Problems
with power lines
There have been some comments in the press recently about the dangers
experienced by people who live near to high voltage electric power lines
and the increased risk of contracting certain cancers and other serious
aliments.
Just how much belief we should have in such warnings I do not know, but
I do know that there are many places where anglers on rivers face dangers
when they fish underneath power lines that cross the river.
On the river Trent in Nottinghamshire there are many places where the
meandering river causes the power lines to cross and re-cross the water.
I have often fished beneath the power lines, and in certain weather conditions
heard the loud crackling noises that the electricity gives off.
However the danger that anglers face in such places is not due to fear
of disease but because many anglers nowadays use very long fishing poles
made of carbon fibre and it has been known for electricity to bridge the
gap between the cables and the long poles with sometimes fatal consequenses
for the anglers. The same can happen when you fish during thunder storms
too.
We face a dilemma when we decide whether to fish beneath the cables.
Though fishing in such places is banned on certain fisheries anglers are
aware that there seems to be some advantage to be gained by fishing beneath
the cables.
Fish seem to inhabit such swims and to provide better sport there than
in other spots away from the cables.
Further evidence is seen of this phenomenon by the study of statistics
showing how often anglers who participate in competitions win, or are
highly placed, when they fish under the power lines.
The decision I leave to readers about choice of such swims, but I certainly
would not advise anyone to risk fishing in such spots when using a long
carbon fishing pole rather than a standard rod and reel of shorter length.