I DON’T do regrets in my life, apart from one very big one. Between 1995 and 2005 I did not take John Wilson seriously when he banged on about the danger that overwintering European cormorants were posing to all of our fisheries in the UK.
None of us took him seriously then, and many of those in authority don’t take him seriously now, but he was right, and every winter since his death proves that more and more conclusively. John was passionate beyond passion.
It was John that taught me to worship river fishing in my 20s, and it was John that watched cormorants destroy his beloved river fishing in front of his very eyes. Believe me, this was pain and fury mixed in equal parts, and it is this raging passion of John’s that I wish I could bottle and send to every single one of you.
We live in more divisive times than I can ever remember, but the one issue that should be uniting every single one of us is dealing with the cormorant invasion of this country.
Wild Birds General Licence Survey
The Mail, as ever, did a superb job headlining news of a Wild Birds General Licence Survey a couple of weeks ago, and now it is time for every single one of us to act. Go to anglersmail. co.uk/news if you need reminding about this, but go soon, as time is tight and running out rapidly.
If every single one of us fill in and return this survey to Natural England by next Thursday, December 5, angling’s voice might be heard. Do it today!
If enough of us trumpet the disasters that cormorants wreak on all of our waterways, we might just get them placed on General Licence and a major step will have been achieved.
The General Licence is a list complied by Natural England of birds that are regarded as pests, and so can be controlled without special permit. Pigeons are a prime example.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.
