Pike feeding frenzy before cold snap

Pike go into a feeding frenzy before a cold snap, writes Mick Brown.

BREAKING NEWS: EA sets out fisheries reforms

Fines for illegal fish movements will increase to up to £50,000, close seasons will be set for eel, smelt and lamprey fisheries, while so called fish-thieves will see the maximum penalty for removing fish from Britain's rivers increased from £100 to £5,000.

The PAC was today passed a copy of the Environment Agency's take on the Marine and Coastal Access Bill currently before Parliament.

Entitled Reforming fisheries law for the 21st Century, the document spells out for the first time how the EA plans to "modernise fisheries regulation in England and Wales", and address recommendations made in the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries review.

"There will soon be major changes to the rules governing freshwater and migratory fisheries," the document says.

"These changes will help to conserve fish stocks, allowing people to continue to enjoy and make a living from fishing.

"Legislation to make these changes will go through Parliament over the next year or two.

"At the Environment Agency, we are working with Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure new regulations will meet current and future challenges.

"And to make the regulations as effective as possible, we will also work closely with other organisations, including angling governing bodies and conservation agencies."

At present, the EA is responsible for regulating salmon, trout, coarse and eel fisheries.

"This leaves fisheries for other migratory species unregulated, including rare and threatened species," the report adds.

"The Marine Bill will extend our regulatory responsibilities to river and sea lamprey, and smelt."

The bill will give the EA powers to make and enforce byelaws to meet European targets for protecting all three species. It is also seeking to regulate fishing for twaite and allis shad, which it says are also threatened.

New licence and authorisation schemes for smelt and lamprey will come into force in January 2010. Both species are a staple of the frozen deadbait trade.

New measure to protect the eel, whose population is believed to have declined by up to 70 per cent in recent decades, are included. The EA intends to regulate fishing, improve habitats and relocate elvers into "suitable upstream areas".

A faster mechanism for setting byelaws is included in the Marine Bill, along with powers to set close seasons for smelt, eel and lamprey.

The maximum penalty for byelaw breaches will be increased from £2,500 to £50,000.

"The marine Bill will reform how we regulate fish removal," the EA document says. "As well as giving us greater byelaw-making powers to control fish removal, the bill will change the Theft Act by removing the disticntion between day and night fishing, and increasing the maximum penalty for fish theft from £100 to £5,000.

A new scheme governing fish introductions and removals is also proposed. This is likely to impact on pike culls, by requiring nyone wishing to remove fish to obtain a long-term poermit lasting for between three and 10 years.

"Thanks to these measures, it will be much more difficult to move fish illegally without being detected, as only authorised suppliers will be allowed to move fish, and only to or from waters which have a long-term permit," the EA adds.

"The maximum penalty for illegal fish movements will also increase from £2,500 to £50,000, creating a much greater deterrent to breaking the law."

Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposals can e-mail paul.lidgett@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Club mourns death of "a smashing lad"

The PAC was tonight mourning the loss of a young Scottish member who died yesterday after a road accident.

Daryl Turley, 13, suffered serious head injuries when was hit by a motorcycle as he crossed a road at Hamilton on Saturday night. He lost his fight for life on Sunday night in Glasgow's Southern General Hospital.

Tonight PAC secretary Mark Barrett said the club sent out its condolences to young Daryl's family at this difficult time.

"We were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Daryl Turley the son of Davy Turley, who were both PAC members from Scotland.

"From a personal point of view I got to meet Daryl on the visits to RA93 and he came across as a smashing lad that loved his fishing and the entire committee would like to pass on their condolences to all the Turley family at this sad time."

REGION 31 SOUTH LANCS, CHANGE OF GUEST SPEAKER

Unfortunately Paul Haughton has dropped out of doing his talk on on Wednesday 4th February.

Region 31 Member & local specimen ace GARY KNOWLES has kindly stepped into the breach and will be presenting a slideshow on his all round specimen angling exploits, (this will be a different slideshow than Gary presented at R31 last year).

Entry £3 non-Region 31 members, £2 Region 31 members. Upstairs function room Caledonian Public house, Bolton Rd, Ashton in Makerfield, Nr. Wigan (next door to Tesco garage.

Mark and Peter Green speak in Leeds

Mark Green and Peter Green will be giving a talk on pike fishing in Yorkshire at the Leeds region of the PAC on Tuesday February 3rd.

Meeting will be held at The Royal Pub, Station Street, Pudsey, Leeds and starts at 8.00pm

A one foot fly among the lily pads - fly fishing tales

You can see why fly fishing for predators is gaining such a following, if some of the features on pikeflyfishing.co.uk are anything to go by.

The PAC has taken on the site, and webmaster Dave Lumb has revealed the club hopes to develop it.

Ad Swier tells of a one foot fly among the lily pads on www.pikeflyfishing.co.uk:

"Slowly my feet paddle away beside the rushes and lily pads. Some are in blossom, others are deep below the surface. Bright greens and deep shadows. Every now and then a wood of pondweed appears. The better spots for pike.

"The edges of the deep standing lilies. There where the shivering darkness starts, is another hot spot, the truly unknown domain of everybody's dream fish. The huge pike, with moss on the head."

John Mees looks closer to home, with his tales of Grafham zander.

PAC takes on pike fly fishing website

The Pike Anglers Club can tonight announce it has taken over the management of leading pike fly fishing website pikeflyfishing.co.uk.

PAC webmaster Dave Lumb, who has redesigned the site, said: "Colin Brett has very kindly given the PAC the domain name and the contents of the site that he had built over the years.

"The PAC committee would like to thank Colin for this as the domain name is established and the site can become a valuable tool for attracting new members."

Dave said he hoped the site would become an important online resource for pike fly anglers.

"There is plenty of scope for expansion of the site to provided as good a resource for the pike fly fisher as the main PAC site has become for the general pike angler," he added.

"Towards that end we'd welcome input from our fluff-flinging members. What does it need? What would you like to see on it?

"Fly tying instructions would be most welcome for a start, but the site also needs a handling page dedicated to fly fishing rather than the current link out to the main PAC site."

The committee would also like to develop a recommended 'code' of tackle and practices to expand those on the main site.

"Thanks again to Colin for giving the club this opportunity," Dave said.

Catch up with Ackers in Co Durham

Mark Ackerley will be speaing at a Darlington, Teeside and Co Durham Region meeting on Tuesday, February 3.

It kicks off at Coxhoe Workingman’s Club, High Street, Coxhoe, Co. Durham, at 8pm.

Admission £2 PAC members, £3 non-members on the door.

Further details available from Shane Patterson on 0191 3869078

Blog subscribers growing - why not join them

We now have more than 600 subscribers, the actual number's a big higher as it takes the stats a few days to catch up.

If you want to join thm and receive an e-mail whenever the blog's updated, just enter your e-mail address in the subscriptions box and follow the instructions.

PLEASE NOTE: You have to respond to a confirmation e-mail by clicking a link (or copying and pasting it into your brower...) to confirm your account. If you've signed up and haven't heard anything yet, check your spam or junk e-mail as the message could have been diverted there.

Here comes the rain

With several days of rain forecast, you could be forgiven for asking what's happening to our weather and what it's going to do to our fishing for the remainder of the river season.

First there was the unseasonal cold snap - perhaps not so much unseasonal as it is *technically* winter, just a bit colder than normal.

After a couple of weeks of this, parts of the UK have this weekend experienced a third of a month's rainfall 12 hours.

"And the miserable conditions are due to continue over the next few days," reports the Daily Mail.

Many hoped slightly milder weather might bring the pike back on the feed and there were encouraging signs on one or two waters last week.

A few more weeks of crap weather and the fat lady's going to be singing for this season on the rivers. Best make sure those waterproofs are, um, waterproof then.

Catch up with Steve Ormrod in Lincoln

Steve Ormrod is guest speaker for the next Lincoln PAC meeting at the Stag's Head, Newport, on Monday, February 2.

Steve's a well-travelled, thinking angler with an impressive tally of big pike caught when he's not slaving away producing Pikelines.

RO Chico Winterton said: "Steve's talk is entitled "Heaven and Hell" and he'll be covering rigs and methods along with some of the many theories as to just why old Esox behaves the way she does.

"It will be a cracker of a talk, just remember to have plenty of questions ready at the end."

