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Angling history

Roy Jeffery - the first England junior team manager
Not many anglers will remember the name of Roy Jeffery, the first England junior team manager, but in my opinion he deserves to be honoured for his contribution to junior angling.
Mon Dec 16 2019
The fixed spool reel
Angling historian, John Essex takes us through history of the fixed spool reel. The autumn years of the Victorian era were synonymous with great inventors sporting radical new ideas in fishing tackle. The fixed spool reel era was in its embryo stages in the latter stages of the great empress’ reign.
Thu May 16 2019
History of the centre pin reel
It was only in Izaak Walton’s 1655 second edition of the famous 'Compleat Angler' that any sort of fishing reel was mentioned. While reels had been in existence in other countries for hundreds of years, for example China, they were slow to catch on here.
Thu Apr 04 2019
London’s early angling history
Take a guided walk through the heart of the city to spot the signs of London's angling past.
Thu Nov 22 2018
London
In search of Crooked Lane
Angling historian, John Essex, tells us the tale of Crooked Lane, the forgotten heart of the fishing tackle retail trade. A few years ago, I was in London on business. To save getting bored on the train, I started researching London’s long association with angling and fishing tackle.
Thu Oct 04 2018
London
Celebrating the Coronation
In this historic year of 2018, the United Kingdom will see a number of national celebrations and commemorations to mark the 65th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.
Thu May 24 2018
Arthur Bryant - The Maggot King
Arthur Bryant was a native of Buckingham. According to a report from the Bradford Telegraph, the 'Maggot King' devised a cure for tuberculosis. But what's the connection between tuberculosis and maggots?
Thu Feb 08 2018
A short history of fishing baits
It’s no surprise that the staple baits of anglers from time immemorial have been worms, paste and maggots. Today on commercials and rivers alike, these are still recognised as basic, but nevertheless key baits. But was this always the case?
Tue Sep 26 2017
The early history of match fishing
One of the topics I have extensively researched is the early history of match fishing, so it seemed a pity not to share it with a slightly bigger audience. So here it is, compiled especially for Canal & River Trust readers.
Thu Aug 10 2017
The keepnet
Well here we are, slap bang in the middle of the 'old' close season period that used to extend from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. From March to June, broadly speaking, we can continue to fish still waters, lakes, canals and some canalised river sections, excluding those designated SSSIs (site of special scientific interest).
Mon May 15 2017

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