<![CDATA[Blackcountryfishing - Angling News]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 21:28:12 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[TAKE A FRIEND FISHING FRIDAY 3RD APRIL – SUNDAY 19TH APRIL 2026]]>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/take-a-friend-fishing-friday-3rd-april-sunday-19th-april-2026
A fantastic opportunity to experience angling! Get together with a friend or family member to go on a fishing trip and start a new hobby. It’s the ideal way to relax, enjoy nature and the great outdoors together.
Take a Friend Fishing is an initiative brought to you by Angling Trades Association and Environment Agency. It is designed to give more people the chance to give fishing a try by allowing a licensed angler to take an unlicensed angler fishing for a specified day*

** IMPORTANT: A closed season is in operation on rivers in England and Wales from March 15th to June 15th inclusive. No coarse fishing should take place in rivers / streams and some drains and other waters during this TAFF window. You’ll need to consider a canal or stillwater during this TAFF. Ensure you check all bylaws of your chosen fishery in advance. **
 
Register here for free fishing licence
]]><![CDATA[FISHOMANIA IS BACK FOR 2026 – AND THIS YEAR IT’S GOING TO BE BIGGER THAN EVER!]]>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/fishomania-is-back-for-2026-and-this-year-its-going-to-be-bigger-than-ever
Event owners Matchroom Sport want to give more anglers a crack at the £50,000 first prize in what will be the 33rd year of fishing’s biggest competition with five extra qualifiers planned this season.
Starting on April 1 at Tunnel Barn Farm, there will be 25 qualifiers staged in the UK along with two European matches too – with winners earning a place in the Grand Final at Westwood Lakes: on Saturday July 18.

As before, the reigning FishOMania champion gets a golden ticket straight through to the final with 2025 winner Brad Lucas back to defend his title.
Invites will also be extended to the 2026 Angling Trust Ladies National Champion, and the angler with the highest weight from this summer’s Junior & Youth National – making it 30 anglers in the final this year.

Once again, tickets will sold in two rounds to allow anglers the best chance to grab a slice of the action in the big-money event where there’ll be a whopping £50,000 up for grabs to the winner, £10,000 to the runner up, and section prizes too.
 
IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION

Ticket prices have been frozen at £35 as in previous years and the hottest tickets in match fishing will go on sale on the Angling Trust website www.anglingtrust.net from Friday February 6.

ROUND ONE – Friday February 6 at 12 noon – tickets will go on sale on a one-angler, one-ticket basis allowing as many match anglers as possible to obtain a place on one of their favourite fisheries’ qualifiers. Round One ticketing will end at midnight on Sunday February 8.

ROUND TWO – Monday February 9 at 12 noon – tickets will go on general sale and anglers will be able to purchase as many qualifier tickets as they wish until the events sell out.

FishOMania tickets can be purchased by Angling Trust Members only and will be the same as last year at £35 each.
Make sure your membership is up to date before February 6 and you know your login to the Angling Trust website to ensure you can get your tickets.


