|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News
11/8/05
Sorry the website's been down for a few weeks. We tried to move it to a new host but it all went rather wrong, for reasons we can't get to the bottom of! Anyway, it's back now on my new personal webspace. Hopefully it all works OK. As far as I can tell it should do, but if you find any problems please get in touch with me here and let me know.
If there is anything you'd like to see on the website or any other suggestions, please let me know and I'll see what can be done.
26/05/05 **** Important Conference news ****
CONFERENCE 2005
It is with much regret that we are cancelling the June conference, this decision has not been taken lightly, but due to other urgent commitments my time has not been available to ensure this is a highlight of the year. Unless I can ensure it is a total success for both members and trade, I will not settle for second best. We are looking at re-scheduling this event for later in the year and will keep you advised through the magazine, a dedicated mailer and the website.
Gary Palmer, Promotions & Advertising.
A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN.
The committee is working hard to improve the LAS and here are some of the good things, the summer issue of the magazine is already at the printers and we will be sending this out very early in June.
The LAS is in the best financial position it has been in since the society started, under this committee we have built a healthy bank balance and can look to the future with confidence. Some of this money will be used for new computer equipment for the editor, this will help produce a better magazine with easier setting up.
The membership keeps up remarkably well, this is not to say we have enough, we always want more. Lure fishing is a growing sport and we are always surprised we do not have a larger membership particularly of those who are coming into lure angling, the magazine must be the best way of learning. Attending the lure matches is also a great way of learning. In the last year, both the Shimano/LAS Lure Tournament (full report in next magazine) and the Masterline/Harris Zander Lure Match have been a great success producing the best bags and bigger fish than we have ever had, both were well attended.
Normally I would have been glad to have helped Gary organise the conference, but when he realised, due to a combination of work, health and the fact his partner was having a difficult birth with their baby, that he could not put in the work required to make it a good conference, he asked me for help, but due to illness and subsequently a death in the family, I could not give the time required either. Most members of the committee hold down full time jobs, so finding the time to contact the trade to take stands and all the other things that have to be done to provide a good day for our members and visitors, just was not available, therefore it was decided to cancel.
Although it was a tough decision to cancel the conference, it was for good reasons, and now we now working out a new date later in the year.
Roy Goddard, Chairman.
P.S. The other good news is Gary and his partner Laura have a healthy baby girl, Laura is still not fully recovered but we wish her well.
23/05/05 Ardingly Lure Competition update
I've just heard that Southern Water have erected a fence around the perimeter of the lake since we were there last. Apparently this does restrict where we can get to the water a bit. There are access gates to the water, but it may be a good idea to bring along some waders just in case the water level is too close to the fence at some points to get along the bank comfortably.
Hopefully this won't effect the day too much, look forward to seeing you all there. - Tim
10/02/05 The annual Mick Willis pike fly competition has a lure competition day as well this year. Not LAS events, but a couple of good fun days taking place on Pitsford reservoir.
British Open Pike Lure Fishing Championships 3rd July 2005
British Open Pike Fly Fishing Championships 19th June 2005
The events are jointly sponsored by Sovereign Superbaits and Reuben Heaton
www.sovereignsuperbaits.co.uk/Info/info.html#FishingCompetitions
15/01/05 New article from the Autumn 2004 magazine published on the magazine page here
03/01/05
Late Autumn Magazine (Issue 44)
Due to the shortage of material, we have only printed three magazines in 2004 and it was decided at the last AGM to increase the size of the autumn magazine and to include a £5 Harris–Sportsmail voucher (which the society is paying for) as compensation for not receiving a winter magazine.
The autumn magazine was ready for printing at the time of the AGM, but the decision to increase it in size resulted in a delay. Also it takes 4 weeks for the magazine to be printed and delivered to the LAS.
The magazine was printed and in envelopes ready for posting to the membership by the first weekend in December. Unfortunately there has been a delay with the vouchers and at the time of writing (03/01/05) we are still waiting for them. Why should this be a problem I hear you ask? It wouldn’t be, for the fact that the front cover of the magazine has “£5 tackle voucher inside” written across the bottom. Thus we are reluctant to post the magazines out without the vouchers.
Please accept our apologies and I hope you understand our predicament. The magazine will be posted as soon as the vouchers are ready.
