30.11.05
THOUSANDS OF FISH KILLED ON THE GRAND UNION CANAL
Environment Agency officers launched an investigation on 29 November after approximately to 10,000 fish were found dead over a fifty-metre stretch of the Grand Union Canal, at Startops End, near Tring    [Read More]

26.11.05
FLY-TIPPING ANGLER CATCHES £1000 BILL
A former angling centre member who illegally dumped rubbish at his old club in Esher was fined on 7 November. Ashley Boylan, of High Street, Ewell Village, Epsom, pleaded guilty at Staines Magistrates’ Court to illegally dumping waste on land used by the Epsom Angling Centre and the Metropolitan Police    [Read More]

21.11.05
REEL DEALS EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF CARP FISHING ITEMS
Reel Deals latest addition to their exclusive range is the one-man bivvy. It's compact, ultra light and a piece of cake to erect. Waterproof 190T material, one of the best is used all over. Its perfect for short 12-24 hr sessions    [Read More]

19.11.05
RUNNING FOR CHARITY
On the 23rd of April 2006 Andy from Captive Angler will once again be running the Flora London Marathon for The Disabilities Trust. Captive Angler have also arranged a carp competiton to help raise much needed funds for the Disabilities Trust    [Read More]

17.11.05
MIDHURST STEAM POLLUTION
The Environment Agency is currently dealing with a severe pollution incident that has killed a large number of fish at a stream in Midhurst, West Sussex    [Read More]

14.11.05
BURY HILL FISHERIES NEWS - w/e Sunday 13 November 2005
The old lake has again continued to produce good numbers of smaller pike and zander along with the odd better fish, whilst the carp have also been pretty active with a couple of good upper twenties reported    [Read More]

06.11.05
FISHING MAGIC NEWS
Summer's over, says Mark Wintle, in his latest 'Wintle's World of Angling' column. The clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in. No more fishing after work? Not likely! Many of us hardcore fishermen will still be out, but most of us still know that fishing is far from over    [Read More]

05.11.05
FURTHER CRACKDOWNS ON ILLEGAL ANGLERS
Patrols by the Environment Agency to crackdown on anglers fishing illegally have been taking place on the River Lee this month. Fisheries enforcement officers have checked more than 80 anglers fishing along the river in Ware and Broxbourne and around Feildes Weir and Dobbs Weir and caught eight peope    [Read More]

Environment Agency officers launched an investigation on 29 November after approximately to 10,000 fish were found dead over a fifty-metre stretch of the Grand Union Canal, at Startops End, near Tring.

The cause is not yet known as initial tests at the scene confirmed that the water quality was normal. Further samples have been taken and submitted for more thorough laboratory analysis. Environment Officers at the scene yesterday did not observe any signs of fish in distress in the canal or nearby reservoirs.

Environment Management Team Leader Steve Boddy said:

"We are investigating a number of possible reasons for this fish kill and will be carrying out further investigations over the coming days. All of the affected fish are Bream and come from this year’s spawning. Should members of the public see any signs of fish in distress in the canal they should call our Hotline number immediately to report it 0800 80 70 60."

Source: The Environment Agency - November 2005. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

A former angling centre member who illegally dumped rubbish at his old club in Esher was fined on 7 November. Ashley Boylan, of High Street, Ewell Village, Epsom, pleaded guilty at Staines Magistrates’ Court to illegally dumping waste on land used by the Epsom Angling Centre and the Metropolitan Police. He pleaded guilty to one charge under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The Environment Agency launched an investigation after the waste was discovered by a police officer on 16 September 2003 dumped at Wayne Fleet Lake in Esher. Environment officers were able to trace the waste to an address in London where a couple living there confirmed that some of the waste was theirs and that they had paid Mr Boylan to dispose of it. The waste dumped at the centre included a boiler, a yellow bikini top, packaging from a number of high street stores as well as clear plastic sacks, polystyrene and some saw dust.

When investigating officers caught up with Mr Boylan he originally denied dumping the waste and insisted that he had taken it to a civic amenity site at Longmead for proper disposal. But in court Mr Boylan admitted to fly-tipping the waste at Wayne Fleet Lake.

Nick Bloomfield, enforcement team leader with the Environment Agency said:
"Mr Boylan could have saved himself a lot of money and trouble if he had done the right thing and taken the waste to a licensed waste site for disposal instead of thoughtlessly dumping it, blighting a scenic spot enjoyed by anglers."

Mr Boylan was fined £250 with £750 costs. Members of the public can report fly-tipping incidents to the Environment Agency by calling freephone 0800 80 70 60.

Source: The Environment Agency - November 2005. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Reel Deals latest addition to their exclusive range is the one-man bivvy. It's compact, ultra light and a piece of cake to erect. Waterproof 190T material, one of the best is used all over. Its perfect for short 12-24 hr sessions & anyone thinking of buying a oval brolly for £50-£70 should reconsider. The bivvy is much better grounded and provides 100% shelter from wind and rain.

