Angling News

THE WEST MIDLANDS ACCOUNTED FOR THE BIGGEST RISE IN NEWCOMERS TO ANGLING IN 2020, NEW FIGURES HAVE SHOWN.

7/1/2021

At the end of November 2020, there were just over 151,000 full licence holders in the region, a rise of 17 per cent over 12 months, with the region of Greater Manchester and Merseyside showing the next biggest increase

(up 16.4 per cent to 86,000), followed by Cumbria and Lancashire (up 15.5 per cent to 45,000).

The figures, released by the Environment Agency, revealed that a further 12 regions showed an increase in participation wring that timeframe, helping to contribute to an overall rise of 108,000 in the number of rod licence holders.

The West Midlands remains the region with the most overall licence holders, followed by East Anglia (1033,000) and Yorkshire (1005,000). The EA also revealed how the overall growth in sales has continued in the months leading up to Christmas, in spite of the Covid pandemic and unfavourable weather conditions.

A spokesperson for the Agency said: "Despite traditionally being a quieter time of year for fishing, in October, 36,851 people bought a fishing licence, and a further 18,928 licences were sold in November."

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ANGLING TRUST STATEMENT: FISHING IS NOW ALLOWED AGAIN DURING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

7/1/2021

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The Government have now formally responded to the representations made by the Angling Trust.

We have promoted the huge benefits of fishing on individual health and wellbeing and have been able to present a case to which the Government have listened.

On this basis I am pleased to announce that fishing will be permitted during the third national lockdown in England.
The Head of Sports Participation at DCMS confirmed the following;

“fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors”

This has also been confirmed by DEFRA;

“Cabinet Office have now officially confirmed that angling / fishing (incl. sea fishing off private boats, water sports) can be considered exercise and are hence permitted.”

We have worked extremely hard to reach this position and we as anglers have a duty to abide by the strict conditions under which fishing is once again permitted. With infection rates and death tolls rising we must stick to the Government’s rules and ensure that angling remains part of the solution and does not cause problems.

Please bear in mind these key points which will be reflected in the new Angling Trust guidelines which we will publish shortly:

- This is a strictly limited resumption of LOCAL fishing and very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May
- We are in a National Lockdown and this must be respected. The law requires a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home or penalties will apply.
- The government has recognised that fishing can be seen as exercise, which is expressly permitted under the lockdown rules, although outdoor recreation is not.
- Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so no match fishing.
- The exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever.
- To remain within the law you should follow the government’s guidance, and only fish locally within the district where you live. If you have no local fishing available then you will have to take your daily exercise in other ways.

We are once again able to enjoy the sport we love at a time when many others can not and we must ensure that every angler adheres to the rules.

I would ask all anglers who are not members to join the Angling Trust and give us your support. We have worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome and that is only possible thanks to the support of our new and existing members.

I would ask all anglers who value their ability to go fishing to make the same commitment as your fellow anglers have and join the Angling Trust. We are stronger together!
Membership - Angling Trust https://anglingtrust.net/membership/

Stay safe and very best fishes

Jamie Cook
CEO – Angling Trust

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ANGLING TRUST: FISHING NOT ALLOWED DURING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

6/1/2021

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The government has put up the 'no fishing' signs, confirms the Angling Trust.

Fishing will not be allowed in England during the current Covid-19 national lockdown, starting from 6th January 2021.

Angling was the first recreational activity allowed to return to action during the first lockdown forced by the coronavirus pandemic, and the sport was given the nod to continue during the November lockdown.

But the suspension reflects how serious the situation surrounding the second strain of Covid-19 is being taken.

"Whilst the regulations have not yet been published we have been informed this evening by the Cabinet Office that the Government have taken the decision that fishing in England will not be permitted during this national lockdown period," said Jamie Cook, chief executive of the governing body, the Angling Trust.

"Whilst this is disappointing news I would ask anglers, fisheries and clubs to respect these rules and the reason they have been put in place; to help save lives and support the NHS.

"Individuals should not go fishing from midnight tonight (5th January) and clubs and fisheries should close their waters to anglers. We will be publishing more detailed guidance on specific areas like bailiffing and fishery maintenance once the Government regulations have been published."

Cook outlined that the case for fishing to continue had been presented.

