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IMPORTANT
SITE UPDATE:
Visit the relaunched
Fish & Fly at fishandfly.com
PREVIOUS NEWS...
10.05.01 Angling Springs Forward - At a meeting held at Fishmongers'
Hall, London, on 3 May, a wide cross-section of organisations concerned
with angling in the UK started the process of re-invigorating fishing
as part of rural recovery from foot and mouth disease. Over the coming
weeks, anglers throughout Britain will be encouraged to renew their rod
licences, buy their fishing tackle and go fishing. The Environment Agency
has already allowed 85 per cent of stillwater fisheries to open, and this
total is rising.
Minister for Fisheries Elliott Morley, who attended the meeting, gave
angling the full backing of the Government and said that they would be
prepared to invest in its future and assist its recovery. He said that
procedures to follow would soon be available to fisheries' owners so that
they can re-open their waters and rivers in consultation with their neighbours.
Michael Paske, Vice-President of the National Farmers Union said: "Farmers
are looking forward to working with the angling community in bringing
fishermen back to the countryside as soon as possible. The NFU will help
in discussions between individual farmers and fishing clubs in making
that possible".
The Earl of Erroll, who chaired the meeting, said: "As a result of this
meeting it is clear that the majority of fishing will be open by 16 June.
(The start of the coarse fishing season. Ed). We are looking forward to
celebrating that event, not just among fishermen, but with all rural businesses
and people. In some parts of the UK, especially Scotland, guidance issued
already has allowed them to reach this stage".
Charles Jardine, spokesman for the meeting, said: "It is important that
all anglers know that where fishing is possible they are not only welcomed
but encouraged to return to the water. Managers of fisheries should follow
advice given to them, especially the need to consult and agree with local
farmers. Fishing is a major contributor to rural economies and it is sorely
missed".
08.05.01 The Disabled Fly Fishing International will be beld at LLyn Brenig
North Wales on the 24th and 25th of June 2001. Countries competing will
be: Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales as Hosts. http://www.teamwales4disabled.co.uk/
07.05.01 Anglers in the Lake District must continue acting in a very responsible
way, especially as Foot and Mouth Disease is spreading in South Cumbria.
More...
03.05.01 Deep Forest have just announced a fly-fishing trip drifting down
the Lainio river in northern Lapland, Europe's last wilderness. More...
27.04.01 The Wild Trout Society is dead. Say hello to the Wild Trout Trust.
To find out why the Society is no more and opportunities to obtain funding
for help with "your" trout habitat restoration project, read
this latest Wild Trout column at Fish & Fly. More...
24.04.01 Clonanav Fly Fishing School Opens for New Season With fears receding
for the further spread of Foot and Mouth Disease the go ahead has been
given for the re-opening of the Clonanav Fly Fishing Centre in beautiful
County Waterford, Southern Ireland. More...
23.04.01 Bernard Venables died on Sunday, 22 April, at the ripe old age
of 94 at his home in Wiltshire. He is best known for his wonderful cartoon
book, Mr Crabtree Goes Fishing.
Bernard Venables was working at the Daily Mirror newspaper, writing a
gardening series featuring a Mr Crabtree. Venables suggested to the then
editor that Mr Crabtree go fishing, which he did with his son Peter. The
initial strip cartoon series soon developed into a book which has recently
been republished.
As well as writing many fishing books, Bernard Venables was a skilled
painter and illustrator. For all those of us who grew up with Mr Crabtree
and, indeed, those who discovered him more recently, Bernard Venables
will be much missed.
17.04.01 Chatsworth Angling Fair rescheduled This year's Chatsworth Angling
Fair will now take place on October 20th and 21st. Last year's Fair broke
all records in its 21-year history, with over 28,000 visitors, a clear
1,000 more than the previous best. Apply for tickets before October 5th
and receive a £1 discount on the ticket price More...
16.04.01 CASTAG launch website Caithness and Sutherland Trout Angling
Group is a partnership of local angling clubs, hotels, sporting estates,
angling instructors and various tourist organisation. Their aim is to
promote the sustainable development of trout angling within Caithness
and Sutherland - the most northerly part of the Scottish mainland. http://www.fishing-highland.co.uk
12.04.01 National Sea Trout Festival 2001 - POSTPONED Due to the Foot
and Mouth outbreak which has severely affected the whole of Annandale
the Festival has been POSTPONED until 2002. It is likely to be held from
7th to 14th July, 2002. It is to hoped it will be a much bigger event
altogether similar to 1997, possibly including a Fishing Fair. It is hoped
that the Annan Beats used in previous years will again be available. It
is very much hoped that some new beats, which have not been used in the
Festival before will be available in 2002. If so it will be possible to
make the Challenge part of the Festival slightly larger - without losing
the ambience which has built up since it started in 1997. Further information
from http://www.seatroutfestival.com/
10.04.01 Angling and FMD - National Angling Alliance Seeks Further Information
The National Angling Alliance (NAA), the umbrella body for angling, has
been in close consultation with its membership over the impacts of Foot
and Mouth Disease (FMD) on angling and angling-related business. This
information has enabled the NAA to make vigorous representations to the
GovernmentOs Rural Task Force to ensure that the sport receives the same
consideration for financial relief as other countryside businesses.
A set of snapshot figures
To provide a fuller picture, the NAA has designed a special questionnaire (in line with the format suggested by the DETR) to collate month-by-month information on losses to the tackle trade, commercial fisheries, fishing hotels, clubs and associations, and any others suffering financial damage because of the crisis. To take part in this crucial survey, please send an s.a.e. to: FMD Questionnaire Mike Johnson, Chief Executive, Sports Industries Federation, Federation House, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2RF Email: admin@sportslife.org.uk
09.04.01 Clonanav
Flyfishing Centre in Ireland have a few new activities planned for
2001, one of which is a Ladies Course which runs from July 13 to 15 2001.
This is specifically aimed to get more women into the sport of fly fishing.
The course is going to be hosted by an excellent lady fly fisher - Sue
Parker along with resident tutor and guide Andrew Ryan More...
06.04.01 Harry Salmgren visited the Swedish Fly Fair in Västerås,
Sweden, which was held between 23 and 25 March and sent this
report
06.04.01 Patrick Arnold provides another update on fishing in the Lake
District More...
02.04.01 Chatsworth Angling Fair Cancelled I've just had word from the
Andrew Cuthbert - organiser of the Chatsworth Angling Fair - that this
year's Fair in May has reluctantly been cancelled due to the continuing
Foot & Mouth Disease epidemic.
There is a chance that the Fair could take place over the weekend of October
20/21 and Andrew has asked me to get some feedback on whether Fish & Fly
visitors feel that this is a good idea or not.
If you have a view - please could you send an e-mail to either of the
following addresses (you don't need to include a message)
If you'd like the show to go ahead in October and would consider visiting,
please send a mail to: cafyes@fishandfly.co.uk
If you would have no intention or interest in visiting the show in October,
please send a mail to: cafno@fishandfly.co.uk
If you could take the trouble to mail, I know that Andrew Cuthbert would
appreciate the feedback. Simon Lewin - Fish & Fly
29.03.01 The National Angling Alliance and the Environment Agency have
issued the following joint statement regarding the current Foot &
Mouth disease situation:
" The Government’s latest guidelines on Foot & Mouth Disease
emphasise the importance of continuing with normal activities where it
is safe to do so. This is particularly true for angling, since angling
related business has been severely affected by the crisis. Some £3.3
billion is normally spent on angling activity every year.
The National Angling Alliance and the Environment Agency urge all anglers
to act responsibly and follow these guidelines:
Anglers
• Stay away from agricultural land with livestock
• Respect the closure of footpaths and other public rights of way
• Only travel to fisheries you know are open and where it is safe
to fish
Riparian Owners and Fishery Managers
• Owners of fisheries in close proximity to livestock should consider
their position and consult their neighbours. If in doubt contact the MAFF
helpline (0845 0504141) or the local MAFF office
• Where fisheries are open, appropriate precautionary measures should
be taken, such as disinfecting vehicles, boots, etc
Provided these precautions are observed, there are many opportunities
to go fishing: most urban fisheries, numerous commercial fisheries and
many canals are open for fishing. The vast majority of tackle shops and
rural businesses which depend on angling are still open for business.
So the message is clear: act responsibly, check whether your fishery is
open- and that safe access is possible – then go fishing!"
28.03.01 Graham Mole reports on developments at Abbotts Barton More...
28.03.01 News in from Simon Cooper of chalkstream specialists Fishing
Breaks:
"I am hopeful that we will start as usual in May, especially as Hampshire
has remained clear of F&M. Fishing has already opened on the Piddle, though
the Frome is closed as a precaution. We are offering the following guidance:
FOOT & MOUTH
At the time of writing, we expect all our beats to be open by May. Should
the disease not have abated by May 1st, and to limit any further spread,
the following precautionary measures will apply to all fishermen & their
guests:
- No access to any of our beats by visitors arriving from an "exclusion
zone" or within 5 miles of a Foot & Mouth outbreak.
- Disinfectant footbaths at each beat - please ensure that they are used
on arrival & prior to departure.
- Disinfectant soaked straw at vehicle entrance points - No dogs under
any circumstances
- Clean car prior to journey
- Clean fly lines before & after fishing. Remove all mud from footwear.
The Fishing School at Nether Wallop Mill will be open as usual during
April. Fishing on the River Piddle opens as planned on April 1st, though
the Frome beats at Wrackleford are closed until further notice. The opening
date for Barton Court has been postponed to May 1st. " Simon Cooper 26/3/01.
More...
27.03.01 News in from salmon fishing specialists Bobsport: "We are
currently enjoying one of the best Spring runs for many years. 4 spring
salmon over two days on the Tweed and North Esk. Numbers have increased
on previous years with 26 fish to-date this season, including the first
salmon of the season on the Tay. We would like to advise everyone that
all beats are still open, with precautionary straw and disinfectant mats".
More information...
21.03.01 Due to the Foot and Mouth epidemic, the Chatsworth Angling Fair
may have to be cancelled or postponed. The Organisers hope to make a decision
by 28 April, to give the longest possible time for the Ministry to sound
the "all clear" More...
15.03.01 Confederation Of English Fly Fishers - Foot & Mouth Disease
Crisis Foot and Mouth Disease is reaching epidemic proportions in many
parts of the country and is now threatening wildlife in National Parks.
In all areas, including those that are still disease free, it is not responsible
to take any risks in spreading this horrific virus. It would therefore
be inadvisable to hold competitions or practice days anywhere in the United
Kingdom for the time being.
After consultation with the Salmon & Trout Association, the Officers of
the Confederation of English Fly Fishers have requested that every Federation
postpone all immediate competitions and practice days. When rescheduling
these events Federations have been asked to also draw up contingency plans
for further postponements in case the situation continues to deteriorate.
The CEFF are in constant touch with MAFF and the governing bodies of fishing
and when restrictions are relaxed or lifted CEFF will advise Federations.
All anglers are urged not to put the countryside at risk by any thoughtless
or selfish behaviour.
Issued by Patrick Arnold - Public Relations Officer - Confederation of
English Fly Fishers. E-mail : patrickarnold@englishlakesflyfishing.fsnet.co.uk
13.03.01 The British Float Tubing Association has arranged two days of
float tubing at Eyebrook Reservoir for BFTA members. They are both "turn
up and fish" days at the back end of the reservoir. The first date is
13 May which is likely to be a good time for those big fish that lie-up
in the weeds at that end of the reservoir. The second date is 13 July,
on the same basis.
To find out more, visit www.bfta.co.uk
or contact the secretary chas@bfta.co.uk
07.03.01 Voluntary suspension of fishing in the Highlands While there
are no reported cases of foot and mouth in the highlands at present, many
of the principal salmon rivers and freshwater trout lochs in the north
are voluntarily suspending fishing and/or postponing opening day because
of the acknowledged threat to livestock. Most anglers are showing full
support for the farming community many of whom provide access across their
land in order we can fish. Until the situation becomes clearer, it is
strongly advisable to check with proprietors or permit providers before
coming north to fish. Lesley Crawford
03.03.01 The England Youth Flyfishing National Championships will take
place at Grafham Water on Sunday July 22nd. Open to young angler between
12 and 17 with a days Loch Style boat fishing accompanied by an experienced
boatman, some great prizes, insurance, a barbecue and the chance, for
the 10 top rods, of being invited to join the EYFA International team.