FISHOMANIA 2026 QUALIFIERS

Q1 – Wednesday April 1 – Tunnel Barn Farm 1 – 120 pegs
Q2 – Wednesday April 8 – Boldings Pools – 100 pegs
Q3 – Saturday April 11 – Hallcroft Fishery – 100 pegs
Q4 – Sunday April 12 – Decoy Lakes – 100 pegs
Q5 – Saturday April 18 – Old Hough 1 – 100 pegs
Q6 – Sunday April 19 – Partridge Lakes Fishery 1 – 100 pegs
Q7 – Wednesday April 22 – Tunnel Barn Farm 2 – 100 pegs
Q8 – Wednesday April 29 – Westwood Lakes 1 – 100 pegs
Q9 – Saturday May 2 – Float Fish Farm and Fishery – 100 pegs
Q10 – Wednesday May 6 –Springvale Fishing Lakes 1 – 100 pegs
Q11 – Saturday May 9 – Weston Pools Fishery – 100 pegs
Q12 – Saturday May 16 – The Oaks Lakes – 100 pegs
Q13 – Wednesday May 20 – Old Hough 2 – 100 pegs
Q14 – Saturday May 23 – Makins Fishery – 100 pegs
Q15 – Wednesday May 27 – Springvale Fishing Lakes 2 – 100 pegs
Q16 – Saturday May 30 – Moorlands Farm 1 – 100 pegs
Q17 – Wednesday June 3 – Partridge Lakes 2 – 100 pegs
Q18 – Saturday June 6 – Lindholme Leisure Lakes 1 – 120 pegs
Q19 – Wednesday June 10 – Weston Pools 2 – 100 pegs
Q20 – Saturday June 13 – Westwood Lakes 2 – 100 pegs
Q21 – Wednesday June 17 – Gold Valley Lakes – 100 pegs
Q22 – Saturday June 20 – Heronbrook Fisheries – 100 pegs
Q23 – Wednesday June 24 – Moorlands Farm 2 – 100 pegs
Q24 – Saturday June 27 – Tunnel Barn Farm 3 – 120 pegs
Q25 – Wednesday July 1 – Lindholme Lakes 2 – 120 pegs
​
FINAL – Saturday July 18 – Westwood Lakes, Boston, Lincs
Spectator tickets can be bought here
]]><![CDATA[THE CANAL AND RIVER TRUST’S FREE LET'S FISH IN THE BLACK COUNTRY DECEMBER 2025]]>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:20:12 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/the-canal-and-river-trusts-free-lets-fish-in-the-black-country-december-2025
Want to try out fishing for the first time to see if it’s a hobby you would enjoy? Or maybe you just need a bit more knowledge to give you confidence to be able to fish on your own.
Whatever your reasons, the Canal and River Trust will get you catching in no time. Fishing is a great way to relax and spend time outdoors with your family.

Whether you've never fished before or you fished as a youngster and now want to get back into it, find out more about the Canal and River Trust’s award-winning, free let's fish! Events.

Click On The Below Event To Register

Free Let's Fish! - Brierley Hill

Dudley Canal Brierley Hill

Monday, Dec 22 from 10 am to 3:30 pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-lets-fish-brierley-hill-22122025-tickets-1968711930380​

]]><![CDATA[TAKE A FRIEND FISHING IS BACK FOR CHRISTMAS]]>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:06:09 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/take-a-friend-fishing-is-back-for-christmas8638235
The Angling Trust in partnership with the Angling Trades Association and Environment Agency are pleased to announce the return of Take a Friend Fishing.
Due to its massive success throughout 2025, Take a Friend Fishing is here for the Christmas holidays.
This festive fishing period covers 20th December to 4th January to take a friend fishing, including Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year – traditional dates for a get-together.

Anglers with a current valid fishing licence can register for a FREE one day Environment Agency fishing licence worth £6 – £12 to take a friend, family member or colleague fishing.

It's great sign that angling is as popular as ever, and still just as easy to get into, especially with a friend to show you how. Now, Take a Friend Fishing is back for Christmas, giving even more people the chance to get out fishing!
 
Get fishing – relax and lower the stress level during what can be a busy time of year for many people. Angling is the perfect fit for staying active outdoors, and with physical activity playing a vital role in both our physical and mental wellbeing, a fishing trip with a mate or family member means you can stay active, and fish safely.

To register a free licence go to https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/register-free-friend-fishing-licence
]]><![CDATA[IRATE FISHERMAN WHO 'SHOUTED AND SWORE' IN 30-MINUTE RANT LANDS BIG FINE]]>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/irate-fisherman-who-shouted-and-swore-in-30-minute-rant-lands-big-fine
An irate fisherman from the West Midlands who 'shouted and swore' during a 30-minute rant over a rod licence has been landed with a big fine.
Jason Ball, 29, from Stone, Staffordshire, had been approached by an Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer at Trent & Mersey Canal, Stone, when the row erupted on January 15.
He refused to give his name and address when asked to show his rod licence. Mr Ball was in possession of a fishing rod, but not a licence to use it.
 
