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Angling Trust Criticises Government for Muddying the Waters in Flooding Debate
The Angling Trust has criticised a press release issued yesterday by the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee for failing to represent accurately the contents of its report on last winter’s floods. The EFRA press release and headlines today highlighted the need for more environmentally-damaging dredging of rivers and streams.
The EFRA report itself is much more balanced, recognising that dredging has only limited benefit and that it would not have prevented the Somerset Levels flooding.
The report quotes extensively a report by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), which was supported by the Blueprint for Water coalition including the Angling Trust, and cast doubt on the effectiveness of dredging apart from in particular situations.
The EFRA committee conclusion on dredging in the report was that it “can be beneficial in certain circumstances and as part of a portfolio of measures, but it should not be seen as an all-purpose solution.”
However, Anne McIntosh MP, the Chair of the EFRA Committee, is quoted in the press release as saying:
“We have repeatedly called on the Government to increase revenue funding so that necessary dredging and watercourse maintenance can be carried out.”
The press release goes on to say:
“The Committee calls for fully funded plans to address the current backlog of dredging and watercourse maintenance.”
The report also fails even to mention run-off from agricultural land, which is a major cause of flooding and the source of most of the silt that accumulates in rivers. Modern agriculture, with large machines operating at times of the year when the ground is saturated, causes soils to become compacted. This reduces their ability to soak up rainfall and water washes off the surface carrying soil, fertiliser, pesticides and other pollutants into watercourses. Agriculture now rivals sewage as the main cause of pollution in rivers.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust & Fish Legal said:
“The press release issued by EFRA has muddied the waters in this debate by perpetuating the myth that dredging is the solution to flooding. It may have a role to play in a few particular situations, as part of a suite of measures, but generally it is a pointless waste of money and can actually make flooding worse. If we are to reduce the risk of flooding we need to take urgent and widespread action to change land use practices to stop water washing off compacted fields which causes flooding and pollution on a vast scale. This debate has focussed far too much on how to prevent farmers’ fields flooding when it should be discussing how to prevent farmers’ fields causing flooding.”
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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Reigning Champion Jamie Hughes secures his Fish ‘O’ Mania final place
Woodland Lakes Fishery at Thirsk, North Yorkshire welcomed anglers from across the country for this, the penultimate Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier of 2014. It was this venues first time with the new larger 150 peg format and was still fished across the 5 normal match lakes as used over previous years. It was felt by some that as all the corner pegs were back in it could throw up some interesting possibilities, so as the competitors started to draw, a lot of interest was shown to see who might draw these favoured pegs.
It was last year’s Fish ‘O’ Mania grand final winner Jamie Hughes who secured his place in yet another major final this year and the possibility of a back to back result. Drawn on peg 6 on Skylark, Jamie fished pellet shallow to put together his winning weight of 133 lbs 7 oz with his biggest carp going to 12 lbs.
It was a very close run thing for second and third place, with Dale Shepherd from Havercroft near Wakefield drawn on peg 18 also on Skylark, fished pellet shallow over a bed of pellet down to the boards for carp averaging 6 lbs to give him 96 lbs 5 oz total and second place. It was Robert Morris a Builder from Bassingham in Lincolnshire who had to settle for the third spot, drawn on peg 18 on Partridge he put together an all carp haul with fish going to 16 lbs to finish his day with only 2 ozs separating him and second place to finish with 96 lbs 3 oz.
Keith Pentland a regular Woodlands angler draw peg 15 on Partridge took the fourth place with carp to 12 lbs to give him 83 lbs 10 oz of carp to worm over hemp total. Fifth spot went to Carl Henrick his 80 lbs 14oz from peg 30 on Kestrel on pellet alternating between banded pellet on the bomb and pole with pellet shallow down the margins.
The last Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier of 2014 will take place on Wednesday 25th June at Garbolino Lindholme Lakes, Doncaster with a last place up for grabs into the grand final.