Further details from Mike Watts Mike@eyfa.co.uk
or visit the website www.eyfa.co.uk
28.02.01 Ifor Jones of Thornton Reservoir has kindly contacted Fish &
Fly to advise that they have been advised to close by their landlord Severn
Trent Water due the the current foot & mouth epidemic. They expect to
remain closed to fishermen for at least the next 7 days. Severn Trent
are closing all their sites to the general public. If you know of other
fisheries that are closing, please post updates on the Fish & Fly
Messageboard.
27.02.01 Anglers must stop fishing in light of Foot and Mouth epidemic
Due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak now having reached epidemic proportions
in Britain, the Countryside Alliance is urging anglers to show the Government
and farmers their fullest support and stop fishing in the countryside.
Bob James, chairman of the Countryside Alliance's Gone Fishing Campaign
said: "The countryside is deep in crisis and it is now imperative that
the angling community acts responsibly: anglers must stop fishing until
the Foot and Mouth outbreak has been brought under control".
"Postponing all angling activities, and indeed any unnecessary movement
through the countryside, for the foreseeable future, follows the responsible
approach adopted by other country sports bodies which have suspended their
own activities".
26.02.01 Anglers urged to keep away from the countryside The National
Angling Alliance (NAA) has called for anglers to act properly and responsibly
in the wake of the escalating Foot and Mouth Disease crisis.
O`We have taken advice from MAFF OfficialsO?L, said Chris Poupard, Secretary
of the NAA, O`who have recommended that whilst the present Foot and Mouth
outbreaks are still occurring and until they have full control of the
situation - any unnecessary visits to the countryside and farmland in
particular, should be avoidedO?L.
Chris emphasised, O`Whether it is for fishery management, matches or individual
fishing visits the message is the same: keep away from farmland anywhere
unless you know for certain that it is safe for livestock. Nobody should
assume anything and, if in doubt, we advise that you contact the owner
or tenant before entering onto the propertyO?L.
Many clubs and riparian owners are already closing their waters and anglers
are asked to support these moves. Farmers and riparian owners need our
support to help contain this outbreak; do not put farming at risk by thoughtless
behaviour.
19.02.01 The Scottish East Coast rivers have provided Bobsport with a
great start to the year. E^Three out of four opening days on the Tay, Teith,
Spey and North Esk producing 7 spring salmon, the largest 20lbs on the
Tay, with the North Esk producing 4 salmon between 8-9lbs plus dozens
of kelts. Bobsport are sure that they would have had fish on the Spey
had the river not been in flood, 5' above normal levels, however, they
did manage to catch a few kelts. All the main river systems are open now
and the prospects are shining bright!! More...
16.02.01 Svenske Flugfiskem
Visitors to the Fair can try rods on the special casting pool and a wide
range of companies is exhibiting including fly fishing shops, manufacturers,
fishing magazines and fly fishing camps. There are film shows, fly tying
seminars and talks with Lars-?ke Olsson, Darrel Martin (from the USA),
Mikael Fr?din and others. In addition there will be a casting competition
and a fly fishing quiz. For visitors from outside Sweden, V
15.02.01 The Atlantic Salmon Trust Postal Auction raised over ??f30,000
in aid of the Trust's work in support of wild salmon and sea trout stocks.
There are still some attractive lots unsold - a list, together with a
copy of the catalogue, can be obtained from the Trust. Tel: 01796 473439
Fax:01796 473554 E-mail:
atlanticsalmontrust@compuserve.com
13.02.01 Our Swedish correspondent and long-time member of the Swedish
fly fishing team, Harry Salmgren, has sent us some background information
on the area where this year's Fly Fishing World Championship is being
held. More...