DEAN WADSWORTH smashed his PB pike with this 30 lb 14 oz monster from a canal.
The 35-year-old postman, from Lincoln, fished a sardine in the margin on a heavily coloured canal.
Dean explained: “We thought there might be some 20s but not a 30-pounder.
“We didn’t pre bait but we did quite well here the other day so came back for anther go.
“My best before was 26 lb from a couple of years ago.”
This is a short version of the story that appeared in Angler’s Mail printed magazine. Get the magazine every week for top tips, big news, best products, and venues that are in form.
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‘TARKA’, one of the country’s biggest common carp, has come out of noted Shropshire big carp venue The Avenue at a massive 60 lb 8 oz.
The syndicate water that produced the colossal common carp produced controversial mirror Big Rig last year at a top weight of 71 lb 4 oz. That catch wasn’t accepted as a British record as it had been stocked at a very high weigh after being hand-fed.
The monster common carp, which hit the 60 lb mark for the first time, was a PB for Luke Edwards.
It fell to a Mainline Yellow wafter fished on a D-rig over ten Spombs of mixed particles and Mainline Cell and Aniseed white boilies.
The 35-year-old business owner, from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, said: “I have been a member since the lake opened at RH Fishery and a regular there for three years.
“Business and family commitments prevent me fishing quite as much as I would like but this was my third night since December.
“The Avenue is only about a ten minute drive from home so very convenient, but as it was very cold I wasn’t expecting a lot of action.
“I cast in at 2pm and had the fish about 8.30 the following morning. I had her last year when she went 56 lb 12 oz so she has packed on weight since then,” he added.
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CHARITY organisation Embryo have been inundated for help in fencing fisheries from otters following a TV feature on the growing problem.
Countryfile ran the segment in its prime-time BBC1 Sunday slot. They interviewed carp breeder Simon Scott and fishery owners about the costs modern day carp stocks and the damage otters can do.
And after the show, Embryo – set up by Korda’s Danny Fairbrass to fence stillwater fisheries at just the cost of materials – could not have been busier.
Project manager Stuart Daborn, 37, said: “We got five to eight phone calls a day for the next few days which would have been two years work but as it is we are booked up till the end of the year.
“We have had calls from every county in the country and I don’t think there will be a water not at threat in the next couple of years.
“I’ve just heard about a mid 40 lb common that had been ottered and another water had just lost a 40 lb and 30 lb mirrors that were 40-50 years old. These carp were behind DIY fences but these are often not good enough, as shown by these deaths,” said Stuart.
Stuart added: “Otters are an apex predator and will go into a stillwater and decimate all the big carp, especially in the winter.
“Badgers can go through chicken wire and otters have a harder bite so we use 2 mm gage wire that is otter-tested and is actually used to keep otters with zoos.
“We provide all the hardware support of staff and specialist equipment including diggers with special attachments for unraveling 200 kg rolls of wire and machines that put in fence poles 1.1 metres into the ground.
“The 2017 calendars are still available at £7.99 and £7 of that goes directly into funding the otter fencing programme,” concluded Stuart.
Major predation problem
Predator Action Group committee member Tim Paisley said: “I missed Countryfile, but I’ve seen the release. Looking at the otter problem in isolation simply does not wash.
“There is a major predation problem, which the PAG is trying to address, via the Angling Trust. The overall damage to the ecology has been our stance all along.
“There is no evidence whatever that our rivers are recovering, or are likely to recover, from the various threats to their well being, which include predation.
“The predation problem covers signal crayfish, cormorants, goosanders, mink and otters, which are being driven into areas they wouldn’t normal prey in (lakes and garden ponds) because of the state of our rivers,” he added.
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A PREDATOR hunter smashed his PB barbel record by 6 lb when he landed a brace of big doubles on an overnighter, using meat directly attached to the hook.
Adam Lawson, a domestic appliance engineer from Derbyshire, was fishing his local River Trent and caught the biggest barbel first, going 15 lb 8 oz, followed an hour later by another of 14 lb 11 oz.