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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Angling Academy for aspiring World Championship anglers launched by Angling Trust
On Sunday 29th June 2014 the Angling Trust is to launch its first ever International Angling Academy on the Middle Level Drain, Kings Lynn with the intention of giving aspiring World Championship anglers a formative look at the FIPSed international scene.
The idea is the brainchild of Dick Clegg, OBE who has been at the helm of the England’s coarse match fishing since 1984. Dick stated; “It's just a simple idea based on giving aspiring international anglers a further insight into the world of FIPSed Championships. Unfortunately we, the Angling Trust, and indeed the rest of England’s match organisers, do not run competitions based on the rules laid out by the Worlds International governing body FIPSed. With this in mind, I would like to see a programme developed that would allow anglers to receive instruction and coaching that would further their knowledge of how these competitions are run. England has a tremendous record in World Championship competitions and to maintain this I believe we need to use all this experience by creating an academy for all of our teams. This event would be an extra level added to the Talent Pathway already up and running within the Angling Trust.”
“We have the world's best coaches qualified not just as level 2's, but they are the most successful in world angling and with this in mind Steve Sanders and Joe Roberts will be in attendance at the academy launch on the Middle Level. Instead of just watching the anglers both Steve and Joe will give instruction on
groundbait, rigs, presentation and all aspects of rules relating to World Championship fishing. I am also expecting Dave Brooks our Ladies team manager and John Weeden our Disabled team manager to be in attendance to pass on their own experiences.”
The Middle Level Drain is an ideal water to launch this scheme and could be a future World Championship venue providing all the FIPSed criteria is met. There are a limited number of places available, so interested anglers should register their names along with a short CV to Sandra Drew, Competitions & Events Manager at the Angling Trust as soon as possible.
Email; sandra.drew@anglingtrust.net, telephone; 0115 9061 301. Anyone who would like to apply must have individual membership of the Angling Trust.
All the ladies who attended the assessment day at Thorne last year are invited and only need to register their names as they have already supplied their CV's. The Veterans who attended the Trent assessment should do the same, but the Angling Trust would also like to see a number of Veterans who are 60 years of age before December 31st this year also apply.
The Veterans, Disabled and Ladies international teams are still unsponsored so anyone selected for these teams will have to pay the costs of competing themselves. This should not stop those aspiring to make the grade from taking part as the idea of this academy is compile a list of potential internationals by giving them a more in-depth look into FIPSed match rules.
Steve Sanders has asked the under 18 international team members to participate and some members of the Disabled team will make up the numbers.
The day will consist of a 4/5 hour assessment during which time the coaches will be answering questions and giving instruction to the anglers. As per FIPSed rules only float fishing will be allowed i.e. by rod and line (waggler or slider), or by pole which will be limited to 11.5 metres.
Each participant will have to provide their own equipment and bait. Bloodworm and joker will be allowed and a limit of 500 ml joker and a small packet of bloodworm hook bait imposed. There will be a maximum of 12 litres of groundbait, and anyone wishing to order bloodworm and joker should contact Steve Sanders on 07798 845511. Other natural baits such as maggots, casters, pinkies, squats and worms can be used with a total bait limit of 2 litres and this to include the 500 ml of jokers.
It is hoped that a second academy meeting will be held later in the year around the end of September, or early October.
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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Crucian Carp Conservation Project to Launch at Coarse Fish Conference
The Angling Trust is backing a new National Crucian Conservation Project in an attempt to help reverse the worrying decline of one of the nations most loved fish, the crucian carp
Crucian carp have been a key species for anglers for as long as any of us can remember and there are few sights as beautiful in angling as seeing the golden flank of a fat crucian coming to the net. Over the past thirty years however many of the farm and village ponds that were a key habitat for crucians have disappeared and the stocking of a wide range of other carp species has led to inter-breeding and hybridisation of many crucian populations.
If we want crucian carp to be around for the next generation of anglers to catch, then we need to act now.
