PAC Shocked by Nudd’s Call to Cull Pike

Nudd Calls for Pike Cull

Writing in the News of the World yesterday, the former World Champion matchman said:

“There are too many pike in our rivers and they need culling.

“On my last visit to the Warwickshire Avon, the moment I started catching a few roach every other one was snatched as I brought it to the landing net.”

But PAC Midlands liaison officer Mick Bowen, who fishes the river with many other PAC members said:

“West Midlands PAC members are shocked by Bob Nudd’s comments based on his occasional visits to the Avon.

“Those who regularly fish the river have seen a change from attitude that all predators need culling and an anti-pike stance amongst the local match and pleasure angling fraternity to one where a degree of common sense and co-operation exists.

“At a time when Angling needs harmony between its various factions we find Bob Nudd’s remarks very disappointing and call on all match anglers to see the bigger picture where predator and prey will find a natural balance if left to nature.

“Local predator anglers do not wish to see a return to a time when predators are thrown up the bank.”

Last night, Sunday, the PAC was trying to contact Nudd to request a meeting. The club is urging him to think again and retract his comments.

PAC chairman Colin Goodge remarked:

“We don’t make comments about match anglers cramming 60lbs of fish in keepnets.

“While some of us are trying to unite angling, what’s he trying to do. What scientific evidence has he got..?

“We want to sit down with Bob and talk about this. We think it’s selfish and divisive for someone in his position to make comments like this.”

Writing in his News of the World column, Nudd went on: “At a time when sport on so many of our rivers is starting to return big time, the last thing we need is shoals of pike depleting the stocks.

“Some will disagree but it makes sense to thin them out.”

Evidence from culls conducted over the years shows all they achieve is a population explosion in smaller predators.

The PAC campaigns for the pike to be recognised as playing a vital part in any balanced, sustainable fishery.