Coarse fishing news from Fish South East

LATEST COARSE FISHING NEWS


06.04.08 The Incomplete Angler - By Robin Shelton One Man's Search for his Ultimate Fishing Experience. A warm and funny account of one man's attempt to discover why fishing is so important to him. When Robin was a boy, fishing with his father was an integral and much-loved part of family holidays, but as an adult he fished infrequently, with terrible technique and rare success. Until one day [Read More]
14.12.07 Two fantastic new DVDs due in January 2008 Two new DVDs are due for release in January 2008. The first is Series 2 of The Deadliest Catch, a fascinating documentary about Alaskan Crab Fishermen. This is definitely not fishing as most of us know it !! The second is the Born Survivor: Bear Grylls Sahara. Experience his latest adventure from the comfort of your armchair as he braves the blistering heat and deadly sand storms of the Sahara Desert [Read More]
26.09.07 Bid on a fantastic holiday for four in France Metro-Musketeers Angling Club will be offering a holiday for four people to Lac Maziere in france to use within a full year from winning, by placing the highest bid. [Read More]
12.07.07 Charity Days at Carpenwater in Essex - July 2007 onwards Phillip Stockwell (the owner of Carpenwater) explains why he is rasing money for Cancer Research UK. "Cancer Research helped me a few years a go to battle against an advanced stage of Hodgkin's Lymphoma so I am trying to do my bit to say thank you to them for giving me the chance to be a Dad to my miracle son Ben and to carry on doing some more fishing :)" [Read More]
11.06.07 The NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ puts out fires in Reading As angling increases its profile up and down the country, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has added the NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ angling course to its range of innovative educational projects for young people. RBFRS is the first Fire Brigade in the country to offer the NFA’s qualification and is looking to expand the course in a number of schools within the area. [Read More]
06.06.07 World Carp Classic news Have you secured your place yet? If you haven't, you don't have to take it from us why you should, see what world renowned Carp Angler Léon Hoogendijk, Carp Addict Editor Steve Howard and freelance & WCC Agent Jocelyn Dupré have to say about it. See why they believe that fishing the Orient and participating in the World Carp Classic is the ultimate carp challenge. [Read More]
03.06.07 Bury Hill Fisheries Queen Of The Jungle Twickenham, Middlesex angler Virginia Rusher tempted a lovely 3lb 2oz crucian carp during a boat session on the Old Lake with husband Bill. Mooring the punt alongside the jungle, Virginia set about catching loads of tench, which she caught to 6lb together with bream and carp to double figures. [Read More]
01.06.07 England International Gets Golden Ticket England international Will Raison from Aldershot claimed his place in the Fish ‘O’ Mania Grand final with a superb performance at Maver Larford Fishery last weekend. Having recently being selected to fish both the European and World Championships in Italy and Hungary respectively this year, May continued to bring success for the 2005 European Individual Gold medalist. [Read More]
21.05.07 NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ Attracts Attention The NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ continued to grab the headlines as River Leen School in Nottingham carried out their practical side of the course last week. The school in Nottingham took 10 pupils aged from 9 to 15 years of age who have been undertaking the course since September onto Awsworth Canal to put what they have been learning in the classroom into practice on the canal side [Read More]
20.05.07 PULBOROUGH ANGLING SOCIETY - Update Very few reports this week im afraid, Paul Holden took time out from his busy schedule for an afternoon session on Tench Pond at Goose Green, Paul a highly accomplished angler and former national champion, fished the pole with maggot/pellet on the hook for a total net of 18-0-0 comprising Tench, Roach, Rudd & Hybrids. [Read More]
16.05.07 CLIFFORD CALLS IN VICTORY - NFA press release Local knowledge once again proved the key to success as Sean Clifford from Rochester, Kent claimed victory in the Monk Lakes Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier. On a day where a full field of 130 anglers fought it out amongst very cold and windy conditions the fishing was going to be tough for everyone and it was going to need something special to win the match. [Read More]
30.04.07 BURY HILL FISHERIES UPDATE Bury Hill's jungle is famous for its huge bags of tench during the spring and early summer. Well this year the tench have started to arrive early and we are already seeing some good bags of tench which have included fish close to 10lb along with quite a few bonus carp. [Read More]
26.04.07 NFA DRIVE TO MODERNISE The NFA is on the lookout for two Non-Executive Directors to contribute to the work of the organisation and continue the development of our sport [Read More]
16.02.07 SAD LOSS OF A FELLOW ANGLER It is with great sadness that UK Fisherman has heard of the untimely death of Dave "Thumper" Fowler at the age of 64. A member of the Musketeers Angling Club, Dave will be sadly missed by all who knew him ...... [Read More]
09.02.07 STONES FISHERIES FISHING FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 2007 Stones Fisheries are situated on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Near to the town centre of Sheerness. It consists of 4 lakes and is found alongside Stones Garden Centre offering a wide range of plants and garden products. On the 8th and 9th September 2007 Stones Fisheries are holding a fishing festival ...... [Read More]
22.01.07 FLY FISHING SYNDICATE FINED FOR ILLEGAL DREDGING IN BERKSHIRE A fishery syndicate which illegally dredged vital spawning grounds of a stretch of a historic Berkshire chalk river was find £4,500 on 18 January after pleading guilty to three offences. On top of the fine, the company was also ordered to pay £3,216 costs to the Environment Agency ...... [Read More]
05.01.07 DO NOT DISTURB BROWN TROUT THIS WINTER The Environment Agency is asking people in Kent to help protect brown trout living in the River Dour in Dover. Officers are concerned that recent work to improve the populations of fish will be damaged this winter if people do not respect the sensitive spawning time ...... [Read More]
20.12.06 GOLDFISH IN RIVER THAMES THREATEN NATIVE CARP Our native fish species are being put at risk by an unlikely source as one man found to his cost at Reading Magistrates’ Court. On Wednesday 13 December Derek May, of Westwood Glen, Reading, Berkshire, found himself in the dock after illegally disposing of his goldfish in the River Thames...... [Read More]
14.10.06 CARPENWATER LATEST Carpenwater in Essex is a new, heavily stocked 1 acre farm reservoir containing various coarse fish of mixed sizes catering for all anglers. Fish South East has been following developments at Carpenwater and thought it was time for another fishery update..... [Read More]
18.09.06 CHALLENGING DISADVANTAGE Challenging disadvantage by changing young lives for the better, offering friendship, experience, diversion, caring and mentoring. 121 Youth Befriending we recruit and train volunteers from the local community to provide the necessary skills and support to young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives..... [Read More]
25.08.06 EA UNVEILS £10M WINTER WORKS PLAN FOR WATERWAYS A record £10 million will be spent on vital repairs and improvements on Environment Agency-managed rivers this winter, it was announced today. More than 100 projects along 1,000km of waterway across southern and eastern England will be worked on, with 60 due for completion, between October and March......... [Read More]