The Environment Agency said he became very aggressive with no regard for the alarm he was causing to people nearby.
He eventually gave his name and address when Staffordshire Police arrived to deal with the disturbance.

Mr Ball was found guilty of threatening behaviour and possession of an unlicensed fishing rod during a hearing at North Staffordshire Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates Court on December 1.

He was fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £1,070 with a victim surcharge of £264. It brought the legal bill to £1,994.

Speaking after the case, Alex McWhirter, an Environment Agency Fisheries team leader, said: “By law, you must buy a rod licence before you go fishing. Failure to do so could land you with a substantial fine and a criminal record.

“And we take cases of threatening and abusive behaviour very seriously, and will always prosecute anyone who behaves in this way.”

A one-day fishing licence costs from as little as £7.30, and all rod licence income is invested back into work to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries.

Angling clubs, local councils and community organisations can also apply for project grants from the rod licence-funded Fisheries Improvement Programme.
​
All rod licences can be easily bought online at the GOV.UK website here.
Suspected illegal fishing can be reported to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
]]><![CDATA[TWO ARRESTED AS UNDERGROUND DRUGS FARM FOUND AT HARTLEBURY FISHERY]]>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:33:37 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/two-arrested-as-underground-drugs-farm-found-at-hartlebury-fishery
Two people have been arrested after an underground drugs farm concealed by a trapped door was found at a business in a quiet village.
Hundreds of cannabis plants were found in three underground shipping containers hidden behind a toilet block at Moorlands
Farm course fishery in Hartlebury.

Dozens of West Mercia Police cars swooped into the estate, which is also home to the little muntjac cafe, just before 10.30am today (Monday) following a tip-off.

Two people, a man aged 54 and a woman aged 53, were arrested at the site for the cultivation of cannabis and in connection with supplying a class b drug.

The cannabis farm was concealed under three shipping containers behind moorlands farm course fishery toilet block which had initially appeared to be full of household and gardening items.

However, in-depth searches by West Mercia Police uncovered a trap door inside one of the units leading to an underground-style bunker, the size of a further three shipping containers, full of cannabis plants.

Sergeant Jacob Jeffrey said: “we will continue to tackle drug dealing and the harm it causes to our communities.

“We’d like to thank our partner agencies who supported us in this successful operation, with a substantial growth uncovered and the drug trade disrupted.”

Specialist HWFR teams from urban search and rescue were on site to first enter through the trap door and ensure the area was safe before it was dismantled.

Concerns initially grew over how to safely access the site and WMAS Hart Team was on standby incase anyone was injured during the uncovering of the farm.

Also in attendance were the West Midlands CBRN team.

Police officers believe it could take days to uncover the full extent of the cannabis grow with teams expected to remain on site until at least tomorrow (Tuesday).

The two arrested currently remain in police custody.
]]><![CDATA[RD TACKLE 10 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG!]]>Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:58:34 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/rd-tackle-10-years-and-still-going-strong
In an era where many independent shops are closing down, one store has bucked the trend and will soon celebrate a decade of success.

 R.D. Tackle Ltd., based in Brierley Hill, West Midlands officially opened its doors on 31 October 2015.
It’s run by Glen Fellows and Dave Whitehouse, and the pair have grown the business steadily and are now the largest independent tackle shop in the area.

Having started selling tackle at car boot sales, they initially opened a small shop before moving to their larger, current premises, and have yet more plans for expansion.

“We work closely with our customers and give them the brands they want,” said Glen.

“This year, it’s been great to see the number of youngsters who have ditched gaming and taken up angling. Hopefully, that trend continues.”

Running the business with old school values but modern tackle has been crucial in building their customer base.

