BACK ON THE BANKS? Hopes are high that angling is close to emerging from lockdown
Hopes are high that proposals for a staggered reintroduction of angling will be approved
AT ANGLING Times we’re keeping our fingers crossed that fishing will be among the first sports allowed to resume after lockdown, possibly as early as this week.
The Angling Trust has submitted a report to the Government setting out a staggered approach to the resumption of fishing and the reasons to allow it.
The three-phase plan’s immediate suggestions include keeping anglers at least 15m apart and not sharing tackle or swims except with housemates.
The Trust had backed the Government’s initial lockdown stance that only running, walking and cycling were permitted forms of exercise, but believes now is the time for ministers to ease off the restrictions.
Angling Trust chief policy advisor Martin Salter tells us: “I would be very surprised if angling isn’t in the first tranche when sport restrictions are eased. What I can’t say is when the Government will decide that restrictions can be eased. I’ve got my fingers crossed for May 7.”
That’s the date on which the current threeweek lockdown extension is next assessed.
The Trust’s report, called When We Fish
Again and delivered to Michael Gove, stresses angling’s contribution to the economy and its positive impact on mental health. It states that fishing is still allowed in many other countries and highlights anglers’ roles in reducing rural crime.
The Trust’s initial recommendations don’t allow for the return of match fishing or charter-boat trips, but these are part of the submission’s second phase. Some fisheries have expressed concern that lakeside walkways and bailiff duties make the 15m separation impossible. They have also told Angling Times it would be difficult to police the restriction on local travel only.
Trust CEO Jamie Cook says: “Fishing transcends social and physical boundaries, engages able-bodied and disabled participants alike, and with the majority of the population living within five miles of a waterway it can safely and practically be achieved without significant travel.”
The proposals have the support of MP Sir Charles Walker, chairman of the All Party Angling Group, who has spoken to Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Tourism and Sport. He says: “I explained to the minister that the Angling Trust has produced a fantastic and detailed template as to how we can return, in a safe and responsible fashion, to the sport we love.”
The decision on when we can return to the banks will rest with the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and COBR committee.
Martin Salter adds that fishing’s resumption would ease pressure on crowded public spaces as anglers return to
reopened fisheries but admitted the sport could come under increased scrutiny.
He says: “It will be incumbent on us all to be ambassadors for our sport. What the Government grants, the Government can also take away.”
‘Timing was everything’
The Trust decided not to push for a return to angling at the end of the first three-week lockdown period, deciding instead to wait for a better opportunity.
“Timing was everything,” explains Martin Salter, “and after discussions with supportive MPs it was felt this was the right week. I’m pleased that people have been receptive, pleased with the feedback so far and particularly pleased with the support across the angling community.”
Angling Trust ambassador Rob Hughes tells Angling Times: “It’s great to see a sensible and coherent case for angling put before the Government, and those behind it should be applauded. As long as we follow medical and distancing advice, there are lots of benefits in allowing people to go fishing, especially around mental health.
“Lockdown is challenging, so being able to go out and enjoy the pastime we love could be a huge boost to the wellbeing of millions. Since working on this project and talking about the situation on social media I’ve been sent a number of quite heartwrenching and personal stories, with many people thankful for an update on what is going on.
“I’m hopeful that when the Government sees fit to relax the restrictions, we can have a sensible and staged return to our sport.”