November 23rd 2005
Bristol RA25 News

Details of Regional Organiser change and meetings here.

East Yorkshire Pike fishing 'training session'

Read a report of a great day's introduction to pike fishing here.

November 14th 2005
Devon RA13 News

Details of winter meetings here.

October 21st 2005
Solihull & Warwickshire RA20 News

Details of RA20 changes here.

October 16 th 2005
British Pike Squad

News of the 2005 International Pike Challenge here.

October 11 th 2005
Leeds/Bradford RA66/44 Meeting News

Details of Leeds/Bradford winter meetings here.

September 17th 2005
Cheshire RA9 Meeting News

Speakers announced for January and February meetings here.

August 25th 2005
Scottish Freshwater Fisheries Review

The Scottish Executive is currently in the middle of a Freshwater Fisheries Review, this is being done by the Environment and Rural Affairs Department (ERAD). They expect the bill to be passed in late 2006 or 2007 and there are a number of issues in the review that will affect us as Pike anglers.

The most important of these issues is the right to use live fish as bait, at a fisheries forum near Perth earlier this year 87 out of 105 delegates voted in favour of a total ban on livebaiting. Although this vote is not binding it points the steering group in a direction we don't want the new laws to go.

There was a presentation by Prof Peter Maitland claiming that fish hooked as livebait "thrash around in agony". This statement was not based on any of the recognised scientific fact on fish not feeling pain by the like of Prof James D. Rose.

There is a need to control fish movements to prevent non-native species being introduced to waters and some form of law will be introduced similar to the section 30s in England and Wales. If fish movement laws are followed and anglers are allowed catch livebaits from the water being fished then there is no valid reason for livebaiting to be banned.

There are other points up for discussion for inclusion in the new bill, those affecting pike angling are as follows:

• Fish may only be removed using rod and line.
• Pike gags, gaffs and knotted nets should be banned.
• While Coarse fishing the use of 2 rods is permitted on each angling permit, the use of 4 rods permitted if a second permit is purchased.

Now is the time for you to register your opinion

All you have to do is download and print the letter linked to below and add your name and address, sign it and post it to Mr. Dunkley at the address on the letter.

If you don't use livebait and think this has nothing to do with you, then remember what happened in the Lake District. By the time the new laws were put in place they had also banned dead freshwater baits as well.

If you live in England or Wales and don't go Piking is Scotland, bear in mind that a total ban on livebaiting in Scotland would be another step to a ban in England and Wales. There is a Freshwater Fisheries Review due in England and Wales and the new laws in Scotland will be taken into account, as they want all angling laws in the whole of Great Britain to be the same.

Your opinion does count, complete the letter and post it today!

The PAC letter (in pdf format) can be downloaded here. Or as a Word Document here.

August 25th   2005
Marie Curie Predator Cup

For the fifth consecutive year the Cambridge Region of the PAC will be involved as Marshals at the Marie Curie Predator Cup which will be held on the River Great Ouse near Ely on Sunday 27th November 2005.

As with previous years the draw will take place at the Ely Beet Sports and Social Club from 7.30 a.m. onwards with the fishing being from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. inclusive. All the usual rules will apply including no live baiting and the use of any two rods at any given time.

Tickets for the event will be available from the Marie Curie Trust at their offices in Cambridge, the details of which are as follows:

Nicky Jackson : 01223 416405

E-Mail : nicky.jackson@mariecurie.org.uk

Address: Unit U, The Paddocks, 347 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 8DH

Having been instrumental in raising nearly £10,000 over the least four years the region is hoping that they can once again help with this very worthy cause.

If there are any points that need clarification please either contact the girls at Marie Curie or Dick Culpin on telephone number 01279 813588 after 7.00pm.

February 11th   2005
Preston RA16

Gary Ellison has taken over as Regional Organiser for Preston - dates and details of meetings for 2005 here.

February 9th   2005
Herts/Chiltern RA6

Herts/Chiltern region have secured a rare opportunity to see Mick Brown give a slide show and talk on Thursday March 3rd, at Shefford Memorial Hall, Hitchin Road, Shefford. Doors open 7.30pm, entry £4.00. Download a poster (pdf format - right click, save as) to print out here.

January 23rd  2005
Lincoln RA 48

Details of meetings for early 2005 here.

January 22nd  2005
Walton on Thames RA15 News

Come see a piking icon, in the flesh!

Steve Rodwell on Fenland Piking.

Monday 14th February, 2000 hours, Bagster House Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middx

£2 PAC members, £3 non members.

Further details from Dave Fish on 01932 562929 before 22.00 hours, or 07787 553276.

South Wales RA10 News

Details of meetings for 2005 on the Regional News page.

November 26th  2004
Soar Valley RA80 News

Soar Valley PAC will be hosting the Kevin D'arcy memorial charity shield pike fish-in, which will be held on Sunday the 12th of December on the River Soar Loughborough.

All proceeds from the event will be split with Loros (Hospice Care) and the Peacock Inn Old Folks Christmas Meal.

For further information on the event please contact Mick Cowie, 01509 552701 or 07939 924581, e-mail kkrcow@aol.com.

Also two new pics on the Soar Valley page.

November 22nd  2004
Norfolk Voluntary Wildfowl Refuges

An update from David Batten regarding the situation for pike anglers on the Norfolk Broads can be found here.

November 1st  2004
Region 21/89 Darlington/Teeside

The meeting nights and venue for the jointly run Region 21/89 (Darlington & Teesside) has now been changed to the second Tuesday of every month, commencing at 8pm. The venue has been changed to Coxhoe Working Men's Club, High Street, Coxhoe, Co. Durham. Further details can be obtained from Chas White on 01642 599894 or via email on region21@totalise.co.uk

October 29th 2004
Hill End Reservoir Access

Jim Andrew has just gained access to Hill End Reservoir (close to the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow) for the 4 weekends in November, this water is 360 acres and has recently produced pike to over 30lb. The price is not confirmed yet but will be between £7 and £10 for 3 rods and this event will be bank only, no freshwater baits to be used. When fishing this event you must have your 2004-5 PAC membership card with you at all times.

L.O. Jim Andrew (0141 562 1882) can be contacted for more info as too can Jonathan Sykes RA58's new R.O. (01419567742).

Trevor Filshie of The Owl and Trout Country Inn (01236 843227 ) can be contacted for information on food and accommodation.

October 28th 2004
British Pike Squad Report

News of the exploits of the British Pike Squad's latest venture to Ireland can be found here.

October 24th 2004
North Lakes RA5

The North Lakes area of the PAC are proud to present a Slideshow and Talk by Gord Burton entitled "My Approach to Pike Fishing The Lakes".
Meeting starts at 7:30pm Wednesday 8th December 2004, at The Lion's Club, Great Clifton, West Cumbria. Raffle and prizes on the night.

Pay on the door, £4 PAC members, £5 Non-members, £1 under 16's.

For further info ring Russell Newlove 07867808850

August 23rd 2004
Somerset Levels

Pete Austin has a new e-mail contact address for this region. Pete is now at SOMERSETPACRA12@aol.com

August 5th  2004
Zander Deadlining

You may now be aware of the outcome of the case involving zander (and pike) being removed from Fenland waters by a pensioner using set lines. The Environment Agency's statement can be read here.  The Specialist Anglers' Alliance press release on the outcome can be read here.