* At £29.99 its going be a big seller for Christmas.

Reel Deals already have four other exclusive items available and more are on the way.

They aim to provide the best prices in carp fishing equipment but more importantly the best value for money at the lower end. Up to 90% of sales are done on the website www.reeldeals.co.uk. That and careful worldwide sourcing allows high quality goods at such low prices.

Other items in the range are the cutting-edge DVT digital alarm (£15.99), the DTX alarm (£7.99), the Carpster carp rod (£29.99) and the Reel Deals unhooking mat (£16.99). Phone orders are taken on 01962 868717 and the website is shopping-enabled with prices and full specification.

On the 23rd of April 2006 Andy from Captive Angler will once again be running the Flora London Marathon for The Disabilities Trust. Captive Angler have also arranged a carp competiton to help raise much needed funds for the Disabilities Trust.

The Disabilities Trust is a leading national charity providing essential support services for children and young people with autism, and adults with a wide range of disabilities and special needs. Through its range of specialist accommodation, rehabilitation and personal support programmes, the Trust is making a real difference in helping them lead more fulfilling, independent lives.

Wintons Fishery in west sussex have again kindly agreed to host a massive competition spanning their entire fishery. They will be running three, 48 hour carp and catfish competitions over the same weekend of 31st march - 2nd April 2006. There are 30 spaces available to members and non members at £100 per angler. This cost includes 48 hours fishing, food and drink for your entire stay cooked fresh for you, a competition t-shirt, prizes for the winners and goodie bags [subject to confirmation]. All money raised will go to the Disabilities Trust.

If you would like to sponsor Andy and support the Disabilities Trust please visit the link below:
http://www.justgiving.com/andysrunningagain

They are now also looking for raffle prizes, as well as offers of sponsorship for the event so any companies who may be able to help as well as individuals please let us know. Any help would be greatly appreciated. For more information visit:
http://captiveangler.co.uk

The Environment Agency is currently dealing with a severe pollution incident that has killed a large number of fish at a stream in Midhurst, West Sussex.

Environment Agency Officers were alerted to the incident by local anglers who saw foam and dead fish on the surface of Elstead Steam, a tributary of the River Rother, during the afternoon of Tuesday 15 November 2005. Immediately Environment Agency Officers arrived on site to locate the source of the pollution and to prevent any further discharge. A full investigation is currently taking place to find out how the incident occurred. Officers are still working to save the popular fishing stream from the effects of what they believe is pollution by detergent. Biologists will also be on site today to ascertain how many fish and eels have been killed.

Bob Jennings, Environment Management Team Leader, said:

"Our initial investigations show that around 100 fish of various sizes have died as a result of this incident so far. Thanks to the anglers who notified us of this incident we were able to take immediate action to tackle the pollution. Our investigations into how the pollutant got into the stream are still ongoing and we are working tirelessly to save this popular watercourse. A full biological survey of the stream will take place today and then we will discover the extent of the damage caused to the stream and the life within it. Sadly, detergents can have a truly devastating effect on wildlife"

Members of the public can notify the Environment Agency of pollution incidents by contacting our 24-hour Emergency Hotline on 0800 807060.

Source: The Environment Agency - November 2005. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Overview:
The old lake has again continued to produce good numbers of smaller pike and zander along with the odd better fish, whilst the carp have also been pretty active with a couple of good upper twenties reported. The general fishing has also been good with plenty of bream showing including the odd fish to 8lb+. Milton and Bonds lakes have also fished well with Bonds continuing to produce some large bags of carp including a winning match weight in the week of over 100lbs. In turn, Milton’s silver fish are accounting for some excellent mixed bags, which include the odd crucian and tench.

Old Bury Lake:
Predator fishing - most of the fish have been on the smaller side although we have again seen the odd better fish with pike to 17lb being reported and zander to 11lb. The jungle and island areas have proved particularly productive this week as has the lily swims along the long bank and surprisingly the deeper water in front of the boathouse. Small dead baits, both sea and freshwater appear best with lamprey section, roach and small trout all working well.

General Fishing - The general fishing on the old lake has again been pretty good, with plenty of bream and skimmers showing all around the system with some anglers catching bags to over 50lb along with quite a few carp. Indeed the week saw a couple of honking great bream caught to 9lb. The front bank and early pegs along the long bank have probably fished the best, with feeder and ledger tactics proving most popular, although both float and pole tactics have also worked on the day. A few tench have also been caught from the lily swims with the odd fish topping 5lb. The secret at this time of year is not to over feed your swim and feeding little and often will increase your catches. Maggot and caster will also now start to fish better particularly for the bream, roach and rudd.

