Angling
shows aim to ‘catch’ punters
Those
who attended the NEC Angling Show in Birmingham last weekend will have
been party to a feast of ‘fishy’ activity.
I’ve previously been involved with the Salmon and Trout Association
(S&TA) in the demonstration theatres at this event and know how popular
exhibitions like this can be. I even had a couple of ladies asking for
my autograph once, convinced I was Alan Scotthorne! I tell you…
Anglers and the trade from all over the UK descend on shows such as these
and, to the punters, it is like being a kiddie in a sweet shop.
Unfortunately, this time I was unable to go because of other commitments.
But, despite poor travelling conditions (so much for me mentioning spring
is in the air last week), they recorded record numbers, I have been informed.
There will have been hoards of people looking through the vast array of
modern equipment in a hope of purchasing a bargain.
Credit cards almost melt with ‘user-friction’ as more money
is spent on yet another rod or pole, and other items of tackle.
In some cases, you wonder why you bought most of the gear when you eventually
arrive home - or your missus will, that’s for sure!
I suppose it’s the atmosphere that creates temptation to buy right?
Whatever, the majority of anglers will have enjoyed a time meeting some
big names in our sport without the need to break the bank.
The opportunity to learn something new from the demonstrators who freely
give advice with a hands-on approach is most welcome.
Question and answer forums in the destination theatres are held for the
game and coarse anglers with some top names who specialise in carp and
pike on hand.
Yes, you get the odd moan about the entry fees at this type of event but
where else can you get a day’s entertainment for the same price?
Check the cost of watching your favourite football team each Saturday
for 90 minutes’ play. I would argue these shows are value for money
and if you support my team… more entertaining!
More local, this year,
the Chatsworth Angling Fair has its Silver Jubilee over the weekend of
22nd and 23rd May.
This 25th anniversary show promises to be bigger and better than ever,
so let’s hope the rain stays away because we usually have an annual
mud bath where sales of wellies go through the roof!
All the same, it is always a great weekend for the family.
Anglers in this region always seem to travel considerably long distances
to most of these shows, but those days could be over.
I‘m a volunteer at a local pre-school playgroup who are badly in
need of funds and, with the assistance of other playgroup angler volunteers,
are to hold a local angling show for their benefit and for other good
causes.
We put our heads together a couple of months ago to arrange one and are
going for it. It’s good PR for angling as well.
We hope to create an angling extravaganza where we hope to attract some
top celebrities (coarse and game) from within our sport. Already I have
contacted several personalities who have shown interest.
Provisional dates are for Saturday 9th or Saturday 16th October 2004 and
these are being discussed. I will give more details once the venue has
been finalised and confirmed.
In the meantime, if there are any local fishing clubs/individuals who
would be interested in offering their services, please contact me.
Eyes up (An Angler’s tale)
Hear about the guy
down south who had a Piranha fish hit him on the head while fishing? The
culprit apparently was a seagull!
It is said the Piranha was released by someone into the river Thames where
it struggled to survive in the cold water.
The gull then spotted this easy meal and bit off more than it could chew,
dropping it onto the unsuspecting angler!
Looking up now has a whole new meaning, as its not just power lines that
can be dangerous to us anglers it seems.
Notice Board
Joint Angling Governing
Bodies (JAGB) Child Protection and First Aid Workshops are to be held
at Sandhill Lake Adventure Base, Worksop, on Sunday 7th March.
Further information or application forms from Glyn Williams on 01909 501030
.
Ken Stevenson’s popular angling course is continuing at the Gateford,
Worksop on Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm.
Students are reminded that a day’s fishing get-together is arranged
for this Sunday, 7th March, at Sandhill Lake.
Meeting time is 9am where everyone has the opportunity to display their
new skills under Ken’s watchful eye.
Stuart Golding of
Go-Bait’s Angling shall be hosting a series of open matches at Langold
Lake every Sunday, starting on the 14th March.
Entry fee is £15 all-in with the draw at 9am and fishing 10am to
4pm. Telephone 01909 540105 for further information.
Chesterfield Canal
Trust are running Norwood Packet Canal cruise dates during Easter 2004.
They are from 9th to 12th April (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday),
starting and finishing at the Chequers Inn, Ranby.
Starting times are 11am and 2.30pm. The cruise duration is between two
and three hours.
The fare is £5 adult and £3.50 for children. Contact Ken Clark
on 01909 472791 for more information.
I forgot to mention
in my earlier columns that Worksop United AC have appointed a new bailiff
for their waters on the Chesterfield Canal.
The chap in question is non other than Gary Barlow, a big strapping bloke
who should have no bother with any permit dodgers during his rounds.
Now it will be up to one of you brave piscators to ask him what the rest
of Take That are doing in their spare time!
Prospects
The weather may have
put paid to outings last weekend but here are venues that (weather permitting)
should produce good sport.
Sherwood Forest farm have aerators keeping ponds free from ice for those
wishing to brave any frosts.
Sherwood Forest Farm (01623 842617 or 07721 316334).
Riverside Fishery, Bawtry (01777 705748) after 5pm.
Bank End Fishery, Finningley (01302 770224).
Woodlands Farm Fishery, Barlborough (0114 2653541).
W&DAA water at Torksey Arm.
If you want to get in contact with Martin to give him any results, stories or information, you can e-mail him at martintrona@aol.com