"Over the past few weeks we have been in communication with the Government at the highest possible level," he explained.
"We have presented a strong case on how fishing could continue safely during the third national lockdown.

"We have explained that fishing benefits physical health and mental wellbeing and that it is regularly the only form of activity individuals undertake.

"My team and I have consistently presented the arguments ahead of the changing Government guidelines, which have allowed fishing to remain permitted continuously since the first national lockdown was lifted in May.

"We have been successful when other sports have not as all anglers will know.

"However, with 60,000 new infections announced today, the Government have taken the decision that leaving home for recreation or leisure, including all forms of recreational fishing, should be prohibited in England during this third national lockdown period."

And in a message to members he said: "I thank you for your support and for being a credit to our sport. As members, you can rest assured that the Angling Trust will continue to represent our sport at the highest level and will present proposals for the resumption of angling when it is safe and sensible to do so.

"We will come through this period of national crisis. We will fish again, but until then, please, stay safe."

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NEW 100K FUND TO BOOST ANGLING PARTICIPATION

5/1/2021

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The Environment Agency and Angling Trust have announced a new £100k ‘Get Fishing Fund’ to encourage more people to give fishing a go for the first time, or get back into angling after a break from the sport.

Funded from rod licence sales, grants of up to £500 to benefit small-scale projects and up to £5,000 for larger projects will be available.

The funding will help the delivery of future angling participation events, including any additional equipment needed to ensure fisheries are following Covid-19 safety guidelines, PPE and signage. It can also cover the costs of fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait, as well as event resources including promotional material, gazebos and basic storage facilities.

The easing of lockdown restrictions in May 2020 led to a huge increase in popularity for angling as people sought the wellbeing benefits the sport can offer.

The new buzz around fishing looks set to continue, with latest rod licence sales currently showing more than 900,000 people have bought or renewed their fishing licence since April this year, with 100,000 new anglers taking up the sport.

This additional income has allowed the Environment Agency to offer increased investment to support projects that will run safe angling participation events throughout 2021.

Graeme Storey, Fisheries Manager for the Environment Agency, said: The Get Fishing Fund will support organisations to put on a range of fishing activities to encourage new anglers through the 2021 season. We are always looking for ways to support our angling community and the Environment Agency has invested £1.5M of the additional income from this year’s licence sales back into projects that improve fisheries.

The increased interest in fishing over the summer proves that people are not only rediscovering angling but more people are trying angling for the first time. We want to see this continue and hope that these new projects will encourage more people to give fishing a go.

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation at the Angling Trust added: We work with a great network of coaches, clubs and fisheries across the country which this fund will help but this also a fantastic opportunity for new partners to get involved in angling participation too.

We’ve worked with the Environment Agency to make this a short, easy process and we’ve got friendly staff with lots of experience ready to help anyone who needs it.

The Get Fishing Fund is available to angling clubs, coaches and fisheries but also to non-angling organisations such as schools, local authorities or charities based in England.

To apply for funding visit: grants.anglingtrust.net

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WILDLIFE HIT BY DIESEL SPILLAGE IN NETHERTON LAKE

30/12/2020

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Part of the lake's surface became red from the spillage. Photo: Lisa Reynolds

A clean-up operation is underway after a lake became polluted with diesel, affecting wildlife at the beauty spot.

The diesel leaked through a culvert into Bumble Hole Pool, at Bumble Hole Nature Reserve, in Netherton, Dudley.

The RSPCA has been on the scene cleaning birds, while the Environment Agency is working to trace the source of the spillage
Photographs showed a red substance lying on the surface of the water while birds were coated with a dark substance.

Make-shift barriers have been placed within the lake to contain the spillage and prevent any more pollution. Absorbent pads have also been used.

The RSPCA said eight Canada geese, one swan and ducks have been affected.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Some are really badly oiled and will need a couple of washes. Some of the patients are really sick but our team will do the best they can, as they always do."

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm at Dudley Council, said: "We became aware earlier today that diesel was getting into Bumble Hole pool via a culvert.

"We informed the Environment Agency which will investigate to find the source and work to clean and prevent further pollution of the pool.

"We also contacted the RSPCA who have attended to look after and clean the birds."