The primary objectives of the project are to:-
- Promote the conservation of the species and its habitat
- Encourage the development of well managed crucian fisheries
Martin Salter, Angling Trust Campaigns Coordinator and one of the National Crucian Conservation Project team members said:
"We are delighted to have been given a chance to bang the drum for crucians at the Angling Trust's annual coarse fish conference and have decided to combine this with the formal launch of the project. We are receiving pledges of support from all over the country for the cause of crucian conservation and it is clear that many anglers want to be part of a crucian revival which is music to our ears."
Coarse Fish Conference
This years Coarse Fish Conference, being held on May 28th at the South Street Arts Centre in Reading, is aimed at coarse anglers, fishing clubs and riparian owners, to provide inspiration and practical guidance to improve coarse fish stocks in rivers and stillwaters.
The Conference will host the launch of the new National Crucian Conservation Project and will include presentation by members of the group explaining how ordinary anglers and angling clubs can get involved on the ground in helping to protect and promote the species.
The conference will also concentrate heavily on advising clubs, fishery owners and anglers about how habitat improvement can improve fish stocks and create a healthier and improved fishing environment through the new DEFRA backed "Catchment Based Approach". The presentations will cover both rivers and stillwaters and there will be plenty of time for Q&A session so that attendees can get involved and ask questions.
The Conference is booking fast and there are only limited places still available, so if you are interested in coming along just log on to the Angling Trust website using the link below for more information and online booking details.
To book please go to Coarse Fish Conference 2014 booking
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifying result from Makins Fishery
Makins Fishery at Bramcote, Nuneaton hosted the third qualifier of the 2014 Fish O Mania campaign on Wednesday 16th April. All the Phase 1 lakes plus Lagoon and Lizard on Phase 2 were in the draw bag and hopes for a good match were high. However, whilst the sun shone all day this qualifier followed two sharp overnight frosts. A keen south easterly wind also kept water temperatures down. This clearly impacted on catches in places. That said the fishery again delivered the goods with impressive weights coming from all the lakes except the usually reliable Lake 2 which was only a shadow of its normal self with only 44 lbs topping the whole lake. On Lake 2 over 50 lbs was required to win the other 10-peg sections.
Following the dominance of the middle pegs on Lake 1 in 2013, anglers drawing there were very optimistic and generally, as it turned out, with good reason. Adam Rumble, Maver Midlands, drew peg 11 and caught carp from the off on the pellet waggler. His biggest fish went close to 15 lbs in a total catch of 125 lbs 14 ozs. He fed around 2 pints of 8 mm pellets to keep the fish interested. Runner –up with 97 lbs was Darren Hall from Selby fishing for Sensas North. Like Adam he caught carp to 15 lbs from peg 20 on Lake, but all on the method feeder with dead reds on the hook.
Local rod Darren Wayte who fishes for Team Army captured third place with a magnificent 93 lbs 2 ozs from peg 36 on Lake 5. Darren took carp to 8 lbs plus one 8 ozs roach on the pellet waggler. Fourth and fifth saw two excellent weights from Lizard pool . Fourth was Derby angler Ady Lindsay who put 91 lbs 8 ozs on the scales from peg 9 and fifth was Liam o’Donaghue from peg 40. Both caught some big fish down the edge
All eyes will be upon Hayfield Lakes, Doncaster this Saturday 19th April for the next Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier.
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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Angling Trust central to the Game Fair’s new look House of Fishing
The Angling Trust will be playing a prominent role in helping to organise this year’s House of Fishing at the Game Fair at Blenheim Palace under the new regime headed up by the CLA’s Head of Fishing, Chris Ogborne.
The Game Fair, (18 -20 July) is to host the UK’s largest fishing event and fundamental changes in the fishing village involve a revised layout and a totally fresh approach to demonstrations, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the experts.
Some of the UK's top demonstrators and anglers will be showing off their casting skills, tricks and techniques and sharing the secrets of their success.
