Discussions are now underway with the Environment Agency about rolling out the VBS to the rest of the country. Any members interested in applying to become a Volunteer Bailiff should in the first instance email their full name, date of birth, address and contact numbers to bailiffs@anglingtrust.net. Your details will then be added to our database - we'll be in touch immediately recruiting starts in your area.

We are now investigating how sea anglers can become involved with the VBS to gather intelligence about illegal netting. The Environment Agency is working with the Angling Trust to train volunteers in pollution reporting and monitoring flood defences. The VBS is not just about poaching - it's about making the most of the role that we anglers play as the eyes and ears of the bank & beach.

Our Fisheries Enforcement Manager, Dilip Sarkar MBE, is working closely with the police. Dilip sits on the national Poaching Priority Group, along with other organisations like the Wildlife Crime Unit. The Angling Trust is also represented on the Defra backed, Poaching & Wildlife Partnership, and the SE-based Poaching & Fishery Crime Group - the latter working with the Metropolitan Police on Project Ghillie, a crack-down on crime and anti-social behaviour on London's waterways.

It is absolutely crucial that all anglers report incidents and information concerning poaching to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60. Fish theft is a criminal offence and must be reported to the police. The importance of reporting incidents and information cannot be over emphasised - the system will only work if we anglers provide the necessary information.  Ask the Environment Agency to keep you informed about progress following your report.  If you don't hear back from them, please let us know.

For further information about the 'VBS', or any other matters related to fishery enforcement, please contact dilip.sarkar@anglingtrust.net.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

There’ll be some great competitions running throughout the day so we at Team Crabtree recommend an early start - get out an enjoy a perfect Crabtree misty dawn and spend a few hours reminding yourself why you love river fishing so much. Then head back home for a bite to eat and an afternoon with the family watching Crabtree. We’re smiling already…

Quest TV can be found on Freeview 38 / Sky 154 / Virgin 172

Announcing Series Two and The Quest for ‘Peter’

‘Fishing in the Footsteps of Mr. Crabtree – The Quest’ will bring viewers back into the world of Crabtree, but this time we’ll be setting ourselves some new and greater challenges.

We’re kicking off with The Quest for ‘Peter’ – a nationwide search for SIX young anglers who want to follow in the footsteps of Sam, Henry, Tadhg, Michael, Jaynie, Claragh and James, joining John bankside to achieve their own personal targets.

‘Peter’ may have been depicted in the book ‘Fishing in the footsteps of Mr. Crabtree’ as a boy but in The Quest for ‘Peter’ we want to encourage just as many girls to step up and demonstrate that the future of fishing is inclusive and gender-neutral. 

With a very cold North East wind blowing from across the new lakes and low overnight temperatures for the past few nights most attention focused on Maple and Cedar to offer the best opportunity which was the case in the final results. Drawing peg 55 on Maple put James on the more sheltered side of the lake, and using his knowledge of the venue he fished a pellet baited method feeder across to a bush on the far bank to put together 37 kilos 500 gm of carp to take the match and secure his place in the 20th Fish ‘O’ Mania grand final at Cudmore Fisheries on the 13th July.  James said after the match that he had a great day and now had the grand final to look forward to.

In second place was Colin Scott, a Compressor Sales Engineer from Ainsworth, Bolton who crossed the Pennines to fish this qualifier, he also was drawn on Maple, peg 16.   Colin fished pellet on the pole across to the far bank sedges for mirrors and commons to put together his weight of 25 kilos 750 gm.  All eyes were on Nathan Watson, a past Fish ‘O’ Mania winner and regular competitor who drew next to the last and pulled out the always fancied peg 1 on Maple.  Nathan from Louth in Lincolnshire swapped between pellet and meat hook baits towards the corner of the island and the aerator as well as long pole down the margins to the tight corner to finish the match with carp and an odd barbel and tench to give him 24 kilos 750 gm and third spot in the match.

Lee Brockbank an Electrician from Redcar fished his first Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier and drew peg 65 on Maple, fishing 4 mm pellet tight to the mud line on the far bank for carp, perch and ide for his fourth place spot with 23 kilos 500 gm.  Two anglers tied for fifth place, regular Fish ‘O’ Mania angler Lee Bragden from Chapeltown in Sheffield drew  peg 80 on Cedar, and Manchester Builder Mike Thompson drawn on Maple 63 both finished the match with 23 kilos 250 gm.