The spillage was first reported to authorities yesterday.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We can confirm there has been a discharge of a diesel substance at the Bumble Hole Nature Reserve in Netherton.

"Our officers are investigating the source of the contamination and working with Severn Trent Water and Dudley Council to contain the pollution and prevent it from spreading.

"If anyone sees any further pollution issues they should contact our 24/7 hotline on 0800807060."

The Environment Agency is being supported by Severn Trent Water, which looks after water networks in the area.

A spokesman for Severn Trent Water added: "We’ve got teams on site who’ve put booms and pads out to stop any further pollutants getting into or out of the lake.

"We’re also working with the Environment Agency to try and trace the source of the pollution."

Source: Express and Star

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TAKE A FRIEND FISHING IS BACK FOR CHRISTMAS

14/12/2020

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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 2020, Take a Friend Fishing is here for the Christmas holidays.

This festive fishing period covers all the dates you need to take a friend fishing, including Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year – traditional dates for a get-together, this year in the right tier or bubble – be sure to check the latest online Government guidance first.

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 between the 19th December to 10th January (inclusive) .

Relaunched in 2020, over 4,000 people have already taken part in Take a Friend Fishing this year alone! A 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. This is possible even during periods of tough restrictions as long as you follow the latest guidelines on the Angling Trust Support Hub at https://anglingtrust.net/covid-19.

All you need to do is fill in the form at the Take A Friend Fishing website https://joinanglingtrust.net/takeafriendfishing/, provide some details and the date you want to go. Your friend will get an email asking them for a few more details and as soon as that’s done you’ll receive their free licence.

Take a Friend Fishing is a brilliant way of introducing a new person to angling and you can still do it while you “socially distance” too.

Source: Take A Friend Fishing

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THE BIG ONE SHOW POSTPONED FOR 2021, BUT WILL BE BACK FOR 2022.

13/12/2020

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Angling biggest consumer event, The Big One Show has postponed their 2021 shows due to the uncertainty around large indoor events during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Shows were meant to take place in Spring of 2021. A statement made by the organisers of the event said:

“Firstly, we’d like to say a massive thank you for your continued support in these unprecedented times. Unfortunately, due to current government guidelines and continued uncertainty around large indoor events we are postponing both Big One Shows in Spring 2021.

However, we are pleased to confirm that the dates for the rearranged Farnborough show are March 5th – 6th, 2022. With Stoneleigh now taking place on the 2nd-3rd of April

We will continue to follow Government guidelines as the Covid-19 situation evolves. The health and welfare of our visitors, exhibitors and staff will remain paramount and we are working hard to ensure the 2022 show proves to be a memorable experience for all our visitors.

We hope you will be able to attend these new dates. As you have already purchased a ticket this will be valid for the new show and you don’t need to do anything.

If unfortunately, you are unable to make the show in 2022 you can get full refund on your ticket up until the March 19th 2021.

We would also like to assure you that in the unlikely event that the show is cancelled again you will be able to get a full refund on your tickets.

We are also working hard and looking at bringing you an outdoor angling event in the Spring or Summer next year. As a current loyal ticket holder, we will contact you first with all the details and a great ticket deal.

All The Big One Show team are looking forward to seeing you at the shows in 2022, if not before (outdoors!).

Stay safe”

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VOLUNTEER BAILIFFS CARRY OUT 976 PATROLS DURING SECOND NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

11/12/2020

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Members of the Angling Trust’s Voluntary Bailiff Service (VBS) have continued to help protect fish and fisheries during the Covid-19 crisis, carrying out 976 patrols and reporting 37 incidents of illegal fishing and wider crime to the Environment Agency and Police.

During the second national lockdown from 5th November to the 2nd of December, 144 Volunteer Bailiffs have been able to patrol their local waterways. Thanks to the success of the Angling Trust’s When We Fish Again campaign, fishing was one of the first sporting activities to resume after the first lockdown and allowed to continue during the recent lockdown, although competitions were banned.

The Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service (FESS) received very few notifications of Covid-19 breaches involving organised matches and most were dealt with by the Police by way of a warning. Comprehensive advice of what was allowed was widely circulated to Angling Trust members, the wider angling community and the Police in advance of the lockdown which avoided many misunderstandings.

