Anglers return after easing of restrictions
ANGLERS IN Todmorden have picked up where they left off before the lockdown by returning to the water in their droves.
Todmorden Angling Society has reported a resurgence in the sport since an easing of lockdown measures meant it could be practiced once again.
Nick Noble, from Todmorden Angling Society, said: “May 13 saw the day that almost three million anglers were waiting for, the ‘nod’ from the Angling Trust that we could get back on the bank and boy did Todmorden Angling Society notice.
“We have around 150 pegs on the still waters plus 13 miles of canal and we were probably at 80 per cent capacity for the first couple of weeks. We had implemented a feeding plan to try and maintain the quality and standard of fish whilst we were in lockdown but it was clear at first light of Wednesday, May 13 that we could stop this immediately. At 5.15am we had seven anglers on Croft Head fishery, our flagship venue, and by midday all waters were 85 per cent full.
“The lockdown was a worrying time for Todmorden Angling Society but we are lucky to have such a supportive membership. This year we saw a four fold increase in membership sales through the website, as tackle shops and local outlets were closed through lockdown.
“Currently, the amount of anglers on the waters seems to be getting back to our average levels as, I dare say, the novelty is wearing off with some members that we wouldn’t normally have. We are still busy, but we’re confident you’ll be able to get a peg on any water at any time of the day.
“As it stands we’ve seen around a 20 per cent increase in membership, compared to the sales over the last few years, and we have taken the decision to print an additional 200 membership books to try and accommodate the extra demand.
“It was May 26 that saw the announcement of the Angling Trust moving to ‘phase two’, which meant TAS could once again facilitate its matches and kickstart its prolific match calendar. Although we are still far from the norm when it comes to matches, TAS are finding their feet and are managing to operate matches whilst following social distancing guidelines.
“The additional members and footfall doesn’t come without its challenges, but we are lucky to have a fantastic team of bailiffs that are on patrol to make sure the rules are being adhered to, but also offer on the bank advice should people want it.
“TAS are blessed to be in a position where we leave lockdown as strong as we went into it and we would like to say thank you to the members, the bailiffs, the club officials and the committee. We are unpaid but we all do it for the love of the society.”
John Marshall, from Hebden Bridge Angling Society, said: “The Environment Agency are reporting big rises in fishing licence sales during the lockdown period now fishing is allowed, and plenty of people taking fishing up again to be out in the countryside.
“Fisheries are taking precautions with social distancing etc, matches during the week have seen a large surge in numbers with people furloughed and off work. The Angling Trust has recommended new rules for matches to include social distancing at match draws. new ways of how to weigh in at the end of matches and having disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser available to everyone at weigh ins and draws.
“The problem around this area though is the main fishing is on narrow canal towpaths so local matches are unable to go ahead at the moment as social distancing is impossible on the towpaths due to increased cycling and walkers.”
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