What our younger anglers need to know about leadless shot
Junior Corner
This
week I want to draw our young anglers’ attention to a very important
topic - 'leadless shot'.
For a number of years now 'lead' shot has been prohibited by law, and
anything larger than 28.5 grams (one ounce in weight) is all right to
use, while at the other end of the scale anything between one ounce down
to a number eight shot is illegal. All weights below a size eight shot
are all right to use.
For the benefit of the young anglers they should be aware that the higher
the number the smaller the size of shot - for example a number four shot
is a larger diameter than a number 12 shot. Therefore sizes 8 - 10 - 12
- 13 - 14 can be lead based.
However it is highly unlikely that you will be able to purchase any lead
shot from your local tackle shop nowadays because the manufacturers no
longer supply it. The problem arises when you are given some old tackle
that may still have some containers with lead shot inside. If you are
uncertain, read what is printed on the face or reverse side of the container.
If it does not state that the contents are no n toxic, do not use them
and dispose of them as soon as possible in the dustbin.
The illegal shot sizes are as follows: 3 SSG which are nearly as large
as a piece of sweet corn, and in decreasing sizes thereafter 2 SSG, SSG,
AA, BB, plus numbers 1,2,3,4,5, 6 and 7. The reference to letters of the
alphabet such as SSG etc. is based on the gauge sizes of lead shot that
are used in shot gun cartridges. Swim feeders containing strips of lead
for weight purposes are all right to use.
So why are certain sizes banned whilst others are not? The simple answer
to this question is to reduce the risk of causing lead poisoning in swans.
These birds are a wonderful part of nature and they are a protected species
and are classed as the Queen’s bird. By their natural instincts,
they forage about in the silt of our rivers, canals and lakes searching
for food and grit which they pass through their stomachs to help their
digestive system. Small particles of grit (similar shape to angler's weights)
are often digested and any range of lead from a size 6 through to the
3SSG sizes would remain in their system for a long enough period to cause
them serious damage and in some case death. So if in doubt, throw the
shot containers out.
Ladies National
Congratulations
are extended to Worksop and District Anglers Association squad member
Diane Semley who secured fourth individual place in this year's Embassy
Ladies National championships that were held at Preston innovations, Woodland
View near Droitwich.
The 43-year-old marketing manager used sweetcorn on a size 14 hook over
a bed of chopped worm, sweetcorn and casters on 'Back Deans' - just two
pegs away from the winner. Diane, who has only been fishing for four years,
could have ended up in the medals had she not lost five quality carp during
the match but she still weighed in with a creditable 46lb 2oz., just two
ounces away from winning the bronze medal that was taken by one of our
association’s best supporters Sandra Scotthorne. The event was won
by Helen Dagnell (Starlets AS) with 90lb 12oz followed by Julie Abbot
(Starlets AS) 46lb 8oz, Sandra Scotthorne (Doncaster AA) 46lb 4oz, Diane
Semley (Worksop & District A.A.) 46lb 2oz, Pat Kavanagh (Starlets
AS) 44lb 13oz, Sue Arkell (Reading Fishing Club) 42lb 4oz.
Grafton Permits
The priority
period for last year’s permit holders to renew their annual permits
for the pending season has now terminated and any permits left unsold
are being allocated to those new applicants who have registered their
name with the club sponsors Ken Ward Sports.
Today is the last day that these permits will be available from the tackle
shop, thereafter all unsold permits will be passed on to the club bailiff
to sell on the bank.
The club will be organising an open match on Tuesday 24th June when the
draw will take place at the Lock Keeper car park from 5pm. Further details
are available from Rod Clarke on 01623 822329.
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Yours in Sport Glyn |