06.04.08 - The Incomplete Angler by Robin Shelton:

One Man's Search for his Ultimate Fishing Experience

A warm and funny account of one man's attempt to discover why fishing is so important to him.

When Robin was a boy, fishing with his father was an integral and much-loved part of family holidays, but as an adult he fished infrequently, with terrible technique and rare success. Until one day, feeling inspired to supplement the vegetables from his allotment with nature's free bounty, fish, he tentatively decided to try again. Full of dizzy excitement at all the equipment available - the rods, the reels, the rigs, the lures, the tackle box complete with light in its lid, into which everything packed so beautifully - he embarked on his journey as a born-again angler.

What follows is a funny, touching and (even occasionally) informative book about Britain's most popular sport. From beachcasting off the stormy Pembrokeshire coast to flyfishing for trout in tranquil Hertfordshire, Robin shares his experiences, his successes and failures, and even some of his favourite recipes. Along the way he discovers exactly why anglers feel so passionate about their chosen sport.

The perfect book for anyone looking for a moment of calm in this hectic life.

About the Author

Robin Shelton worked as a jewellery designer and teacher before taking up writing full time. His first book was Allotted Time, a funny account of his year on the allotment. He lives near Southampton.

Praise for Allotted Time:

’Their struggle to plant their crops against the baffling advice of fellow allotment holders is funny and moving. Our heroes finish the year wiser, saner and with an impressive array of veg.’
Daily Express

‘A comforting antidote to the glossy perfection of gardening on the telly.’
Evening Standard

'The redemptive power of growing veg is the theme here as Shelton cultivates his way back from a failed marriage and penury.’
Daily Telegraph, Best Gardening Books of the Year selection

Publication: 4th April 2008
Price: £12.99

Source: Pan Macmillan

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26.09.07 - Bid on a fantastic holiday for four in France:
Metro-Musketeers Angling Club will be offering a holiday for four people to Lac Maziere in France to use within a full year from winning, by placing the highest bid. Bids can be made via text message stating name, contact number and bid amount to 07506-389-772. The highest bid amount by friday 19th october will win the prize and be notified shortly afterwards. You can visit the Musketeers site at www.metro-musketeers.zoomshare.com and there is a link to the Lac Maziere on this page for you to find out all the details you need. Alternatively call the owner (mark jones) on 01642-653-141 (with reference to Tetly from musketeers angling club holiday for 4) all money raised from this bid will be going to charity and will be posted on the site. Good luck - someone is going to win a great holiday. ... Paul @ Uk Fisherman [Back To Top]


12.07.07 - Charity Days at Carpenwater in Essex - July 2007 onwards:
Phillip Stockwell (the owner of Carpenwater) explains why he is rasing money for Cancer Research UK: "Cancer Research helped me a few years a go to battle against an advanced stage of Hodgkin's Lymphoma so I am trying to do my bit to say thank you to them for giving me the chance to be a Dad to my miracle son Ben and to carry on doing some more fishing :)" "Whilst going through 6 months of Chemotherapy and then Radiotherapy I fished as often as I could to take my mind off things and to get as much rest as possible. I caught some excellent fish and gained a new personal best common carp of 29lb 12oz which gave me a real boost just when I needed one. I also had the help of some very good freinds who along with the fishing made things easier to cope with." "Since finishing my treatment I have met my partner Caroline and then came along our special son Ben which proves, miracles do happen." "I am going to be doing various fundraising events with the first being some fishing days throughout July at Carpenwater. For a £15 donation you can fish the lake for 24hrs." "Please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support." How to Help To donate to this excellent cause, please visit: www.justgiving.com Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor Phil: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support. UK Fisherman would like to wish Phil all the best with his fundraising at Carpenwater. We have dealt with Phil on various occasions at Uk Fisherman and have always found him to be a true Gent and we urge anyone reading this to lend him your support. For more information on Carpenwater, please visit: www.carpenwater.co.uk ... Paul @ Uk Fisherman [Back To Top]

11.06.07 - The NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ puts out fires in Reading:

National federation of Anglers As angling increases its profile up and down the country, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has added the NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ angling course to its range of innovative educational projects for young people. RBFRS is the first Fire Brigade in the country to offer the NFA’s qualification and is looking to expand the course in a number of schools within the area.