01/01/05
PFFA/Sportfish Pike Flyfishing Open DayIf you are interested in having a go at fly-fishing for pike you may like to attend a one day event at Sportfish Reading on the 22nd January. We are providing advice on how to get started, tackle, free casting tuition and refreshments. John Horsey will be giving a talk on his experiences at Chew Valley Lake and the Pike Fly Fishing Association will be giving fly tying demonstrations. You will also have the chance to try the all the latest fly fishing gear and cast rods on water. The event is being supported by some major tackle manufacturers and is a chance to show the level of interest in this exciting sport. Entry is free - please call me on 0118 9303860 if you need directions. See you there.Allan Shephard
08/09/04 Magazine is going to the printers today, hopefully it will be posted out to all members by the end of the month.
04/09/04 Updates to the events list, a zander match in October etc...
23/07/04 Good News! The Essex chapter is up and running again. Contact Allan Shephard on 01371 850655 for more details of meetings and events.
17/04/04 I have just received this, not an LAS event, but one which you may be interested in attending:
Greetings to All,Just to let you know about updates regarding the 4th annual spring, Suffolk Water Park fish-in.Vince, the manager has died recently, and so the complex is being run by one of Vince's associates.The date for our fourth annual Fish-in is Sunday 25th of April 04, Gates open at 08.00 hours.We have been permitted a special discount this year, providing that 15 or more of us attend.The dayticket is £5 each, instead of the normal £6+£4 per additional rod.We have free use of the SWP boat moored on the Long lake, and Peter Waller has agreed to bring a second boat. That way, anglers who have never experienced Pike fishing from a boat can give it ago, along with the assistance of a more experienced boat angler.Colin Brett, and Gerry Castles have agreed to run a teach-in for those interested in Pike fly-fishing. No need for you to bring fly-fishing gear as we will have a least six set ups for anglers to use.Lee Bowen and Myself will be running a Jerkbaiting and baitcasting teach-in for those interested, especially the Juniors. Again we have enough gear to allow for days teaching. A special thanks to Andy from the Lure Shack, for donating a few Jerkbaits for the Juniors to use.Peter Waller and Trev Salmon will be on the water with two boats, for anyone wishing to experience Pike fishing from a boat.We have permission, for a None Rowdy, end of day BBQ.There are three fishing conditions that we must adhere to.1) We avoid fishing near to the Carp Anglers, giving them at least one empty swimdistance.2) The Gipping side match lake is being Drained this summer for major reworks.All Fish caught in this section are to be moved to the Long and traditional lakes.3) The Golf pitch and putt, side match lake. We have been asked to remove any Pike under 8lbs from this section, and move them to the Traditional lake. Pike over 8lbs are to be returned.SWP will provide us with holding tanks, the 4 wheel drive truck, and a driver for this.Any angler attending this Fish-in, will be permitted two free days fishing at SWP. To be taken before 16th of June 04.Again, for this year, the 1st of April bait fishing for Pike ban, has been lifted. Those who wish to live or dead bait will be allowed to do so.Dead baits are available if you wish to purchase them from the complex shop.livebaits are available at 50p each, live Roach readily available, with live Trout subject to availability. Livebaits must be purchased from the complex.Offenders of the live bait rules will be named, shamed, expelled and prosecuted.Please contact me directly so that I may order live baits for those wishing to fish this method.Could those of you who are going to attend please e-mail me directly surfacepopper@aol.com(preventing group e-mail from becoming clogged with replies) So that I can confirm the numbers of those attending with the SWP management.Gentlemen, and Ladies, Suffolk Water Park and this group have an excellent working relationship. Each year we are invited back, because of our caring, professional type attitude, and respect towards the fish and the complex.Each year because of our positive actions, we are permitted more concessions the following year. Please support this event by attending.
04/04/04 Some new fishing oppertunities to look forward to on the events page
09/02/04 The Sussex/South Coast Chapter have some events coming up:
26/02/04 will have demonstrations of fly tying ( specifically patterns for coarse fish) and rod wrapping / whipping . There will also be a bring and buy tackle sale. Start time will be 730pm -745pm at the Three Bridges Cricket Club Crawley.
25/03/04 will have Mark Kitson and Peter Finnis speaking about their Dutch fishing exploits - Ring Dave Wilkins on 01798 873310 for more details.