Venue details: Located in the North of the City in the Newport area on the B1226 which runs N-S from the ring road, The Stag's Head is a few hundred yards from the 2nd roundabout heading into the City on the left next to the St Nicholas Church. Once on the map link below search LN1 3DP

For more on LIncoln PAC meetings and activities, click here.

North-west pike anglers overturn livebait ban

Northwich Anglers Association's AGM saw proposals to lift a long-standing livebait ban on its waters voted through.

Graham Shillito, who proposed the change, also argued successfully for a restriction on using coarse fish deadbaits to be lifted.

Predator anglers had been limited to using sea deadbaits and lures only, but will now be able to use up to six small fish in a session for livebait, providing that these fish are caught and used at the venue on the same day.

Membership of Northwich Anglers Association is open to all, and offers prime coarse fishing for members only on the River Weaver, River Dane and a number of prestigious stillwaters in the Mid-Cheshire area.

The campaign to allow livebaiting and coarse deadbaits was supported by Northwich AA committee member and former PAC secretary Mark Leathwood.

“This just shows what can be achieved when anglers work together," Mark said.

"We did a great deal of work in putting forward a positive case which drew the support and goodwill of carp anglers and matchmen as well as predator anglers within our association.

"Attitudes towards livebaiting are changing and an increasing number of people are coming to understand that the method is of key importance to the modern specialist angler”.

Elsewhere, club officials in Norfolk have today told the PAC that reports new by-laws had effectively meant livebaiting was now banned on King's Lynn AA waters in the Fens were not true. The PAC is seeking official confimation of this in order to respond to the incorrect reports.

Barrie heads to Scotland for rare talk

Barrie Rickards needs no introduction as a founding father of both the PAC and of modern pike fishing.

He's written more than 25 books - including Fishing For Big Pike, which many still regard as one of the most important books ever written on the species.

He'll be giving a rare talk in North Lanarkshire on Friday, March 27.

Click here for details on the Region 93 blog.

Silver pike can be treasured, says coroner

A silver pike believed to be 1400 years old has been declared treasure trove by a coroner's inquest.

The special court sits whenever valuable relics are found, to decide whether the finder can keep them.

Metal detectorist Stephen Brown found the 5cm silver fish, believed to have been an Anglo-Saxon shield mount, in a field near East Walton last November.

Steve Younger talks in the Midlands

Fenland Zander author Steve Younger will be doing a talk for the Birmingham region of the PAC in Sutton Coldfield on Monday, January 26.

Doors open 7.30pm at the Hill Allotment Association Social Club, in 33 Dugdale Crescent, Sutton Coldfield.

Steve Younger runs SAS Tackle in King's Lynn and organises guided predator trips for just about everything that swims.

His book remains a sought-after classic.

Lure boxes raise money to save bass

BASS - aka the Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society - have become a growing force when it comes to conserving one of our greatest sporting sea fish.

Now they're raising funds for the campaign with some new individual lure boxes, which look just the job for the roving angler.

They're just the job for shorter sessions, when you might only want a handful of patterns. Better still, they're only £1.50 each and several will easily fit in your pocket.

Click here for more details on how to order.

Just face it pike... No-one likes you

Pike are about as popular as a fart in a thermal one-piece suit.

That's more or less the conlusions of an Angling Times poll to find Britain's favourite species of fish, where out top predator managed barely a twentieth of the votes.

Even the Times was surprised at the outcome, with tench winning the survey with 24 per cent of the vote, with roach (21.7pc) coming second and carp (14.8pc) third.

Barbel, bream and perch all beat pike, which scored just 6.7 per cent. Only the chub got less votes.

In tonight's Norwich Evening News, angling correspondent Roy Webster writes: "How pike commanded little more than one-twentieth of the votes is a mystery.

"Pike fishing is one of the few expanding sections of the sport and the National Pike Anglers' Club membership grows year on year."

To avoid any confusion, we assume the National Pike Anglers Club referred to is in fact the PAC.

EA predicts bumper year for angling

Record numbers of rod licences have been sold despite the credit crunch, the EA revealed today.

"More than 1.3 million people took to the rivers in 2008 fully armed with a fishing rod and licence in a bid to find credit crunch-friendly entertainment that won’t break the bank," the agency told the media.

"Rod licence sales hit a record high last year and are predicted to increase by a further 26,000 this year as cash-strapped consumers seek out cheap alternatives to increasingly expensive trips to the cinema, football and theatre."

Pike fishery boss speaks in Sussex

Fishery boss Ken Crow is doing a talk to the PAC's busy East Sussex Region on Tuesday, January 13.

It's at the King's Head, East Hoathley, at 7.30pm. Click here for more information on their blog.

Tips on spooling up line without twist

Here's a new one on us... Dave Lumb's turned his attention to gizmos which help you spool up your reels without getting line twist - not to mention a gadget for swopping line between reels when you're turning round braid.

Click here to read it on the excellent Lumbland multi-species blog.

Better weather for pike fishing at last..?

Is the thaw expected to set in over the next couple of days going to give pike fishing a jump start..?

That's the question we reckon thousands must be asking themselves tonight after a dour week when unseasonally low temperatures have seen waters frozen over from the Fens to the Glens.

Mike Ashcroft sums it up for many on the Cheshire Predator Group's blog.

"Four tentative dropped runs between us told us that the Pike are just not in the mood at the moment," he writes.

"We both agreed as soon as this weather breaks the Pike will really turn on."

Let's hope he's right. This season's not been an easy one for many pike anglers, if the impression you get from the forums and blogs is anything to go by.

Sprats might not be the most in-vogue bait compared to more exotic offerings like blueys and lamprey these days, but the Newcastle Journal reports:

"Pike anglers have suffered badly with the deep freeze seeing many traditional waters frozen over and unfishable.

"However piking is still continuing on the few rivers that hold the species and sprat has been the in bait for Tees fish around the Stockton and Yarm areas."

The web-based weather forecasting service Metcheck has this to say tonight: "Another cold start with some frost is expected across southeast England on Sunday morning, but the milder conditions will be moving in as the southwesterly winds freshen here, although it will probably remain dry throughout the day.

"Further rain at times will affect many northern and western areas, but temperatures could well make double figures for the first time in a long time."

You had to look hard to find anywhere with temperatures predicted to bump double figures. But five degrees is better than minus-five - if only because you don't need to go our dressed like Eskimo Nell and can at least get your baits in the water without them bouncing off the ice.

The BBC is also tipping milder weather - but warning heavy rain could bring a risk of flooding to some areas.

Many tip the first day or two of a thaw as the time to hit stillwaters, especially gravel pits.

Whether it's the slight increase in water temperatures or the oxygen boost from the lid coming off and the wind moving the water, it seems to get pike which have been lying dormant on the feed.

From the current freeze-up, the experts reckon we could find ourselves at the other extreme come the last week of January, when temperatures will be much milder than normal.

A week or two of that could see pike heading for their spawning areas early in some lowland areas.

Prebaiting that big swim in the sky

Believe it or not, there are people who request their ashes to be spread on their favourite river when they're ready to sling their hook in that great swim in the sky.

Some pike anglers might even consider the Upper Thurne, Llangdegfedd or even Lomond for their final resting place.

Demand has now increased to the extent where a leaflet has been published on how to carry out the practice without upsetting other river users.

Avoiding areas other anglers have been prebaiting is probably a good idea.

The Inland Waterways Association says on the subject:

"The Environment Agency advises that there is no evidence to suggest that the disposal of human ashes in rivers and streams has a negative impact on the environment.

However, other aspects of these practices, such as casting tributes and other objects into the water could harm the environment or upset other river users.

Individual ceremonies are unlikely to pollute the water but you should comply with Environment Agency guidelines.

A free Environment Agency leaflet offers guidance on completing the practice without causing harm. The leaflet is available by telephoning the Agency's customer contact centre on 08708 506506."

Waterways link could transform Fens

Fenland could be transformed by a new Waterways Link which would increase navigation and allow boats to pass along connected drains and rivers all the way from Lincoln to Cambridge.

That means many more Fen drains could be opened up to boats for the first time, offering pike anglers the opportunity to access remote areas of the system.

Feasibility studies have been doing the rounds of council chambers and committees for more than five years, while the public seem less than enthusiastic about the idea.

As a 90m stretch of moorings opened on the South Forty Foot at Hubberts Bridge, Lincs, South Holland councillors were being urged to do more to promote the benefits of the plans, which would link Lincoln, Boston, King's Lynn, Ely and Cambridge.

