolutely no change on our rivers, plus it would be a great shot in the arm for our tackle trade and boost angling generally.

John put forward a way to decide the validity of a rivers Close Season – but still says urgent action is required.

John told Angler’s Mail: “One idea to research the issue properly would be to abolish the Close Season on say five different rivers for five years and then compare how the fish stocks fare with five similar rivers where the rivers have remained closed – I would publicly eat my hat if any difference was found.

“But that would of course take time and money, and should have bee done years ago, and really we need action in the near future,” Birmingham AA leader John concluded.

The Angling Trust wouldn’t be drawn to whether there should be a proper referendum for rod licence holders on the Close Season debate.

Martin Salter, Trust campaigns chief, said: “The Trust regional forums have already been debating the issue and the discussions have been respectful and informative.

‘It is only right and proper that our voices are heard on an issue that evokes strong opinions either way.”

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

NOW SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAG AT A LOW PRICE!

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More from Angler’s Mail about the Close Season

Monster northern grayling landed by top club man

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CHECK out this giant grayling - not from a southern chalkstream but a rare prize from a northern club water.

Leeds DASA vice president Dave Rushton has been trying to catch a 2 lb grayling since November.

He  was chuffed to finally achieve his target with this 2 lb 15 oz specimen from their own stretch of the River Wharfe.

Dave, 58, from Wetherby, West Yorkshire, said: “My target was a two-pounder but this was a bonus.

“It was caught on my old faithful Abu 506 (closed face reel) and Dave Thomas 1982 13 ft float rod with 3 lb line direct to a size 18 hook.

“When the levels are right I’ve been getting up to 25 fish in a session by roving and fishing ten swims or so.

“I’ve had grayling up to 1 lb 8 oz and knew there were some bigger fish in there, it was just a matter of putting the sessions in and hoping the big one would eventually beat the others to the bait.

“On this session the river was spot on and I had four grayling in the first half dozen casts.

“When the float went under for the fifth time and I struck into it I got that dull thud feeling that you associate with a good fish.

“It immediately came up to the top and when I saw it was a big grayling and not a trout my heart started pounding.

“The little man on my shoulder immediately told me I was going to lose it.

“It shot off downstream and then out into the fast water.

“It was then back in the edge trying to get into the bank side vegetation.

“Five minutes of heart-pounding, perhaps over-cautious nervous playing of the fish, it was on the bank,” added Dave.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

NOW SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAG AT A LOW PRICE!

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You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!

More from Angler’s Mail about grayling

Stunning 3 lb-plus grayling

It takes Neill’s career total to five 3 lb-plus specimen in another brilliant season for the Bupa worker, who tackled …

Britain’s biggest common carp

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BRITAIN’S record common carp has come out at 63 lb five months after its last capture at 64 lb – incredibly, to the same angler.

Mike O’Neill landed the giant common carp called Tarka from RH Fisheries’ The Avenue syndicate in Shropshire.

The lake is the former home of the controversial Big Rig at 71 lb 4 oz, a colossal specimen that was rejected by the British Record Fish Committee. Big Rig has since died.

Mike, 43, told Angler’s Mail: “I’ve only been on the water two years and this season has been very good.

“Since the first capture I’ve had about five others to 48 lb but I had a car crash in November and that hampered my fishing and I’ve had just four trips since and two of those were frozen off.

“I’m overjoyed to catch her again. She’s got such a big frame that I’m sure she will get a lot heavier and I expect her to put on quite a few pounds before May.

“It was weird the second capture as the bite was exactly the same with the bobbin just being pulled to the top and the fight was very similar.

“I told the others I recognised the fish even before she came to the surface,” added Mike.

The communications engineer from the Wirral presented a 12 mm Mainline Essential Cell pop-up on a size 6 hook at 80 yards. He was offered over 10 mm freebies that had been covered hemp oil.

Common carp Tarka is the second biggest known carp alive, behind mighty mirror  carp Captain Jack at 68 lb 5 oz at Cambridgeshire’s prolific Holme Fen. The captor of the giant at that weight, ‘Bill’, didn’t want any publicity or desire to claim the record.