The 38-year-old explained: “I usually only target the pike and zander but thought I’d have one rod out on meat for a change and I’m really pleased that I did.
“I had met a barbel man last week who recommended I try two big pieces of luncheon meat if I wanted to give them a go and it certainly worked for me.
“I put one rod out with a deadbait for my normal target species and the other with the meat.
“The river was in excellent condition for barbel fishing, coloured with a lot of water pushing through which is why I decided to give it a go,” he added.
Barbel action after dark
“I had the biggest one at about 9.30 pm and the other maybe around 11 pm and also briefly hooked into another biggie in the early hours.
“The irony was that of my preferred species I only had a small jack the following morning.
“The fishery is a club water where there are also lakes and most of the members seem to prefer fishing them which leaves a fair amount of space for me and my mates on the river.
“My best zander from the stretch came last September and was at least 14 lb but I was gutted I had left the scales behind having changed the batteries, so will never know,” Adam concluded.
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A PRIME tributary of the mighty River Severn has been hit with a major pollution killing 50,000 fish.
The River Morda at Oswestry in Shropshire was hit by a chemical leak that turned the river milky-white.
Giles Cochrane, fishery manager at Weston Pools that is next to the river, was horrified the entire eco-system was wiped out but luckily his water avoided any problems.
Giles said: “Five generations of fish have been totally wiped out.
“The fish population has been wiped out, the fry, next year’s fry, the food they eat such as shrimp and the caddisfly. The entire eco-system has been wiped out. It’s caused complete devastation.”
“It was absolutely sickening to see all those dead fish, and we were concerned that the pollution would permeate through the soil and into our pools but thankfully the EA have assured us that won’t happen.
“Although this doesn’t directly affect us, we have an obligation to make sure the public are aware of any abnormalities in the water.”
Long-term devastation
Giles said Weston Pools had replaced the fish in the river about five years ago, after a previous pollution incident.
But following the latest incident the EA says devastation is such that fish could be absent from the river for a lifetime.
United Utilities said it is investigating an issue at its treatment works in Oswestry and is working with the Agency to resolve the situation.
A United Utilities spokesman said: “There has been an issue at Oswestry water treatment works which we are currently investigating. We are working closely with the EA to resolve this.”
EA spokeswoman Jessica Jacques said: “We immediately responded working with partners to identify the source of the pollution and manage any impacts. We have identified the source of the pollution and no further pollutants are currently entering the river.”
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AN Angler’s Mail reader has revealed how he makes bespoke gold jewellery of fishing tackle. And his micro replica gold reels actually work with proper moving parts.
Adam Tipton has stunning hand-made multiplier and fixed spool reels plus gold flies at A&B Christie jewellers in Blackpool.
The 36-year-old, from nearby Kirkham, Lancashire, explained: “I initially made a Mitchell 300 for my uncle and then another multiplier for him for Christmas.
“One of his friends noticed it and so I made him a similar one. I also made my boss a fly pin for Christmas.
“All those are pretty much one-offs but I can make anything really if people have something specific they want.
“We do have a few fishing-type pieces in stock that can easily be reproduced at any time.
“The 9 ct fixed-spool reel was made from 16 individual pieces which does take quite a while to craft and put together.
“As the reels are all one-offs I have been asking £230 to make one as there is a lot of work involved.
“But the fly pin and something like that would probably cost around the £150 mark and that was silver and 9 ct,” he added.
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A charity that helps wounded former serviceman by engaging them with carp fishing is on the march – with Royal backing.
Two-year-old charity Forces CARP has additional new programmes for 2017 thanks to a grant obtained by a fund set up by the Princes William and Harry, and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Armed forces veterans can use the sport to assist in their personal recovery from both mental and physical injuries and illness.
And thanks to the money from the Endeavour Fund, they can now move on to a further stage of the programme by obtaining training and work experience opportunities.
Founder of the charity Simon Bangert, himself a wounded ex serviceman, explained: “We are really thrilled to have obtained this extra funding and hope it will help to improve the lives of more damaged service personnel.