Nino Brancato, National Enforcement Support Manager, said:

“We are really grateful that fishing was allowed to continue during Lockdown 2 which is a testament to the work put in by the Angling Trust’s When We Fish Again campaign. Anglers once again demonstrated that they could continue with the sport they love in a safe and sensible manner, and the Voluntary Bailiff Service continued to patrol, helping protect our fish and fisheries by reporting to the Environment Agency and Police any incidents they came across.”

Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Manager, said:

“The vast majority of people fish with a licence but there will always be some who try to fish illegally. That is why volunteers from the Voluntary Bailiff Service continue to be an invaluable source of information for the Environment Agency, helping us to direct our patrols where they are most needed.
“There has been a huge increase in the number of people taking up or returning to fishing this year since the first lockdown ended. By the end of October, we had sold over one million licences – generating more revenue to invest in fisheries and our angling community.”

Incidents of illegal fishing should be reported to the Environment Agency incident number 0800 80 70 60 or the Police on 101 to report a crime that does not require an emergency response or 999 to report a crime in progress.
The Voluntary Bailiff Service is part of the Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service, which is funded from freshwater fishing licence money as part of the National Angling Strategic Services contract with the Environment Agency.

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FORMER TOP DETECTIVE TO LEAD ANGLING TRUST’S FISHERIES ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT TEAM

1/12/2020

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Nino Brancato has been appointed National Enforcement Support Manager of the Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service

A former police officer with over 30 years’ experience in the force has been appointed National Enforcement Support Manager of the Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service, which runs the 500-strong Voluntary Bailiff Service and the highly successful Building Bridges project working with migrant anglers.

Nino Brancato retired from Thames Valley Police as Detective Inspector having worked mainly within the Criminal Investigation Department but was also seconded for over 10 years to National Specialist Operational teams working across the United Kingdom.

Throughout his career, Nino has received many commendations for his work including a Higher Chief Constable’s Commendation for disarming a man with a pump action shotgun who was wanted for murder and a Commander’s Commendation for a positive action programme for under-represented officers in specialist roles.

Nino said: “I am really looking forward to working with the Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service and building on the great partnership we have with the Environment Agency. Our 500 volunteer bailiffs, led by a dedicated team of Regional Enforcement Managers, and our Building Bridges team provide quality intelligence which supports the work undertaken by the Environment Agency’s fisheries officers and police. They put anglers and the environment at the heart of everything they do to help protect fish and fisheries all over the country.”

Mark Owen, Head of Freshwater, said: “Nino comes to the Angling Trust with a wealth of experience in policing and I’m looking forward to working with him as we build on the success of the Fisheries Enforcement Support Service and take it to the next level. Having someone of Nino’s experience and seniority is a great asset to both the Angling Trust and fishing as a whole.”

Graeme Storey, Fisheries Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We have a great relationship with the Angling Trust and look forward to seeing this continue to develop with Nino as the new National Enforcement Support Manager. We are working hard to crack down on illegal fishing, working in partnership with the Angling Trust, police and others to protect our fisheries. With the skills and experience Nino brings to the role, we are confident that we will build on our achievements so far and further reduce illegal fishing activity.”

The Fisheries Enforcement Support Service is funded from fishing licence money as part of the Angling Trust’s National Angling Strategic Services contract with the Environment Agency.

It includes the Voluntary Bailiff Service which was set up five years ago as a pilot project in the South East and now has 500 volunteers operating across the whole of England. They act as the eyes and ears on the bank, reporting suspicious activity and intelligence to the Environment Agency or police. Anglers who want to protect fisheries and suspect illegal activity is taken place in their area should report it in the first instance to the Environment Agency’s hotline on 0800 80 70 60. They can also report to our Regional Enforcement Managers or speak to a volunteer bailiff on the bank.

The Building Bridges project has made huge progress towards the successful integration of migrant angling communities in England and provides positive education and advice to help anglers understand our angling laws and customs. The team also support angling clubs and fisheries by translating their rules into different languages and offering free multi-lingual signage and leaflets.

Nino replaces Dilip Sarkar MBE who left the Angling Trust earlier this year after eight years in the role.

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FIGURES REVEAL LOW RESPONSE TO FISHERY INCIDENTS - DO WE NEED MORE BAILIFFS?