“The kettle is always on and there’s no shortage of banter,” Glen added. “We have customers of all ages and backgrounds, and it’s they that make the shop special. On 1 November we’re celebrating our 10th year with a BBQ and a visit from A Passion for Angling star, Bob James. Join us and celebrate our success!”
]]><![CDATA[MORTIMER & WHITEHOUSE RETURN FOR SERIES 8 OF GONE FISHING]]>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/mortimer-whitehouse-return-for-series-8-of-gone-fishing
The incredibly popular duo, Mortimer and Whitehouse, are back for Series 8 of their hit show Gone Fishing, starting Sunday, 26th October, at 9pm on BBC Two.
In the first episode of the new series, Paul takes Bob to one of his favourite rivers to fly fish – the beautiful chalk stream of the River 
Itchen in Hampshire. The new series will focus on people, places and rivers which have a personal connection to either Paul or Bob, reminding them of days gone by or specific locations which have a kept a special place in their heart, one not to be missed!

During an interview about what to expect during the new series, Bob Mortimer had this to say:

"Well, I think if it is different, it's because we have a slightly different approach. We wanted to be free to pick the places we’ve always wanted to go and places which, sort of, personally meant something to us. So, it's just a slightly different approach, you know, rather than just focusing on species of fish."

"And some of the accommodation this series is in keeping with our memories – the caravan in episode two was very 70s holiday. That was one of Paul’s nostalgia trips, back to Wales where he used to fish with his father and friends."

"Meanwhile, my nostalgia trip took me back to Manchester and saw one of my oldest friends, Paddy, that I hadn't seen for maybe 25 years or something, or even longer."

"The brilliant thing about fishing is, is that like, if I say you like squash, all that's on offer is the squash court. That's it. When you're a day's fishing, you've got miles of riverbank to explore. You've got a local town nearby that seems to, you know, the drinking and the eating is very much part of the day. I wouldn't set up a barbecue in a squash court. You know what I mean?"

Bob also revealed the new experiences he had during the filming of the new episodes:
"We went night fishing on in Wales which I’d never done before - that was a new experience for me, fishing in the night. In total darkness."

"It actually all feels a bit sinister in the dark, with the river flowing and little bubbles and plops the splashes occurring all around you, but it really does get you in the zone. And I was lucky enough to catch a nighttime sea trout. Never seen one of those before. They're the same fish as the daytime ones, but there’s something special about the fact that you're just blind fishing. You know, you can't even see where you're casting to, it was fun."

Paul also had some interesting takes on what makes this series one of the best yet:
 
"The thrust of this series is that we go to places that we've either fished before or resonate with us from our past or mean a lot, and, and so I think there's maybe an extra level of poignancy to this series, it’s a little bit more heartfelt."

"So I take Bob to a place that I fished with my dad and fishing just always reminds me of my dad. Even though I've fished many times without him, that link is really important. I do wonder, would I have been into fishing, if it hadn't been for my dad."

Of all the fish that stand out during series 8, Paul recalled fondly of a capture in the very first episode:
"Well, I get a very nice grayling on the Itchen. That was a bit of a surprise, because we were really fishing for trout, and it's a cracker. And we love the grayling. They're very beautiful fish. They call them the lady of the stream. I'm not really sure why but they are a beautiful fish, and they've got a sort of iridescence when they're small, like extraordinary colours. But as they get bigger, they become sort of silvery and gun metal grey, and it's very striking still."

"I also loved the Findhorn. We didn't catch anything, but in terms of the scenery, I mean, that was beautiful for me. I love the Findhorn, I fished there, not in that place, in a different part of the Findhorn. But I think he's one of the most beautiful rivers in Scotland, in the UK. So that would be my visual highlight. And I love the end."
]]><![CDATA[THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND FISHING 2026]]>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/the-national-celebration-of-young-people-and-fishing-2026
The UK’s largest fishing event for young people, the National Celebration of Young People & Fishing event takes place every September.
Everyone who participates will take home a celebration medal provided by Tackle Guru, 
or trophy, a Tackle Guru goody bag and special collectible event certificate. If you are skilful enough to land a gudgeon, a special 2026 edition Guru gudgeon mug will be yours to keep.

Our aim is to make sure participants have a fun day, improve their skills and confidence, meet new friends and hopefully land some fish.

Winning a special prize or being crowned champion, in your age category would of course be a dream come true, but taking part in this unique occasion is something that every young person aged between 6 and 20 is now able to do. Let's Fish! is there to help each and every one of you along your journey to the celebration.

