Autumn is here and that can mean only one thing ... the Angling Trust Annual Raffle is back!

Their ever popular annual fundraiser has 20 prizes on offer including £2,000 worth of Daiwa tackle of your choice, £500 of Korda tackle and a £350 Preston Innovations bundle!

Tickets are still just £2 and you can buy them online now!

The full breakdown of the fantastic prizes for 2024 are:

• 1st Prize £2,000 RRP Daiwa tackle of the winner's choice.
  
• 2nd Prize £500 RRP Korda tackle of the winner's choice.
  
• 3rd Prize £350 RRP Preston Innovations bundle.
•  4th Prize £300 Angling Direct gift card.
  
• 5th Prize £270 RRP Korum bundle.
  
• 6th Prize £250 Orvis gift card.
  
• 7th Prize £250 RRP Matrix tackle of the winner's choice.
•  8th Prize £200 Go Outdoors gift card courtesy of The Insurance Emporium.
  
• 9th Prize £150 RRP Avid Carp bundle.
  
• 10th Prize £70 RRP Fox Rage Street Fighter Utility Vest.
  
• 11th-20th Prize £50 Fishing Megastore vouchers.

Source: Angling Trust

On 19 October 2024, young people with ancestral connections to around 35 different countries will gather on the Shropshire Union Canal between Norbury Junction and Cheswardine to take part in a global angling event.

Hosted by national charity Canal & River Trust and sponsored by Daiwa, the world’s biggest specialist in coarse, carp, sea and game fishing products, the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration brings young people from all backgrounds together. The communities represented include Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Kurdistan, Montserrat, Poland, South Africa and Ukraine amongst others, alongside teams representing the home nations communities. Around 225 young people are expected to take part in the biggest event of its kind. The event is a legacy from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

There will be an opening ceremony held at around 9.15am on the day of the celebration, with members of each global community invited to carry a national flag.

The celebration is being organised as part of the charity’s Let’s Fish programme, which is being supported with funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and aims to create new anglers with a regular fishing habit. The programme uses fishing activities to help improve health and wellbeing and connect communities, making them stronger and more resilient.

John Ellis, national fisheries & angling manager at the Canal & River Trust, comments: “It’s fantastic to see so many communities represented at this Global Celebration, highlighting that fishing is a truly inclusive and accessible sport. As Let's Fish! reaches even more communities we hope to see the number of overseas countries represented grow.

“Our Let’s Fish! events have introduced thousands of young people to the sport and offer a chance for young people to fish alongside others, make new friends, and discover a new community. The support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has enabled us to host these events that play such an important role in connecting young people from all backgrounds with the natural world.

“This is just one of the ways our 250-year-old canal network benefits communities today. But the canals are centuries-old and, as damaging floods and storms become more common, anglers can see first-hand how parts of the network are suffering. It’s more important than ever to get involved and help us keep canals open and alive today, tomorrow, and for future generations.”

The Global Celebration is open to anyone aged seven to 20 years old with a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent with ancestral connections with the nation they wish to represent, who will participate in four age categories to be crowned champion.

The countries represented include: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Czech Republic, El Salvador, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kurdistan, Latvia, Montserrat, Mozambique, New Zealand, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, and Wales.

Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: “The Let’s Fish! programme has introduced young people to the joy of fishing and brought about a wonderful sense of community. It's fantastic that funding raised by players supports the Canal & River Trust, encouraging more people to spend time by the water and feel healthier and happier. Thanks to players across Britain, over £1.4 billion has been raised for thousands of charities and good causes.”

For more information on the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration, please visit: Global Communities Fishing Celebration | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

To support the Trust’s campaign to Keep Canals Alive, together with all the activities that take place on them, visit: Keep Canals Alive | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

To find out more about People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit: www.postcodelottery.co.uk/good-causes.

Source: Canal and River Trust

Event: Hooked On Hospice Care
Venue: Sally Walsh’s Dam, Hemsworth, WF9 5JB
Date: Saturday 31st August 2024
Entry fee: £20pp
Sign up link: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/CZIS

Hooked on Hospice Care is a charity fishing match, in aid of The Prince of Wales Hospice.