“We have managed to assist at least 50 people in our first two years and hope this money will raise our total to 100 by the end of the year.
“The first part of the existing programme is an introductory session to carp fishing, some of the participants being new to the sport, others former anglers; and the second phase is a mentoring programme where we assist and individuals with taking their carp fishing further.
“But as from April, thanks to the new funding, we will be rolling out two new programmes that will complement the initial two phases. The first is a training element where we will try to get some individuals on to the Angling Trust level 1 coaching qualification.
“This will allow individuals to go back to their communities and get involved with their local angling clubs and broaden their social and personal networks which can be key in someone’s well-being.”
Work placement for veterans
“The second is a work placement programme that offers huge benefits to WIS veterans whose recovery can be enhanced by this experience of the workplace.
“For those where a placement will aid their progress we have on-board some excellent companies that will provide great experiences for those who undertake the programme.
“It’s exciting times ahead for us, and although the numbers we can help are relatively small, the programme will be of enormous benefit to those we can help.
“The general public seems to believe that there is a lot done for wounded ex-service people but it happened to me 13 years ago and I can assure you that every day since has been a struggle with only limited support available, and many feel we are left to rot.
“It is only since I set up the charity that I have been able to move forward personally, and I hope this extended programme can help others on the path to living more rewarding and constructive lives,” he added.
Forces CARP runs four introductory fishing days and in July they will be repeating last year’s hugely successful seven day fishing trip to Lac Baleine, France. They will also be delivering a programme for patients at Headley Court, the Defence Rehabilitation Centre in September.
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DAN PESTELL trotted on the Hampshire Avon to catch this stunning 2 lb 8 oz roach.
The 35-year-old pub landlord from Fordingbridge, Hampshire, had a couple of chub to 3 lb 8 oz earlier in the day from another swim, then moved a bit further upriver in the afternoon.
He lost another good roach before landing the big redfin.
Sadly the trout moved in afterwards and wrecked the swim.
Dan used 3 lb main line to a 2 lb bottom with a size 20 Drennan wide gape match hook presented under a Drennan wire-stemmed Avon float.
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FRACKING continues to cause controversy - and latest scientific research confirms the harmful effects that the chemicals used have on fish.
A study on fracking has found that liquids released from fracked oil and gas wells can harm fish even at very low concentrations.
University of Alberta biologist Greg Goss conducted a study intended to consider how toxic they are by using water that flowed from an actual fracked well.
The researchers exposed rainbow trout to “sub-lethal” levels and even at dilutions as low as 2.5 per cent — 2.5 litres of process water to 100 litres of fresh water — fish showed significant liver and gill damage
Greg explained: “The real risk comes from the disposal process, where there is a danger of spills as they truck it or pipeline it to a new site and Alberta has experienced more than 2,500 such spills between 2011 and 2014.”
Martin Salter, campaigns manager of the Angling Trust, said: “We know from accidents in North America that the fracking process involves the use of a number of chemicals that are extremely harmful to fish.
“This is why the Trust has been working hard with other environmental organisations to try to ensure that in the UK we have the toughest possible regulations to guard against damaging pollutions which could be devastating for fish and other wildlife.”
Fracking protests have gathered momentum in many parts of the world.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We take the environmental risks associated with oil and gas exploration and production very seriously, including hydraulic fracturing for shale gas. We are committed to ensuring that people and the environment are protected.
“Our regulatory controls are in place to protect people and the environment and if the activity poses an unacceptable risk to the environment, the activity will not be permitted.
“We will not permit the use of ‘hazardous substances’ for any activity, including hydraulic fracturing, where they would or might enter groundwater and cause pollution,” he concluded.
So far the only English permits issued are to Third Energy in Yorkshire and two at Cuadrilla in Lancashire.
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AMERICAN Rich Hart is claiming an International Game Fishing Association 'all tackle length record' at 50 cm for this fantastic 3 lb grayling from Dorset’s River Frome.
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The mighty grayling’s record category is by no means an unusual target for IGFA multiple record holder Rich. He also has Chew perch on his authenticated best list during his wide travels.