The official record carp remains as The Parrot from Berkshire’s Wasing Estate at 68 lb 1 oz. That famous specimen sadly died last year.

The second biggest UK common carp ever recorded was the Lee Jackson Common from Kent’s Strawberry Fields to Leanne Jaynes at 63 lb 4 oz. That fish hasn’t been caught for at least a year.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

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More from Angler’s Mail about huge carp

Angling Direct – the giant fishing tackle chain – nets 44% growth

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ANGLING DIRECT, the top fishing tackle chain, has revealed a record revenue of £30.2 million thanks to its key store opening last year.

Angling Direct issued a pre-close trading update for the 12 months to January 31, 2018, ahead of the publication of its full financial results in May.

The 30.2 million revenue was ahead of expectations – up about 44 per cent in the 12 months compared with the same period the previous year of £21million.

Continued investment in the Company’s e-commerce platform and operations resulted in a 54 per increase of direct sales year on year, backed by several recent months of over one million visits to their own website.

Retail sales in Angling Direct’s stores were up 40 per cent year-on-year, and like for like sales in-stores were up by 10 per cent.

Angling Direct is also benefiting from regular custom from outside of the UK and last year generated revenue from over 40 countries from internet sales.

It expects to invest more resources this year into increasing these sales, including introducing country specific websites.

A statement said: “Directors expect the company to continue to increase its 6 per cent share of the UK angling retail market through both organic and acquired growth.

“The big tackle retailer Fosters of Birmingham was a major acquisition, and three new stores are due to open by 2019, adding to the current 21.

“We currently sell over 21,500 fishing tackle products, including capital items, consumables, luggage and clothing. It also owns and sells fishing tackle products under its own brand ‘Advanta’, which was launched in 2016.

“The new store openings and sustained online growth offers the group a very positive outlook despite higher labour costs.”

Angling Direct also took over North West Angling Centre in Hindley, Greater Manchester and Tacklesaver, formally known as Trev’s of Wilmslow in Handforth, Cheshire, in 2017.

Arch-rivals Fishing Republic announced in November they had a sales slump with October showing a like-for-like store sales decline of 13 per cent.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

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More from Angler’s Mail about the tackle trade

Amazing catch of perch from freezing banks of river

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LEE COUPE left it until late in the river season to smash his perch PB twice in an amazing day.

Self-employed Lee, from Nottingham, tackled  his local River Trent and he included giant perch of 4 lb 2 oz and 3 lb 14 oz (pictured above).

Lee explained: “I’m still absolutely buzzing. What a day on the river.

“I had seven perch over 3 lb and broke my PB two times. Happy days!

“I was ultra light jigging using my Gunki ML 2-10 g rod and Gunki floating Grubby shad teamed with a 4 g stand-up jig head.

“I had two smaller perch and a pike too,” he added.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

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You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!

More from Angler’s Mail about big perch

Monster 6 lb perch!

The Westin backed angler tempted the 50 cm specimen on one of their new Shad Teez lures in ‘Official Roach’…

Biggest perch brace ever

IN-FORM Ken Brown has recorded the biggest authenticated brace of perch ever with a colossal pair of 5 lb 10…

Rod licence 2018-2019: all you need to know

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CLARISSA, the former British record carp, is the face of a new rod licence to mark the centenary of the birth of Dick Walker.

Rod licence buyers can pick a three-rod option again, after it was launched to acclaim in 2017, especially by serious carp anglers.

The previous ‘standard’ rod licence for up to two rods is still available of course, and so to are a range of other options.

On the three-rod version of the new licence is a picture of Clarissa, famously caught by Dick Walker, who helped pioneer specimen coarse fishing.

In what was one angling’s all-time standout catches, Clarissa’s weight obliterated the British record by 13 lb.

The stunning carp was caught from Redmire Pool on September 13, 1952, and then taken to London Zoo aquarium.

Back then, big fish were routinely killed to establish their weight, something Dick despised.

At the zoo, the fish named ‘Clarissa the Carp’ and became World famous – although Dick Walker himself called her ‘Ravioli.’

