The banks of the river Thames at Walton recently saw three angling clubs, Thames lock staff and the Environment Agency patrol team join forces to show anglers how to safely handle and return pike.
The Walton branch of the Pike Anglers Club, the Osprey Specimen Group and the Thames Anglers’ Conservancy worked together for the first time to stage the free event, combining resources and expertise with the EA; a model that is sure to be repeated.
Members of the TAC had been out with lures the day and night before in an attempt to provide live pike for the event and despite hard conditions, managed to catch suitably sized fish for the holding pen, kindly provided by the EA.
Under the expert guidance of Walton PAC members Neil Depledge, Steve Aldridge and Jeff Kennett, we were then shown how to safely unhook live pike using all the tools a predator angler should carry, such as forceps, long nosed pliers and hook cutters.
Various handling methods were covered including straddling the pike on the mat and chinning. They then answered our many questions on all aspects of pike angling and welfare. Unhooking forceps were then given to the 44 junior anglers that attended, donated by Les Webber Angling Projects.
For many of the junior anglers present, this was the first time they had seen a pike on the bank and their faces showed they were itching to use their new forceps. With the lure rods set up for them, some set about catching their first pike and right on cue, we now had a junior hooked into a hard fighting pike. The smile (and the justified envy of his fellow anglers!) once he had landed his first pike with an audience of perhaps 50 anglers behind him, says it all.
The excitement caused quite a few members of the public walking past to stop and all queries were warmly welcomed. The EA had come with the police in the EA patrol boat so we had the chance to learn about their efforts to stop illegal netting and long-lining. A fully kitted out lure boat was also on show for us to lust after and many tales of big pike, zander and perch exchanged.
Adults and juniors alike all enjoyed the event but most importantly, there will be pike caught in future that will now go back to the water handled properly.
The Thames Anglers’ Conservancy would like to thank our partners in the event Walton PAC, Osprey Specimen Group, Les Webber and especially Jeff Kennett of Teddington lock and the Thames EA team.
Steve Holmes, Thames Anglers Conservancy.