The course is currently being run as an after school activity for Year 8 pupils (12-13 year olds) at Trevelyan School in Windsor. RBFRS staff members and fully qualified NFA Level Two coaches, Steve Carvell and Barry Ratchford deliver the course in the school while working closely with Liz Rhodes, Education Development Officer at RBFRS.

Liz has worked closely with the coaches regarding delivery of the lesson plans to ensure that the course supports many of the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ criteria, including Being Healthy, Staying Safe and Making a Positive Contribution. The Introduction to Angling and the Environment course also supports the Fire Brigade’s aims of offering a positive role model to young people and providing potentially lifesaving information about water safety.

The course which is already underway has received some very positive praise including the following statements.

Steve Carvell Lead NFA Level Two Angling Coach
Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are committed to this course because it supports many of the governments "Every Child Matters" Criteria. Any course that gets youngsters out into the environment has to have a positive effect.

Jim Griffiths Headmaster of Trevelyan School, Windsor
The real impact of this exciting project will stay with the boys for the rest of their lives.

Ruari Collins Pupil at the school
I think the course is really good because you get to learn about fishing and the environment as well as having a laugh.

The NFA’s qualification is open to all organisations which work with young people, so if you would like any more information please visit our website, www.nfadirect.com or email education@nfadirect.com. An essential part of the course is the availability of qualified coaches to assist in the course delivery so if you are interested in becoming a coach and delivering the qualification please again visit our website and refer to the coaching section or email coaching@nfadirect.com.

Source: www.nfadirect.com
Contact: tom.goldspink@nfadirect.com

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06.06.07 - World Carp Classic news:

Have you secured your place yet?
If you haven't, you don't have to take it from us why you should, see what world renowned Carp Angler Léon Hoogendijk andCarp Addict Editor Steve Howard have to say about it. See why they believe that fishing the Orient and participating in the World Carp Classic is the ultimate carp challenge.

Remember, 2008 will also be the World Carp Classic 10th anniversary. It is definitely the place to be and to be seen in, if you are a dedicated carp angler. The level of interest for next year has already been so great that we have taken the decision to open registration for 6 months to past participants first, leaving only late birds entry to new anglers if not sold out. Don't regret it, be in it! If there is any further information that you require please feel free to contact us at event HQ or through the website www.worldcarpclassic.com

WORD FROM LEON HOOGENDJIK

Normally I don't get very exited by carp matches as I don't like the chance factor of these events and neither do I consider carp-fishing as a real competition sport. However, the WCC match on the Orient in September 2007 is a different story! Here, some of the best carp anglers from around the World will not only be in competition with each other but rather in competition with the lake and its extreme nature, and attempting to catch some of the biggest carp of the World!!!

Orient is one of the most fantastic places I've ever fished, holding some of the most beautiful giant carp I've ever seen. I can't wait to see what this ultimate specimen lake will produce during the WCC match in September, and for sure I'll be there to witness what I consider being the greatest carp match experience of all time!
Leon Hoogendijk

FISHING THE ORIENT: THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

Firstly, Carp Addict Magazine is extremely proud to be involved with the World Carp Classic. Without any doubt, it is the premiere event on the carp angling calendar providing the most prestigious title. The feeling of pride has never been more pronounced for me personally in the world of carp-angling, than when simply being a part of the event. Such is the importance of this event to carp angling, that I feel it could never be overstated.

Just to be a part of this fantastic event, angling on such a stunningly beautiful Lake as the Orient alongside some of the very best carp anglers in the world, is truly momentous. But, to also have the chance to fish from areas that have only previously been fished during the few days of the World Carp Classic, for fish that have possibly never been caught before, is surely an opportunity not to be missed!
Steve Howard, Editor of Carp Addict Magazine

For all the latest news on the World Carp Classic, visit: www.worldcarpclassic.com

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03.06.07 - Bury Hill Fisheries Queen of the Jungle:

Virginia Rusher with a 3lb 2oz crucian carp Twickenham, Middlesex angler Virginia Rusher tempted a lovely 3lb 2oz crucian carp during a boat session on the Old Lake with husband Bill. Mooring the punt alongside the jungle, Virginia set about catching loads of tench, which she caught to 6lb together with bream and carp to double figures.

Bill with a cracking Bury Hill tench Virginia used her favourite 9ft stalking rod and centre pin reel loaded with 0.21mm Reflo Powerline to present paste baits on a size 10 barbless hook beneath a small waggler fished tight to the overhanging trees.

Bill also had a good bag of tench but had to concede that Virginia's catch which was close to 100lb was well in front of his own.

The jungle is famous at this time of year for its big tench bags with fish to 9lb+ often showing, it is less known that the Old Lake holds some huge crucian amongst them a British Record! Indeed, we have already seen a dozen or so big crucian caught this season, the best being a 4lb 5oz specimen.