Dick was the inventor of Arlesey bomb leger weight, the first electronic bite alarms and he also co-developed carbon fibre rods.

Dick’s carp record stood until 1980 when it was beaten by a fish of 51 lb 8 oz from the same water by living legend Chris Yates.

Brilliant rod licence artwork

The two-rod coarse licence has a popular mini species, gudgeon, as its image. The game licence show a salmon in all its wild glory.

All three images were created by renowned angling and wildlife artist, David Miller.

David said: “Designing this year’s fishing licence combines two of my passions: fishing and art.

“The EA does a fantastic job and I’m proud to be supporting rod licence sales with my artwork.

“It’s been great to be able to capture a fish that has such historical significance in the fishing world.”

Mike Heylin, OBE, chairman of the British Record Fish Committee added: “This is a fine tribute to Clarissa and an angler who changed our perspective and excited a whole generation of anglers, many of whom will hold this licence with pride.”

Rod licence – what is it?

The new rod licence options are out now and valid from April 1.

If you buy your licence online at the official website you will get a number and receipt to enable to fish before the physical licence arrives by post.

Early signs are that the Environment Agency has been getting 2018/19 rod licence despatched quickly.

The fishing licence now lasts for 12 months from the day it is bought, rather than expiring at the end of March each year.

Sales of licences for the 2016/17 season raised £21 million to help restock rivers with 6,335,000 fish.

Kevin Austin, director of Fisheries at the EA, said: “We’re delighted to reveal these new images as part of our continued drive to encourage people to give fishing a go.

“All the money raised from rod licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries benefiting anglers.”

A gudgeon stars on the two-rod 2018 rod licence.

Rod licence prices 2018/2019

The licence fee has stayed the same for 2018/19 with a two-rod main licence costing £30, three rods £45.

Under-16s are again free, but over 12s must register for their freebie licence.

Disabled and OAP rates for the coarse licence are £20 (two rods maximum) and £30 (three rods).

You can get a 12-month disabled person’s licence if you’ve got a Blue Badge, or you get Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (any rate) – you’ll need your National Insurance number to prove this.

You can also get a discounted 12-month licence if you’re over 65.

Disabled and OAP anglers can’t get a discount for the 1-day licence (£6) or for an 8-day licence (£12).

You can buy all of the options at the Post Office or online at: www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence

WANT A FREE 1-DAY LICENCE?

To get a free one-day rod licence, be sure to get your copy of Angler’s Mail print magazine on sale from Tuesday, March 20.

The licence voucher inside the magazine is part of the 2018 Take A Friend Fishing campaign… and will save you £6!

David Miller’s salmon artwork adorns the salmon and sea trout rod licence.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

NOW SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAG AT A LOW PRICE!

The best weekly print magazine, Angler’s Mail, can be delivered to you.

Just subscribe to one of the top Sale deals online at magazinesdirect.com.

You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!

More from Angler’s Mail about rod licences

New rod licence prices revealed

But the overall reforms of the outdated Environment Agency system from the Salmon And Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 should go…

English pike fishing’s No.1 giant landed by tackle theft victim

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THE official English record pike has been caught again, looking fit and healthy, but down in weight from its all-time peak.

Pike fishing fans admired the giant first, again, in Angler’s Mail print magazine.

It scaled 41 lb 4 oz this time, and fell to Paul Bramley. He was using new tackle – replacement kit after a thief stole it all.

Paul matted the beast from his local Wykeham Lakes in North Yorkshire. He scored after a long campaign on the small but tricky Trout Lake.

Paul’s super specimen is the same fish that set an English record at a massive 46 lb 11 oz to Wyndon Coole.

Wyndon’s 2014 catch was the second-biggest capture in UK pike fishing history.

His catch has only been eclipsed by one fully-authenticated British pike.

That was, and still is, the official British record of 46 lb 13 oz by Roy Lewis from Llandegfedd Reservoir in Wales back in 1992.

How Paul Bramley landed the giant

Paul Bramley, a 65-year-old repairer from Scarborough, told Angler’s Mail all about his capture of the stunning giant.