With only seven Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifiers left for 2013 the next qualifier heads to Barford Lakes, in Norwich on Saturday 18th May.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

Again as is usual for this event all three lakes were in use, Specimen, Match and Arena, but strangely the fishery staff could not predict where the winner was likely to come from.  Many of the competitors fancied Specimen Lake being the favourite due to the high numbers of large carp that the water held, and if these decided to have a go then a big weight was on the cards.  Unfortunately, the big carp never fed in numbers on Specimen, and the expected winning weight never materialised from this lake, but from Match Lake.

Drawn on Match Lake peg 43, on the burr bank side and end peg on the island, Gary Hick, a Gas Engineer, who had made the long trek from St Martins near Oswestry, ran out the eventual winner, netting carp to 8 lbs.  Fishing meat down the edge for most of the time and catching the odd fish at 9 metres he amassed a total weight of 136 lbs 3 ozs to become the seventh qualifier for the Fish ‘O’ Mania final and make his long journey worthwhile.

In second place and just behind the winner with 133 lbs 4 ozs, drawn on Match Lake peg 37 was Jamie Hughes, an Angling Coach from Wirral.  Fishing pellet shallow and groundbait and maggots down the edge he caught a mixed bag of carp to 10 lbs and F1’s.  Third place, again from Match Lake was Lee Kerry, fishing for Barnsley and District, from Leeds.  Drawn on peg 27 he alternated method feeder to the island and pole at 11 metres to weigh in 120 lbs 13 ozs made up of carp to 10 lb.  In fourth place and this time from the fancied Specimen Lake was James Hawkins a business owner from Kegworth, near Derby.  He drew peg 2 and finished the match with a weight of 101 lbs of carp, with his biggest fish weighing 19 lbs 9 ozs.  Fifth placed angler, again from Specimen Lake was Kevin Dicks, Maver Bathampton, from Bristol.  Drawn on peg 72, he weighed in a total of 84 lbs of carp and skimmers with his biggest carp weighing 17 lbs 13 ozs.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

Joining the Trust after more than a decade in senior roles managing large complex transport and infrastructure organisations, Richard comments: “I am really excited to be joining the Canal & River Trust at such an important phase in the future of the nation’s magnificent waterways.  The scale of the opportunity is huge as what we and our supporters do in the next five years will help shape the waterways for the next century.

“I bring a track-record of managing similarly complex and challenging networks, together with experience of working closely with a wide range of interested and passionate people.  I’ve got bags of enthusiasm for the waterways and have seen first-hand the shot in the arm that canals provide to the communities they flow through.  Out on the towpath I have witnessed the hugely committed staff, volunteers, boaters and other supporters, and I look forward to the challenge ahead."

Currently at FirstGroup, Richard headed up First's bid in 2012 for the InterCity West Coast line and more recently has been leading First's highly-regarded Hull Trains company as well as other wider development programmes across First's rail businesses.  Before that he spent 19 years at London Underground (LU) and Transport for London (TfL) where he had a range of senior roles, spending eight years as a director of LU, including a year as interim LU managing director (2009-10), and then a further 18 months as deputy managing director, TfL Rail and Underground (2010-11).

Richard is also a trustee of People 1st – the sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism – which works to transform skills in the sector, particularly in the areas of

Tony Hales, chairman of the Canal & River Trust, said: “I am delighted to welcome Richard to the Canal & River Trust.  He joins one of the newest, biggest and brightest entrants in the charity sector – an organisation that shares his passion for the waterways.

“He has fantastic experience of managing complex infrastructure – something which is crucial for our network of lock flights, embankments, soaring aqueducts and other engineering feats of the industrial age.  He has a strong record of leading organisations through change and recognises the importance of growing the engagement with the boaters, anglers and millions of others in the community who use and enjoy our wonderful waterways.

“I’m very pleased that Richard is moving from rail to water recognising the renaissance that has seen our canals and rivers come to life and the opportunity we have to give them a bright future.”

Richard, 46, married with two teenage daughters, lives in the West Midlands.

Source: Canal & River Tust

The lake at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, will take centre stage at the CLA Game Fair, from Friday, 19 July to Sunday, 21 July, providing the focus for the new contest.
 
Everyone who catches a fish over the weekend – in an allotted timeslot – will be entered into a prize draw which will be made on the Sunday of the show by former England goalkeeper and keen angler David Seaman.
 