30/06/03 The Sussex/South Coast Chapter have some events coming up:
Thursday 07/08/03 at 1930 hrs at the Three Bridges Cricket Club Three Bridges Road Crawley Mike Ladle will be giving a talk on bass and mullet fishing, with a bring and buy tackle stand. There will be a small fee to cover expenses approx £5.
Monday 14/07/03 at 1830 onwards at Weir Wood Reservoir a teach in with Mark Kitson on lure fishing techniques followed by fishing. £ 8 day ticket to non Crawley club members.
Sunday 20/07/03 Darwell Reservoir nr Battle I have 1 boat available for 2 anglers at a cost of £20 and some bank fishing places at £8.Please contact me DO NOT JUST TURN UP !!!
Contact Dave Wilkins on 01798 873310 for details
30/05/03 The Gordon Griffiths Ardingly Ace competition went extremely well. The best two fish caught were Colin Rowland's PB 23.10 beast which fell to a gold spinner and Wayne Fletchers new PB of 21lb on a home made topwater. These fish were the first two twenties to come out in an Ardingly competition for quite a few years, in fact Wes, the Ardingly bailiff said they'd only had one scraper twenty all last winter! Most people caught fish and the day was well attended with 43 people fishing in total.
7/5/03 Steve Watson would like a boat partner for the Pitsford event. Please contact me to be put in touch.
2/5/03 We are delighted to announce that Del Bennett, former editor of the Lure Angler magazine and person without whom the LAS would not have survived, has accepted the position of Honorary Vice President.
29/4/03 The conference was a great success, thank you to all those who attended as well as the speakers and demonstrators and the tackle shops who took stands. It was great to see everyone enjoying the day.
12/3/03 New privileged access fishing days added to the events page
16/12/02 Join the LAS during January '03 and you will be automatically entered in a competition to win one of nine superb new Harris Angling "Lure Pro" rods.
16/12/02 Harris Angling have teamed up with the LAS to provide a bursary for members looking to complete the Professional Anglers Association course and teach lure angling. The first bursary has been awarded to LAS magazine editor Dave Pugh who will be taking the course in the new year. Here is a press release issued by Dave and Harris Angling:
The first Harris Angling Training Award has been made to Dave Pugh of Fernhill Heath, Worcestershire.
This annual award is made by lure specialists Harris Angling to encourage the growth of lure angling, and to support the work of the Lure Anglers’ Society. The award is made in consultation with the committee of the LAS and enables the selected LAS member to train as a Professional Anglers Association coach – specialising in lure fishing of course.
Dave, 45, is a committed lure angler and editor of the LAS magazine. He has travelled extensively to refine his lure fishing techniques, but does most of his fishing close to home, using a whole range of techniques from ultra light to jerk baiting. He believes that the essence of lure fishing is getting the best from your home waters. His favourite fish is the one he’s just caught!
Comments Dave, “I already take people out for informal teaching sessions, and for some time I have felt that I would like to put this on a more professional basis. I am very glad to have this opportunity to gain the professional skills in teaching, health and safety and marketing which will enable me to begin to build a coaching career.”
Dave will be joining some 60 aspiring coaches on the PAA’s course at Pershore College early in 2003.
Says Harris Angling Chief Executive Chris Harris, “We are delighted to have Dave on board as our lure pro coach. So many people want to get into lure fishing and don’t know how, or want to improve their skills. Dave will be available to take people out and give them the coaching they need to really enjoy the sport. That can only be good for Harris Angling, for Dave, for his students and for the sport of lure fishing in general.”
25/11/02 The date for the conference and the Ardingly competition have been added to the events page. More dates to follow.
9/10/02 The gallery is getting bigger! Page 5 is all new plus updates on page 4. Keep sending in the pictures.
LAS Masterline Zander lure match - Sunday 10th November 2002. On the Gloucester Canal at Quedgely, near Gloucester. Great Prizes donated by Masterline. Rods, reels, lures and terminal tackle for the biggest fish, most fish etc. Contact Roy Goddard for details at higherridge@bigfoot.com or 01404 831198 for details and application forms. There will be applications forms in the forthcoming Lure Angler magazine.
