As a general observation and whether right or wrong, I'm of the view that the anti-angling fraternity were at their height during the eighties when the numbers of angers were at their height too and I rarely encounter any anti-angling views these days.
That's certainly not to say they aren't out there but I wonder if there's some correlation in the highs and lows of the respective numbers?
I think it was my brother told me a story about an angler who drove through that Greenham Common thing in the 80's and got attacked by anti anglers. Similar stories went the rounds back then but you don't hear of it these days. The anti's have got the badgers for the moment, moved on from fox hunting I guess but angling will get its turn one day; these people have to have a mission in life. I know one badger enthusiast, a mate and a nice bloke; he travels all round the country protesting; he loves the the hide and seek games with the police, tells some rum stories thereof, he just sort of pulls a face when I mention angling but I bet when the badger thing is done with he and his mates could turn to angling, they will get bored and look for a new mission.
Regarding the NT, the one I fished was I am pretty sure was a policy of their own, I was a long way from their attraction and a few picnickers would come down by the river, that's all, probably enjoyed seeing an angler; no harm to anyone at all. My experience of the British mentality is they love to ban things, the default position is "no you cant do that here" whatever it may be. Punishment and fines being the meat and veg of society. It always amuses me how often our politicians talk about freedoms and then make sure we are not free to do anything. there must be thousands of laws taking our freedoms away, ever seen a free fishing sign, cant say I have ever seen one even when it is free!, a million telling me I cannot fish and what hell to pay if I do! No wonder fishing is losing popularity; it never gives off a good vibe.
Sorry, went off course but it is an anti fishing world we live in one way or another.
---------- Post added at 07:44 ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 ----------
Its not kids they should be targeting...they get bored, have other things to do and have no cash to spend. Its the 40 somethings with some of money in thier pockets who are getting a bit old for their usual pastimes like football, rugby and so on and are looking for a new hobby to fill the gap. Given reasonable health you have a potential new angler for 30 plus years.
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Here's a thought-A couple of friends and me are thinking about having a go at green bowling. I quickly found out we can go along to the local green, no traveling, get an hour’s free tuition, lent some bowls and pay about £3. If we don't like it we have had a laugh and lost £3. If we accidently break the rules, we will probably get told off, no special police watching. All we need are some flat shoes and a white top; we all have that, no problem.
Now if I decided to have a go at fishing, first I have to apply and pay for a license £30. Then I have to find somewhere to fish, for many could be paying £100 to join a club because that's all that's around. Could involve travel costs as well. then fork out for all the gear I need to get started. Then if I accidently break the rules and the special police catch me (a special police for anglers, just love that one), could face punitive fines and all sorts of recriminations, might even make the name and shame list.
It’s just not an amenable hobby. To be honest I am thinking of packing it in for my old age and finding easier, more amenable, available, less fraught and cheaper things to do with my time. There's plenty of great stuff to do, fishing doesn't compete. I am already getting my countryside fix from walking and photography, a bit of sketching. I don't need a licence, do it anywhere almost, no rules as such and everyone loves me!!
I am just wising up and wondering what do I get for all that time, expense and effort; is it really worth it and I am 40+..
I am just trying to point out; angling needs a lot of work done to make it popular again. Angling has digressed in so many ways, often under the guise of progress and participant numbers have digressed pro rata.