CLA Game Fair Director Andrew Crawford said: "Fish for a Fortune is a fantastic new competition and is set to be a major attraction at this year's event.
 
"Fishing is at the very heart of the CLA Game Fair. The show gives fishing fans the chance to visit an array of manufacturers and retailers from around the world, meet and learn from the experts and also to have a go at the sport."
 
Mr Crawford added: "With so many keen anglers in the UK, it is vital we promote the sport and give the industry the opportunity to encourage new participants."
 
“The CLA Game Fair Fishing Village is set to be a big attraction at the 2013 show. Visitors will walk past the lake on arrival, and plenty of seating and improved catering are being laid on to encourage visitors to enjoy the spectacle of fishing at the lake."

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

An application to build the tunnel has finally been submitted and the public have until May 28th to register as 'interested parties' - this the only way that the Planning Inspectorate can now hear views and opinions.

The Thames Tideway Tunnel will intercept 34 of the worst polluting Combined Sewer Overflows and help put an end to the scandal of 39 million tonnes of untreated sewage polluting both the tidal river and the estuary and killing tens of thousands of fish in an average year.

Angling Trust Chief Executive Mark Lloyd said:
"It is self evident that anglers are 'interested parties' which is why we are making it dead simple for as many people as possible to complete the registration form. Sadly there are people out there who don't care about dead fish and wildlife or polluted rivers and who are trying to stop or delay this vital project. They will be raising their objections during the planning process which is why those of us who care for our rivers and the environment must make our voices heard loud and clear."

He added:
"We are contacting each and every individual member of the Angling Trust and all affiliated angling clubs in the region to register as an 'interested party' for the examination of the Thames Tideway Tunnel application. We have some model text to help the process which can be done entirely online in less than five minutes."

Dave Harvey, Chairman of TAC, said:
"The tidal Thames could be a world class fishery and wildlife superhighway right in the centre of London if we fixed the sewers and ended the pollution and fish kills. We urge every angler to stand beside us in fighting for a clean river for ourselves and for future generations to enjoy. "

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

The pegs on the natural bank (90 to 99) proved to be the best area and provided the top three weights.  On peg 97 David Howard (Leigh Angling), from Wigan easily won the day with a weight of 65.220 kg. David fished a variety of baits on the method feeder to catch 16 carp up to 6 kg. In common with lots of anglers in the match David’s fish came in spells as they moved in and out during the match.

In second place was Brian Ashley (Telford) fishing on end peg  99 with a weight of 51.720 kg. Tactics were the same as the winner for eleven carp up to 7 kilos. Third place went to Carl Barnfield (Swann Baits) fishing peg 91 with a weight of 48.200kg, who also caught on the method feeder.

Congratulations to the five top section place qualifier winners who have secured their places in the grand final on 21st September 2013 at Boddington Reservoir.

Section places for first and second places were:

Section A   Section winner-  Peg 52 Alan Walton (Lanes Baits) 13.660 kg
 2nd- Peg 51 Glen Mason (Lee Carver) 11.760 kg

Section B  Section winner - Peg 66 John Divine (Leigh Tackle & bait) 18.300 kg.
2nd - Peg 61 James Hipkiss (Ridgemere) 12.500 kg

Section C   Section winner - Peg 74 Glen Greasley (Guru) 24.500 kg
2nd-  Peg 73 Nathan Watson (Louth) 15.960 kg

Section D Section winner-  Peg 82 Chris Hill (Erdington) 30.350 kg.
2nd- Peg 80 Graham Dashwood (Norwich) 11.270kg

Section E Section winner - Peg 97 Dave Howard (Leigh Angling) 65.220 kg
2nd - Peg 99  Brian Ashley (Telford) 51.720 kg

The second Angling Trust & Canal & River Trust Stillwater Championship for 2013 heads to Earlswood Lakes in Solihull on Saturday 8th June.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

Pegged over the four match lakes, plus Bridges Lake, the word on the morning was that not very many wanted to draw Bridges. Chertsy angler Perry Stone a bait company owner was quite happy with his draw at peg B5 on Bridges to record a winning weight of 207 lbs 14 ozs, mostly carp plus a couple of bream, with his biggest carp weighing in at 16 lbs. Perry fished method feeder with pellet hookbait  casting 80 yards to the edge of an island.  This will be Perry’s third appearance in the final having fished it twice at Hayfield.