Paul said: “I’ve been in the syndicate since the beginning, and been fishing there two years previous to that, over six years in all.

“I’ve fished the lake most weekends and some weekdays throughout the pike seasons.

“My previous PB was 27 lb 12 oz and I’ve also had two other two 20s, plus some medium doubles but it is hard water.

“I’ve fished that peg lots of times with livebaits and deadbaits, until this lucky day.

“I used whole herring bought from Morrisons injected with Pike Pro lamprey oil legered 20 ft from the bank on a bright sunny day.

“There always seems to get pike activity when it is sunny and bright on that lake.

“It was a slow gentle take but when the hooks were set it was solid, two powerful runs then it came to the net.

“I knew it was a good fish when it was peeling line with a heavy drag set, a great lump of a fish but sadly not a British record, but happy days!

“It is a big step from catching minnows and gudgeon in the River Nidd at Knaresborough when I was a lad.

“The rod was a Greys Prowla 3 lb test curve, Shimano XT 10000 reel and Fireline braid,” he added.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

NOW SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAG AT A LOW PRICE!

The best weekly print magazine, Angler’s Mail, will be delivered to you. Just subscribe to one of the top Sale deals online at magazinesdirect.com.

You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!

More from Angler’s Mail about big pike

Unknown giant pike

Alan said: “It’s full of large rudd, roach and bream so the ecology certainly pointed to it being a good…


Otter petition created by Barbel Society gets rejected by Government

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THE Barbel Society’s parliamentary petition calling for the non-lethal control of otters has received short shrift from the Government.

KMA5NT Wild European otter (Lutra lutra), eating a Ruffe. Europe

The rejection is despite the otters motion – for non lethal control – quickly gaining 11,650 signatures.

In a detailed response DEFRA have stated categorically that otters are protected and will only be limited by natural means in the amount of food available.

The DEFRA response was: “The Government understands that there are concerns that otters may have adverse impacts on fish populations but we do not accept that the otter ‘has become a detriment to the river environment’.

“Otters are a protected species and it is an offence to harm, capture, kill, disturb or injure any animal and/or damage, destroy or obstruct their resting or sheltering places.

“Therefore any methods of control, including non-lethal methods, would constitute an offence.”

Steve Pope

But Barbel Society chairman Steve Pope is not giving up the fight over otters just yet.

Steve told Angler’s Mail: “We never really expected a positive response, but the one they have given is totally unyielding and demonstrates how they are determined to ensure otters survive and prosper at the expense of fish and other wildlife.

“Frankly they are holding anglers in contempt. Our sport is under attack from all areas and they are doing nothing to help our rivers.

“It is all very well fencing big stillwaters but then where are the otters to go?

“They will clear out our rivers, decimate other forms of wildlife and even go to garden ponds and take domestic cats.

“This really is only the first battle in a fight that we must win.

“The petition still has a long time to run and if it reaches 100,000 signatures will be debated in Parliament.

“We hope that when anglers see what the government have said they will be even more willing to sign and join what is a fight to save our sport.

Angling Trust chairman Mark Lloyd said: “The Government’s rejection of this petition was entirely predictable and it, along with many of the comments about it on social media, will have damaged the reputation of angling in the eyes of the public and politicians.

“We were consequently unable to support the petition. Even the most pro-angling MP in parliament told us that the petition would achieve nothing,” he added.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

NOW SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAG AT A LOW PRICE!

The best weekly print magazine, Angler’s Mail, will be delivered to you.

Just subscribe to one of the top Sale deals online at magazinesdirect.com.

You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!

More from Angler’s Mail about otters

Rush to save fisheries from otters

Countryfile ran the segment in its prime-time BBC1 Sunday slot. They  interviewed carp breeder Simon Scott and fishery owners about…

Angler’s Mail magazine brings you a FREE rod licence to use over Easter

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THE new issue of Angler's Mail magazine is out now with a FREE rod licence voucher inside.

Angler’s Mail print magazine costs just £1.99 and the voucher inside enables the user to save £6 on the price of a rod licence.