Based at the House Of Fishing the Angling Trust will be organising its largest ever stand with fish tanks, displays, videos and a host of material covering the Trust’s campaigning work on behalf of Game, Sea and Coarse anglers. There will be an opportunity to talk to Chief Executive Mark Lloyd and the Trust’s Campaigns Chief Martin Salter. We will also be running a fundraising raffle on behalf of our partner charity Get Hooked on Fishing along with other attractions including a fish fighting machine.
The House of Fishing will include an advice centre, a specialist fly tying station where youngsters, newcomers, and novice fly anglers can come to tie their first fly. Angling Trust Ambassador John Bailey will once again be playing host in the special seminar area to a fascinating and informative array of speakers.
Martin Salter said: “I have no doubt that this year’s House of Fishing will be the biggest and best yet. We are working closely with Chris Ogborne to make sure that it is packed with demonstrations and talks covering all angling disciplines from some of the best anglers in the country. Whether you are a novice angler or an established expert, if you are after a bargain or just want to talk fishing, there will be something of interest for every angler at the Game Fair.”
As part of a concerted effort to help youngsters into country pursuits, entry into this years’ CLA Game Fair will be FREE to those aged 16 and under. Tickets are now on sale and can be booked online at:
https://yourticketbooking.com/gamefair/p/2523/book
CLA Game Fair Head of Fishing, Chris Ogborne, added:
"We are absolutely committed to helping and encouraging the next generation of anglers. In addition to this major concession on entry, we shall also be featuring many new initiatives at this year's event. Young anglers of all abilities will enjoy the special fly tying areas, the bait casting, and the comprehensive demo programmes. Instead of just watching, they will be encouraged to 'have a go' and to try their hand. With the concerted help of the Angling Trust, the Fly Dressers Guild, GAIA and many others, our hope is that we will be bringing many new faces into the fantastic sport of fishing."
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Qualifying for Fish ‘O’ Mania 2014 - Kevin Dicks secures grand final place
The first Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier for 2014 took place on Saturday 5th April at Bait-tech Viaduct Fishery, Somerset. The weather was overcast, but the sun did shine on the winner Kevin Dicks of Bathhampton.
Kevin a Senior Clerk of Works was fishing for Maver, Bathhampton. Drawing peg 86 on Cary Lake. Fishing either waggler or the bomb, to 0.18 lines with 14/16 P911 hook, Kevin fed nearly two pints of 6m pellets during the match. He took carp up to 16 lbs and with some 19 fish taken to the scales for a winning weight of 149 lbs 6 ozs booking his place in the grand final at Cudmore Fishery in July.
A long drive from Surrey saw Peter Upperton fishing for Middy draw peg 66 on Lodge Lake. Fishing 14.5 m down the edge on luncheon meat to an over- hanging tree, Peter used nearly two tins cut to 4/6 mm cubes fished on a 12 hook, to take second in the match with 134 lbs 12 ozs of an all carp catch to 16 lbs.
Robert Jones of Neath fishing under the Frenzee South West banner draw peg 87 Cary and on the next peg to the winner. Fishing the bomb and pellet waggler with 8 mm and 11 mm pellets. Robert took carp up to 16 lbs plus four skimmers for third place with 116 lbs 8 ozs. Local Angler Dan Squire of Somerton drew peg 120 Campbell, fishing the long pole with either pellet or caster to take 23 carp and 4 tench for fourth place with 115 lbs, and fifth place was taken by Robert Giles of Blackwood, another member of the Frenzee South West team. Robert drew peg 96 Cary, fishing the pellet waggler, carp to 15 lbs which made up his final weight of 112 lbs 01 ozs.
The next Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier takes place at Preston Innovations Boldings, Bridgnorth on Saturday 12th April 2014
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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Angling Trust RiverFest 2014 – Qualifier Venue change
Competitors who have booked a ticket for the Angling Trust RiverFest qualifier at Evesham on Saturday 18th October should note that the venue has now had to be changed. This is due to the Evesham Rowing Club who will now be using the water for a big rowing competition on that date. Because of this the RiverFest qualifier will now be moved further down the river to Eckington.