An Environment Agency report says:

"The Boston Waterways Link will provide a navigable link for recreational craft between the River Witham and South Forty Foot Drain and is the first key component of the Fens Waterway Link.

The Fens Waterway Link is a partnership project to develop a new navigation link within the Fens, starting in Boston, Lincolnshire and ending on the Great Ouse, Cambridgeshire.

This navigation link will provide a focus for new investment in the East of England and will support leisure and tourism interests.

It will open up 240km of waterway including 80km of additional navigable waterways, creating the largest waterway enhancement scheme in Europe.

The entire strategy will deliver rural regeneration on a major scale through water-based tourism."

The 18,000-strong Inland Waterways Association has this report, which lists the drains and rivers affected:

"Following promotion of the restoration of this waterway by East Anglian Waterways Association, Fens Tourism (a consortium of local authorities) undertook a feasibility study of the route.

This report was encouraging and EA adopted the project as ‘The Fens Waterways Link’, which it launched in 2004 with support from local authorities, EAWA and IWA.

The Link envisages:

(a) connecting the Witham to the South Forty Foot Drain at Boston,

(b) restoring the South Forty Foot,

(c) linking the South Forty Foot to the river Glen at Guthram Gowt,

(d) improving the Glen downstream to the Welland at Surfleet Seas End,

(e) creating a new non-tidal navigation from Surfleet Seas End upstream to Spalding,
(f) improving the Welland from Spalding up to Crowland,

(g) creating a new waterway from Crowland across to the Nene at Padholme Pumping Station,

(h) improving the route through the Middle Level to Salters Lode on the Great Ouse,
(i) improving the alternative Middle Level route via the Forty Foot River to Welches Dam lock,

(j) creating a new navigation, using the Old Bedford and New Bedford rivers southwards from Welches Dam to the Great Ouse at Earith,

(k) creating a landmark structure at Denver, involving flights of locks and an aqueduct over the New Bedford River, to eliminate the current tidal crossing,

and (l) creating a new direct waterway link from Chatteris to Earith."

While pike anglers of the future could be taking to boats to fish the drains and rivers, the plan has already suffered a setback of sorts.

West Norfolk council has scaled back plans for a marina in King's Lynn, which would have been connected to the Ouse at Denver via the Relief Channel and River Nar, because of infrastructure costs of raising bridges, dredging the Nar and and connecting it to the Relief Channel.

A new lock built at Denver Sluice, connecting the Ouse to the Relief Channel has been little-used.

But pioneering pike and zander anglers have been taking advantage of being able to fish the 12-mile channel from boats, which is permitted between June and October.

Did someone say zander..? Connecting drains and rivers linking Norfolk and Lincolnshire could have another consequence as far as the species is concerned.

While they are present in the Welland, zander are not currently found in much of the Lincolnshire drain system. That would doubtless all change once waterways were linked.

Similar plans to link the Ouse with the Grand Union Canal and the rest of the Inland Waterways Network via the proposed Bedford and Milton Keynes Link have been on the table for some years.

Loch Lomond maps for pike anglers

Coloured maps of Loch Lomond have been produced by the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association.

"This map is the only colour angling map ever likely to be needed for those who fish Loch Lomond either for game or coarse species," the blurb on their website says.

"The Coarse section was done by well-known pike experts with input from other leading experts in coarse fish. All the well-known hot spots for pike and other less known parts that produce great pike are all listed."

Make your own planer for pike fishing

Planer boards have been an open secret for years. More and more pike anglers are using these rudder-like bits of kit for trolling and even so-called walk-trolling along rivers, drains and canals .

Some have dabbled with making their own. This US website has plans and instructions for the DIY-minded.

Hat tip the excellent Trollscot for flagging it up, here's an article on using planers. The rest of the site is well worth a look if you're into fishing big waters.

Scottish zander rumours quashed

An interesting post on a scottish angling blog looks at whether zander have been illegally intorduced to a loch. More here.

Dee pike don't like deads, says Dave

Dave Edwards blog features the interesting conundrum of trying to catch pike from a river which has a lot of prey fish. The deads don't work, he's concluded.

The PAC and the Angling Trust

The Pike Anglers Club has not declined to pay for membership of fishing's new governing body the Angling Trust, as the Great Yarmouth Mercury reports.

The PAC - which is also not known as the National Pike Angling Club - belongs to one of the organisations responsible for its formation, the Specialist Anglers Alliance.

Chairman Colin Goodge said: "As a member of the SAA, we automatically became a member of the Angling Trust on January 5 and will be continuing this membership when it becomes due for renewal, as the PAC's national committee believes the unified angling body is a necessary step for the sport."

Follow the Pike Anglers Club on Twitter

The PAC now has a Twitter feed - if you use this phenomenally successful site to keep in touch with family, friends or colleagues why not follow us..?

Follow the link to find us - http://twitter.com/PikeAnglersClub

Gord heads for 100th Windy twenty

Weee Haaah...! Gord Burton's on track for his 100th twenty from Windermere, claims local rag the Formby Times.

"Local angler Gord Burton is almost in the record books with Lake Windermere," writes angling correspondent Ron Anderson.

"Gordon, nicknamed the ‘Piking Pirate’, has caught 99 20lb pike and only needs one more 20lb fish to reach the magical 100.

"This has never been achieved by any angler from one water and the angling press are all waiting for the final 20lb rod-bender."

Angling Trust gets under way

At long last there is a unified body to represent angling. You can read about the formation of the Angling Trust from the merging of the Anglers Conservation Association, Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust, National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives, National Federation of Anglers, National Federation of Sea Anglers and Specialist Anglers Alliance here.

Visit the Angling Trust website to find out more about it's aims and the benefits of membership. You can also now join on-line.

Spanish catfish are getting bigger

VIVA ESPANA: Catfish Capers customers with a giant cat

Catfish Capers boss Martin Walker has sent us this update on how things have been going down in Sunny Spain.

Don't forget - a trip with Martin's outfit is top prize in this year's PAC Winter Raffle.

While not as many cats were caught in 2008 as there were in 2007, they're getting bigger, writes Martin.

We had three over 180lbs and 4 others over 170. One lucky chap, Percy Anscombe, landed cats of 184, 179 and a 160 a terrific result for the top lake. The carp are also packing on weight 2008 saw us landing over sixty 40lbers topped by Chris Smith's 51lber. I can see a greater number of carp anglers coming out this year.

Catfish Capers bookings are up on last year which must mean we're doing something right, but on the down side the pound has taken a real hammering. When our prices were set at the beginning of 2008 the £ was worth 1.30 Euro.

To raise our prices now would be suicide so I've looked closely at other ways to make saving/sales. Historically August (because of the heat and family beach holidays) and December/ January (too cold??) have been very slow to book but if you take a look at our catch returns the fishing is slower but still a lot better than staying at home in the UK.

Rather than having apartments empty it makes more sense to have them filled - they are already paid for (rented annually). Another reason for the deal I am about to offer is that I now own a Bar "The Jolly Fisherman" (yeah yeah I can hear it now what's a grumpy old git like me doing naming something Jolly ha ha ha).

When I have no clients out the bar is empty and no locals come in (not good) but when the bar looks busy with my clients in it the locals come in as well so hopefully you will eat and drink in the bar and we'll all be Jolly Fishermen!.

So to fill up these quieter months (January, August and December) I have the following offer

£150 for a week part-guided

So what do you get for this:

Free pick up from and drop off to Zaragoza airport;

Shared room in apartment;

Breakfast in the bar (full English);

Packed lunch;

All tackle (please bring your own reels and terminal bits if you wish to fish for carp);

Fishing licence;

Use of boat;

Guides will get you to the river and get you going, and return later to take you home at end of session.


I have already had a good response to this offer (it's been on the web site a week) so don't take too long making your mind up.

As for the rest of the year several months are now nearly full.

For more info click here to go to their website, or tel: 01494 488382 or mob: 07973 230957.

Picture claimed to be 60lbs pike

A French blogger has published pictures of what are claimed to be pike of 30 and 24kg.

Click here to see them.

Freeze-up hits piking latest

ICE BREAKER: Mark McLaughlin clears some water to fish.

Not everyone's bothered by a bit of ice, according to Irish piker Mark McLaughlin.

In an e-mail to the PAC in response to a forum post about frozen waters, he reports: "Here's one of a large irish water and me breaking the ice in the boat - and we still caught...."