Bonds Lake:
Another good week on Bonds with plenty of 40lb and 50lb bags along with a winning match weight of 120lb. With all areas fishing pretty well, the deeper water pegs do appear to be marginally more productive with pegs 18 – 20 and 1- 3 being the best. All methods and baits continue to catch with pole, feeder and float all working on the day to both the margins and open water, bait wise, maggot is now coming into its own as water temperatures start to drop, however worm, caster, soft and banded pellet, paste, corn and meat all catching on the day.

Milton Lake:
Perhaps the best winter lake at Bury Hill, with anglers again this week catching some beautiful netfulls of roach and rudd to 1lb 10oz along with a few huge perch to 2lb+. With bags to 50lb still on the cards, most anglers have been catching between 15lb and 40lb with both sweet corn and pellet working well although maggot, caster, worm has all been catching as we head into the colder months.

For full details of the past weeks fishing at Bury Hill, visit: Bury Hill Fisheries News

Summer's over, says Mark Wintle, in his latest 'Wintle's World of Angling' column. The clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in. No more fishing after work? Not likely! Many of us hardcore fishermen will still be out, but most of us still know that fishing is far from over, for drop in on the right day in winter and it can still be a time to be remembered.

The results are in. We have announced today, the winners of the recent Photo Gallery competition on FISHINGmagic. Over the past few weeks, FM members have been sending in many of their photos for a chance to win one of three Rapala, Legendary Fishing Lures.

Are you ready for winter? Make sure you have all the right rigs and bits by checking out the Rigs Library. There are two new pieces for the rigs page this week. One from the DIY man himself, Phil Hackett, and another from Mark Williams.

3lb River perch "I set up with a standard canal float, a slim lightweight waggler, minimum dropper shot but with slightly heavier than usual (5lb) mainline and 4lb Hi Tec hooklength. Dendra's and lobs were all I had for bait, so having chopped a few up and fired some near to a moored boat on the far side, I made my first cast..." Eddie Cardus

The Hunt for Eels - Part 3 The last in the series of The Hunt for eels. Andy Nellist and Warren Gaunt with their final excursion this year for the big wrigglers

Team Barbel - Back on Tour! Adrian Kiddell is back with his Team Barbel, bringing tales of big barbel catches and new bait developments

Eight Illegal Angers Netted In Rod Licence Blitz Fisheries enforcement officers have checked more than 80 anglers fishing along the river in Ware and Broxbourne and around Feildes Weir and Dobbs Weir and caught eight people fishing without a rod licence.

Free FM Cap and Tee-Shirt! More winners for the FISHINGmagic caps and tee-shirts!

The user reveiws are looking better than ever! We are almost at 1800 now which is astonishing and a great help to those looking to buy. Keep those User Reviews coming in. We're giving t-shirts and hats away every single week to the best three we receive.

Source: Fishingmagic.com - November 2005.
For more on all these articles visit Fishingmagic.com

Patrols by the Environment Agency to crackdown on anglers fishing illegally have been taking place on the River Lee this month.

Fisheries enforcement officers have checked more than 80 anglers fishing along the river in Ware and Broxbourne and around Feildes Weir and Dobbs Weir and caught eight people fishing without a rod licence. An illegal crayfish trap was also found at Fields Weir and confiscated. The rod licence blitz follows a number of reports of people fishing illegally in the River Lee. As well as checking licences the two warranted officers also handed out education sheets, which come in 10 different languages, on the fishing laws in England and Wales. Targeted illegal fishing patrols also took place on the River Lee earlier this year, in May, when anglers fishing between from Walthamstow and Picketts Lock, in Enfield, were checked. Four people were found to be fishing illegally without a rod licence.

The checks are part of the River Lee Fisheries Action Plan which was launched in August this year. The long-term plan aims to improve and maintain the Lee Valley for future generations and more patrols are planned in the coming weeks along other stretches of the river. The action plan is also looking at river habitat and water quality in the river, water abstraction, the impact of agriculture, industrial land use and development either side of the river, as well as angling and recreation. The plan will be continuously reviewed and developed with the support of the angling community.

The Environment Agency has a duty to regulate fishing and enforce the law. Fishing without a licence is an offence under Section 27 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and anyone caught fishing illegally can expect to face tough penalties, including a fine of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing. Illegal anglers also deprive others of valuable revenue as the £23.50 cost of each licence is ploughed back into the sport to help protect and improve resources.

Darren Wakenall, fisheries enforcement officer from the Environment Agency, said:

"Fishing illegally is a serious offence and one we take very seriously. Working together with a number of different authorities we intend to crack down on people breaking the law and we hope that our patrols will act as a deterrent. Illegal fishing is an issue that concerns the vast majority of anglers and as such has been highlighted as a key issue within the Lee Valley Fisheries Action Plan. We are working in partnership with a number of other organisations to target people who fish illegally and who are depriving anglers of funds that go towards fishing enhancement projects such as the creation of angling platforms at Feildes weir and the introduction of fish refuges at Enfield Lock. Targeted patrols aim not only to catch the offender but also to educate those who may not be aware of the fishing laws."

Source: The Environment Agency - October 2005. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk