Follow this link to find out all information regarding Sport Wales's "Every Great Star"
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Until further notice please direct all enquiries regarding Coaching in the first instance to
Helen Pearce nacc@welshfedanglers or Nick Massey secretary@welshfedanglers
Angling Cymru Launch.
Today the 9th May 2012 saw the launch of Angling Cymru at the Sennedd.
A full report can be found at www.anglingcymru.org.uk
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EFSA British Isles Shore Championships The run up to the half term break saw the EFSA British Isles Shore Championships return to the beaches of Carmarthenshire, the first time was 2008, though one match was fished at Amroth, which marks one end of the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Organised by the Welsh section of the European Federation of Sea Anglers, the 3 days of matches were fished at Aberavon on Thursday 20th October; Friday was Amroth and Saturday Pendine. Anglers from England, Wales and Ireland arrived at the event's headquarters, the Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen in the evening of Wednesday 19th for registration, a renewing of old acquaintances and a run down of the rules. Catches were good the first night at Aberavon, being mainly whiting with the odd Dab, Ray and a few Dogfish. Despite good bait supplied by Ammo baits and Anglers Corner, Milford Haven, catches on day 2 at Amroth were very poor, consisting of a few passing Bass, which if lady luck was with you, they grabbed your bait. Many anglers blanked, which was a shame, both, as it had fished magnificently only a couple of weeks earlier at the Osprey Open and as it gave those catching on day 2 a huge advantage. Why this was so turned out to be no mystery as, according to one of the Welsh competitors, he had seen certain local persons netting the beach 2 days earlier, hence the lack of resident fish with only migrant fish being caught. On day 3, at Pendine, catches improved a bit but didn't reach the levels at Aberavon on the Thursday, being virtually all Flounder with the odd Bass. The International team event was won by Wales B, made up of Andrew Skeels (Captain), Steve Lewis, Shane Tucker, Steve Tucker and Shaun Tucker, narrowly from Ireland with England third. The winner of the individual event and thus the coveted Gold pin was Irishman Paul Tyndall in his first of these competitions. Steve Lewis from the Wales B team was second, gaining him the Silver pin and another Wales B team member Steve Tucker was third getting the Bronze pin. The pairs was won by Paul Tyndall and Scott Brunton, the latter also winning the Junior prize and finishing a very creditable 7th in the Individual table. Second in the pairs were Welshmen Ken Gainfort and Rob Collins with Welshman Mike Watkins and Irishman Clive Ivory in third. The team of four event was won by Welshmen Steve Tucker, Steve Lewis, Mike Watkins and Alan Cheswick. Paul Tyndall's 4 man team, along with Welshmen, Ken Gainfort, Haydn Cole and John O'Connor were narrow runners up by 1 point. Third were Welshmen Shaun and Shane Tucker partnered with Englishmen Paul Curtice and Dave Lovelock.
Thanks must go to Ammo Baits for the quality of the bait they supplied and their sponsorship. We must also thank our other sponsors, ABU, Daiwa and K2 |
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Pictured are the victorious Welsh B team with their President, (left to right) Steve Lewis, Shaun Tucker, Rino Renesto, Shane Tucker, Andrew Skeels and Steve Tucker
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Pictured with EFSA Wales President Rino Renesto (Left) are (left to Right) the pin winners Paul Tyndall, Steve Lewis and Steve Tucker.
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Agency arrests man for salmon poaching on the River Wye
FWA/Angling Cymru and it's members Clubs work on behalf of all Anglers in wales with the Environment Agency Wales to Improve and protect fish stocks. WE welcome this statement from the Agency and fully support their Actions. |
Potential New Welsh Record
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Bob Radman better known for his brilliant headlights caught this cracking Common Smoothound from Aberthaw, it weighed in at 18lb 8oz and has the potential to be a new Welsh Record. This claim will have to be ratified at the Next WFSA NEC meeting in November. |
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Sports Wales Focus 2014 Independent Board Member
This is an unremunerated role but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed Sport Wales is the national agency for the development of sport at all levels in Wales. It has recently launched an Elite Sport Strategy which sets out an ambitious approach to be the number one nation per capita at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning in the region of 30 medals. To achieve this target we have established Focus 2014 an initiative which aims to establish a no compromise approach to the delivery of medal success at the Commonwealth Games. This will be done by providing a limited number of identified sports and athletes with increased expert support, and investment in the key areas of high performance. Sport Wales is seeking to appoint two high calibre individuals with in-depth knowledge of high performance sport and medal success. As an independent voluntary board member you will be expected to scrutinise the Focus 2014 initiative, and the sports and athletes it comprises. This scrutiny will provide objective and expert input into specific development plans, systems and delivery mechanisms. The group will provide the Sport Wales Board with regular updates on progress against KPIs and recommendations on resource allocation. The two members will be able to demonstrate expertise and experience in a number of areas such as:
The Focus 2014 board will meet quarterly. However members may be called upon outside of these meetings to tackle issues which may arise in the interim. If you feel you have the required experience in and would like to play a role in supporting Wales to achieve their Focus 2014 ambitions in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games please forward a letter describing why you should be a member of the Focus 2014 board to Diane Morris marked ‘Private and Confidential’. To discuss the role in more detail please contact Sarah Powell, Head of Performance and Excellence on 029 2033 8283. Closing date for applications– Friday 8th April |
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Joe Arch, Wales. One of Wales’s best known competitive shore match Anglers , Joes International career really got off to a flying start in 1997 with a double gold team and individual win in the World Championships held in England on the south coast . From their story just gets better a trophy cabinet to be really proud of with countless runners up titles many anglers can only dream of.
