The BBC tonight reports on the fish kill in Ireland's River Quoile, as officials blamed heavy rain for washing what was described as plant material into the waterway, near Downpatrick, Co Down.
The deluge was described as a once in 100 year event.
Trevor Love, chairman of Down District Angling, said: "We're talking tens of thousands of fish killed in this river."
Click here for more.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Blogs - check out five of the best
As the early onset of Autumn turns many people's thoughts to another winter's pike fishing campaign, what better than a good fishing blog to get you fired up ready to get out there and at 'em again..?
They're not all about pike fishing, but then some pike anglers fish for other species (apparently...).
Just click on the links to explore a few...
You've guessed it, Lumbland is the blog of one Dave Lumb, the PAC's webmaster as well as acclaimed rod builder and Abu Ambassadeur anorak. A boatload of barbel, where Dave's dour wit and passion for collecting interesting slugs shines through.
Eric Edwards's pikefishingUK blog charts his trips in pursuit of our number on predator throughout the winter, along with forays after other species. Click here to read about Eric's capture of a river 30 last season.
Matt Jahans never looked back after buying a Portabote. "Fishing afloat is a very enjoyable way to fish that allows better access to stretches of river and opens up previously un-fishable swims to the angler," he says. Go to HECHTJÄGER (that's foreign for Pike Hunter...) to find out more.
Fishing is Great features Mike Hastings's trips to the Fens in search of pike and zander, often accompanied by his youngsters. One to savour if you're looking to start your nippers fishing.
Mike's Waterlog charts the angling adventures of Mike Kelly. Among Mike's claims to fame are organising the annual PAC Convention.
If you're looking to attend a meeting or two this winter, check out the links down the right hand side of the PAC's blog. Many regions now post details of speaker nights and other activities online.
They're not all about pike fishing, but then some pike anglers fish for other species (apparently...).
Just click on the links to explore a few...
You've guessed it, Lumbland is the blog of one Dave Lumb, the PAC's webmaster as well as acclaimed rod builder and Abu Ambassadeur anorak. A boatload of barbel, where Dave's dour wit and passion for collecting interesting slugs shines through.
Eric Edwards's pikefishingUK blog charts his trips in pursuit of our number on predator throughout the winter, along with forays after other species. Click here to read about Eric's capture of a river 30 last season.
Matt Jahans never looked back after buying a Portabote. "Fishing afloat is a very enjoyable way to fish that allows better access to stretches of river and opens up previously un-
Fishing is Great features Mike Hastings's trips to the Fens in search of pike and zander, often accompanied by his youngsters. One to savour if you're looking to start your nippers fishing.
Mike's Waterlog charts the angling adventures of Mike Kelly. Among Mike's claims to fame are organising the annual PAC Convention.
If you're looking to attend a meeting or two this winter, check out the links down the right hand side of the PAC's blog. Many regions now post details of speaker nights and other activities online.
Another zander claimed from Dee
Five years since a zander was caught from the River Dee, another capture is claimed on FISHINGmagic's forums.
More here.
More here.
Pike lost in three NI fish kills
Environment Agency scientists in Northern Ireland are investigating three major fish kills in the space of a week.
Hundreds of dead pike, perch and eels were found in the Quoile River, near Downpatrick, in Co Down, on Friday morning.
It came after "significant numbers" of dead pike and other coarse fish were found in numbers in two separate incidents in the Portadown area on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Water quality inspectors and officers from the Fisheries Conservancy Board are investigating all three incidents.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency said the kill on the Quoile was caused by "an increase of natural organic matter" reducing oxygen levels.
Heavy rainfall can stir up the bottom of shallow waters, releasing rotting plant matter which chokes fish.Aerators gave been deployed to boost oxygen levels in affected stretches.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Dave Pugh kicks off at Cambridge
Dave Pugh kicks off Cambridge PAC's programme of winter meeting with a talk on lure fishing for zander.
It's at Bottisham British Legion on Wednesday, September 3 (7.30pm).
Meetings are on the first Wednesday of every month.
Click here for more details.
It's at Bottisham British Legion on Wednesday, September 3 (7.30pm).
Meetings are on the first Wednesday of every month.
Click here for more details.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
PAC Events update...