It is open to all, not matter of angling ability. It’s all about having fun on the bank while raising much needed funds for the Hospice.

Kindly sponsored by Conky’s Tackle Base

Sign up: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/CZIS

Blackthorn Fishery in Oswestry, Shropshire was the location of a fantastic display of angling skills last week as an angler caught the largest carp in the venue’s Pines lake. Despite the horrific weather caused by Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn, the lake record was smashed by angler Matt Bullas.

Matt's impressive haul of 14 carp across 2 sessions included, “Big C”, the previous lake record of 31lb 9oz and a carp named “The Scorpion”, which set the new lake record at 35lb 5oz. Matt then went on to break his own record by landing one of the largest carp in the main lake at Blackthorn Fishery “Big J” weighing in at a whopping 44lb 12oz, as well as “Bullseye”at 33lb 5oz.

. Staying in the private lodge on the lake exclusive Pines Lake at Blackthorn Fishery, Matt challenged himself to better his previous Personal Best of 28lb, but at the start of the week he couldn’t have imagined how it would turn out. Over the course of his 4-day session Matt caught 11 carp including 4 over 30lb. Matt’s haul also included a Treble Take. Combining both sessions Matt landed a total of 14 fish included the 3 x 30+ Carp and a 40+.

To achieve this impressive series of catches, Matt used Fox Rods and Reels, Delkim Alarms and Korda Terminal Tackle, and aside from that, just line and bait.

For this winter session, all of Matt’s fish were taken on The Bait Room popups fished over a lightly baited area of boilie crumb and pellet. Matt’s Fox Rods and Reels and Delkim Alarms were certainly put through their paces as well as his Korda terminal tackle using a Tom Dove style solid PVA bag rig during this red letter session!

On how he managed to achieve this very memorable haul. Matt comments, “I have found that consistency is key. Watching the water for any signs of activity, whether it be feeding or showing fish is first on my angling approach, but in winter this type of activity can be very subtle or sometimes can’t be seen, so targeting the deeper water is a good start when looking for a bite. Baiting tight and light in the colder temperatures is also a tactic I’m keen to follow at the start of my sessions.

“I fully intended to have a successful few days when I started my angling sessions but I couldn’t have dreamed that it would work out so well for me. Not only did I catch the previous lake record but I went one better and set the new record. Most people fish a lifetime trying to get something like this in Carp angling and never succeed. I’m delighted to have this experience at Blackthorn Fishery as it really is a great location for carp fishing combined with a relaxing holiday in a tranquil environment.

Charlie Hughes Owner of Blackthorn Fishery commented, “It was great to see Matt having such a productive session on the Pines and Main Lake, particularly as he fished through such stormy conditions. We are excited to be part of his angling journey and look forward to following his catch reports this year.

“I don’t think it will be long before we see him back on the bank enjoying his carp angling journey.”

Looking to the future Matt’s goal is to continue smashing his own personal records and looking out for even bigger carp to catch.

There's just one week left!

If you haven't purchased your Christmas raffle tickets yet the countdown is on! The raffle closes at 8pm on Sunday 17th December so don't miss out! Tickets are still just £2 and you can buy them online today!

If you haven't purchased your Christmas raffle tickets yet the countdown is on! The raffle closes at 8pm on Sunday 17th December so don't miss out! Tickets are still just £2 and you can buy them online today!

With 24 prizes up for grabs there's something for every angler including £2,000 worth of Daiwa tackle of your choice, £500 of Korda tackle and a £300 Angling Direct gift card! If you have already purchased - thank you for your support.

The full breakdown of the fantastic prizes for 2023 are:

• 1st Prize £2,000 RRP Daiwa tackle of the winner's choice.
  
• 2nd Prize £500 RRP Korda tackle of the winner's choice.
  
• 3rd Prize £300 Angling Direct gift card.
  
• 4th Prize £264 RRP Korum tackle bundle.
  
• 5th Prize £250 Orvis gift card.
  
• 6th Prize £250 RRP Avid Carp Revolve system.
  
• 7th Prize £250 RRP Matrix tackle of the winner's choice.
•  8th Prize £250 RRP Preston Innovations tackle of the winner's choice.
  
• 9th Prize £250 RRP Nash tackle Siren Alarms set.
  