Joe success are down to various levels of support provided under the Cymru Elite status Qualification to the 2011 World Games in Italy Finally the highlight of Joes Career was confirmed when he finally became ranked first in the World following his 8th individual placing during his attendance with Greys Welsh Team at South Africa ,no other welsh Angler has ever secured this level of ranking and its brilliant for future up and coming anglers to aspire to achieve The Welsh federation of Sea Anglers presented Joe a glass trophy as token of gratitude for his excellence and memory of such a fantastic achievement. |
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£10.000.000 Third Party Liability Cover. Mr Don Downe,Treasurer of the Federation of Welsh Anglers has announced that he had been in talks with the FWA insurers to increase the amount of third party cover that effects all 3 National Governing Bodies, the Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers, the Welsh Salmon and Trout Association and the Federation of Welsh Coarse Anglers. The outcome of these negotiations is that Third Party Liability Insurance will be increased from £5 to £10 million pounds. This will come into effect as soon as we receive the cover note from the insurers and copies will be sent to all national Governing Bodies. The increased Insurance will incur no extra cost the the 3 NGB's for 2010. |
November 26, 2010KILLER SHRIMP DISCOVERED IN CARDIFF BAY An invasive species of predatory shrimp has been found in the waters of Cardiff Bay.
The shrimp, known as Dikerogammarus villosus, preys on a range of native species, such as freshwater invertebrates - particularly native shrimp - and even young fish and has the power to alter the ecology of habitats it invades. If often kills its prey and leaves it uneaten. Spotted at the Grafham Water Reservoir in Cambridgeshire for the first time back in September this year, this is believed to be the first confirmed sighting in Wales. The shrimp is native to the steppe region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is believed to have invaded Western Europe via the Danube and is a Water Framework Directive ‘Red List’ species. Ithas spread across most of Western Europe over the last 10 years. It can be as small as 3mm but may grow up to 30mm long, making it much larger than native freshwater shrimp. Insects such as damselflies and water boatmen could be at risk within the Bay, with knock-on effects on the species which feed on them. Cardiff Harbour Authority is taking immediate action to assess the size of the problem and are advising water users on what preventative measures are needed. The Harbour Authority is keen to ensure water users are aware of the potential hazards of spreading this species to other fresh water bodies. For example people will be asked to check equipment for shrimp when they leave the water and removing any they find. They should also ensure equipment is thoroughly cleaned and dried before it is put into any other water to reduce possible cross contamination. This is not dissimilar to the successful measures put into place following the discovery of Zebra Mussels in the freshwater Bay back in 2004. In consultation with the Environment Agency Cardiff Harbour Authority has prepared advice for water users, seeking to prevent the spread of the shrimp as much as possible. This will also been published on www.cardiffharbour.com Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “It is vital that all water users act in a responsible manner following the confirmation of this non-native species being present in Cardiff Bay. We work tirelessly to ensure the Bay can be enjoyed by all those who use it and environmental monitoring plays a vital part of our statutory duties. “The implications of this discovery are simple – to act responsibly when moving vessels and equipment between other freshwater lakes and reservoirs. The impact of the presence of the shrimp must not be underestimated and water users need to be vigilant.”
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Newport City Council Older People's Information Day
Representatives of the FWA were pleased to be present at this event and were greatly encouraged by the level of interest shown by so many who attended. As a consequence, FWA coaches will soon be inviting those who wish to try their hand at angling to an introductory session at a local fishery.