Rich’s grayling came when he was fly fishing with guide, Alex Jardine of www.aardvarkmcleod.com and son of famous game angler Charles.
Rich said: “IGFA keeps score of not only the largest fish of all species (all tackle world record), but records for line class (coarse fishing), and tippett class (fly fishing) of certain species.
“A few years ago they began promoting a quicker release of caught fish, by issuing records based on length only, for a select number of species that are released alive.
“The fish was caught on a private day ticket stretch run by John Alpin of Casterbridge Fisheries,” he added.
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AN ANGLER has died on the bank of a top carp fishery - and now the venue's owners are fundraising to pay for an on-site defibrillator.
The tragedy happened at prolific carp fishery Broadlands, near Southampton in Hampshire. They aim to raise £2,000 needed to pay for the life-saving apparatus and quickly received offers of training in its use from their regular anglers.
The venue is urging other large fisheries to follow suit in order to save the life of anyone who has a heart attack while fishing.
Broadlands co-owner Debbie Beale explained: “Two elderly gents Kevin, 90, and David, 75, who had been best buddies for over 20 years, had been fishing together for the day.
“They were just packing away their gear after a perfect but cold day when David collapsed, and Kevin somehow found the inner strength to administer CPR for 15 minutes until help arrived, but unfortunately he was unable to revive his mate, despite his hands turning black and blue with the effort.
“The two come down from Warminster, Wiltshire, and have been regulars at the fishery for some while – originally there were four and now Kevin is the only one left despite being the oldest.
“David’s wife was only recently persuaded to give up nursing so they could spend more time together so his passing is particularly tragic.”
Fundraising for defibrillator at fishery
“We not only put fish welfare as an absolute top priority here but also feel we need to do more in case this situation ever happens again, so we have started a crowd-funding page and fundraising to purchase a public defibrillator.
“This may help someone in their moment of need and also reassure any anglers with a health worry or condition to relax and know that help is there if they ever had a medical emergency.
“After a few years of owning the lakes and getting to know some of the anglers, it has made us realise there are a lot of people that take up fishing as a sport to unwind, de-stress, cope with depression or by people with medical conditions that may be limited with their ability or health.
“Most fisheries are in rural or semi-rural places and often unstaffed on a full-time basis therefore we are trying to bring awareness to other lakes that this could happen anywhere and anytime, and that they could also start fundraising to get a defibrillator on site as it could save someone’s life.
“We understand that some organisations like schools and public parks are doing this so why not fisheries?” added Debbie.
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TENNIS coach Mike Booth smashed his PB with this impressive 7 lb 9 oz chub thanks to a simple bread approach on his local Hampshire Avon.
It follows a jumbo 7 lb 8 dr chub taken three weeks ago on the same bait – one that Mike thinks gives him a real edge.
Bournemouth, Dorset-based Mike explained: “The fish was caught during a short afternoon session in torrential rain.
“Bait was a small cube of bread crust on 5 lb line to a size 10 wide gape hook, a two swan link leger and medium quivertip rod.
“I believe the bread works so well due to the fish never seeing it these days and rather than being nervous of the usually-used boilies, pellets or meat they take it with confidence.
“I thought this stretch was capable of producing a large fish in the future but didn’t realise there was a fish of that size on the water at the moment so I was really happy with the capture,” added Mike.
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FORMER Angler’s Mail Specimen Cup winner Neill Stephen (pictured with a huge pike) has lost his complete set of hi-tech and vintage fishing tackle to a well-organized criminal gang.
The thieves walked away with tens of thousands of pounds worth of fishing tackle after using powerful hydraulic tools to open a heavy-duty steel security door and then smashed down a wall.
And British perch record holder Neill is offering a large reward if any of his fishing tackle can be returned to him as he also lost many sentimental items too.
Maidenhead, Berkshire-based Neill explained: “It’s the last thing I want to shout about, but if there is even a small chance it helps stop it happening to others, or to identify the thieves, then it’s worth talking about.
“I was stupid to not have my kit insured, which is the same old lesson. What I would say to everyone is if you care about your kit, get insurance, get an alarm if you can, and don’t keep anything you don’t want to lose outside.”