Runner up Tony Curd (MAP/Bait Tech), another former Fish 'O' Mania finalist drew Peg 134 on Match Lake 4 where he fished pellets shallow on the long pole to take carp to 5 lb in his net of 176 lbs 8 ozs.  Lake 4 also provided third place for Dean Lock  (DELCAC) who also fished pellet shallow at peg 143 to record 174 lbs of carp.  In fourth place with 152 lb 8 ozs from Peg 87 on Lake 2 was Miles Levy from Basingstoke fishing method feeder.  Fifth place went to  Wayne Heywood (Rivendell) with 135 lb of carp and barbel caught on pole, fished meat at peg 45 on Lake 2.

There were 14 weights over 100 lbs on the day, and 8 of the 10 peg sections needed 100 lbs, or more to win them.

The ninth Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier action moves to The Oaks Fishery at Thirsk on Saturday 11th May.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

RiverFest 2013 is the brainchild of river expert Dave Harrell who has been working closely with the Angling Trust to put the competition in place.  Twenty qualifiers of 60 anglers on various river venues around the country will see three anglers from each match qualify for a two-day weight aggregate final on the fish rich River Wye at Hereford on the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd  2013.

Dave Harrell said: “While it’s been great to see some big money events created on commercial fisheries over the past few years, natural fishing has been largely ignored. This new competition is an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while and it’s now going to happen thanks to the involvement of the Angling Trust.”

“The response to date has been fantastic as river match organisers from all over the country have come forward, keen to get involved with the competition. We’ve got 20 qualifying matches this year and it is the Trust’s intention to make the competition even bigger in the years to come."

"We gave a lot of consideration to the choice of venue for the final and eventually settled on the River Wye as it’s a place that lends itself to various skills and methods. We felt this was important, as we didn’t want to alienate anyone who qualified by putting him or her on a venue where they had little or no chance of competing. With a two-day total weight final as well this will make it much fairer for everyone to compete. The main target species in the final will be chub, barbel, roach, dace and perch and approaches will include both float and feeder tactics depending where you draw.”

“We are now actively looking for a sponsor for the competition as we have a lot to offer in terms of company, or product exposure and promotion. Any interested party is invited to get in touch with me through my email address at: info@daveharrellangling.com in the first instance.”

Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Angling Trust said: “We’re all very grateful to Dave for spearheading the launch of this new competition and for helping us launch it so rapidly.  It’s an exciting new addition to our match calendar and we hope it will recruit some new members to the Angling Trust to support our work fighting to protect fish and fishing and recruiting the anglers of the future.”

From Tuesday 14th May entry forms to apply for the qualifying matches will be available from the Angling Trust, and a coupon will also be available in the two weekly angling publications.  There will also be further details and entry details available on the Angling Trust website.

QUALIFIER DATES AND VENUES

JULY 20TH – RIVER YARE
JULY 21ST – GREAT OUSE, LITTLEPORT
JULY 28TH – RIVER CALDER, Mirfield
AUGUST 4TH – BRISTOL AVON, NEWBRIDGE AND SALTFORD
AUGUST 10TH – RIVER TRENT – TORKSEY, NORTH CLIFTON, SOUTH CLIFTON
AUGUST 17TH – RIVER SWALE, MORTON
AUGUST 18TH – RIVER URE, RIPON
AUGUST 18TH – RIVER TRENT, BURTON
AUGUST 31ST – RIVER TEES, BOWESFIELD
SEPTEMBER 1ST – RIVER DERWENT – BORROWASH AND DERBY.
SEPTEMBER 14TH – RIVER SEVERN, BRIDGNORTH
SEPTEMBER 15TH – RIVER SEVERN, BEWDLEY
SEPTEMBER 21ST – RIVER CALDER, ALTOFTS
SEPTEMBER 21ST – RIVER SEVERN, UPTON UPON SEVERN
SEPTEMBER 22ND – WARWICKSHIRE AVON, EVESHAM
SEPTEMBER 28TH – RIVER TRENT, BURTON
SEPTEMBER 29TH – RIVER THAMES, MEDLEY
OCTOBER 5TH – RIVER SEVERN, SHREWSBURY
OCTOBER 6TH – RIVER TRENT, LAUGHTERTON, NORTH CLIFTON
OCTOBER 12TH - WARWICKSHIRE AVON, EVESHAM

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News