• 10th Prize £250 RRP Day's guided barbel fishing on the River Wye provided by Weihai Julia.
  
• 11th Prize £200 RRP Day's guided tench fishing on Farnham Angling Society waters guided by Duncan Charman courtesy of the Insurance Emporium.
  
• 12th Prize £180 RRP Zerofit Head to Toe Baselayer Bundle.
  
• 13th Prize £90 RRP Fox Rage Street Fighter Rucksack.
  
• 14th Prize £65 RRP Fox International Edges Medium Loaded Tackle Box.
  
• 15th−24th Prize £50 Fishing Megastore vouchers.

Buy tickets online here

A final huge thank you to all of Angling Trust's wonderful supporters in the angling trade, without whom this raffle wouldn't be possible. Money raised from this raffle, and all of their other fundraising events throughout the year, is ploughed back into the Angling Trust to support their work. Good luck if you choose to take part.

Source: Angling Trust

The Angling Trust provides members the opportunity to vote on a number of voluntary director roles with individuals serving a three-year term as part of the Angling Trust board.

There were three vacancies this year, the first a specialist role focused on welfare and safety. This is a critical role of the National Governing Body (NGB) in every sport which requires specialist knowledge and experience. The membership voted Brendan Tonks on to the board to fulfil this role.

There were two further vacancies with an excellent shortlist of candidates. The membership voted for Bev Clifford and Neville Fickling to join the board. Neville will be serving his second term having been voted on to the board initially in 2020. Bev is a new addition to the Angling Trust board.

Finally, the Angling Trust board wished to thank Tim Macpherson as he stepped down from his third term as a volunteer on the Angling Trust board. Tim provided specialist insight into the sea angling community and chaired the Marine Advisory Group of anglers from across the country. Tim will be made an Honorary Vice President in recognition of his commitment and support.

Source: Angling Trust

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All alone in wild, remote places... obsessively pursuing their quarry in the fading light... is it any wonder so many anglers claim to have witnessed ghosts?

In a change from the usual haunted houses and gothic go-to’s, these original tales of tragedy, redemption and the unexpected feature a variety of watery realms, including a Highland river, an Irish lough, a North American wilderness, a Cornish seascape, long-lost carp lakes, and a Ukrainian water source with magical properties.

There are echoes of real history thrown in for good measure, including the English Civil War, the Second World War, and even a Victorian serial killer. So prepare for some chills at the water’s edge… and beyond it.

Review:

As a lifelong angler and someone who loves a good ghost story, Disturbing The Water by Petr Wise appealed to me on both counts. You certainly don't have to be an angler to enjoy these stories but it's without doubt an added bonus if you are.

Easy to read and incredibly engrossing, this collection of short stories will certainly have you hooked from start to finish. Whilst there is a general theme of fishing and water running throughout the stores, the main theme is the ghostly stores so if you like these, you will really enjoy this book.

I liked the fact that the book was split into 13 different short stories which means you can easily read one story if you have an hour to spare. If you don't have an enormous amount of time to read, you can pick up the book whenever you have time, read a story, and not have to worry about where you left off last time.

Peter has an easy style of writing which leads to an easy style of reading. Each story will have you gripped from start to finish.

Conclusion:

We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book here at UK Fisherman and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this wonderful sport of ours or who just enjoys a thoroughly good read.

Information:

For more information about the author, the book and where it can be purchased, please visit:

www.cranthorpemillner.com

Score:

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Alternatively if you would like to submit a fishing review of your own, please visit the CONTACT page.

As fishing enthusiasts, we take great care in picking our favorite spots. But sometimes it can be exciting to experience a new place.

Whether you’re looking to relax in nature or you’re after that trophy fish, lakes can offer a unique experience.

Here are eight hidden gems found throughout the UK which are guaranteed to give you a great fishing experience and maybe even become your new favorite spot.

1. Linear Fisheries

The reed-whiskered lakes of Linear Fisheries in Oxford are an impressive sight in terms of both their surface area and contents.

Brasenose One is the main venue, its 32 acres having spawned over 100 mirror carps over the 13.6kg (30lb) mark. Hardwick-Smith is another popular choice for the ultimate fishing experience and even hosts some ghost carp.