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Anthony Rees MBE, Ruth Marks MBE, Andrew Rawlings |
Mr Paul Flynn MP (Newport West), Mr Andrew Rawlings, Mr Anthony Rees MBE |
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PRESS RELEASE THE FEDERATION OF WELSH ANGLERS IS ‘BEHIND EVERY STAR
As the starting gun fires on Sport Wales’ drive to celebrate and recognise the impact of coaches and volunteers of sport in Wales, The Federation of Welsh Anglers is throwing its weight behind it in the hope that the local community will feel inspired to get involved. From gold medal-winning Olympians and Paralympians to Welsh rugby and football stars; ‘Behind Every Star’ has recruited eleven of Wales’ sporting heroes of the moment to highlight the pivotal role that the people on the sidelines play. Helen Pearce from the Federation of Welsh Anglers explains why they are backing Sport Wales’ campaign, “Angling is a very popular sport and leisure activity in Wales but without new coaches and volunteers we will find it increasingly difficult to carry out the many new requests we receive each week for angling events. We offer a range of training for volunteers including Young Leaders Awards, Volunteer courses, Coaching courses and much more. We need help to support people from grass roots level to our International stars so if you have a passion for angling then please come and join us.”
Chair of Sport Wales, Professor Laura McAllister, said: “It just goes to show the importance of coaches and volunteers to sport in Wales if we are to continue our proud sporting tradition and get even more children hooked and participating regularly.”
The athletes involved in ‘Behind Every Star’ have all been photographed with an inspirational coach of their choice; the photographs will be travelling Wales until October. For more information on Sport Wales’ Behind Every Star campaign; how you can get involved or the dates and venues of the photo exhibition visit www.behindeverystar.org.uk or www.sportwales.org.uk. For more information on coaching or volunteering please contact:-
Helen Pearce
For more information on Sport Wales’ ‘Behind Every Star’ campaign please contact Sarah Mogford at Sport Wales on 029 2033 8273 / sarah.mogford@sportwales.org.uk
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EFSA Wales Shore Championships Eventually, the EFSA Wales Shore Championships, ostensibly for the year 2009, got under way well into 2010, in fact the weekend of 20th & 21st February to be precise. Originally scheduled for the weekend of January 9th & 10th, the extreme weather, snow and temperatures well below freezing, if you remember, gave the organizers no option but to postpone it from the original dates. Unfortunately, this did have the effect of reducing the entry, as some of the original competitors, for various reasons, could’t fish on the re-arranged days. It also meant that catches were likely to be down as very early Spring is not the most prolific time of the year for Sea Angling from the shore and so it turned out. The first evening, the fishing was at Aberavon beach and though there were in fact plenty of fish, most anglers tempting numbers well into double figures, the majority were undersize, even though this catch and release event was being fished to a minimum length of only 20cm. The leader after this first day was in fact last years winner and title holder John O’Connor who managed to winkle out two fish, a Whiting of 28cm and a Five Beard Rockling of 20cm, to put him on 58points, there being one point per centimetre of length and five points per fish. However, the lead was only by a few points over Steve Rees and Phil Lustig who also managed two slightly smaller fish apiece. The other four anglers to record fish had one each and because of the small size limit were also not that far behind. So, it was Lougher first, Pembroke Dock second and Pembroke third with it all still to play for on the second evening at Freshwater East, but could the leader and last years winner maintain it and record back to back wins? Whilst the weather on the first evening was fairly pleasant being fairly still, with only a gentle breeze from the south and not too cold, it was extremely parky on the second evening with a stiffer wind from the north/northeast and not long into the match, after darkness fell, temperatures rapidly dropped to below freezing. An incoming tide over ice cold sand was probably the most likely reason that it turned out to be a struggle to land anything, whether in size or not, having the effect of keeping most of the fish well offshore, beyond mere mortals casting range. However, despite the adverse conditions, a few fish were caught and recorded making this second evening of fishing a nail biting affair as to who was to triumph. The overnight leader John again managed to record another two fish to take his total points to 110 but it wasn’t to be enough with second placed Steve recording a further three fish, including the all important Lesser Spotted Dogfish, worth 35 points, for a total of 144, to get him the coveted Gold Pin which is awarded for first place. John had to be content with the Silver Pin for second, just managing to hold off another Lougher based angler, Dai Davies, who managed a Dogfish and a Whiting in this second session to go with his Whiting from the first evening giving him a points total of 93 and the Bronze pin. So the final placings were:
1st & Gold Pin winner Steve Rees 5 fish for 144 points
Pictured is the winner Steve Rees (left) receiving his Gold Pin from organiser, EFSA Wales Chairman and EFSA Shore Festival Officer Phil Lustig. |
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River Trusts in Wales – training in survey techniques
The training events are free and we hope that individuals will attend who are interested in doing something practical to protect and improve the quality, ecology and fisheries of their local rivers. Lunch will be provided at the events If you would like to attend please contact: Helen Johnston helen@pembsrt.org Direct Line 01437 783070 |
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Champion Angler Wales 2010, 1st Leg.