This brilliant offer, for a limited period, is supported by the Environment Agency, Angling Trust and Angling Trades Association.

Plus, to get you saving more money over Easter, there are 2-4-1 day ticket deals inside. Why not take a friend fishing?

And Angler’s Mail regional experts – the best in the business – have selected quality waters for your Easter weekend and beyond.

Exclusives this week in Angler’s Mail print magazine include:

✅ The 10 Fundamentals of Fishing

✅ Super spring hotspots recommended by experts

✅ 17 pike over 35 lb!

✅ TV angling star John Wilson’s finest moment

✅ Fishery chief Marsh Pratley’s inspiring battle

✅ Top pellet tricks to try now

✅ Awesome river catches

✅ Tribute to carp fisheries and video pioneer Len Gurd

✅ Tackle legend Roger Surgay’s true tales

✅ Bob James on why he’ll never give up guiding

✅ Exciting New Gear selected by Richard Howard

✅ Exclusive columns by John Bailey; Dr Ian Welch; Jamie Londors; Lee Kerry; Dave Coster; Colin Davidson & much more!

Exclusives. In print. Out now.

This week’s issue of Angler’s Mail print magazine costs only £1.99.

Get your copy from good UK shops and newsagents to get the full story and pictures. Don’t miss it.

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO AM PRINT MAGAZINE!

It pays to subscribe NOW to one of the top deals online at magazinesdirect.com.

You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 98p per week!

Angling Trust push to relieve pressure caused by otters

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THE Angling Trust have been in high level talks to try and ease the crisis surrounding otters and fish stocks in mainland UK.

HG7MCT A Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra, behind a wire fence.

The Barbel Society petition calling for the non-lethal control of otters may have received short shrift from the Government, but the Trust hope to get action.

One small measure would be to try to stop the unregulated re-release of wild otters that have been rehabilitated after being injured by cars or fighting.

These are currently released into the environment without any consultation or consideration of their impacts on nearby fisheries.

The Trust, which was opposed to the BS’s petition, has been pressing Natural England to take action to end this practice.

In a letter to NE, AT chief executive Mark Lloyd wrote: “There are concerns that otters are released into territories already occupied by wild otters which could lead to greater pressure on fisheries and also a greater likelihood of fighting between animals.

“There is currently no stakeholder consultation about where they are subsequently released back in to the wild.

“We understand that some are kept in adverse conditions e.g. ‘hobby zoos’ and believe that regulation of this sector is much needed.”

Mark subsequently met with James Cross, NE’s chief executive, who agreed to pursue the issue with his technical specialists, working with the AT’s head of freshwater, Mark Owen.

Mark told the Mail: “The Trust is actively pursuing with Natural England and the Environment Agency a number of measures to manage the impact of otters on fisheries.

“We will do our best to convince decision makers that the large number of otters is having a detrimental impact on a number of rivers and stillwaters.

“And we will continue to work with others to try to limit any damage through sensible and practical measures which will not damage the reputation of angling in the public eye.

“We will continue to work with fisheries and clubs to help them protect their waters from predation by supporting fencing for stillwaters and fish refuges in rivers.

“We continue to deliver a wide range of campaigns and legal action focussed on improving water quality, restoring healthy river flows and habitat in our rivers so that fish stocks are better placed to withstand the pressures of all forms of predation,” he concluded.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

NOW SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAG AT A LOW PRICE!

The best weekly print magazine, Angler’s Mail, will be delivered to you.

Just subscribe to one of the top Sale deals online at magazinesdirect.com.

You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!

More from Angler’s Mail about otters

Police hunt otter killer

THE Environment Agency is urging anglers to report illegal fishing activity after an otter and two mink died in an…

Golden orfe tsunami for Teuma

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GOLDEN ORFE are the most colourful fish in a number of commercial stillwaters. But few anglers have caught one, let alone two, of this immense size!

Daniel Teuma smashed his PB golden orfe twice in a session with beauties of 7 lb 8 oz and 7 lb 10 oz.

The Epsom-based 40-year-old used a crumb feeder with red maggot.