Competition creator and Angling Trust ambassador Dave Harrell said:
"The mix up on dates is unfortunate and it would be impossible to fish the competition at Evesham with so many boats on the water. We have therefore moved quickly to replace the venue. A very big thank you goes to match organiser Colin Harvey for sorting out the new venue and match headquarters. Eckington is a superb venue and one that is not used enough for big competitions in my opinion. I'm expecting it to be a very good qualifier. Tickets for the new venue will be sent out to all the anglers who were originally successful in securing a place at Evesham. I can't imagine anyone wouldn't want to fish the new venue but if they do there is a waiting list and the place can easily be re-allocated. All the angler will need to do is contact the Angling Trust for a refund."
If anyone would like a refund and cannot fish the new qualifier venue at Eckington please contact the Angling Trust at; 0115 9061 301/307 or alternatively email; Sandra Drew, Competitions & Events Manager at sandra.drew@anglingtrust.net
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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England Talent Pathway programme fishing match at Packington Somers Fishery
A total of 26 youngsters from the Angling Trusts’ England Talent Pathway programme travelled from all over the country to Packington Somers Fishery near Coventry on 22nd March 2014.
The match was the culmination of an 8 month programme which has seen youngsters from Angling Trust’s Northern, Midlands and Southern Development squads work with some of the country’s top match anglers in Des Shipp, Joe Roberts, Matt Godfrey, Nick Speed and Frankie Gianoncelli to learn and understand what is required to compete at elite level with Team England.
The match was run to FIPSed rules with bloodworm joker the main focus and with Sensas Team England U18 coach Joe Roberts watching on, anglers had the opportunity to showcase their skills and earn the right to grab a place at the U18 trials to be held at Makins Fishery. 6 teams of 4 anglers fished Molands and catches were steady if not spectacular throughout the match with good quality roach and skimmers featuring regularly and some big F1’s appearing towards the end. It was Team South 1 who triumphed collectively and individually with a score of 9 points and James Allen took the individual honours with a weight of 23lb 14oz, his performance being enough to earn an invite to Makins on the 6th April. James will be joined at the Sensas U18 trial by Jake McNeil (North), Jake Sanderson (North), Josh Smith Trow (North), Brad Hancock (North), Jordan Hollaway (Midlands), Finlay Bulbeck (Midlands) and Matt Grindle (South).
Ben Thompson, Talent Development Manager at the Angling Trust said “I’m delighted with how the match went and every one of the anglers did well today. It was a great opportunity to showcase their skills and impress Joe Roberts. There are some very talented young anglers out there and it’s fantastic to see some of our top match anglers supporting these youngsters’ development and helping them achieve their ambitions of representing their country. We are very grateful to those guys and our Talent Coaches who give up considerable amounts of their own time to make this programme possible. I wish every angler attending the U18 trial the very best of luck and to those anglers not selected I’d encourage them to keep working hard, keep learning and I’m sure their opportunity will come in the future.”
The 2014/15 England Talent Pathway programme will begin in June with selection events staged nationwide. If you’re aged 14-17 and want to get involved then visit the website www.anglingtrust.net/talentpathway for more information.
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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Fishing with Deadbaits - Pike Fishing Tips Video from The Totally Awesome Fishing Show
UK Fisherman are delighted to bring you "Pike Fishing Tips - Fishing with Deadbaits", another superb fishing tips video from the The Totally Awesome Fishing Show.
Graeme Pullen tries some deadbaiting for big Pike and puts out some theories on how you can guage how big your Pike is. In his search to find some Pike to measure he joins up with lure specialist Nathan Brotherton and the pair latch into an AWESOME double catch of lunker predators! Sardine bait for Graeme, Rainbow Trout for Nathan. This film will suit beginners and experienced pike anglers alike, and will certainly get you thinking "outside the box!".
More angling videos form The Totally Awesome Fishing Show can be found by visint their YouTube channel or you can check out their Facebook page
Video courtesy of The Totally Awesome Fishing Show