Things are looking grim as an unseasonal cold snap descends on much of the British Isles.

Tonight club member Danny Jones told the PAC Forum: "Three quarters of Llyn Brenig and some of Lake Bala were frozen last weekend.

"Some of the large lakes in Snowdonia are totally frozen, there are photos in the local papers of people skating."

Colin Alchin, from Essex, added: "Essex lakes I've seen in the last few days are frozen solid, mates report Thames Valley gravel pits are also frozen and ice in margins of rivers.

"Sea freezing at Padstow according to the weather man just now. Minus-11 at Benson (south of Oxford) currently. Minus 4.5 currently where I am south of Chelmsford (minus 6.5 this morning)."

Chris Bishop, from West Norfolk, said: "Many of the drains and stillwaters in the Fens are frozen. I'd check the weather if you're thinking of fishing in this part of the world at the weekend, and wrap up warm if you're daft enough to be out."

Click here for more.

Accidental angler flosses Thames pike

TV's Accidental Angler, aka Norfolk-based fishing correspondent for The Field Charles Rangeley-Wilson, chronicles a day's pike fly fishing on the Thames on his blog.

Pour yourself a warming glass of something, sit down and click here to enjoy a trip with the Pike Whisperer.

Skaters take to the f-f-frozen Fens

ROCK HARD PIKE FISHING: Ice sets in as temperatures plummet.

Tha'ss a bit hard for pike fishing in the Fens - so get yer skates on...

Ice skaters took to the frozen Welney Washes today for the first time in more than a decade, the Cambridgeshire Times reports today.

The vast wetlands, between the Delph and Hundred Foot River, on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border, were once the home of great skating contests, when skaters flocked from across the country to challenge Fen folk to races.

Many anglers are hanging up their rods, as waters up and down the country freeze.

Temperatures are tipped to dip as low as -10C tonight - colder than the Antarctic, as an unseasonal cold snap grips much of the country.

Forecasters predict warmer weather by the weekend. But many pikers are faced with an unexpected break in their winter campaign unless the ice clears.

Click here for a report from the Daily Mail on the cold snap.

***To check the forecast where you're hoping to fish, click here to access the excellent Metcheck service. Just enter your postcode, county or the nearest town and click on the tabs for an advance forecast.

Metcheck also allows you to set up e-mail alerts, to receive the following day's forecast for your chosen location direct to your inbox each afternoon.

RA 31 Change of Speakers

Due to unforeseen circumstances (work commitments) Mark Green has had to cancel his talk for Region 31 this Wednesday, I have replaced him with a two part talk:

Martin Salisbury - Author of the book 'Where to fish in Lancashire', Martin is a very passionate angler, he is an all round specimen hunter and a Committee member of Region 31 PAC. Martin will be talking on his all round exploits fishing for many species including pike and some VERY large continental catfish, this is the first time Martin has presented his slideshow and its one not to be missed

Martin James - Angling legend and BBC Radio DJ, Martin has entertained thousands of anglers over the years with his BBC Radio show 'At The Waters Edge' and has presented slideshows throughout the UK for over two decades, Martin will be presenting a general 'mixed bag' talk including question and answers.

Upstairs function room Caledonian Hotel, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8PF (next to Tesco garage). Entry £3 for non-Region 31 Members and £2 for region 31 Members. Wednesday 7th January 8pm.


Jon Neafcy
R/O Region 31

A 20lbs fly-caught pike on the radio

A 20lbs fly-caught pike is one of the highlights of BBC Radio Ulster's Days Like This slot, where presenters talk about a memorable day in their lives.

Click here to listen on BBC iPlayer. Hat tip Daniel Cook for posting a link on the PAC Forums.

Ouse lost a boat before Christmas..?

Police are trying to trace the owner of what could be a pike angler's boat found on the River Ouse in Cambridgeshire.

The three-metre craft, with a camouflaged brown and white paint scheme, was found at Eacon Socon on December 19.

Anyone who might know the owner should call PCSO Alan Newman, at St Neots Police Station, on 0845 456 4564.

Mark Green and Peter Green at RA 31

Mark Green & Peter Green are presenting a slide show on Yorkshire Piking at Region 31 South Lancashire on Wednesday 7th January at 8pm.

Pete & Mark have a wealth of Pike fishing experience, Pete has served with the PAC Committee.

The venue is the Caledonian Hotel, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 8PF.

£2 entry for region members - £3 for those who aren't a member of the region.

Prize raffle - first prize a copy of PAC 30 signed by some of the contributors. All welcome.

Hope to see you there.

Jon Neafcy

R/O Region 31

South Lancashire

A New Year's message from the PAC

Most of the country is suffering from the current cold snap seeing many waters with a lid on them, writes PAC president Phil Wakeford in a New Year's message to pike anglers.

"This means that for many of us any sport to be had is limited to fishing running water. If you are anything like me you feel the pull of the water to get you out for a few hours and wet a line.

"I did that yesterday and even though I was only rewarded with a small pike the effort was extreemly worthwhile in clearing the head and working up even more appetite for the New Years Eve celebrations.

"How many times has it been said that "there is so much more to fishing than catching fish" (I don't expect an answer) but for the vast majority of us it is so true.

"Seeing the waters in their Winter glory, the water fowl and other wildlife, trying your luck and perhaps being rewarded with a decent fish are all enough to get some of us out of the house.

"As far as the PAC is concerned we are alive and kicking. Our membership numbers are healthy and we are financuially sound. We could always do with more on both counts and are always searching for ways to achieve this.

"We can look back at successes during 2008 and indeed never let a serious threat to our species and the sport it can provide go unchallenged. For 2009 there are a number of isues building up that will require our collective attention.

"How will we ensure that pikers get a voice in the potentially mega Angling Unity group? How can we influence the outcome of the revision of The Angling Bill to our benefit, to name a couple of matters that will need our attention.

"Such is our lot and we will not shy away from it, what is more we are able to demonstrate serious strength in depth in the club as will be revealed when we announce the names of the incoming committee around May.

"So my message to the membership is a simple one. Stick with us and support the club. Try to encourage new members especially young ones or others who's membership has lapsed the battle will never be over. And above all, enjoy your pike fishing."

Proper pike fishing weather's coming

Brrrrr... There's going to be a seriously Siberian feel to the weather over New Year.

So if you're one of those people who thinks pike fishing's better in the cold, you're going to be in your element.

Forecasters reckon temperatures could dip to nearly minus 10 over the next few days.

Click here for one of many weather stories.

Pike Anglers Club events update

Get out your diaries... There are still some places available on a number of PAC access events between now and the end of the season.

They include the Warping Drain (Lincs) on Saturday, February 7; Hykeham Pit (Lincs) on the weekend of February 14/15; Ecton Jigsaw Lake (Northants) on Saturday, Fenruary 21 and Saturday, March 14; and Quays Pit (Surrey) over the weekend of March 21/22.

Application slips with details of ticket prices were included in the last Pikelines.

Events organiser Mark Skinner said: "If you have lost your slips for these events, all you need to do is write your name, address on a sheet of paper include your PAC number the event you are applying for and a cheque payable to the PAC for the number of tickets required and an A5 stamped address envelope."

Scientists seek answers over eel decline

A £2.5m European study is under way in a bid to find our more about the breeding habits of the eel and why the species is in sharp decline.

Click here for more.

Membership Reminder

All September, November and December 2008 expiring memberships have received reminders.

If you have forgotten to renew please click on this link http://www.pacgb.co.uk/aboutpac/joining.html and rejoin, we need your support.


Regards

John Cahill
Membership Secretary

MPs to be lobbied over fish baits loophole

While plans to outlaw the killing of coarse fish for food were included in the Marine Bill set to become law next year, the use of fish as bait by anglers seeking predatory species was excluded.

Today the Eastern Daily Press reports an as-yet un-named individual or group is set to lobby MPs in the new year - presumably to prhobit the use of fish for bait.

EA by-laws currently allow anglers to use fish up to 10cm long in most regions provided they are caught from the venue on the day.

Fishing for Big Pike - the return

Barrie Rickards has re-written 70s classic Fishing for Big Pike, which he famously co-authored with the late Ray Webb.

Cambridgeshire-based Barrie, a founder member of the PAC, revolutionised the sport when he first penned his theories about hotspots on Fen drains and the effects of air pressure on pike fishing.

Medlar Press are tipped to publish the book next autumn.

Merry Christmas from all at the PAC

Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year - and may your next run be a monster if you're lucky enough to be out pike fishing over the holidays.

Looking back over a busy year for the club, 2009 already looks to be another one.

Please do all you can to help us spread the word. We've made some real strides over the last 30 years or so, but there's plenty more to be done when it comes to safeguarding the pike and pike fishing.

EU set to impose quotas on sea anglers

Some pike anglers buy their sea deadbaits, others catch their own, while many more enjoy the odd sea fishing trip.

Today it emerged the European Union wants to impose catch quotas and ban anglers from selling their catches.

EU officials believe sea angling is now so popular that anglers could have an impact on species like cod and ling.

Defra has confirmed it plans to hold talks with angling organisations next month, today's Sunday Times reports.

Click here to read the report in full.

Sign up and help the RNLI

Sea angling friends have asked us to pass this on - please spare a second or two to sign their petition.

Lifeboat crews fear being scuppered by crippling new charges for using their radios from Ofcom, the communications regulator. The RNLI could see the price of using its VHF emergency frequencies rise to £250,000 under plans to charge the full commercial rate.

The charity, which saves hundreds of lives every year, currently pays an annual £48,000 at a discounted rate of 50 per cent. It relies on donations and fears the move will have a disastrous impact on fundraising.

Peter Bradley, RNLI operations staff officer, said: "It's a lot of money when you think in terms of lifeboat days and little old ladies collecting pound coins. We could buy several inshore lifeboats for the same amount.

"The Government rely on us to provide this search-and-rescue service, at a cost of £124 million a year, but they want to charge us for doing it. Ofcom has set out plans to bring 'market forces' into maritime and civil aviation communications in a policy it calls Administered Incentive Pricing.

"£250,000 represents an awful lot of charity collections, even more so in the current economic climate so, if like me you feel strongly enough about this, please sign the petition below."

Click here to sign it.

Deesox - a different kind of pike blog

Meet Deesox - aka Dave Edwards, a thinking man's kind of fishing blogger from Cheshire, with some interesting observations on fly fishing for pike and other species.

More and more PAC members are blogging these days and you can keep in touch with all of them if you set up an RSS feed reader on your computer.

Make sure you add Dave and the some of the other bloggers we come across, or save them to your favourites for those slow Friday afternoons at work.

Click here to go to Deesox.

Pike and Predators - new issue out

January's Pike and Predators has hit the news stands. And we've been sent a sneak preview.

Simon Everett explores a new way of getting afloat for pike

Phil Blakey tackles the thorny issue of the best conditions for catching pike with lures

Mike Kelly explains some of the tactics he uses to place the odds more firmly in his favour

Neville Fickling reports on the latest happenings on the trout-water pike scene and tries to put the problems with Irish piking into perspective

George Higgins is interviewed about his long and successful pike fishing career

James Holgate suggests you throw away the rule book when it comes to catching pike on lures in the colder months

Graham Booth delves into the history books to ask why pike have exerted such a fascination on so many anglers

Plus, we ask whether your life jacket would really save your life?

Government pledges £1.56m to angling

Press Release from the Angling Development Board

Angling has received a £1.56 million boost this week as Sport England announced its plans to support the Governing Body to deliver angling opportunities for all over the next four years.

Last summer the Angling Development Board (ADB) was invited by Sport England to demonstrate how angling could contribute to government targets of increasing participation in active sport, especially through encouraging young people and retaining them as active participants as they grow older. Sport England also wanted to develop the talent pool of anglers trying to compete at international level and proposals to improve anglers’ satisfaction with the management of their sport: a process already underway with the formation of the Angling Trust.

David Moore, Chairman of the ADB explained. ‘The ADB responded to Sport England’s challenge with a package of proposals to grow and sustain the sport of angling. Our Plan is based on a vast amount of market research, much of it from the Environment Agency’s data from millions of rod licences and information held by Sport England right back to an NOP survey 40 years ago.

‘The first area identified was the problem of young people who are introduced to the sport but are not converted into long-term anglers. Other sports have much better links between schools, coaches, clubs and facilities whereas these are widely fragmented in angling. The funding package from Sport England will help start a regional development network which can access local and regional funding and bring schools, clubs, coaches and facilities together.

“After six months’ hard work by the ADB team, the timing of this announcement coincides perfectly with the transition of the ADB into the newly constituted Angling Trust during 2009. We are already making good progress in achieving Sport England’s recognition of The Angling Trust as the Governing Body for angling in England.’

The ADB plans to start recruiting Regional Development Officers and details will be available on our website www.anglingdevelopmentboard.org.uk during February.

Hear, hear - US site on pike lure sounds

We've all heard of buzzbaits and lures which are designed to kick out vibes to attract the pike.

Now Mepps have put some audio clips on their website, to give you an idea of how different lures make different noises.

"It's pretty easy to see the flash of a Mepps spinner blade as it's pulled through the water, but hearing just what it sounds like has been a well kept secret up until now," the site says.

"It took us a while, but we've managed to digitally capture the sound of several Mepps spinners as they are retrieved. And, what we recorded even managed to surprise us.

"Remember, what you are about to hear are the actual sounds produced by Mepps spinners as they are retrieved. These sounds have not been enhanced or altered in any way. We make no claim as to how fish interpret these sounds, but fish do hear them."

Of its Aglia "Musky Killer" spinner, it adds: "The sound of the #5 Aglia blade is steady and deep with a rapid repetitive thump. The Magnum Musky Killer blade sounds similar, but, the thump is deeper and slower.

"Both sound like a slow moving locomotive, and both are very easy to hear underwater."

Click here to go to the sound clips, then just roll you cursor over each spinner to hear what it sounds like.

PAC forums - are you missing out..?

Bite indication on the Ouse when it's pushing through, should gags be outlawed and the best kind of life jacket or flotation device for fishing afloat.

These were three of the most-debated topics on the PAC's Members Forums tonight, as membership neared the 700 mark and we checked our stats and found we'd had more than 2.6m page views.

All kinds of bait, lure and even fly fishing are covered. The forums also provide members with a quick and easy way to interact with the club's regional organisers and committee.

Members ask why we don't do more to promote the forums. They've got a point.

So if you're a member of the club and you haven't already signed up, why not join and have a look at what you're missing.

Just click on the Message Board link on the main PAC website and follow the instructions to register - NB you need to use your full name as your sign-in and include your PAC membership number, which we need to check before confirming your account.

Eel come to your meeting and do a talk

One stall that drew plenty of interest at this year's Pike Anglers Club Convention was the National Anguilla Club.

Now they're offering to bring their roadshow along to any PAC region looking for an evening's eel fishing-themed entertainment

Travel might be an issue in more far-flung areas, but the NAC's Dave Smith says get in touch to see if they can arrange attendance.

They're not looking to charge - though a few quid towards the fuel bill would probably be welcome.

Founded in 1962, the NAC is one of the few predator angling groups which are even older than the PAC.

If you're looking to find out more about fishing for one of this most mysterious of fish, click here to check out their website.

To invite the roadshow, e-mail Dave Smith at webmaster@nationalanguillaclub.co.uk .

ET Roadshow rolls into King's Lynn

Eddie Turner will be bringing the ET Roadshow to King's Lynn on Saturday, for a day of demos at Steve Younger's Specialist Angling Supplies.

There'll be tackle displays, book signings and even a barbecue. Steve will also be offering a 20% discount on tackle in his shop all day.

It's being held at Unit 15, Hamburg Way, on the North Lynn Industrial Estate, Kings Lynn PE30 2ND.

Click here for map and more info.

The best pike fishery in all England..?

Bristol Water today published an end of year round-up for its trout waters, including pike catches from Chew Valley Reservoir.

"A total of 21 fish weighing over 30 pounds were captured, the biggest being a huge fish of 36.12 landed by Shaun Hoskins," it said.

"And another 127 twenty pounders were also landed perhaps confirming what many think - that Chew Valley is the best pike fishery in England."

Dates for boat and bank fishing for next year, together with booking details are included in local paper the Weston Mercury.

Click here for more details.

Pike filmed in its element

More and more video clips of pike filmed in their element are appearing on Youtube these days.

Click here to see a pike back pedal slowly as two divers approach it, before it slinks off and sulks almost motionless on the bottom as a shoal of prey swim past seemingly oblivious to its presence.