He was fishing at Surrey’s Newdigate Farm, a day ticket fishery with pedigree with the colourful species, along with tench, carp and other species.

Daniel said: “I have only caught a few smaller orfe before.

“My old best was one just over 6 lb last season.

“I have been trying to catch a PB for the past few days.

“Once these two graced the net, my day was done,” Daniel concluded.

Golden orfe are the ornamental version of ide, with the Latin name Leuciscus idus.

The British record stands at 8 lb 5 oz caught back in 2000 by Michael Wilkinson at Lymm Vale, Cheshire.

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More from Angler’s Mail about golden orfe

Grayling world record for British globetrotter

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THIS grayling could enter lists as a new World record... despite being below the British record weight!

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Brit abroad Rich Hart returned to England to take this fine 3 lb 2 oz grayling from the west country.

He caught it from then River Frome on John Alpin’s stretch Casterbridge Fisheries.

Rich, who now lives in Florida, is putting an official record submission for All Tackle Length record with the International Game Fishing Association for the 51 cm fish.

The biggest grayling ever from British waters, on rod and line, is officially 4 lb 4 oz 8 dr in 2009 to Paul Mildren on a ‘Wessex river’.

Despite being a popular species with coarse anglers during the colder months, it is a game fish. And it is listed on Britain’s game fish record list.

Rich is no stranger to claiming for a world record in a category which many UK anglers will not know even exist.

He has clocked up more than 110 world records on the fly, on various breaking strain fly tippets, and length records.

Rich used a Alex Jardine Grayling Special for the latest history-maker.

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More from Angler’s Mail about grayling

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Neil Maidment targeted the specimen grayling from his local River Frome and it ended a near decade-long quest to beat…

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Bob James leads angler to new personal bests

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GARY LAWSON caught two personal bests on a prolific mixed day with angling legend Bob James.

Bob James guided Pershore, Worcestershire-based Gary when he travelled south.

Hampshire’s River Itchen was the location for his meet up with the famous face, best known for starring  alongside Chris Yates in TV’s A Passion For Angling.

Gary included PB 2 lb 14 oz grayling (pictured below) plus 6 lb chub in the mixed bag using trotted maggot.

The 36-year-old fabricator welder explained: “After fishing a few swims without a bite, Bob suggested a swim which might produce a bite or two and he was right.

“As soon as I struck into the bite I knew it was a good grayling but to be a fish of a lifetime like that I was amazed and shocked.

“The chub was 6 lb (pictured below) – and what a lump it was… I do love fishing!

“I also had three other chub over 5 lb, perch to 2 lb, dace to 10 oz, roach to 1 lb 8 oz and plenty of trout.

“It was a great day’s fishing with Bob and I learned loads.

“Bob’s full of great knowledge and knows the swims very well.

“If the bites dry up he will always suggest something and it will always work. He’s also a very nice person,” he added.

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Basic tips for river fishing

Looking for river fishing pointers? A good starting point would be spending an hour or two creeping along the banks should…

River fishing – is it a dying art?

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Pollution causes huge fish kill on English river

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A MASSIVE pollution killed tens of thousands of prime coarse fish and destroyed a 40 kilometre stretch of quality fishing in the Fens.

The pollution was possibly caused by an overturned lorry discharging its load of fertiliser into a drain in the recent snow.

Fish and wildlife on Lincolnshire’s River Witham have been wiped out from Bardney Lock down to the mouth of the river at Boston.

Eye witness Seb Jarmoluk described a scene of total carnage. He saw dead and dying fish everywhere and the river completely lifeless after the pollution got a grip.

The Tattersall-based voluntary bailiff with the Angling Trust explained: “The river is totally devoid of life with many thousands of dead fish and no sign of any birds.

“I have been fishing along the river for 13 years and in the past year it has fished better than I had ever known it so this is especially tragic.

“Pike over 30 lb and perch to 4 lb have been coming out plus good carp, bream, tench and plenty of silver fish, and there are quite a few free fishing stretches.

“We hope that some of the pike may have survived as they have been spawning on the feeder streams but it is doubtful that they will have anything much to feed on.

