Angling

By Colin Scull

FOLLOWING the news last week of the demise of the Wessex Federation of Anglers, there is good news this week with three large Somerset Angling Clubs making applications to join the NFA.

Application forms have been sent to Bridgwater AA, Taunton AA and Langport AA, all of whom are expected to join as from January 1 2001.

There is little doubt that a strong national body can only be for the good of angling generally and it is hoped the upturn in membership will continue throughout the coming year and that the south west and south region will go from strength to strength.

I will be pleased to give any club interested in joining as much information as possible. Give me a call on (01823) 275493.

I am sure that many anglers will be extremely disappointed with the latest government cuts in grant aid to the Environment Agency for its fisheries work. Before the last general election the Labour Party pledged itself to supporting angling, but there is very little evidence so far to show that angling has received any consideration from the government.

The vexed issue of commorants and their effect upon fisheries was pushed to MAFF to deal with and to date there is little to show for the three years' wait for action by angling bodies.

Angling too has been at the back of the queue when it comes to grant aid for sport, although the international record of angling is second to none in the sporting world.

Earlier this year the government-funded independent review body reported back to the government on what should be done in the forthcoming fisheries legislation and among its recommendations was an increase in government grant in aid to the EA.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Nick Brown, responded to this recommendation by cutting grant in aid for next year by £1.5 million. Come on Mr Blair what about your pre-election promises to angling? It is time for action, especially with a General Election in the not too distant future.

The Wilts Angling open was fished on Sunday at Fishponds House in Somerset, where fish were not in the best of feeding moods.

Rob Hunt, of Melksham, won with an all-carp catch weighing 17lb 8oz, taken on pole fished sweet corn on a 14 hook. Andy Pritchard, of Westbury, was second with another carp catch weighing 13lb 13oz, taken on pole fished red maggots on an 18 hook. Mick Gunning, of Trowbridge, was third with yet another carp catch weighing 9lb 14oz, taken on method fished red maggots on an 18 hook.

Other placings: 4 Pete Neate, Whitley, 9lb 6oz; 5 Fred Eagles, Trowbridge, 9lb 2oz; 6 Gary Dallimore, Frome, 9lb.

Last week's South West Winter league match was spoilt with a number of competitiors' cars being broken into. Although nothing was taken as the intruders were disturbed, there was a lot of damage to vehicles. Bream dominated the match fished on the Bristol Avon at Newbridge and Kelston. Avon Angling won with 63 points, followed by Anchor Bristol, with 53, and Browning Lobbys with 50.

Individual honours went to Avon Angling matchman Glenn Bailey with an all-bream catch weighing 32lb 10oz, taken on feeder fished worm and maggot on an 18 hook.

King Billy matchman Les Williams was second with a mixed catch of bream and skimmers weighing 13lb 7oz, taken on feeder fished red maggots on an 18 hook. Browning Lobbys matchman Dave Clapton clinched third prize with another bream and skimmer catch weighing 12lb 11oz, taken on feeder fished red maggots on an 18 hook.

The inter-club match between Airspurng and Royal British Legion was fished on Sunday on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Avoncliff. In a close fought contest Airsprung took team honours with 28lb 4oz to the Royal British Legion's 24lb 12oz 8dm.

Individual honours went to Airsprung matchman Kelvin Oliver with a roach, skimmer and gudgeon catch weighing 5lb 13oz taken on pole fished squats and pinkies on a 20 hook. Close behind came Ted Brown of British Legion with a perch, gudgeon and eel catch weighing 5lb 11oz, taken on pole fished red maggots on a 20 hook.