Matching the hatch lures pit 20 for Matt

Matt Hayes lands a 23lbs pike from an Oxfordshire gravel pit on a drifted rudd bait in this video clip from YouTube.



Click here to view it.

Big pike pictures on French blog

This French catch and release blog has pictures of some seriously big pike from all corners of Europe.


Check out this fish - with a claimed weight of 21.5kg (just under 47lbs 6oz...) making it higher than the current 46lbs 13oz British record. Not sure what the gnome on the end's doing.


Click here to see the blog, which today features PAC member and acclaimed UK pike hinter Mick Brown..

Former Pike Anglers Club RO slams trebles

Suffolk's former Pike Anglers Club organiser Bob Copping has come out of the closet in favour of the use of the single hook and actually encourages all predator hunters to take his advice and follow his example in order to eliminate what he regards as a serious risk of killing a pike during the unhooking process, reports the Norwich Evening News.

Click here for more.

PAC's online shop gears up for Xmas

December 18 is the last guaranteed posting day before Christmas. So don't forget to order by then if you're thinking of treating someone - or even yourself - to a little present from the Pike Anglers Club's online products shop.

We'll still be taking orders after that. We just can't promise they'll make it onto Santa's sleigh.

Click here to visit the PAC's online shop.

New pike fishing permit for Horsey Mere

A new permit system will be run on a trial basis when Norfolk's Horsey Mere opens up in March for the last two weeks of season.

Instead of buying a day ticket from the bailiff's boat, two week permits will be issued in advance at a cost of £30 per boat.

Today the Thurne Fisheries website said: "The purpose of this is to facilitate both easier access and reduce the need to visit each boat and collect permit fees, this often risking the disturbance of the areas being fished and causing friction with the anglers. The plan is to issue a 14 day period permit at a fee of £30.00 per boat.

"This will allow the preregistered boat to fish without the inconvenience of a bailiff cruising through the fishing areas disturbing the swim, to collect permit fees. To see this work effectively it would require the prior registration of the boat to be used and for the registration number/name of the boat to be clearly displayed whilst fishing. Boats using this system will immediately be recognisable and will not be subject to a visit from the bailiff.

"If all users would make use of this system it will ensure that the whole broad is allowed to settle once everyone is fishing and optimise the chance of picking up a fish."

Click here for more information and to download an application form.

Only limited access to the Horsey is permitted during the winter months to avoid disturbance to over-wintering wildfowl.

There was friction earlier this year, when anglers were accused of fishing areas set aside as wildfowl refuges by Natural England.

But shortly after threatened prosecutions made the papers, it emerged Natural England and the broads Authority - which was so quick to condemn anglers for disturbing the birds - had already discussed secret plans to abandon the Upper Thurne system to the sea, robbing the birds of their habitat forever.

As anger erupted over plans to allow the sea to flood Horsey, Hickling Broad, the Martham Broads and Heigham Sound, anglers were told no further action would be taken.

Smart tip for colouring pike spoons

Here's a tip we haven't seen before - use an indelible pen to colour up a plain silver spoon.



Or Click here.

Pike hits a lure in slow motion

Watch this fish hit a hook-less Canadian Wiggler lure - then stay tune for the action replay in slow motion.



Or Click here to see it.

Neville heads to Northern Ireland

Neville Fickling is set to share some of the ups and downs of his incredible pike fishing career with RA111 over in Northern Ireland in the new year. You can catch up with him at Armagh Community Centre on Thursday, January 8.

See flyer for more details of what promises to be a well-attended evening's entertainment.

Billy's Backbiters launch new drop-off

Billy's Backbiters are well on their way to becoming one of those cult products for what their inventor Steve Bown calls "pukka pikers".

As well as a offering a modified arm with ball clip and adjustable weight fitted to his own alarms, Steve - aka Billy Two Fish - is now offering the arms on their own, for those who still prefer a front alarm with a drop-off attached to the rear rest.

Follow this link and scroll down. Then scroll down a bit more because they're quite near the bottom, under all the other options and modifications now on offer following feedback from his growing band of customers.
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Pike fly fishing - great blog

Here's a great pike fly fishing blog which turned up in a google alert the other day. It's got plenty of fly patterns, reviews and a host of links top fellow enthusiasts' online writings.

Click here for a gander.

All go for Angling Unity - press release

Angling groups due to join forces in a single unified governing body today issued the following press release:

Last Pieces of Unity Jigsaw in Place

All the organisations participating in the creation of the Angling Trust have now undertaken the necessary constitutional steps to wind up their existing operations and form the Angling Trust on 5 January 2009.

The National Federation of Anglers (NFA) held an Extraordinary General Meeting at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham on Saturday 6 December to approve the dissolution of the NFA and the transfer of its assets and staff to the Angling Trust. The meeting was attended both by individual and club members who voted 30 to 2 for the resolution.

The National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA) held an EGM at Buckfastleigh in Devon on Saturday 6th December at which the membership approved the proposals to allow the winding up of the NFSA and the transfer of its assets to Angling Trust. Including proxy votes, the membership supported the 3 proposals by a margin of 418 to1, 418 to 1 and 412 to 8 respectively.

The Anglers' Conservation Association (ACA) held its EGM in Birmingham on Monday 8 December and agreed to change its name to Fish Legal and to become a part of the Angling Trust with a proxy vote of 1,484 in favour to 67 against the change.

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) and the Specialist Anglers Alliance (SAA) had both approved the merger with their respective memberships earlier in the year and therefore there are now no constitutional reasons for the merger not to go ahead as planned at the start of 2009.

All the organisations are now writing to their existing individual, club, riparian and fishery owner members with information about the benefits on offer from the Angling Trust. These include free public liability insurance for individual members, along with the innovative Fish For Free scheme which can earn Angling Trust members more than the cost of their subscription in cashback on fishing tackle and the annual rod licence. For angling clubs and riparian and fishery owners, there is a new discounted insurance package on offer which will offer savings of hundreds of pounds on existing cover.

Terry Fell, Chairman of the NFA commented, "This is a very historic occasion both for the NFA and the sport of angling as a whole. The NFA has been in existence since 1903 and has a wealth of history; however the board believes that now is the right time to bring together all of angling's assets and create one Governing Body for the sport. There is a huge wealth of expertise and experience in the Angling Trust and we are all looking forward to working with the other parties involved. The success of the Angling Trust will rely upon the support of the angling community and I would urge anyone who has an interest in the sport to join up and support The Voice of Angling: the Angling Trust."

Richard Ferré, Chairman of the NFSA said, "The NFSA is proud to be a part of the formation of the Angling Trust. Sea anglers share an interest in many issues with their freshwater counterparts and we will be much stronger if we pool our resources. The new Angling Trust will build on the work we have undertaken for many years, lobbying for greater protection for marine fish stocks and running national and international competitions on and off shore."

Stephen Marsh-Smith, Chairman of the ACA said, "The ACA's unrivalled record of taking polluters and others to task will be continued by the Angling Trust under a new brand: Fish Legal. All clubs, fisheries and riparian owners in England should join the Angling Trust and Fish Legal to benefit from this unique legal protection. Now that we are one organisation, we will be able to link the legal work with proactive campaigns to change policy and practice and to stop damage to fisheries happening in the first place."

Mike Heylin, Secretary of SAA said, "We have finally achieved the dream of a united front for angling with Angling Trust. Now we have to do the hard work of delivering for the nation's anglers and the fisheries they enjoy. I urge all anglers to join as soon as they can. It takes money to defend angling from national as well as European policymakers."

Martin Read, Executive Chairman of NAFAC said, "It has been a long time coming, but now the talking is over its time for action."

Trevor Johnson, Chairman of Milton Keynes Angling Association, commented, "One body - speaking with one voice for England's anglers - is now the only way forward if our sport is to survive and prosper. But let no-one think that it is all done and dusted...that all we have to do now is go fishing. If this is going to work anglers have to put their hands in their pockets and give Angling Trust their support - whether they fish for bass off Cornwall, carp in Milton Keynes or trout in a northern beck. Old rivalries and narrow interests are going to have to be put aside and everyone, at all levels, must work for the common good of our sport. That will not be easy for some...but it has to done."

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of Angling Trust commented, "the Angling Trust will not only continue the work of all these bodies, but it will also do much more. We will now be able to represent all anglers much more efficiently and effectively. All the staff of the organisations involved are working flat out to make sure that everything is in place for the launch in January. We all hope that every angler's New Year resolution will be to join the Angling Trust."