16/11/2020

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The EA’s National Incident Recording System received 2,924 reports of fishery incidents across England. Just 103 were registered as ‘attended’

The angling community is deeply concerned for the safety of our sport after damning figures were revealed about the Environment Agency’s response to fishery incidents over lockdown.
Obtained by a Freedom of Information request, they state that between March 23 and August 21 this year, the EA’s National Incident Recording System received

2,924 reports of fishery incidents across England. Just 103 were registered as ‘attended’.

‘Fishery incidents’ include poaching and fish disease – but the EA states that it had to prioritise certain incidents over lockdown. A spokesperson said:

“During the national lockdown we had to limit some field work due to Government guidance on how to manage the risk of contracting Coronavirus, but we continued to respond to the most damaging incidents which could have seriously harmed the environment.

“Over the course of the summer we carried out many fish rescue operations that were essential to protect vital fish species.”

The EA also said that the figures might be slightly misleading:

“Some of the 2,924 incident notifications may have been from the same source. Others could have been unsubstantiated, while others won’t have been appropriate to attend, or not have been within our remit.”

While there’s no doubt the EA faced an unprecedented and challenging time, and that these figures may not tell the full picture, this can’t continue – as angling ambassador, Rob Hughes, explains:

“To be honest, I’m not surprised by the figures. Over lockdown there were many problems, ranging from members of the public trespassing on fisheries right through to poaching.

“There was bound to be a high level of incidents, and the poor response time is indicative of just how underfunded the Environment Agency is.

“However, we can’t excuse these figures and people should not get away with poaching. The whole Covid situation has been a learning curve, and hopefully the EA can learn from these statistics and be better prepared in future.”

Martin Salter, Head of Policy at the Angling Trust, gave its view on the issue:

“The Trust is disappointed at the lack of activity on the ground by the Environment Agency during the lockdown period and after, but is pleased that normal service has been resumed,” he said.

But has it? According to Adrian Lane, of Fishery Watch, the UK’s largest independent voluntary water keeper network, problems are still occurring.

“Last week we had a call about a man killing an 80cm pike. He’s admitted to it – I’ve received messages from him doing so – but when the incident was reported to the EA it showed no interest.

“We also received reports from a man fishing a canal who watched someone catching bream and putting them in a bucket to take away. Again, he called the EA, which was unable to help due to having nobody in the area. The problems are ongoing, and we can’t let it go on like this.”

It was Adrian who submitted the FOI request to the EA, after receiving an alarming number of calls from anglers during lockdown saying that they weren’t getting any help.

“People have called in desperation after failed attempts with the EA,” he says, “and we will try and help out where we can.

“We made 41 calls to the police about fishery incidents over lockdown, and every single one was attended. Officers have even stayed on afterwards on occasions and helped clear up rubbish. It would be great if the EA could refer people to the police if its staff can’t attend an incident.”

Asked where he believes the EA’s problem lies, Adrian says:

“The last thing I want to do is criticise the people on the ground.
“I have great relationships with my enforcement officers, who are as passionate and caring about our fisheries as we are.

“I think the problems come from the top, and until more funding is made available our fisheries are in a perilous place.”

Source: Angling Times

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THE WEST MIDLANDS ACCOUNTED FOR THE BIGGEST RISE IN NEWCOMERS TO ANGLING IN 2020, NEW FIGURES HAVE SHOWN.

ANGLING TRUST STATEMENT: FISHING IS NOW ALLOWED AGAIN DURING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

ANGLING TRUST: FISHING NOT ALLOWED DURING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

NEW 100K FUND TO BOOST ANGLING PARTICIPATION

WILDLIFE HIT BY DIESEL SPILLAGE IN NETHERTON LAKE

TAKE A FRIEND FISHING IS BACK FOR CHRISTMAS

THE BIG ONE SHOW POSTPONED FOR 2021, BUT WILL BE BACK FOR 2022.

VOLUNTEER BAILIFFS CARRY OUT 976 PATROLS DURING SECOND NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

FORMER TOP DETECTIVE TO LEAD ANGLING TRUST’S FISHERIES ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT TEAM

FIGURES REVEAL LOW RESPONSE TO FISHERY INCIDENTS - DO WE NEED MORE BAILIFFS?

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