I have been elected by a number of Broads angling organisations to represent angling in the current round of tolls consultations with the Broads Authority.

Went to todays meeting with an open brief but a personal conviction that whatever happens that anglers who use boats will get a fair deal.

The first point that was brought very quickly to the top of the agenda was that boaters pay to navigate and that anglers pay nothing. That being the case boaters should have priority over angling! Coincidently I had the latest EA estimates of the anglers spend. The case was made, we are worth money, huge money & deserve the same consideration as other Broads users. The angling pound in Broadland is a major contributor to the local economy. The point was made and accepted!

But then came the downside, angling behaviour, oh dear. Defecating on the bank and leaving the waste for people to walk in being the worst example. Others came to my aid and the behaviour of a few rogue yotties was highlighted. But the point being that we don't help ourselves, it was embarrasing having to listen to some of the complaints.

The good news was that there was no evidence of anti angling whatsoever, but there is just a little anti angler feeling out there, and with good reason. We need to stop that small anti angler faction growing before it turns into anti angling. We can help ourselves!

Out of over 100 miles of Broads rivers there is just 100 or so yards where both sides of the river are pegged for matches. Never been a problem in the past, until now. Fortunately both sides could see the humour of the situation! In a river that is sixty feet wide both sides use
33 foot long poles! Must be rather dauting to an oncoming boat! Especially when neither side wants to move their pole!

There are so few areas of Broads where anglers can actually gain access to the bank so we have to hang on to what we have. But the boaters do have a point!

[ 21. September 2004, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: Peter Waller ]

Originally posted by Peter Waller

In a river that is sixty feet wide both sides use
33 foot long poles! Must be rather daunting to an oncoming boat!

But the boaters do have a point!
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I would think in such cases they would have many points.

With the right to roam now in action, could there be a case for a growth in portaloo farming?

An opening for Fox maybe! The Fox Carpa-Crapa! But it is a serious point.

Not the 'Piker Porta-Potty', then Pete?

Good work on the rep' front, mate. I knew we'd find a use for you one day.

Terry

A cheap-jack option could come from Badger, with Des demonstating it, so it could be real 'crap' quality. We could use an abreviation of River Catcher, namely R.C.SuperBrainScooper and groundbait shovel. Seems apt as it would seem that some anglers keep their brains beneath their belts!

Seems to me the clubs (if there are any) ought to install 'Turdisis', Especialy where matches are run.
Mind you most 'yottie' types are known to piddle over the side whilst under way (in full view) so to moan about an angler doing it in the undergrowth is a bit rich!
Tog

Any sport or leisure activity that brings together two factions on or in the same amenity does in my expiereance cause friction.The only way forward is to talk about the problems and resolve them one by one.
With regard to the unacceptable behavior you listed only one action would stop that LIFE BAN.
Good luck Peter and i am sure you will continue to support the agenda of all anglers.

[ 22. September 2004, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: medwaygreen ]

You need the ASSSS.
Not a problem then at all, plus you are putting a bit back into the enviroment.

Why don't the Broads management provide bins for poo?
Even dogs get them round here.

They do, they are called toilets !