Source: www.buryhillfisheries.com
Contact: info@buryhillfisheries.com

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01.06.07 - England International Gets Golden Ticket:

National federation of Anglers England international Will Raison from Aldershot claimed his place in the Fish ‘O’ Mania Grand final with a superb performance at Maver Larford Fishery last weekend.

Having recently being selected to fish both the European and World Championships in Italy and Hungary respectively this year, May continued to bring success for the 2005 European Individual Gold medalist. Not having been on the reserve list for the qualifier at Maver Larford he rode his luck and received a ticket once the reserve list had been exhausted.

However, there was no luck involved in his performance as Will showed all the skill and experience which has made him a resident in the England teams to fish his peg well and produce a winning weight of 127lb 1oz.

Will drew peg 26 on Specimen Lake in the middle of Burr Bank and arrived at his peg to see hundreds of Carp cruising on the top in the middle of the Lake. Using his experience and knowledge of Carp and their spawning patterns Will knew they would not be feeding as normal and set out his tactics for the day fishing the big waggler and ground bait at distance.

With the waggler set at around 18 inches deep and feeding almost 6kgs of ground bait throughout the match, using either pellet or triple red maggot hook bait, Will landed 21 Carp to 14lb to give him his winning weight.

Will, who has only fished three qualifiers before this weekend commented,
“I have been fishing at Maver a lot recently with four or five matches in recent weeks. It’s been a lucky venue for me as I have been doing well on Speciman Lake, so was more than happy to be drawn on it. Being part of the international set up it takes up a lot of time, so it is not always possible to fish many of these Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifiers. However, it has always been one of my personal ambitions to win Fish ‘O’ Mania, not for the money but because it is such a prestigious event. It looks like a tough final this year so I will be putting in a lot of practice before the final on the 21st in Doncaster.”

Specimen Lake proved the strongest lake with second place going to local angler Paul Hubbard from Walsall who drew peg 47 opposite Will on peg 26. During weighing in it was rumored that Paul had the stronger catch of the two. However, it was not to be and he had to settle for second place with 112lb of Carp to 14lb. Third place went to angling consultant Steve Ringer from Northampton who had drawn Match Lake, peg 41. He initially started on the method feeder tight to the island to catch a few F1s and then switched to the pole shallow to finish the match with 103lb 1oz

Source: www.nfadirect.com
Contact: tom.goldspink@nfadirect.com

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21.05.07 - NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ Attracts Attention:

National federation of Anglers The NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ continued to grab the headlines as River Leen School in Nottingham carried out their practical side of the course last week.

The school in Nottingham took 10 pupils aged from 9 to 15 years of age who have been undertaking the course since September onto Awsworth Canal to put what they have been learning in the classroom into practice on the canal side. Once again the regional press attended the day as did the BBC television cameras.

NFA coaching in action Tom Goldspink, the NFA’s Communications Officer, stated
“It was great to have the television cameras attend the day as it shows the appeal that fishing has in the mainstream media. It also illustrates how angling as a sport is slowly getting more mainstream attention and this can only be good news when it comes to generating new participants in the sport”.

The attendees on the day put into practice elements of the course such as mixing of ground bait, how to adjust their bait for the type of water they are fishing as well setting up their own tackle and actively fishing on the bank. One participant stated,
“It’s great fun and I like being able to catch the fish. Since I have started this course at school my dad has started fishing again and now we go fishing together.”

His first catch, assisted by an NFA coach The NFA level two coach Ian Coates, who has been leading the course in the school stated,
“The NFA’s ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ has gone down brilliantly and everyone who is on the course is getting a lot out of it. It’s a great way to teach these young people about the environment and make them aware of their surroundings. They have all been working hard in the classroom and now they have an opportunity to put it all into practice.”

The NFA’s qualification is open to all organisations which work with young people, so if you would like any more information please visit our website, www.nfadirect.com or email education@nfadirect.com.

An essential part of the course is the availability of qualified coaches to assist in the course delivery so if you are interested in becoming a coach and delivering the qualification please again visit our website and refer to the coaching section or email coaching@nfadirect.com

Source: www.nfadirect.com
Contact: tom.goldspink@nfadirect.com

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20.05.07 - PULBOROUGH ANGLING SOCIETY - update:

Catch Reports

Goose Green
Very few reports this week im afraid, Paul Holden took time out from his busy schedule for an afternoon session on Tench Pond at Goose Green, Paul a highly accomplished angler and former national champion, fished the pole with maggot/pellet on the hook for a total net of 18-0-0 comprising Tench, Roach, Rudd & Hybrids.

Trevor Mordle fished New Pond, using the pole Trev caught Crucians, Roach, Rudd, Skimmers & Perch on maggot and corn hook baits, fishing to Trevor's right was Webmaster Spike, Spike also fishing the short pole with maggot on the hook caught Roach, Rudd, Perch, Skimmers & Crucians for a net estimated in the region of 10-0-0, also on New pond was Terry Stillwell, Terry fishing the pole towards the margins on his right hand side caught Roach, Rudd and a solitary Eel, all on maggot, earlier in the week, terry fished Lake 3 at Goose and bagged up in style, using maggot on the hook Terry caught sixteen bream, 2 carp and masses of silvers for a real red letter day, the total bag for the day was well in excess of 50lb.