All members who have so far applied to fish events on Rutland Water, Llyn Brenig and Quays Gravel Pit have got places, events organiser Mark Skinner said.
There are still some boats left for Rutland and Brenig and places on Quays.
As ever the Lake of Menteith is over-subscribed and places will be drawn at the PAC Convention at Stoneleigh, on September 27.
There are still some boats left for Rutland and Brenig and places on Quays.
As ever the Lake of Menteith is over-subscribed and places will be drawn at the PAC Convention at Stoneleigh, on September 27.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Broadland Pike guru heads for Lincoln
Pike of Broadland author Stephen Harper is acknowleged both as an authority on the Norfolk Broads and no slouch when it comes to fishing them.Linclon PAC have signed him up for their first talk of the winter at their new venue the Stag's Head in Newport, Lincoln, on Monday, September 1 (7.30pm). Admission is £2.50 members/£3.50 non-members, all welcome.
The Stag's Head is on the B1226 next to the St Nicholas Church, postcode LN1 3DP.
Click here for this winter's programme of meetings in Lincoln.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Membership renewal information
PAC membership secretary, John Cahill advises that renewing member levels are currently exceeding those received at the same time during the previous two years.
''We have had over 300 renewals in during the first two weeks following Pikelines release and they don't actually expire until 30th September said John''
This is helping to spread the membership workload and is appreciated, but currently there is a backlog. Priority will be given to new member requests, then renewals with an SAE and then renewals sent in without an SAE. We anticipate the backlog to be cleared within 1-2 weeks.
Following a member enquiry can we point out that we are currently using cards stating 2008 but the expiry is in 2009. This is because we are using existing stocks of membership cards whilst we consider a design change for next year. Your membership is still valid when received.
Any queries please email membership@pacgb.co.uk
''We have had over 300 renewals in during the first two weeks following Pikelines release and they don't actually expire until 30th September said John''
This is helping to spread the membership workload and is appreciated, but currently there is a backlog. Priority will be given to new member requests, then renewals with an SAE and then renewals sent in without an SAE. We anticipate the backlog to be cleared within 1-2 weeks.
Following a member enquiry can we point out that we are currently using cards stating 2008 but the expiry is in 2009. This is because we are using existing stocks of membership cards whilst we consider a design change for next year. Your membership is still valid when received.
Any queries please email membership@pacgb.co.uk
Monday, August 18, 2008
Spectre looms over the Broads again
A dose of realism - or the first signs of a U-turn over ministerial assurances that sea defences protecting the Norfolk Broads would not be abandoned to the sea..?
That was the question today after the new head of the Environment Agency warned stretches of our coastline are doomed and plans will soon need to be drawn up to evacuate people from threatened areas.
In his first interview since taking office, in today's Independent, Lord Smith of Finsbury warned Britain faced some hard choices over which areas of our coast to defend and which to surrender to the sea.
The stark warning comes just weeks after flooding minister Phil Woolas promised sea defences protecting historically-important pike fisheries in Norfolk's River Thurne and its broads would be maintained.
Six villages, more than 1,000 homes and thousands of acres of farmland would be wiped off the map, if proposals from Natural England to allow the sea to breach defences got the go-ahead.
Hickling Broad, Horsey Mere, Heigham Sound and the Martham Broads would be lost forever as the system became saline.
Ministerial assurance - click here.
Today's Independent Interview - click here.
More than 2,000 people signed an online petition on Prime Minister Gordon Brown's 10 Downing Street website, before Phil Woolas pledged to maintain defences. If you haven't signed up already, click here to make your voice heard.
That was the question today after the new head of the Environment Agency warned stretches of our coastline are doomed and plans will soon need to be drawn up to evacuate people from threatened areas.
In his first interview since taking office, in today's Independent, Lord Smith of Finsbury warned Britain faced some hard choices over which areas of our coast to defend and which to surrender to the sea.
The stark warning comes just weeks after flooding minister Phil Woolas promised sea defences protecting historically-important pike fisheries in Norfolk's River Thurne and its broads would be maintained.
Six villages, more than 1,000 homes and thousands of acres of farmland would be wiped off the map, if proposals from Natural England to allow the sea to breach defences got the go-ahead.
Hickling Broad, Horsey Mere, Heigham Sound and the Martham Broads would be lost forever as the system became saline.