The upcoming Shimano/LAS Zander match on 22nd September still has a few places available. There are Shimano rods available for the winners plus spools of braid for the runners up. Entry forms were in the last magazine. For further details contact Roy Goddard on higherridge@bigfoot.com or 01404831198 for further details.
A new reel maintenance article on the magazine page plus new pictures in the gallery.
A few new pictures in the gallery, including Gerry Castles with another big fish! The AGM is coming up on 31st August which will include a lure demonstration by Dave Lumb and fishing on the Severn after the meeting.
I've been sent this email by a former member who is looking to sell his collection of tackle. If anyone is interested please get in touch direct with Paul Talbot
As a long term lapsed member of the LAS who has now abandoned angling for the foreseeable future, I find I have hundreds of lures and mags for sale.
I would prefer these to go to a member/s of the LAS, there is probably too much stuff to list but all major lures and manufacturers are included. The mags include the first 20 issues of Lure Angler, lots of Pike Fisherman and Pike and predator , Musky Hunter and In-Fisherman.
I would prefer to sell the whole lot as a "job lot" to interested parties but would split if more than one person was interested. I will be keeping the rods, reels and a few light lures in case my health improves enough for me to venture forth at some point in the future.
There is probably enough gear (the lures alone fill 5 drawers in a chest) to make it worthwhile someone travelling to look it over and take it away if we can agree terms! If you think anyone might be interested can you ask them to contact me by email in the first instance. If no one takes me up on the offer quickly I shall split it and sell it on ebay (where I would probably make more cash!).
Paul Talbot.
Sorry the website's been in a bit of a state recently, the hosts have been changing the system they use and it wasn't compatible with some of this site. Hopefully it's all back to normal now but if you find anything not working please report it to me.
Members only draw at the conference There will be a draw at the conference for a fantastic prize of a long weekend for 4 people (all members) in Holland with two days guiding from Jan Eggers. You must register for the draw at the conference and the prize winner will be announced at the end of the day. Big thank you to Jan Eggers for generously donating the prize. Should be quite a weekend.
4 New articles added to the magazine page. New pictures in the gallery.
The exhibitor list is virtually confirmed now for the conference, just to whet you appetites, here is a list of those exhibiting:
Anglewise, C.P.Boats, Cheap Life Jackets, D.L.Specialist Tackle, Flexilures, Fox International, Gordon Griffiths, Jennifields, Lathkill, Loz Harrop Lures, Luremania, Lurenet-QFP, Masterline, Michells of Pitlochry, Nick Green Lure Components, Old Mouldy, PAC, Porta-bote, Sovereign Superbaits, The Tackle Shop, Zoota Lures.
As always there will be the first opportunity to see new products, including a new range of Manns soft and hard baits from Sovereign Superbaits, a new range of Dave Kelbrick designed baits from Fox International, Mad Mick's lures are making their first public appearance as Flexilures, CP Boats will have a new larger Sea Nymph boat and there's a new range of rods from D.L. Specialist Tackle.
The Spring "Spinner and Spoon Special" edition of Lure Angler is at the printers at the moment. Here is a list of the articles featured:
ABU Reel maintenance - Tim Kelly Keeping your multiplier in top condition
The Silver Spoon - Eric Weight The simplest homemade lure
The Universal Lure - Jan Eggers Spinning around the world
Spandles - Bill Lucas Looking at Thurlow-Craig’s designs
Practical Bucktails - Dave Pugh Design and use
The Versatile Spinner - Eric Weight Subtle and effective
U.S.Angle - Dana Benner The yellow perch - a neglected fish for all the family to catch
Split Rings & Splinters - Loz Harrop Questions answered and a simple DIY 2-in1 design
Bass Spoons compared - Ken Williams A useful guide for casters
Bass Tagging Season - Steve Butler On the North Wales cost
Competition ! We will be having a stand at the Angling 2002 exhibition at Stoneleigh Park on 27th and 28th April, details of which can be found here. We have a pair of tickets to give away. The first person to send me the correct answer to the following question, along with their name and address wins them.
What is the name of the lure at the top of the "Chapters" page?
AGM to include Dave Lumb lure demo and Fish-in. See the events page for full details.
Does anyone have any comments about the effects of the moon on lure fishing? Following the article in the last issue (#33) Dave would be interested in any feedback or comments. Please email Dave Pugh.