“The Environment Agency have unofficially told us that they have traced the pollution to the contents of the overturned lorry getting into the river with ammonia from the fertiliser killing the fish, but haven’t released further details,” he added.

Despite Angler’s Mail asking the EA for more details, they couldn’t give an estimate of how many fish died or why.

An EA spokesman told the Mail: “Our team of officers are continuing with their work on the River Witham to isolate the pollution, assist in the clean-up and limit the damage to the environment.

“We have now identified the source and cause of the pollution and our investigations into the incident are ongoing.”

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

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More from Angler’s Mail about pollution


Huge funding boost for water environment improvements

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A NEW £27 million scheme to improve the water environment across England has been jointly launched by DEFRA, Natural England and the Environment Agency.

The Water Environment Grant scheme will provide £9 million each year over the next three years to applicants applying for funding to restore local eco-systems and deliver substantial benefits to people and the environment.

Potential projects could include river restoration activities, removal of obstacles to help fish moving along rivers and streams or actions to improve the water quality.

Environment minister Therese Coffey said: “This offers a fantastic to secure funding for projects to enhance the environment, boost wildlife and benefit the rural community.

“I am looking forward to seeing the creative and innovative projects of the applicants.”

The scheme, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, will award grants to non-profit ventures with greater support for projects which enhance water eco-systems.

WEG is now open to eligible applicants until May 11, 2018.

Successful applicants will be expected to start their projects before March 2019, with completion dates of March 2021.  Apply HERE

Len Gurd, Linear Fisheries chief and Original Video maker, passes away

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LEN GURD, the much-admired fishery boss and pioneering angling video maker, has sadly passed away... and anglers have paid tribute to the inspiring, generous man.

Len Gurd died at the age of 78, peacefully at home, with wife Fran by his side.

Len certainly made his mark on the angling scene for many years, and is pictured above (left) at one of the many events at his lakes.

He set up two complexes, with the original Linear Fisheries in Bedfordshire started in 1973.

Len sold up and started afresh with Linear Fisheries Oxford which he co-founded in 1993 with family run aggregates company Smiths Bletchington.

He set-up The Original Video Company and created many iconic early angling videos like Harefield Haulin, Tel & Jacko Go Carp Fishing, Big Cats of the Volga Delta and the Gardner Carpwise series.

Len also filmed, helped direct and produce The Total Fishing programmes with Matt Hayes.

Matt said: “Len was a visionary and a pioneer. There is no doubt he played a huge role in my career through the creation of the early Total Fishing shows on Discovery TV. The sport has lost a true legend.”

Former Angler’s Mail editor Roy Westwood said: “It is very sad news. He was one of the most genuine and well liked guys in the sport. The tide of sad news seems relentless.”

Linear Fisheries general manager Chris Blunt said: “All of us involved at the fishery are devastated and our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this truly sad time.

“You would be hard pushed to find a nicer or more helpful man, a man with many talents, talents that were not just limited to those of the fishing world.

“I can remember him telling me about a children’s book that he published back in the 1980s, all about a frog and the story of how he ended up illustrating an early book for comedian, Jim Davidson.

“Even in recent months, when his health was failing, he found time to write two wonderful new children’s books, books that were illustrated by his equally talented grandson, Luke. He was very proud of publishing these.

“Len was also highly involved with charity work and through the fishery he helped many charities.

“One charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, had a very special place in his heart, along with that of his wife Fran, as they had both lost their previous partners to this horrible disease.

“Through the Linear run ‘Fish with the Stars’ events, they raised hundreds of thousands of pounds and made many special memories,” Chris concluded.

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More from Angler’s Mail about sadly gone top anglers

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World’s best fish catch after scary wasp attack

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BIG FISH ace Gary Newman nearly died after being stung by a deadly wasp in a remote tropical jungle. But his scary tale had a happy ending!

The Korda TV production manager and former Angler’s Mail news reporter was on an amazing trip to Colombia.

He was fishing on the mighty Orinoco River near the Venezuela border when the wasp struck.