Ministerial assurance - click here.
Today's Independent Interview - click here.
More than 2,000 people signed an online petition on Prime Minister Gordon Brown's 10 Downing Street website, before Phil Woolas pledged to maintain defences. If you haven't signed up already, click here to make your voice heard.
Friday, August 15, 2008
International flavour for Piking 2008
This year's PAC Convention takes on an international flavour, with two of Europe's top predator anglers joining a brace of British pikers on stage.
As well as the speakers you can browse all the latest tackle on the trade stands, pick up a bargain on the second hand-stalls, and catch up with old friends and new on what's always an unmissable day out.
So why not kick start your winter campaign with a trip to Piking 2008, which is being staged on Saturday, September 27 at the National Agricultural Showground, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
PAC promotions manager Mike Kelly said: "We started planning this year's convention almost straight away after Piking 2007, which was a record-breaking event for the club in more ways than one.
"We knew it was going to be hard to beat it, so this year we've gone for a varied line-up of speakers who share one thing in common - they're all extremely successful pike anglers you'll rarely get the chance to see.
"They all go about their fishing fish very differently, but one thing's for sure - they'll all knock you out with their talks and their catches."
Michel Huigevoort will be travelling from Holland to share the Dutch style of fishing rivers.
He said: “I grew up close to the river Maas in the south of Holland. And after my very first pike the call of the river and the hunt for the biggest predator never went away.
"Apart from pike fishing I like fishing for zander as well. Challenging the biggest bodies of water is what I like most, both in Holland and abroad."
PA Högberg, from Stockholm, will be outlining his approach to both the increasingly popular Baltic and other Scandinavian waters.
"My talk outline will be the Swedish pike of different types like lake pike, river pike, Baltic pike and sub-groups like stationary pike.
"I'll be covering techniques to catch them. How to pick the right lure. Fishing technique with different types of baits. Rods and reels and how to chose the proper gear."
Derek Macdonald may be one of the country's best-known lure anglers but he rarely shares the secrets of his success.
"On my travels I have fished in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales even as far afield as Eastern Germany," he said.
"After a long and winding road, I have managed to reach my Everest and fulfil my dream, catching a monstrous fish weighing over 40lbs."
Graham Slater is another one of pike fishing's quieter exponents, who has enjoyed some phenomenal catches.
“Thirty years of fishing waters in England, Ireland and Scotland have shaped both the way I think about my fishing and the way I go about it," he said.
"My presentation will details some of my experiences and things I've learned from them, along with last season’s results and how I achieved my most successful season ever."
Piking 2008 is being held on Saturday, September 27 at the National Agricultural Showground, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
Tickets are £12 adult member on the door, or £10 in advance to members. For non-members, tickets on the door are £14, £12 advance, while up to two juniors (under-16) can accompany each paying adult for free.
For advance tickets, send cheque (with SAE...), payable to PACGB, to Mike Kelly, PAC Promotions Manager, 47 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BG.
Parking is free, doors open 9am.
As well as the speakers you can browse all the latest tackle on the trade stands, pick up a bargain on the second hand-stalls, and catch up with old friends and new on what's always an unmissable day out.
So why not kick start your winter campaign with a trip to Piking 2008, which is being staged on Saturday, September 27 at the National Agricultural Showground, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
PAC promotions manager Mike Kelly said: "We started planning this year's convention almost straight away after Piking 2007, which was a record-breaking event for the club in more ways than one.
"We knew it was going to be hard to beat it, so this year we've gone for a varied line-up of speakers who share one thing in common - they're all extremely successful pike anglers you'll rarely get the chance to see.
"They all go about their fishing fish very differently, but one thing's for sure - they'll all knock you out with their talks and their catches."
Michel Huigevoort will be travelling from Holland to share the Dutch style of fishing rivers.
He said: “I grew up close to the river Maas in the south of Holland. And after my very first pike the call of the river and the hunt for the biggest predator never went away.
"Apart from pike fishing I like fishing for zander as well. Challenging the biggest bodies of water is what I like most, both in Holland and abroad."
PA Högberg, from Stockholm, will be outlining his approach to both the increasingly popular Baltic and other Scandinavian waters.