“Fishing tackle thieves will stop at nothing”
Neill continued: “These thieves will stop at nothing. They opened a heavy-duty steel security door, presumably with some kind of hydraulics, then smashed a wall down.
“I lost nearly all the kit I accumulated as an all-rounder over a lifetime of fishing. As ever, it’s the irreplaceable things that hurt, like rods my grandfather built, but I have just got to move on and not let it affect my fishing.
“John Bailey has already given me some essentials to get down the river and that’s what I intend to do.
“I don’t think I will ever want to own valuable kit again – I have already sold the few things they didn’t take to pay for an alarm. But I am feeling positive that owning less kit will not stop me loving my fishing. It will certainly mean less to worry about!”
Ace all-rounder Neill Stephen built up an impressive tackle collection.
Neill told Angler’s Mail: “I have decided to offer a reward for anyone that provides information that leads to a recovery or identification of those that did it.
“To fund that, I will sell anything recovered and half the value will be the reward. I won’t go into figures but this could be a very decent payday.
“I really care more about stopping them doing it again than having my stuff back.
“It was a large collection of fly, coarse, carp and vintage kit, which would be unusual to see together. Modern rods were Drennan, Hardy, Greys and Free Spirit. Vintage rods were Richard Walker MkIVs, Sealey and Scotty.
“So please look out for people selling or offering to sell kit in the Maidenhead area or surrounding counties where I live,” concluded Neill, who can be contacted on neill.stephen@bupa.com
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THE biggest lure-caught mandarin catfish has been caught – and it might also be the heaviest ever albino moggy too!
German ace Fredrik Harbort tempted the yellow giant from Spain’s River Segre at Mequinenza and measured it at a monster 251 cm.
Quantum sponsored Fredrik, 28, from Bremen, used a Black Cat Mullet Shad.
Zebco Europe director Frerk Petersen explained: “Fredrik was a guest at the www.urlaub-nach-mass.de angling resort and met up with his friend Thomas Axthaler.
“With Thomas’ new guiding drift boat, the duo was able to target many parts of the river that had long been unfished.
“Winter is an unusual time for active spinning in fast flowing water. However, they hoped the warm weather conditions would allow them to hook an active winter catfish.
“In the first hour alone, Fredrik managed to land two fish measuring around 150 cm. A few more hours passed before, suddenly, the little rubber pontoon boat lurched into life on a fast-flowing outside bend of the river.
“A monster fish had taken the shad and remained almost motionless in its pool. For around ten minutes, the fish was seemingly oblivious to the fact it had been hooked.
“It was only when Fredrik used the two-metre Black Cat Silu spinning rod and size 40 Fin-Nor Inshore reel loaded with 0.41 mm braid to apply maximum pressure that the fish appeared to realize the seriousness of the situation.
“The 45-minute battle and associated physical exertion that ensued left both men shaking. Several times the fish disappeared into vegetation, pulling the rubber boat up and down the Segre.
“At the first opportunity, Fredrik grabbed hold of the fish and was almost pulled from the boat. Finally, using both hands, the fish was immobilized and taken ashore for a photo,” he added.orm.
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CANOEISTS have no public right of navigation along inland waterways, according to a leading barrister at a recent high court case.
David Hart, QC, provided unequivocal legal advice that helped win a recent legal case by Llangollen Maelor Anglers and Midland Flyfishers, supported by the Angling Trust’s Fish Legal, against a canoeist and stand-up paddleboarder using the River Dee in North Wales.
Andy Povey had paddled outside of an access arrangement and, when challenged by anglers, refused to say he would not trespass again and later boasted about his trespass online.
An application for an injunction to restrain Povey was sought and after some initial resistance, he decided he did not wish to fight the application.
But he has agreed to stick to the terms of the agreed access and to contribute towards the clubs’ legal costs.
This follows a court case in 2012 in which canoeist Andrew Biddulph issued a court claim against Burton-on-Trent Mutual AA claiming £4,000 in damages for interference with his right to navigate Derbyshire’s River Dove.