If you are aiming for catch goals and have the patience to wait for the big game, pick Manor Farm or St. John’s Lake.

The current record stands at a hefty 23.6kg (52lbs). With that kind of weight in hand, if you’re one of the many people who’ve abandoned the gym, it might be a good idea to lift some weights before you get out on the water and wrestle with the goliaths of the lakes.

The cluster of nine lakes requires an E.A. license for a day pass. It’s dog-friendly and allows anglers to bring up to three rods.

Amenities include disabled access, a bait and tackle shop, and the occasional pike match.

2. Bluebell Lakes

Situated in Peterborough, Bluebell offers some serious angling action.

A number of sizable carps have been caught there, including the late 229kg (64lb) Benson, a national legend in the world of carp fishing. Mallard Lake is the biggest with 20 acres and 40 pegs where you can set up your bivvy. The lushness of the surrounding greenery may not be allergy-friendly, but it’s definitely beautiful to look at.

The venue includes toilet facilities, a tackle shop, and an eatery.

3. Wyreside Lakes

Wyre Lake is one of the most prominent carp fishing waters in northwest England. Located in Lancaster above Manchester, it measures 18 acres and boasts a poundage record of 16.8kg (37lbs).

Pike anglers will also do well here, and some even occasionally catch a chub or tench, a smaller member of the sazan family.

Count a tackle shop and café into the equation, and anglers of all sorts will be drawn to install their carp fishing rods on the grassy banks of Wyreside.

4. Sandhurst Lake

Sandhurst is a smaller pearl in the world of day ticket carp fishing. Interspersed around the overgrown rim are 31 pegs, each one ideal for setting up your rod pod rig.

There are dedicated short-range swims, a barbecue area, and a tackle shop. The lake holds some sizable specimens.

The average weight is 11.8kg (26lbs) with the current record standing at 20kg (45lbs). More than 10 carp are known to be over the elusive 18kg (40lb) barrier.

While carp fishing in France or Hungary can be a rewarding experience, if you live near London, you can leave your passport in the drawer and visit Sandhurst Lake.

5. Caerphilly Castle

Catapult your boilie pre-bait right against the foundations of a 13th century Norman castle as you set your lines out in its moat.

This idyllic location in South Wales contains a stock of 300 crucian carp, of which 60 are over 9kg (20lbs).

A carp fishing hotspot, Caerphilly is free for all and everyone is encouraged to throw out a line. Anglers can also fish for pike, eels, perch, and tench. And in case something is missing from your pack list, Tony’s Tackle Shop is right next door.

6. Loch Morar

There’s a reason why the Scots call a lake a loch, for we are entering an entirely different league here.

If you’re hauling a boat, make sure it’s suitable for freshwater, as Loch Morar is the second largest freshwater lake in Scotland (after Loch Ness), and it is as imposing as it sounds. This monster-size loch roughly measures 26 square kilometers (10 square miles) and can be fished for carp, trout, salmon, pike, and perch.

The bulk of the catch will be under 7kg (15lbs), but on the upside, most will be unscathed for that superb shot with a scale-perfect specimen. So if you don’t mind globetrotting, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular fishing spot right in the middle of the Scottish Highlands.

You can even cruise around to see what the world looked like in Jurassic times.

7. Wellington Country Park

Wellington Country Park is an all-time favorite for those hooked on fishing.

Parents might especially want to spend a day or two in this sought-after location near London, since it’s paired with an amusement park with a playground, animal farm, and dino forest that the rest of the family can enjoy. Situated in Reading near London, the 35-acre lake holds a good number of 40-pounder mirrors in pristine condition. Some even tip the scales at over 23kg (50lbs).

The only catch is that Welly Park is a syndicate, meaning that you need to sign up for membership before being put on the waiting list.

8. Cherry Lakes

This is the last one on the list and offers a family-friendly fishing vacation in a luxury cottage with a private peg in the Cotswold Water Park near Bristol.

At 5 acres, the lake is large enough for some genuine carp fishing, as its largest inhabitant came in at 20kg (44lbs).

During the off season, there is plenty to do in the Cotswold area, such as shopping, fine dining, and paying a visit to the old Roman town of Cirencester.