New bill outlaws fish theft

Powers to prohibit the taking of fish caught on line from our rivers are included in the new Marine Bill.

Angling groups including the Pike Anglers Club are still poring over the finer points of the bill, which is expected to become law next summer after its inclusion in the Queen's Speech.

Notes accompanying the bill say it will outlaw the taking of fish caught on rod and line for the pot.

Recent seasons have seen widespread anger among many anglers over the authorities' apparent unwillingness to tackle what has become a widespread problem in many areas of the country, from the River Wissey to the Wye.

Pike often bear the brunt of this because they are prized as a food fish by some cultures. They are also vulnerable to capture by roving anglers travelling light with just a lure rod and a carrier bag to carry your catch in.

Defra's website states: "Whilst the custom in England and Wales is for the catch and release of coarse fish it is not actually a legal requirement on rivers.

"We will remove the current right for fishery owners, and anyone with their permission, to remove freshwater fish by rod and line.

"This undermines any catch and release byelaws the EA may introduce to address fish theft."

Reading West MP Martin Salter, the Labour Government's spokesman on angling issues, said: “It has been a long campaign but we have finally got the chance to do something to protect our fisheries, to give the police and the Environment Agency real powers to clamp down on those who remove fish for either the pot or for private gain.

"The current hotch potch of fishery by-laws are unintelligible and unenforceable and I know for a fact that the EA are starting work on a national catch and release by-law which I want to see implemented as soon as possible.

"Catch and release must become the norm in freshwater with exceptions available in clearly defined circumstances such as put and take trout fisheries."

Many conservation groups were celebrating after the legislation was included in last Wednesday's Queen's Speech, in which the Government set out its priorities for the next parliamentary session.

The bill signals a new approach to protecting the marine environment that will include conservation zones, a new planning system, reform of fisheries and access to the coasts, along with a new agency to manage the seas around our coasts.

Defra - the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs - said freshwater fisheries would also benefit from the "modernised and more flexible powers" it contains.

A statement on its website adds: "These will give the Environment Agency the tools to better manage fisheries for the benefit of anglers and commercial fishers."

To date there has been one prosecution for taking fish for the pot - the widely-reported case earlier this year, when two migrant workers were ordered to forfeit boats and equipment worth thousands after they were caught catching fish and barbecuing them on the bank during the close season.

Click here to read a court report from our archives.

Click here to read Defra's summary of the Marine Bill's proposals for freshwater fisheries.

Marine Bill could see close season change

Powers to alter the dates of the traditional close season on Britain's rivers to adapt to climate change are contained in the new Marine Bill which now looks set to become law.

Explanatory notes to the bill say: "The draft Bill removes statutory close seasons and close season lengths. The current provisions impose an unnecessary restriction on the EA’s ability to determine appropriate evidence-informed close seasons.

"The draft Bill gives the EA the power to set close seasons through byelaws, and whilst initially we do not envisage signicant changes to the current close seasons, there will be more flexibility to adapt to future challenges such as different spawning times brought about by changes in water temperature due to climate change.

"This will allow the EA to protect fish stocks when they are most vulnerable."

So could we see a situation where pike in our rivers could come under the protection of an extended close season in areas of the country where they are known to begin spawning before March 14..?

FISHINGmagic closure threat

One of the most popular fishing websites faces closure unless a buyer can be found.

The future of FISHINGmagic, which has more than 53,000 members, has been uncertain since editor Graham Marsden retired two months ago.

Today he told the site's forums: "Since I retired, the management at Magicalia have been trying their very best to accommodate FishingMagic in the company’s long term plans.

"We launched the site together 10 years ago and would love dearly to carry it on but sadly we cannot find a way to continue publishing FM.

"So it is with much regret from me and all at Magicalia that I have to announce that the site will close on Friday, December 19, unless a new owner is found."

Site owner Magicalia publishes a series of leading websites covering outdoor pursuits like cycling and canoeing.

Potential buyers are being urged to contact the company to discuss the site's future under new ownership.

Marsden offered members a ray of hope, adding: "FishingMagic is one of the best, if not the best, fishing websites in the UK with over 100,000 users every month and more than 50,000 members.

"It’s a very strong site and I know there are people interested in taking it on so, fingers crossed, FishingMagic may be back."

Winter raffle tickets are on their way

A catfish holiday to Spain and a host of other prizes are up for grabs in the Pike Anglers Club's legendary winter raffle. Tickets are now on their way to members, so make sure you get selling them when they turn up as they're a vital source of funds for the club.

LLyn Brenig pike fishing re-opens in Feb

Pike fishing re-opens in February at the enigmatic Llyn Brenig, says a local paper report which claims two scraper twenties as the best fish recorded during recent trials.

Click here for more.

Beware pike in village ponds

Is the message finally getting through when it comes to some of those shock, horror stories which sometimes make the pages of the mainstream media involving those voracious old pike..?

You might be forgiven for thinking so, if you've ever taken the time to pore over the Daily Telegraph Stylebook.

Required reading for all hacks on the quality daily, the copious online guide to the Queen's English includes the following sage advice when it comes to questioning the facts:

"Aim for common sense and question apparent nonsenses, such as pike in village ponds that swallow small dogs.

"Use your own yardstick as to what is feasible but do check. Good journalism at all levels is largely about the development of judgment."

While the small dogs of Home Counties suburbia sleep safer in their beds, pike anglers fishing village ponds can clearly rest assured that more conventional baits offer the best chance of nailing their quarry.

Save 10% on Broads boat hire

If you're looking at fishing the Norfolk Broads, you've got to go afloat.

The Pike Anglers Club is happy to announce a new partnership with Wroxham-based Broads Fishing Ltd, which gives members a 10% discount off a day's boat hire.

Broads Fishing have 12 or 14ft aluminium dinghies or moulded dories for hire, with an outboard and a tank of fuel for £35 or £40 a day which includes insurance. They can also supply your deadbait needs.

Click here to check out their website - and make sure you mention the PAC when you book and take your membership card with you when you fish.

Pitsford 39 is new venue record

Wayne Hewitt's first-ever pike fishing trip was one to remember.

The 24-year-old from Northampton landed a 39lb 2oz specimen from the margins of Pitsford Water - a new venue record - say local paper reports.

Watto speaks in Norwich

Broads legend John "Watto" Watson will be giving a talk and a Q&A session at the Angel Gardens Pub in Angel Road, Norwich, on Monday, December 1. It starts at 8pm, admission £1.

Region 31 Christmas Bash

Piking Legend Steve Ormrod will be presenting his awesome slideshow on Northern Reservoir piking to Region 31 South Lancashire on Wednesday 3RD December.

FREE Buffet & prize raffle.

All welcome.

This is not one to be missed.

Entry £3 to non Region 31 members & £2 to Region 31 members on the door.

Caledonian public house - upstairs function room 8pm onwards. Bolton Road Ashton in Makerfield, Nr Wigan Lancashire (next door to Tesco garage) .

Hope to see you ALL there.

Tight lines Jon Neafcy RO Region 31 - Wigan Piker!

Sea eagles set to return to our skies

Conservation groups are backing a bid to reintroduce sea eagles to Britain's coastline.

But they say the giant birds aren't likely to prey on coarse fisheries including the Broads if the RSPB and Natural England get the go-ahead to release them in Norfolk next summer.

Click here for more.

Chertsey event sold out....

The PAC's first access event on Chertsey Pit has now sold out.

Events organiser Mark Skinner said those who had been unsuccessful for the first-come, first-served event, on February 28, would go onto a reserve list and would be offered a place if anyone drops out.

Steve Younger at Ely/Fenland PAC

All round predator angler Steve Younger will be talking about his experiences of fishing for everything from amberjack to zander at the British legion, Sutton, Ely, Cambs, on Wednesday night.

Admission is £3 for PAC members £5 for non members and the evening starts at 7.30pm

Steve will also be displaying items from his new tackle shop SAS (Specialist Angling Supplies), and copies of PAC30 and Zander A Complete Guide will also be for sale on the night.

War of the Roses 2

Firstly can I say a massive thank you to all that took part in this event. it was snowing, cold, raining and windy but you all turned up. Many, many thanks

It was a brilliant day and we handed over to Jane Furnace from the Macmillan Nurses a mind-blowing £2,800 - and when some of the outstanding sponsorship comes in it will go to over £3,000.

