Eric Edwards

What a bunch of moaners! My local EA team in the Northwest are seriously undemanned and under resourced yet they still do a fantastic job. This year alone they've worked with us (the local PAC) on a number of poaching incidents, even doing stakeouts in sub-zero temperatures. They've given us a load of tackle to use in our coaching events. They've provided workshops for bailiffs, fishery managers and on invasive species - all free of charge. They're assisting me in my fishery survey. In fact they are totally committed to fisheries work and they're making a difference to the quality of our sport right across the region. Try working with them and not against them - you might be surprised what happens!

Some interesting thoughts there. Yes the PAC have taken over the Lancaster Canal from Preston to Hest Bank, a distance of some 35 miles. CRT were looking for a partner organisation to take it on and had it not been PAC, it would have been one of the larger clubs or a private individual. Since the change from British Waterways to the Canals and Rivers Trust they are looking to do things differently and you will see many more canals and some stillwaters passing from CRT control to clubs and others. The canal has never been free to fish, despite what people think. It was formerly on the BW rover ticket but that was not enforced. PAC became involved with the CRT after several high-profile nettings on canals across the country where pike, including some specimens, were removed at the request of match groups. The pike removal on the Stainforth and Keadby Canal in particular has enraged pike anglers across the land as this was a very good pike fishery. It is the PAC view that by controlling waters such as the Lancaster canal, we can ensure that no such pike removal will take place. Stewardship of the canal fits in very well with the PAC's growing educational programme (I am also the club's Angling Development Officer) and we will be using the acquisition to enhance this programme still further. I'm aware of the problems and I'm aware that some people are not happy with the situation but we are only asking £25 a year for general fishing and £16 a year, on top of PAC membership (£22.50) for pike fishing. The quality of the fishing on the canal is superb, despite the poaching problem (which we wiil deal with) and we already have a match group running a series of successful matches. Last week the three-hour evening match was won with over 34lbs with second and third places of 28lbs and 22lbs respectively. A 22lb carp was caught from Glasson back in February and local anglers report some very big roach, particularly from the Salwick area. There is the potential for a very big pike, that's what attracted the PAC in the first place, and with proper care, the pike fishing is only going to improve. Here are some pics from tuesday's match.

Staffordshire Predator Anglers will be holding their presentation evening on Monday 8th December at; Smallthorne Pioneer Working Man's Club, rear of Chetwynd St Smallthorne Stoke-On-Trent Staffordshire ST6 1PP We are delighted to have Matt Hayes as our speaker for the evening and there will be a raffle, photo displays, predator tackle stall and of course a bar. Tickets will be available on the door at a cost of £3 for adults but juniors and OAPs get in free. Doors open 7.30 for an 8pm start. SPAG is a social organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, the group's aims are stated on the website http://www.predator-group.co.uk/ The group have had another excellent year catching pike to nearly 40lbs, 30lb+ English catfish,100lb+ foreign catfish, 4lb+ perch along with specimen zander and eels. Membership has grown steadily over the year with many beginners in the Stoke-on-Trent area joining up. Eric

Permenant mooring on Windermere will cost you an arm and a leg. You can launch at the ferry for £10, with another £5 to park your car in an otherwise empty car park (during the Winter). You might find a cabin cruiser a little difficult to fish from. Good luck Eric PS, that you Brian?