But Gary’s trip did end on a high as he caught a 9 lb 8 oz sardinata, 8 oz over current IGFA world record. It’s pictured above.

The 41-year-old, from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, revealed: “The trip nearly ended very badly when I got stung by a dangerous wasp and went into anaphylactic shock. It was a bit touch and go for a couple of hours.

“Basically, I was laying in a tent in the jungle whilst my body swelled up and heart rate went through the roof.

“And as it happened on dusk there was no way of being airlifted out,” said Gary.

A South American wasp like the one that stung Gary. Pic: Alamy

Gary continued: “Thankfully I recovered but I’ll be carrying an epi pen in future.

“I was lucky I only got stung once as a swarm of them came at us – had it been more I might not be here now.

“I managed to find some old anti-histamines for hayfever in my medical kit, but that was it.

“They actually called on the sat phone to enquire about airlifting me out by helicopter, but wouldn’t have been possible until the next morning – by then I’d almost recovered. I wasn’t great for a while though,” he added.

Wasps are one of the biggest human killers in the animal kingdom and on average kill 58 people in the USA alone every year.

Gary’s catches also included this 14lb peacock bass.

Aside from the world record catch, Gary had a range of other specimens.

They included eight peacock bass over 10 lb to a PB 16 lb… plus payara, also called vampire fish, to 19 lb.

Most fish fell to lures with Rapala X-Rap Subwalks proving most effective.

Gary added: “Colombia was a country that I had always wanted to visit anyway, and the fishing, scenery and people were fantastic.

“Despite the wasp sting, it is somewhere I would highly recommend, as the fishing is still relatively untapped when compared to countries such as Brazil.”

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

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Gigantic pike catch is happy ending for troubled natural venues

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ASH COSTA caught one of the biggest natural water pike of the season with this beast...

But if you want the full details – and we would love to share them with you here – Ash is keeping the location and the weight a guarded secret.

Ash told Angler’s Mail: “It has been really hard to keep this capture under wraps since I caught her, but as I’m done piking now till next winter.

“I know the weight thing seems a bit pointless but I think with a lot of the big fish that are caught are known fish, it is nice to keep a bit of mystery around a fish like this.

“She’s a very, very special fish considering she came from a Lincolnshire drain.

“A few weeks ago I was lure fishing for perch when out the blue I had a hit from something very heavy, she came up in the water very quickly then a couple of head shakes later she was gone – gutted.

“I returned but the drain was up with snow melt. Going against my normal tactics for pike, I decided to use a huge 2 lb mackerel from my local fish mongers with the idea of if I do get a run it should be of the big one.

“I cast my first rod out within a foot of where she threw my little tiny shad just a few days before.

“Within two minutes of me putting the rod down the float was away, I wound down and set the hook knowing instantly this was a very big fish.

“After a very short and mostly unromantic fight she was in the net.

“She’s a great fish for anywhere but to come out of a drain during all the negative press at the moment with poaching, predation and the big Witham fish kill it is great to have ended the season on a massive high,” added the 29-year-old wood machinist.

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River Trent gives late barbel joy in the shape of this giant

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KAAYLI WILLIAMS set himself a target of catching a 13 lb barbel before the Close Season and well and truly smashed it with this 17 lb 6 oz River Trent beast.

Newcastle upon Tyne-based Kaayli tempted it first cast of a 24-hour session to Nottinghamshire’s River Trent.

The 32-year-old chef explained: “It didn’t give me that classic barbel run but just a little nod that didn’t even set the alarm off.

“I struck into what I thought might be a little chub then immediately thought I was snagged as there was just a dead weight.

“But 30 seconds later my reel was being stripped and I knew there was something special on the end.

“Panic started to set in as I did not want to lose what felt like a fish of a lifetime.

“After run after run the fish eventually come to the surface and I knew instantly it was a lot bigger than my 13 lb target.

“The fish took a CC Moore Pacific Tuna boilie fished on a simple running lead set up and I added an 11 lb 13 oz barbel later that night,” concluded Kaayli.

Until this success on the River Trent he had a 12 lb 1 oz Swale beard as his old personal best.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read print magazine.

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