"My talk outline will be the Swedish pike of different types like lake pike, river pike, Baltic pike and sub-groups like stationary pike.
"I'll be covering techniques to catch them. How to pick the right lure. Fishing technique with different types of baits. Rods and reels and how to chose the proper gear."
Derek Macdonald may be one of the country's best-known lure anglers but he rarely shares the secrets of his success.
"On my travels I have fished in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales even as far afield as Eastern Germany," he said.
"After a long and winding road, I have managed to reach my Everest and fulfil my dream, catching a monstrous fish weighing over 40lbs."
Graham Slater is another one of pike fishing's quieter exponents, who has enjoyed some phenomenal catches.
“Thirty years of fishing waters in England, Ireland and Scotland have shaped both the way I think about my fishing and the way I go about it," he said.
"My presentation will details some of my experiences and things I've learned from them, along with last season’s results and how I achieved my most successful season ever."
Piking 2008 is being held on Saturday, September 27 at the National Agricultural Showground, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
Tickets are £12 adult member on the door, or £10 in advance to members. For non-members, tickets on the door are £14, £12 advance, while up to two juniors (under-16) can accompany each paying adult for free.
For advance tickets, send cheque (with SAE...), payable to PACGB, to Mike Kelly, PAC Promotions Manager, 47 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BG.
Parking is free, doors open 9am.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Traders flock to PAC Convention
A record number of traders have signed up for this year's PAC Convention.
Some of the top names in predator fishing will be setting up shop for the event at Stoneleigh, Warks, on Saturday, September 27.
They'll be rubbing shoulders with everything from independent lure makers to boat builders - not to mention the lively second-hand tackle and lure stands.
Those confirmed so far include The Tackle Shop, Gainsborough; The Friendly Fisherman; Dave Lumb Specialist Tackle; Sovereign; Zoota Lures; The Pike Shop; Piking Brittany; Esox & More; Pike and Predators; DIY Lure & Fly; Bob Buteaux; Catmaster; Fishing Pool; Sea Strike; Portabote; Catfish Pro and Eddie Turner.
PAC promotions manager Mike Kelly said: "Traders have been keen to attend this year's Convention after the huge success of 2008.
"We have more interest and, therefore, more variety. It's going to be a job to pack them all in, so we've extended the hall into the annex room adjoining the Speakers Hall which is also much larger than last year. It's going to be another good year."
This year's bill of speakers takes on an international flavour, with anglers from Holland and Sweden featuring alongside two home-grown talents who rarely share the secrets of their success.
Michel Huigevoort and PA Hogberg will be sharing the stage with Graham Slater and Derek MacDonald at Stoneleigh, Warks, on Saturday, September 27.
Click here for more info.
Tickets are £12 members/£14 non-members on the door. Advance tickets are £10 from Mike Kelly, 47 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BG. Please enclose a cheque payable to PACGB and an SAE.
Some of the top names in predator fishing will be setting up shop for the event at Stoneleigh, Warks, on Saturday, September 27.
They'll be rubbing shoulders with everything from independent lure makers to boat builders - not to mention the lively second-hand tackle and lure stands.
Those confirmed so far include The Tackle Shop, Gainsborough; The Friendly Fisherman; Dave Lumb Specialist Tackle; Sovereign; Zoota Lures; The Pike Shop; Piking Brittany; Esox & More; Pike and Predators; DIY Lure & Fly; Bob Buteaux; Catmaster; Fishing Pool; Sea Strike; Portabote; Catfish Pro and Eddie Turner.
PAC promotions manager Mike Kelly said: "Traders have been keen to attend this year's Convention after the huge success of 2008.
"We have more interest and, therefore, more variety. It's going to be a job to pack them all in, so we've extended the hall into the annex room adjoining the Speakers Hall which is also much larger than last year. It's going to be another good year."
This year's bill of speakers takes on an international flavour, with anglers from Holland and Sweden featuring alongside two home-grown talents who rarely share the secrets of their success.
Michel Huigevoort and PA Hogberg will be sharing the stage with Graham Slater and Derek MacDonald at Stoneleigh, Warks, on Saturday, September 27.
Click here for more info.
Tickets are £12 members/£14 non-members on the door. Advance tickets are £10 from Mike Kelly, 47 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BG. Please enclose a cheque payable to PACGB and an SAE.