Biddulph withdrew and was later ordered to pay over £10,000 to Fish Legal in legal costs, some of which he continues to pay by monthly instalments.
Jason Lewis, owner of the Hampshire Avon’s renowned Royalty Fishery exclaimed: “I am not only concerned about the impact on anglers from canoeists but potential environmental threats, including the spread of diseases by irresponsible canoeists using waters without permission.
“The EA are toothless and really need more powers to tackle the problem head on.”
Trust and Fish Legal chief executive Mark Lloyd said: “We encourage our member clubs and fishery owners to provide more access to canoes and other water craft, but the canoeing governing bodies in England and Wales have made this very difficult by irresponsibly suggesting that paddlers may go where they like without permission and refusing to accept reasonable conditions within access arrangements.
“We hope that David Hart’s very clear legal advice and the costly experiences of Mr Povey and Mr Biddulph will now lead to a more sensible position from the canoeing governing bodies and the small minority of individual paddlers who have taken a militant approach to this issue in recent years.”
David Hart’s main 5 legal points
There is no general Public Right of Navigation on English and Welsh non-tidal rivers for canoeists.
A public right of navigation (PRN) can only be established by long use of vessels on the relevant stretch of river.
That use must have been regular and habitual, and must have made the river of substantial practical value as a channel of communication or transport.
The time for which that use must be established is ‘time immemorial.’
The law is entirely clear on the above issues.
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PAUL HARRIMAN isn’t focused on actual weights of fish but was pleased with this seriously big pike that gave a very twitchy bite from a Bedfordshire gravel pit.
The 38-year-old sales manager explained: “I had a dropped run on a legered sardine, so I cast my second rod, sardine again but on a float set-up, in to the same area and gave it a few twitches.
“The float slightly cocked but nothing else, but I could feel the fish through the braid so leant in to it to be met with solid resistance that then took off at a good speed and with power.
“Landing the fish was hampered with all the marginal rushes so after seeing the size of the fish waded in, leaving my net up the bank so a few heart stopping moments as I ended up chinning her after she had become snagged in some tough old roots of the reeds and rushes.
“My fishing has been limited to just short daytime sessions at weekends as have a new born baby boy at home.”
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A TANGLED reel didn’t stop James Morley landing this fantastic 16 lb 1 oz barbel.
The 3 Foot Twitch field tester was chuffed to land the new personal best after months of hard fishing on the River Trent in Nottinghamshire.
Rotherham, South Yorkshire-based James explained: “I’m over the moon with my new PB which came out of the blue after months of difficult fishing.
“It just goes to show all the long drives and freezing nights will eventually pay off.”
An award-winning Deeper fish-finding device like this helped track down the barbel.
The impressive barbel was tempted on a 18 mm Redemption boilie cast out with a large PVA mesh bag containing 15 free offerings cast to the bottom of a shelf.
But finding that spot was crucial, and the appliance of science came in rather handy… plus a bit more team effort when the fish was on!
James explained: “It was caught from a stretch which was new to Matt Velamail and I, and one which we decided to fish after a long feature-finding walk with the Deeper fish-finder a week before.
“Landing the fish was also a team effort as my reel became tangled for some reason during the fight but we both remained calm and managed to free it together – so thanks to Matt for that,” he added.
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PIKE anglers were celebrating last week as a proposed Parliamentary petition to ban treble hooks and limiting anglers to just one single hook was closed as it had gained just 17 signatures.
But the campaign is still running a petition through www.change.org via its own website and this has attracted 205 signatures.
And it has also amended its position to now allow the use of more than one single hook on a specialist rig.
Campaign leader Dr Stuart McLanaghan, explained: “Discussions are in progress with a range of angling organisations in the UK and abroad, and RIO Products who supply fly lines for game and predator species are supporting the initiative.
“Catch and release regulations, guidance and research studies from around the world have been evaluated in support of the initiative.
“The main findings and feedback will be addressed in an open letter to be published shortly,” added Stuart, an all-rounder and once a member of the Pike Anglers Club.