Anglers from various parts braved the near like arctic conditions to complete the Anyfish Anywhere Angler of Wales round 1 qualifier and the national sea league on the 30th of January The top 3 on the day were 1st Mike Hughes, 534 2nd Johnny Rushton 342, 3rd Mike Flynn 327 Zone winners Mike Flynn, Johnny Rushton Mike Hughes, Gareth Flynn
NSL Teams Top team on the day North Wales oddballs captained by Alan Blyddin, 2nd North Wales Ultima
Round 2 7th of March and open to all Holyhead breakwater over the back pegged on the last straight weather permitting alt venue Cemlyn Bay Please ensure you call to confirm you peg , currently 38 anglers are booked in for this match already
Mike Flynn |
The Anglian Water / Airflow Fishtec , Team trial this year on Llandegfedd will take place on Friday 16th April
Any 6 man team can enter you do not have to be a member of a club, 6 fishing mates will be ok just give yourself a name like THE OTTERS (they are quite good at catching fish) or get some sponsorship and use the firm’s name like Tesco’s Tigers / Asda’s assassins’; you get the idea
The good thing about the comp this year is that the sponsors Airflow Fishtec From Brecon will be looking to have the welsh final on Llandegfedd sometime in August
We can support 12 teams of 6 on llandegfedd so get your application in early
If you are a new team phone John Marshall on 01572 653021 or Denise on 01572 653038 to get your application.
No more taking of fish.
After a 3 month consultation the Environment Agency has announced new bye laws which will make catch and release the norm apart from some limited exceptions for predator angling or for fishery management purposes where specific permission can be granted for the removal of pike and grayling. At the same time the fisheries minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, returned from the
EU Fisheries Council meeting in Luxembourg having successfully overturned attempts to use Article 47 to force recreational sea-anglers to have their catches counted against the quota allocated to the commercial fleet.
On the new bye laws Mr. Salter said:
"We are looking at a highly successfully outcome of a two year campaign to clear up the current chaotic, illogical and unenforceable patchwork of fishery byelaws that have made it perfectly legal for people to take and kill highly prized specimen fish by rod and line. I am delighted that the Environment Agency has listened to anglers who want us to have a culture of catch and release supported by the force of law. I am particularly grateful to those angling bodies that have backed my efforts in Parliament to use the Marine Bill to deliver these much needed and long awaited changes."
He added:
"I reckon the proposed new byelaws are spot on and will make enforcement and prosecution much, much easier. They will also send out a message that in this country recreational anglers are first and foremost conservationists whose primary concern is the welfare of our fish and the condition of the water in which they live. I'm particularly pleased that a way has been found to allow predator anglers to continue using small fish as bait and that still waters, subject to the owner's rules, will now come within the scope of the bye laws."
The FWA takes it to the Senedd.
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The FWA display |
Lib Dem leader, Kirsty Williams |
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Chris Franks Plaid Cymru and some of the FWA coaches |
The FWA were recently given the opportunity to make a display on the merits of Angling and the benefit it brings to the Environment in the Senedd. The three governing bodies Game Sea and Coarse were joined by the Country Alliance in helping organising the event. Those AMs who attended were impressed with the work we carry out. The Country Side Alliance is also a major sponsor for casting for recovery. This project introduces ladies who have been unfortunate to have had breast cancer to the art of fishing. It has been proved that it is a great aid to help them recover. Some have also found that not only has it helped them medically but they have been Hooked and wish to join the Angling fraternity.
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Leslie Griffiths Labour, Sustainability Committee with Moc Morgan |
Kirsty Williams promised to go fishing in 2010 |
Access to Our Inland Waters in Wales
The Federation of Welsh Anglers was recently called upon by the National Assembly’s Sustainability Committee to give evidence regarding access to our inland waters in Wales.
Following evidence submissions from Environment Agency Wales, Canoe Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales, the Federation’s delegation consisting of Chris Bond, Angling Development Manager, Gary Davies , Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association and Max Coventry, North Wales representative, visited the Senedd to submit oral evidence and respond to the queries of Assembly Members comprising the Sustainability Committee, providing answers from angling’s perspective on a range of salient questions appertaining to access.
Canoeists have been campaigning for free and open access to our inland waters, if successful in their campaign, we maintain the resulting outcome would be damaging to angling in general and could even lead to the demise of many angling clubs which own or lease their own waters.
There would be a number of other serious consequences should legislation be introduced to enable free and open access, it would have a detrimental impact on rural economies, angling tourism, conservation, the Environment Agency, in respect of reduced income from rod licences, which would, in turn, impact back on angling through reduced investment in habitat restoration, enforcement and promotion of angling. Government and the taxpayer would also be faced with large and numerous compensation claims from riparian owners and angling clubs owning their own waters, through loss of income and devaluation of assets.
The Federation’s delegation impressed on the Sustainability Committee the clarity of the definition of the law in relation to trespass and the importance of voluntary local access agreements as a major component of any strategy aimed at providing a solution to the problem of access and the delegation also submitted a Pledge of Support containing over 8000 signatures proclaiming support for the law as it stands in relation to ownership of our rivers above the tidal reach and also supporting the principle of voluntary local agreements.