It just show how much all anglers feel about this charity and how much good they do. I don’t know if we can match it next year but only you lads will tell

Thanks and tight lines to all,

Pete Green

EXCLUSIVE: World Record 80lbs pike claim

This grainy black and white picture is claimed to be of an 80lbs pike from Eastern Europe.

It arrived at PAC HQ with a brief caption:

Gentlemen, I am enclosing a picture of what is surely the largest Pike ever caught, never mind seen. This Pike must have been around 80+ lbs if not more.

Regards
Duncan Monrom, Bansko, Bulgaria

There are no details of when, where or how the fish was caught, or the identity of its captor and his friends.

We've asked Duncan for a few more details on the fish. In the meantime, why not tell us what you think on the PAC Members Forum.

Roll up, roll up for the PAC Winter Raffle

Never mind the Arctic cold snap about to descend on us - you could be jetting off to the sunny Spain next summer on a free holiday.

A week-long trip with moggy guides Catfish Capers is the top prize in the PAC's Winter Raffle.

Other prizes so far confirmed include a trio of ET bait rods courtesy of up and coming tackle outfit Esox And More, a day's fishing with Neville Fickling, books from Mark Barrett and two Golden Menteith tickets (NB you have to be a member to use these...).

PAC advertising manager Mike Kelly : "It's a wonderful start and considering that the draw is not until next May at the AGM, I'm very confident that we will have the best Winter Raffle ever.

"I urge all our members to support the club by returning their tickets with the payment and buying as many extras as they can afford."

Tickets will be sent out soon, but you can obtain extra books by sending a SAE to Mike at 47 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 0BG.

EA cracks down on Cut-Off Channel

Eighteen anglers - most of them pike fishing - have been booked in an EA crackdown on fishing stretches of Norfolk's Cut-Off Channel where no fishing is allowed.

Fishing is banned between Wretton Bridge and Barton Mills because of steep banks.

Click here for a local paper report.

Jon Neafcy to talk at Selby Region

Wigan Piker Jon Neafcy will be presenting his slideshow entitled Stepping Stones covering milestones and targets in pike fishing on Thursday, November 20, for the Selby region of the PAC.

Talk starts at 8pm at The Crown Inn Public House, Main Street, Hemingbrough, Selby, North Yorkshire, Y08 6QE

Membership ducks the credit crunch

Membership of the Pike Anglers Club remains on an upward curve - despite the credit crunch.

Times is hard out there but with renewals flooding in and up to 20 or more new members a week, the PAC seems to be weathering the downturn.

Membership secretary John Cahill said members were staying loyal to the club.

"This year has seen losses at a lower level than for the last three years," he said in a report to the club's committee, as it prepares to hand over the reins next May.

"This is very encouraging as we look to maximise members for the incoming committee."

There's plenty going on behind the scenes as the club looks ahead to maintain the momentum built up over the current committee's term.

As ever, we thank everyone who supports our work to conserve the pike and pike fishing.

BRRRR - cold weather on the way

Reach for those thermal long-johns... This weekend is going to see the winter start getting its own back, after an unseasonly mild snap.

Many pike anglers are fascinated with the weather and the effect it has on their fishing.

This site gives you the overview as far as advanced forecasts are concerned, along with ways of setting up your own weather alerts.

Check us out at Donnington

The PAC will be at this weekend's Donnington Carp Show.

Our stall will be selling the full range of PAC products and PAC30 books, along with memberships and renewals.

Click here for more on the event.

See you at Sandown

The Pike Anglers Club will be among the many stalls at this year's Sandown Carp Show.

We'll be selling PAC products, books and memberships - come along and see us if you're there on Saturday, November 29 or Sunday, November 30.

Click here for more on the event.

PAC special events update

Applications are flooding in for a clutch of PAC members' events arranged towards the back-end of the season.

Chertsey Gravel Pit, the Warping Drain, Hykeham Gravel Pit, Ecton Lakes and Quays Pit offer a variety of waters to go at.

See Pikelines for more details.

Foreign weed invades Broads

Pennywort - a fast-growing alien species of weed which chokes waterways - is infesting parts of Rockland Broad, off Norfolk's River Yare, and the upper reaches of the River Waveney.

Efforts are under way to stem the invasion. Click here for more.

Fly casting tuition up for grabs

Fly casting instructor Peter Hartley has a few places on a teach-in for those wishing to learn to cast predator flies.
It's being held at Graffham Water on Sunday, December 7.
Peter can accommodate 6 anglers at a cost of £90 [£15 each if 6 attend]. He'll have fly rods available to use.
A couple of places have already gone. If you'd like to attend, e-mail Colin Brett at colin_brett@ntlworld.com

Relief for channel anglers after survey

Once the stamping ground of the 70s A-list, the Great Ouse Relief Channel has fallen from favour with today's generation.

Siltation of sluices and the tidal ouse have meant water from the river has been released via the Channel, causing many fish to be washed through the tail sluice into The Wash.

But Denver's sluices have now been re-opened, reducing the need for run-offs via the Channel.

And now controlling club King's Lynn AA has revealed a recent EA survey found large numbers of fry, along with predators taking advantage of the food source.

Check out the perch - not to mention trout - in these slideshow pictures.

Click here to see them.

Pikelines is on its way

Pikelines is on its way to PAC members and as usual it's packed with news and views from all four corners of the UK and beyond.

Pike Angler of the Year Graham Slater lets us in on some of the secrets of the mobile approach he adopts fishing the Lincolnshire drains.

Darren Ward povides a salutary lesson on safety afloat, with an account of the terrifying day his boat sank.

Mick Gleeson waxes lyrical about his love of river piking, while PAC stalwart Eric Edwards gives a revealing interview to PAC President Phil Wakeford.

There's a full report on the landmark court case, when two men were prosecuted for killing and eating fish on Norfolk's River Wissey.

Last but not least, there's a picture of what's claimed to be a world record pike weighing 82lbs. Is it for real..? We'll let you decide.

Wars of the Roses pike fish-in

This just in from Peter Green regarding the Wars of the Roses....

"Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears" – oh sorry, wrong script (apologies to Mr Shakespeare)!

Calling all adopted "Yorkshiremen" from the North of England and ye Lancastrians and Cheshiremen. "Sir" Peter Green has once again called on all true gentlemen or others to take up their fishing rods for the next battle in this series.

This will take place at Dam Flask reservoir, near Sheffield on Sunday 23rd November 2008 commencing at 8am ‘til 4pm. Tickets will be available from "Sir" Peter to be purchased in advance at £10 for 2 rods. Places are limited to 75 so it is "first come, first served" Please apply by post as soon as possible with a cheque payable to Peter Green along with a stamped self addressed envelope to:

17 Lincoln Street

Wakefield

WF2 0EB

Tel 01924 782705

Maps of the venue along with sponsorship forms will be sent out by return. All money gathered will once again be given to the MacMillan Nurses Cancer Care charity at an event at the end of the day. Full details will be announced later. Peter asks that all anglers gather as much sponsorship as possible so that we can give a huge amount to this absolutely fantastic and well deserving service. Last time we raised over £1800, let’s make that look like small beer this time!

If people prefer they can contact his serf Chas White for tickets etc. in advance on 01642 765332. We hope to see as many as possible of you there!

New EA fisheries boss is pike angler

Pictured with a pike, the Environment Agency has revealed its new head of fisheries.

Mathew Crocker is a keen angler who has worked for the Environment Agency since it was formed took over from Dafydd Evans this week.

More here.

Meanwhile, another EA official has revealed his "secret" method of catching pike - sparking a thinly-veiled attack on livebaiting from a regional press angling correspondent.

More on that one here.

James "the doc" talks in Sussex

Big fish specialist James 'The doc' Gardner, talk on his piking experiences down in Sussex on Tuesday, November 11.

From his methods of tackling the big open trout waters to his more delicate approaches to smaller waters.

James has caught pike from many venues around the country and his pike fishing exploits have accounted for pike upto 37lb.

All talks start at 8pm, although it’s advisable to be there early for to catch up with friends and fellow members in the bar beforehand and of course to grab a seat.

Venue is the Kings Head 1 High St East Hoathly BN8 6DR The region asks for £2.50 for PAC members and £3.50 for non members.

As always there will be a raffle on the night with some top prizes on offer and the chance to buy a copy of the PAC book PAC 30. Further details on the blog