Page 33 - Anglian angling on the broads

32 Environment Agency Angle on the Broads Environment Agency Angle on the Broads 33

in particular the Norfolk Flyfishers’ have once again become a very rare We derive so much pleasure from
Lake at Lyng. These fish would be so occurrence. The Thurne system, the our chosen pursuit and long may this
dramatic as to almost overshadow jewel in Broadland’s crown, is once continue on the waters of Broadland
the pike captures that had occurred again in decline, due to recurring for the generations of pike anglers to
prior to 1969 and with them would Prymnesium outbreaks. come. I hope they too can fish with
once again come a new breed of freedom for its wild and crocodile
angler – the ‘specialist angler’. It is interesting to speculate on what headed monsters.
Highly motivated and determined, the rest of the 21st century will
resourceful and well-equipped, hold for Broadland piking. With the However, with the old problems
but above all, open minded to any ever increasing popularity of pike that continually reappear and with
method that might catch for him his angling and the pressure put upon new pressures on our sport in an
intended quarry, the rediscovered the sport by outside influences, ever more crowded environment,
monster pike of Broadland. how will the next generation of pike it is doubtful if we will ever see a
anglers shape and protect their comparable number of big pike
In 1985, this new heyday of pike sport from old and new enemies? caught from Broadland. I am sure What is that
fishing on Broadland was to No doubt new problems will arise, the pike anglers of the future will
culminate in the capture of a new such as global warming and the rise look back on the second half of the
English record pike. On 2nd February in sea levels that has been much 20th century as the golden age of
1985, Neville Fickling staggered the discussed in recent years. If this does Broadland pike.
angling community by landing a happen, the results for Broadland boat doing?
pike of 41lbs 6ozs from the River will be disastrous. We can only hope
Thurne. In August of that year, Derrick that the safeguards employed to
Amies recaptured the same fish at protect financial considerations
42lbs 2oz. such as boating and tourism will
also benefit angling, for as always, ©Paul Douglas www.shorebase.co.uk
In the 21st century, the real angling will be found well down on
‘monsters’ from Broadland are few the list of priorities should any such Did you know?
and far between. Thirty pounders
catastrophe ever occur. Anglers and navigators share an interest in enjoying the Broads. From time to
>> The pike is supremely adapted
for making lightning quick time enjoyment of their activities brings them into conflict. Norfolk and Suffolk
bursts of high-speed swimming Boating Association (NSBA) and Broads Angling Strategy Group (BASG) have a
to ambush unsuspecting prey
from concealed positions common interest in reducing potential conflicts by ensuring that we have a mutual
amongst the weed. Whilst they understanding of each other’s point of view and by helping both groups to pursue
are less suited to chasing down
fit and mobile prey, pike will their activities in a spirit of co-operation. This article attempts to explain to anglers
readily follow and attack injured some of the reasons why boats do the things they do.
or dying fish.
>> Pike will eat their own kind. There is a wide range of types of engaged in towing other craft,
Research has shown that a large boat in use on the Broads (from either strapped alongside or on a
part of the diet of adult pike canoes and windsurfers to wherries line astern, have fewer options for
is smaller pike. Occasionally and commercial passenger boats) manoeuvring or altering speed than
dead pike are found that have and a wide range of experience unencumbered ones.
attempted to eat another pike and competence displayed by
of a similar or even larger size. those at the helm (from absolute Powered craft can be expected to
Unable to either swallow prey beginner to professional skipper). travel along the channel, parallel to
of this size or release it from So generalisations are dangerous the bank and on the right-hand side
its mouth, the greedy pike but it’s worth trying to explain some of the centreline. When going against
is doomed to a slow death of the behaviours the angler might the current (remember Broads rivers
by starvation. observe in the species ‘navigator’. are tidal and the current can flow
both ways) it is common for them
>> Pike teeth are extremely sharp Boats handle differently and there to stay closer to the bank because
and can easily cut through line are limits to the options available to the current will probably be weaker
or braid. You should always helms in particular circumstances. there and they can make more
Always be careful how you use a suitable wire trace when Generally, powered craft have more economical progress. They can also
catch and release pike
pike fishing. options than sailing craft. Boats be expected to stay on the deep