Anglers Against The Proposed Ban On Treble Hooks
The proposed treble hooks ban, exclusively revealed by Angler’s Mail magazine, raised a lot of debate on social media with a Facebook group formed called Anglers Against The Proposed Ban On Treble Hooks that got over 100 members.
Comments on other predator Facebook groups was mainly against a ban, but there certainly was some support for a ban on treble hooks.
Tackle shop owner and PAC media officer Alan Dudhill commented: “This is an issue that has been around for a number of years and is something the PAC strongly opposes as we know that using single hooks actually increases the chance of damage to pike.
“We are more than happy to debate this with anyone and meet anglers and show them the correct way to handle and unhook fish, which to us is the primary issue.
“There are a substantial number of very serious pike anglers in our organisation and they almost all use treble hooks.
“We are all fish lovers committed to the preservation and conservation of pike and wouldn’t use any tackle that was potentially harmful,” he concluded.
The Angling Trust has already come out against a formal ban on trebles believing there is no evidence they do any more harm to fish than other hooks.
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A POLISH angler received a huge £1,000 bill after being caught trying to foul-hook fish.
Swansea Magistrates Court heard Bromislaw Orzechowski was seen fishing on the River Loughor using multiple over-sized hooks quickly swept through the swim trying to foul-hook the fish.
Justin Amos, prosecuting, said on June 16 last year an officer from Natural Resources Wales together with a policeman were patrolling the River Loughor near the main A484 roadbridge when they saw 60-year-old Orzechowski using the foul hook technique.
The prosecutor said NRW were paying particular attention to that part of the estuary at that time became salmon were migrating up-river, and snatching had the potential to cause “grave injury” to fish.
He said the officers approached the defendant who told them the technique was legal in his native Poland – something NRW later established is not the case.
Prohibited implement
Orzechowski, of Garden Suburbs, Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, pleaded guilty to using a prohibited implement to take or kill fish on a basis – but that he hadn’t actually caught any fish.
The prosecutor said NRW did not accept that basis of plea, and the defendant had caught in fact fish — but he said it would make no difference to any sentence handed down to the defendant because the mischief of the offence was the technique itself, rather than the catch.
Lee Davies, for Orzechowski, said his client had fished for more than 30 years and had been unaware foul hooking was illegal — but he did now, and he wouldn’t be doing it again.
Orzechowski was fined £250, and was ordered to pay £773.12 in prosecution costs and a £30 court surcharge.
Magistrates issued a forfeiture and destruction order for the angler’s rod and tackle.
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THE inquest into the tragic drowning of teenage carp angler Jack Morrisson revealed it will never be known why he was in the water.
Returning a conclusion of death by misadventure, North West Kent coroner Roger Hatch said: “Unfortunately we shall never know how it was that Jack ended up in the fishing lake.”
The schoolboy, who lived with his mum Janine in Fawkham, often fished alone overnight.
Unable to get out of water
Speaking at the hearing, detective sergeant Steve Smith said: “He had entered the water either intentionally as part of his fishing or accidentally fell in and was unable to get out.”
Smith said Jack, who was taught to fish by his dad as a youngster, was well prepared for spending the night at the lake and had good equipment.
There were no injuries on Jack’s body and no sign he had been involved in a struggle with another person.
CCTV at the lake’s car park did not show anyone entering the park after Jack was last seen alive until emergency services arrived and no evidence to suggest Jack would have taken his own life.
Family dispute – and devastation
During the inquest Smith revealed that the last time Jack and his father John had seen one another, on December 3, it had ended in a fight and John had been arrested on suspicion of assault.
As part of his bail conditions the father had been ordered not to contact his son and the pair hadn’t spoken since.
After his death, Jack’s devastated family released a statement that said: “Jack, you were like a beautiful angel that we were sent. We have been so lucky to have you and you were amazing. Although our hearts are broken we want to celebrate your life that we were so blessed to be a part of.”
A fundraising page set up by DDAPS to raise £7,000 for Jack’s funeral reached £18,000 before being shut.
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