Also to be found at Goose today was the Pulborough Pixie, Paul Cripps, Paul alternating between the pole and feeder on Lake 2, put together a string of small carp, and we do mean small, the largest fish being in the region of 0-3-0, Paul also added Roach & Rudd to his haul.

Moor Farm
No reports this week.

Goose Green

Members are advised that fishing on the House bank of Lake 2 is strictly prohibited, as some members were reminded of twice in one day recently, this bank has been left wild as a deliberate action as a haven for the fish as well as a nesting area for the waterfowl and song birds, and yes we have nesting birds on this bank that were disturbed, it also serves as a privacy buffer between us and our neighbours, please respect their privacy.

May we once again remind members, that litter will not be tolerated at any of our fisheries and per your rule book, you risk the loss of your membership if litter is found in your peg, you are requested, per the rule book, to clear your swim of any litter PRIOR to starting fishing, even if that litter is not yours.

Junior Scene
No reports this week

Annual Teach In
This is an annual event at which we give one to one tuition to novice anglers, preference is given to juniors. Methods used are Pole, Whip or Waggler with all tackle being supplied by the tutor, all of whom are experienced Pulborough AS members,we have a lower age limit of seven years for safety reasons. There is a morning and afternoon session, each lasting three hours, with tackle prizes being awarded for each session, in addition each pupil is given a small goodie bag containing useful tackle items. Hot food - burgers, hot dogs and bacon butties are served at breaks throughout the day, together with tea, coffee and cold drinks.

There is no obligation to join Pulborough Angling Society after the teach in, but if you do join the Society, the cost of your entry ticket will be deducted from your membership fee. This years will take place at our Moor Farm Fishery on 21 July, to reserve your place for this popular event visit our website www.pulboroughas.com and click on Teach In, alternatively telephone Sheila Olliver on 01903 213968 (evenings after 6pm), places are offered on a first come first served basis.

Work Parties
For the benefit of those who wish to come and help, we hold working parties at Goose Green every Saturday, starting at 0900hrs, all assistance gratefully accepted, even if you can only spare an hour - as the television advertisement states "Every Little Helps.....".

Match Results
No matches this week .

Source: www.pulboroughas.com
Contact: webmaster@pulboroughas.com

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16.05.07 - CLIFFORD CALLS IN VICTORY - NFA press release:

Local knowledge once again proved the key to success as Sean Clifford from Rochester, Kent claimed victory in the Monk Lakes Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier. On a day where a full field of 130 anglers fought it out amongst very cold and windy conditions the fishing was going to be tough for everyone and it was going to need something special to win the match.

However, it was the BT engineer Sean Clifford who called time on the match, fishing paste over pellet to take carp weighing up to 6lbs for his winning weight of 154lbs 4ozs. Sean who fishes for Preston Innovations DELCAC was lucky to be drawn on the fancied peg 113 on Match Lake as he only received his qualifier ticket through the NFA’s reallocation process.

It was a great win for Sean at his local venue; however he is no stranger to the fishery as only last week he won a local match with a 155lb weigh in. Sean stated, “Before the match we knew that there were about 10 pegs which could produce a winner and I was lucky to be drawn on one of those."

"I went into the match with the idea of fishing long, up in the water; however when I drew peg 113 I needed to change to shorter distances. I didn’t start catching for the first 30 minutes so thought my chance had gone, however after that the fish came biting. I switched between 6m and 13m line and just kept on catching from there on."

Sitting next to Sean on peg 112 was Huntingdon angler Lee Thornton who also fished paste over pellet to take carp to 7lbs totalling 132lbs 12ozs. It was a close contest between the two anglers with Lee catching slightly bigger fish from his peg up until the last hour. From then on Sean continued to catch the fish while Lee could not maintain his high standards.

Sean stated, “I knew it would be a close call with Lee as he was doing really well and a lot of the bigger fish seemed to be at his peg. I didn’t believe that I had won until it was announced and I was a little shell shocked that it was my name that was read out. This is my first final; however some of my teammates have made it to the final before so I will be asking them for some tips. It’s a one in sixteen chance of winning so anything could happen on the day. Fishing the Fish ‘O’ Mania final is a once in a lifetime achievement and the feeling of catching the fish and being successful is the whole reason why we go fishing”.

In 3rd place was Terry Edwards from Wickford in Essex who drew peg 51 on Match Lake 2 where he had a net of carp, barbel, Ide and F1’s for a final weight of 108lbs 10ozs. In 4th place was Robert Tilbury from Ashford who weighed in 104lbs 8ozs from peg 48. Fifth place fell to George Manoli and in 6th was Kieron Rich who came close again following his 3rd place at Viaduct

Source: www.nfadirect.com
Contact: tom.goldspink@nfadirect.com

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30.04.07 - BURY HILL FISHERIES UPDATE:

Bury Hill's jungle is famous for its huge bags of tench during the spring and early summer. Well this year the tench have started to arrive early and we are already seeing some good bags of tench which have included fish close to 10lb along with quite a few bonus carp.

Regular Peter Andrews managed another big bag of tench this week, his second in two weeks, proving that the tench are now heading to the jungle in better numbers. Fishing the far left hand corner, Peter fished soft paste on the hook, which he fished over 3mm pellet catching 16 tench all between 4lb and 6lb along with 4 double figure carp for close to 100lb. Another regular to bag up was Chris Mann, Chris fished the middle of the left hand bank catching 18 tench, the best of which hit the scales at 8lb 9oz, Chris also caught 4 rogue bream to 7lb and 2 carp which both weighed early doubles. Chris fished a 10mm soft pellet over a bed of small Swim Stim Pellets for his 100lb plus bag.