New Selby Blog launched
The relaunched Selby Region now has a blog, which will have details of forthcoming meetings and other events. Click here for a gander, why not bookmark it if you're from that part of the world.
Keep in touch with the PAC Forums
Whether you're a member who hasn't joined yet or you haven't visited in a while why not check out the PAC Forums.
More than 600 pike anglers have already signed up for the club's message boards, which give members the chance to interact with each other and the PAC Committee in our own secure bit of cyberspace.
You can check out our new fly fishing section, whether you're wondering about giving the method a go or you're a confirmed fluff-chucker looking for inspiration on tackle and fly patterns.
There are also sections for all aspects of bait and lure fishing and up to date news from our network of regions. You can also find out more about PAC events and other aspects of the club's work straight from the horse's mouth.
Just follow the link from the main PAC website here. Why not pop in for a look today..?
More than 600 pike anglers have already signed up for the club's message boards, which give members the chance to interact with each other and the PAC Committee in our own secure bit of cyberspace.
You can check out our new fly fishing section, whether you're wondering about giving the method a go or you're a confirmed fluff-chucker looking for inspiration on tackle and fly patterns.
There are also sections for all aspects of bait and lure fishing and up to date news from our network of regions. You can also find out more about PAC events and other aspects of the club's work straight from the horse's mouth.
Just follow the link from the main PAC website here. Why not pop in for a look today..?
Monday, August 11, 2008
North Wales tope trip
Tope Fishing Trip, Barmouth (North Wales)
8 hour charter boat trip on the first Saturday in September
ALL welcome - contact Region 31 R/O Jon Neafcy - roregion31@blueyonder.co.uk if interested
8 hour charter boat trip on the first Saturday in September
ALL welcome - contact Region 31 R/O Jon Neafcy - roregion31@blueyonder.co.uk if interested
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Selby region set for relaunch
Selby Region is being relaunched with a meeting on Tuesday, September 16.
It's at the clubhouse at Oakland Waters, in Gowdall Road, Gowdall, Goole DN14 0AP, at 8pm.
All pike anglers from the East Yorks area are invited to come along and meet your new RO Mark Green.
It's at the clubhouse at Oakland Waters, in Gowdall Road, Gowdall, Goole DN14 0AP, at 8pm.
All pike anglers from the East Yorks area are invited to come along and meet your new RO Mark Green.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
New online fishing channel
PAC secretary Mark Barrett is one of a number of top-notch presenters involved in the launch of a new online angling channel.
If the trailer's anything to go by, it's going to bring some seriously watchable fishing straight to your PC.
Click here to see a trailer.
If the trailer's anything to go by, it's going to bring some seriously watchable fishing straight to your PC.
Click here to see a trailer.
Llyn Brenig dates - correction
Event application slips sent out with the current Pikelines advertise this event for Monday, October 3, and Tuesday, October 4.
This should read Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4.
We apologise for any confusion caused.
This should read Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4.
We apologise for any confusion caused.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Convention advance tickets now on sale
Advance tickets for Piking 2008 are now on sale. This year's bill takes on an international flavour, with anglers from Holland and Sweden featuring alongside two home-grown talents who rarely share the secrets of their success.
Michel Huigevoort and PA Hogberg will be sharing the stage with Graham Slater and Derek MacDonald at Stoneleigh, Warks, on Saturday, September 27.
Click here for more info.
Tickets are £12 members/£14 non-members on the door. Advance tickets are £10 from Mike Kelly, 47 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BG. Please enclose a cheque payable to PACGB and an SAE.
Michel Huigevoort and PA Hogberg will be sharing the stage with Graham Slater and Derek MacDonald at Stoneleigh, Warks, on Saturday, September 27.
Click here for more info.
Tickets are £12 members/£14 non-members on the door. Advance tickets are £10 from Mike Kelly, 47 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BG. Please enclose a cheque payable to PACGB and an SAE.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Nene salmon caught on camera
A salmon has been caught on camera in the River Nene. EA scientists caught a fleeting glimpse of the fish - believed to be the first to enter the river in decades - on a camera monitoring the Dog in Doublet Sluice, upstream of Wisbech.
Click here to see it.
Click here to see it.
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