Age categories at the celebration:
  1. Cadets (aged 6 to 10 years, as at 01/01/2026)
  2. Young juniors (aged 11 and 12, as at 01/01/2026)
  3. Full juniors (aged 13 to 15, as at 01/01/2026)
  4. Full youth (aged 16 to 20, as at 01/01/2026)
  5. Emerging youth (this category is designed for the new anglers aged 16-20 who have limited or no experience participating in events of this type, or those aged 11-15 who are unable to attend on the Sunday.
  6. The cadet and youth events will be held on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire on Saturday 12 September. The event headquarters where the prize presentation will be held is the Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB.
  7. The young junior and full junior events will be held on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire & Shropshire on Sunday 13 September. The event headquarters where the prize presentation will be held is the Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB.
  8. Participants may take part in an older age category but cannot take part, or be eligible for prizes, in a younger age category. Young juniors many participate in the full junior category but not vice versa.
  9. We will hold a Facebook Live draw for fishing positions on the Let's Fish Live Facebook Page page on the evening of Wednesday 9 September, starting at around 5pm.
  10. We encourage those taking part to form teams of three, ideally through their local Let's Fish! club, school or community group. There will be a special prize for the top performing schools, in both the cadet and junior event.
  11. Entries will open 1 March 2026. The first 150 to book on will receive an automatic invitation to the 2026 Daiwa Global Communities Celebration. Those of you who took part in 2025 and those who are part of the 2026 Fishing For Families Schools cohort will be guaranteed a place until 30 June 2026.
  12. Participants, their parents or guardians must make themselves aware of the event guidance around how much help it is acceptable for young people to receive.
  13. If you register early for this event, you will automatically be invited to take part in other Let's Fish! regional fishing celebration style events.
  14. To read through the rules of the event, click here.
Booking your place
​
Bookings will open 01/02/2026

]]><![CDATA[FISHING TO BE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS]]>Sun, 19 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMThttp://www.blackcountryfishing.co.uk/angling-news/fishing-to-be-taught-in-schools
Fishing is to be offered on the school curriculum for the first time.
Students will be able to study a course called angling and countryside at an equivalent to GCSE, BTEC and A-level.
The Ofqual-regulated qualification, 
devised by The Countryside Alliance Foundation’s Fishing for Schools programme, promises to present young people with opportunities outside of the classroom.

Launching the qualification at a reception in Parliament this week, Charles Jardine, the director of Fishing for Schools, said: “The Angling and Countryside qualification is the first of its kind.
“It will make a real difference, because the people that always were thought of as not being able to highly achieve will be able to achieve – and Fishing for Schools is about people achieving.
​
“This course and qualification will provide children with a range of practical, transferable skills that will pave the way for a career in angling – a huge global industry with massive opportunities – and beyond the industry too.”

The qualification will be available to centres and schools across the UK from autumn next year, with pilot delivery beginning later this year. Four schools have already signed up to the pilot scheme.
Accredited by Crossfields Institute, it ranges from Level One (Introduction) through to Level Three (Advanced Skills).

Learners completing Level Three will be able to earn UCAS points, recognising the qualification as a legitimate route into higher education and related vocational pathways.
Jamie Cook, the chief executive of the Angling Trust, praised the move, telling The Telegraph: “Angling offers a unique route into the natural world for young people, including those who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings.

“This new qualification could open doors to a wide range of life opportunities, from conservation and habitat management to coaching, guiding, and careers across the wider angling and countryside sectors.”

Mr Cook said the Angling Trust’s own Reel Education programme had taught 40,000 children since it was launched in February 2022, adding: “We’ve seen how angling builds confidence, practical skills, and a deep connection with nature, creating real pathways into further education and employment.”
James Duffy of BigDuffsFishing, said: “Qualifications like these would have been invaluable for me as a young person. They would have helped me to both develop and showcase my own skills, skills that are unrecognised in the conventional educational system, but that have real world applications and great career opportunities.”
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