Anglers are also bagging off the bank where bream are tending to dominate the weights on the Old Lake along with the odd tench and carp. With slightly cooler temperatures favoring the fishing, pleasure anglers have been catching bags to well over 100lb whilst last Saturdays open was won with close to 80lb with a lot of good back up weights. Float, pole and feeder are all working well with maggot, caster and soft pellet being the best baits. The fish have been averaging 3lb to 5lb with the odd lump close to 8lb.

Source: www.bury-hill-fisheries.co.uk

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26.04.07 - NFA DRIVE TO MODERNISE:

The NFA is on the lookout for two Non-Executive Directors to contribute to the work of the organisation and continue the development of our sport.

Following the NFA’s move to the National Water Sports Centre, and its incorporation, the NFA is looking to further develop as a modern National Governing Body for the sport.

At the last meeting of the NFA Board of Directors it was decided to appoint Non Executive Directors with responsibility for.

1. Business Management and Governance

2. Marketing and Communications

The appointees will be responsible for contributing to the development of the organisation in these two important areas. They will be required to attend Board meetings, provide reports, attend important meetings with partners and most importantly contribute significantly to the strategic direction and development of the NFA and angling as a modern sport.

Terry Fell Chairman of the NFA stated,
“There is little doubt that we, like other governing bodies, need to seek expert guidance and support where we can for the benefit of angling as a whole. Last year the NFA appointed John Mitchell as the Non Executive Director for Development and that has been a resounding success with the formation of the Angling Development Board and increased funding for the whole of the sport. We now need to repeat that success in others important areas.”

Paul Baggaley Chief Executive Officer concurred stating,
“The Board of Directors has invested heavily in the development of the Governing Body and the whole of angling has seen the benefit of that in projects like the OCN course “An Introduction to Angling and the Environment”, Clubmark, the New Level One Coaching Course and the formation of the Angling Development Board which are all developmental projects. However, the NFA now need to develop in other areas.”

Interested parties should visit the website at www.nfadirect.com for details of how to apply or phone 0115 981 3535 for an informal discussion about the role.

Source: www.nfadirect.com
Contact: tom.goldspink@nfadirect.com

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16.02.07 - SAD LOSS OF A FELLOW ANGLER:

It is with great sadness that Fish South East has heard of the untimely death of Dave "Thumper" Fowler at the age of 64. A member of the Musketeers Angling Club, Dave will be sadly missed by all who knew him. We didn't know dave personally at Fish South East, but he was a well known figure in the fishing world and he was an inspiration to all that met him.

Tetly from the Musketeers Angling Club tells us a little bit about his friend and fellow angling club member:

"Just to let you know we lost a great angler (Dave "Thumper" Fowler) on the 1st feb 2007. He was taken quite suddenly at the age of 64. Dave had been in many clubs and was well known through most angling circles. He joined the Musketeers Angling Club last year and was an inspiration and a gentleman ... always willing to help out. He had said on many occasion how friendly the club was and always joked that I threw to much bait in ... his cremation was today (14th Feb) at Beckenham, kent."

More Photos of Dave can be found at
www.freewebs.com/tetlys/dave%20fowler.htm

"We will be holding a match on 25th March on Reservoir at Hartleylands called the (Thumper) Trophy and will raise money on the day for a bench to be fitted at this venue (Hartleylands) with a plaque to remember him by....... each year the thumper trophy will be held here."

Fish South East would like to offer our condolences to Dave's family, friends and all his fishing buddys.

For more information please contact Tetly via his website - Tetleys Fishing Site

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09.02.07 - STONES FISHERIES FISHING FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 2007:

8th - 9th September 2007
Stones Fisheries, Isle of Sheppey, Kent

Stones Fisheries are situated on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Near to the town centre of Sheerness. It consists of 4 lakes and is found alongside Stones Garden Centre - A Garden Centre offering a wide range of plants and garden products.

The four fishing lakes cover approximately eight acres. They are all very well managed, very tidy and are heavily stocked. Amenities include a large car park, toilets, coffee shop and gift shop supplying refreshments and snacks.

On the 8th - 9th September, Stones Fisheries are holding a two day Fishing Festival.

50 pegs
entry £40.00 paid in full (tickets will go quick so book now)
optional £5.00 pool on the day
on site cafe, toilets, parking, tackle shop
during the 2 days of the festival there will be a beer tent, BBQ and ice cream van
draw at cafe at 8am - fish 10am till 3pm
prize money of £1,500.00 to be paid out - sections pay out every 5 pegs plus overall winner 1st 2nd 3rd
rules and info of stones can be found at http://www.stonesgardencentre.com/match.html

Source: www.stonesgardencentre.com
Contact: sadv125@aol.com or phone dave on 07795 802277 or gary on 07900 186336

Fish South East would like to wish everyone connected with the Stones Fisheries Fishing Festival the best of luck with the event in September 2007. I am sure it will be a resounding success ... Paul @ Uk Fisherman

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22.01.07 - FLY FISHING SYNDICATE FINED FOR ILLEGAL DREDGING IN BERKSHIRE:

A fishery syndicate which illegally dredged vital spawning grounds of a stretch of a historic Berkshire chalk river was find £4,500 on 18 January after pleading guilty to three offences.