2002 LAS Conference Details of the upcoming conference on June 1st.
The Spring edition of Lure Angler is well under way now. Does anyone have any pictures of nice fish for the gallery at the back of the magazine? It's always nice to have some braggin' pics in the gallery, so lets see what you've got!
The theme of the spring issue is going to be about blades baits (spinners, spinnerbaits etc.) so if you have any articles on that subject, or any other topic, please send them to Dave as soon as possible.
The Esthwaite Fish-in has been booked for Sunday 15th September. For further details go to the events page.
This is an important subject, although not directly related to lure fishing, it will effect us all. This is taken from the P.A.C. website.
Proposed byelaw changes in Cumbria affect rights of pike anglers
The Environment Agency (North West Region) has given notice of its intention to seek confirmation of amendments to Byelaw 18, which deals with the bait that can be used when fishing certain waters and at certain times.
The following extract is of particular concern to predator anglers:
Section 1
In or on the following named lakes:-
Windermere, Coniston, Wastwater, Ennerdale Water, Crummock Water, Buttermere, Loweswater, Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Brotherswater, Ullswater, Red Tarn, Haweswater and Thirlmere;(a) Use of any dead or alive freshwater fish, salmonids or eels as bait is prohibited ; and
(b) possession of any live or dead freshwater fish, salmonids or eels with the intention of using them as bait is prohibited.
PAC raised a number of objections to these proposals in December 2000, during the informal consultation process. The EA has failed to acknowledge our concerns and no attempt has been made to address the objections raised.
Briefly, these objections are as follows:
- The use of both live and dead fish for bait are established, legal angling methods.
- The use of natural fish baits is highly effective for pike, perch and zander, and is also employed for wels (European catfish), eel, chub and - where permitted - trout.
- It is significant that Section 3 of the same Byelaw proposes that:
During the period from and including the 15th day of March to and including the 15th day of June in any year in rivers, streams and those parts of rivers canalised for navigation:
(a) fishing will only be allowed with minnow, worm, shrimp, prawn or artificial flies or lures.
- If it is acceptable to use minnows for bait in rivers and streams, presumably on the basis that they are indigenous to those rivers and streams, and are caught from the venue being fished, then there is no reason why it should not be acceptable to use those resident species which are readily available on the 14 waters listed in Section 1 (a) for bait (either live or dead).
- There appear to be no documented instances of British freshwater fisheries where the capture and removal of fish for bait has caused significant depletion of the fish populations.
- There has never been a single documented case where the use of live fish baits has resulted in the spread of diseases or parasites.
- There is no evidence to suggest that the introduction of dead fish baits poses any realistic threat in relation to the spread of diseases or parasites. Any such diseases or parasites die with their host, hence the Environment Agency insists upon live fish for the purpose of health checks.
- Despite this, the proposals in relation to Byelaw 18 imply that disease might be transferred through the use of dead freshwater fish, salmonids and eels for bait.
- The use of live bait in non-donor fisheries is regarded by the Environment Agency as a transfer of fish, subject to written consent in accordance with Sec. 30 Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The Agency is at liberty to exercise its existing powers in declining to issue Sec. 30 Consent for the introduction of live fish for bait in the 14 lakes listed.
- The 14 lakes listed contain rare indigenous species (vendace, arctic char and schelly). In order to ensure the long term conservation of these species, the Environment Agency should consider the prohibition of the use, or possession of these species for bait.
- An effective 'blanket ban' on the use of live or dead freshwater fish, eels and salmonids for bait in the 14 lakes listed, would place severe and quite unreasonable restrictions on the lawful activities of predator anglers, activities which represent no environmental threat whatsoever.
- A 'blanket ban' would be no easier to enforce than the existing Byelaw.
If this Byelaw is confirmed, the long term implications for predator angling are extremely serious. It is vital that anglers stand together on this issue and make their objections heard. You have until December 3rd to write to:
Department for the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs
Room 308
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JRLetters must be copied to:
Mr J Cracken
Regional Director
Environment Agency
Richard Fairclough House
Knutsford Road
Warrington
WA4 1HGMark Leathwood
General Secretary, Pike Anglers Club of Gt. Britain.We have prepared two letters which you can print out, sign and post to the two addresses above. It is important that you send these letters to BOTH parties. To find these letters please use these links: letter to DEFRA and letter to Mr J Cracken