On top of the fine, the company was also ordered to pay £3,216 costs to the Environment Agency.

Reading Magistrates’ Court heard how the Maidenhatch Syndicate Ltd illegally dredged gravels, grits and other materials from the bed of the River Pang without the consent of the Environment Agency, contrary to the Thames Land Drainage Bye-Laws and Water Resources Act.

The syndicate was also guilty for wilfully disturbing the bed of the river on which spawn or spawning fish might have been, and admitted to introducing 200 mixed brown and rainbow trout to the river without consent from the Environment Agency on 11 May 2006.

A local resident in Tidmarsh contacted the Environment Agency in April last year to say that a fishing syndicate had dredged a section of the River Pang near to Maidenhatch Farm in Tidmarsh.

The River Pang, thought to have been the inspiration for Pangbourne resident and writer Kenneth Grahame's “Wind in the Willows”, is an environmentally sensitive chalk-stream providing an important habitat for trout, grayling, aquatic fauna and flora, and other wildlife including water voles.

Officers went to the site and found a digger had just completed the excavation of a number of trenches along the centre of the course of the Pang. Ten trenches had been excavated along the river, and were later measured at from eight-and-a-half to 25.23 metres in length, approximately a metre in width and three-quarters-of-a-metre to a metre in depth. The excavated chalk, gravel and grit had been dumped along the edge of the channel line of the stream. The bank and vegetation had also been disturbed where the digger entered the river, and where it had to be recovered by a larger digger when it became stuck.

The officers spoke to a machine operator at the site who confirmed that he had excavated the troughs on behalf of a “Mr Stacey of Andover” who had also hired the machinery needed to do the works.

As the officers were leaving the site Mr Stacey arrived and confirmed that he was a member of a fishing syndicate, but denied having authorised or arranged for the works to be carried out. Conservation, fisheries and development control officers from the Environment Agency visited the site in May to assess the damage caused by the works, which were considered to be severe. The excavations had removed shallow gravel banks of the type needed by the grayling and trout for spawning, which also provides a suitable habitat for the newly hatched fish fry. The trenches were already filling with silt further damaging the spawning grounds.

A conservation officer found evidence that water voles had been present in this particular area prior to the works taking place, but feared that the dumping of the excavated material could have buried water vole holes, damaging their habitat. The water vole suffered a population collapse and is a target species for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Chalk streams are also prized habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The Environment Agency investigation revealed that the company had commissioned an environmental report to find out how the fishery could be improved. The report was sponsored by English Nature as part of a commitment to the conservation or restoration of the Britain’s chalk streams. A number of the report’s recommendations focussed on the importance of shallow gravel banks for spawning trout and grayling.

However, the report specifically warned that any works carried out to any river, as well as any fish restocking required consent from the Environment Agency. This was posted to Mr Christopher Glover, on behalf of the Maidenhead Syndicate, in May 2002.

During an interview with Environment Agency officers, Mr Glover, who became company secretary after the offence, but was a director at the time, said the company had owned the stretch since March 1987. He said the company had held a board meeting on 4 February 2006 and agreed that the work should be carried out. Mr Glover said that no reference was made to Mr Vaughan’s earlier report and said he had disagreed with the board’s decision.

Mr Glover also admitted on behalf of the company that it had stocked the river with fish on 11 May 2006 without consent. He also stated that the company had stocked fish since 2001 without the proper consents.

The Environment Agency prosecutor, Angus Innes, told the court that the company’s decision to carry out the work without seeking Environment Agency permission was, despite receiving a Government funded report which spelled out the syndicate’s responsibilities, at the least, seriously reckless. In imposing its sentence the court stated that it paid particular regard to the existence of the report, and the company’s knowledge of the report.

Mr Innes also told the court that the Environment Agency found its position unusual, as it was normally on the side of fishing interests, prosecuting polluters of fishing waters, or poachers or unlicensed rod users, but had to take action against the syndicate for its actions which damaged an environmentally sensitive river.
Tony Bates, a Flood Risk Management Officer for the Environment Agency, said: “These works were carried out without the proper consent and caused serious damage to the bed of the river. Where there should have been shallow gravel banks, vital to spawning trout and grayling and their emerging fry, trenches were dug and any chance of the fish spawning along that stretch was lost.

"As a result many fish which would have spawned in the river, such as trout, grayling and bullhead, will not have had the ideal conditions to do so. Sadly this company was focused on serving its own needs for the river and gave no consideration to the impact it was having on other species in the river and this lack of thought could have had a serious impact on the ecology of the river.”

Source: The Environment Agency
Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

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Coarse Fishing News

05.01.07 - DO NOT DISTURB BROWN TROUT THIS WINTER:

The Environment Agency is asking people in Kent to help protect brown trout living in the River Dour in Dover. Officers are concerned that recent work to improve the populations of fish will be damaged this winter if people do not respect the sensitive spawning time.

At this time of year adult trout move onto gravel areas to spawn. The female trout use their tails to create a ‘redd’ or depression in the gravel bed. They then deposit their eggs to be fertilised by the male fish. The eggs are covered up and remain until April when the juvenile fish eventually emerge.

The Environment Agency is urging people who use the river to remember that the fish are very sensitive whilst spawning and should not be disturbed.

Between 31 October 2006 until 3 April 2007 (not inclusive), anglers attempting to fish for trout could face prosecution and fines of up to £2500. People can also be prosecuted if they disturb spawning fish, the spawn of fish and the bed of bank where spawning fish may be. Environment Agency Water Bailiffs carry out regular patrols on the River Dour and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught breaking the law.

Chris Conroy, Kent Area Biodiversity Team Leader, said:

“We have done a lot of fantastic work, together with other organisations, to improve the conditions in the river and encourage brown trout to return. The results from our fish population surveys this year have been extremely positive and shown us that the River Dour now has one of Kent’s strongest wild brown trout populations.

"During this spawning and incubation period, both adult and juvenile trout are particularly sensitive. We want to make sure that anglers continue to help us protect the fish by not disturbing them. By protecting the trout now we can make sure that the river is enjoyed by all for future generations.”

Source: The Environment Agency
Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

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20.12.06 - GOLDFISH IN RIVER THAMES THREATEN NATIVE CARP:

Our native fish species are being put at risk by an unlikely source as one man found to his cost at Reading Magistrates’ Court. On Wednesday 13 December Derek May, of Westwood Glen, Reading, Berkshire, found himself in the dock after illegally disposing of his goldfish in the River Thames.

The court heard that Mr May was left with between 15 and 20 goldfish that didn’t turn gold but stayed a dark colour in his garden pond. Instead of disposing of the fish responsibly, Mr May ditched the goldfish into the River Thames at Scours Lane, Reading, on 29 March 2006.

A member of the public reported Mr May to the the Environment Agency after seeing him empty a bucket of goldfish into the river. The Environment Agency joined Thames Valley Police to investigate the incident. By releasing the goldfish, Carassius auratus, into the river Mr May had broken two laws:

Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act – Releasing an animal into the wild that is not normally resident.
Section 30 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fishery Act – Introducing fish into a water course without a valid consent from the Environment Agency.

Although harmless in a fish tank or garden pond, goldfish, which were originally brought to the UK from Asia in the 1600s, can have a detrimental affect on the native fish species of our rivers and lakes.

Released into the wild goldfish can grow in size and numbers and have been known to mate with wild crucian carp, Carassius carassius, creating a hybrid species. This interbreeding threatens the native population of pure crucian carp.

Non-native fish species threaten to dominate our rivers, lakes and streams, in a similar way that American signal crayfish have decimated populations of our native crayfish, and like the grey squirrel has done to the native red in our forests.

Goldfish can also carry diseases and parasites that are not normally present in wild fish populations. Our native species have not developed an immunity to fight new diseases, and any introduction of disease into wild populations can lead to significant fish deaths. One such disease is Koi Herpesvirus, a highly pathogenic disease that affects common carp, ghost carp and Koi carp.

Mr May pleaded guilty at Reading magistrates and was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £60 in costs. If Mr May commits a similar offence within this time he can be sentenced on both the original and the new charge.

Dennis Welling, an Environment Agency environmental crime officer, said: "Although some people may think this is a harmless act, introducing non-native fish into the wild can have serious implications for our native fish populations. They carry disease, out-compete native species, and breed so prolifically that they change the natural balance of the ecosystem."

PC Russell Hounslow, from the Thames Valley Police Wildlife Crime Unit, said: "We work with lots of different agencies and this is another good example of that partnership at work. "Although this prosecution may seem trivial to some, this incident could have had traumatic implications for the environment."

Earlier this year the Environment Agency released a list of the top 10 most wanted invasive species in our environment. This included Japenese Hogweed and the American Crayfish, which are growing aggressively in the environment and putting populations of native species under real pressure.

Dennis added: "Although the humble goldfish has been part of our society for 400 years, it is still a non-native species that should be enjoyed in garden ponds and fish tanks, rather than damaging native fish stocks in our lakes, streams and rivers."

"Where the evidence is available we will support our police colleagues in prosecuting those who fail to protect our environment for future generations."

The Environment Agency has a statutory duty to maintain, improve and develop fisheries using its regulatory powers but also works to ensure all waters in England and Wales are capable of sustaining thriving fish populations.

To report an environmental crime the public can call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.

Source: The Environment Agency
Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

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14.10.06 - CARPENWATER LATEST:

Carpenwater is a private coarse fishing lake of about 1 acre in size located on a working farm in Clacton on Sea in Essex. Never having been fished before, Carpenwater opened to anglers in April 2005. Bookings are limited to one day a week - this is to keep the fishing as good as possible with no chance of overfishing. It was over a year ago that Fish South East reported on the latest happenings at Carpenwater so we thought it was time for an update.

New for 2006 at Carpenwater:

As the fishery develops we are continually making improvements with the addition of more reeds to create a more natural environment for the fish and other wildlife. We also plan to increase the size of the gravel areas around the swims to make a more stable footing to prevent visiting anglers sliding into the mud!
New markers have been placed in feature holding areas to make it a little easier to locate the hotspots. As we have limited the fishing to one bank anglers will be allowed to walk round to the opposite bank to bait up. Baitboats will also be allowed if that is your thing although they are not really needed.
We will be running a few competitions during the coming season, one for the biggest carp, one for the biggest catfish and one for best catch.