Fishing by Roy WebsterWorried pike anglers are calling for a sensible re-stocking programme of their favourite species in what they believe are depleted waters such as Hickling Broad, Horsey Mere, the upper River Thurne and the tidal River Yare.

Fishing by Roy Webster

Worried pike anglers are calling for a sensible re-stocking programme of their favourite species in what they believe are depleted waters such as Hickling Broad, Horsey Mere, the upper River Thurne and the tidal River Yare.

This idea was put forward at last Sunday's first-ever Broadland pike conference held the Norwich Sewell Park College attended by some 300 ardent pike fishing fans from all over the country - along with representatives of the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Angling Trust.

Under discussion were a number of theories why pike were not flourishing on the same successful scale as the Broads bream, roach and perch whose numbers appear to be booming.

The Environment Agency was urged to acquire a suitable lake, stock it with adult pike and redistribute their progeny into the Broads when they had reached suitable sizes.

Suspect water quality was believed to be another reason why Thurne Valley pike had not recovered to their prolific post-war levels before the fish killer algae Prymnesium devastated the area of all fish species in 1969.

Salt water incursions penetrating miles inland during periods of high sea tides and percolation through the coastal strip of land that separates Horsey Mere from the sea was also highlighted as a cause for concern.

Some anglers called for renewed examination of a tidal barrage scheme in the Yarmouth haven, rejected by the government in the 1970's because it failed to meet cost/benefit criteria.

Careless angling practices were also targeted as damaging pike stock, for since the capture of 40lb-plus specimens in the past 30 years hoards of pike anglers have been putting these predators under extreme pressure.

Also discussed was the possible ill effects from predators and poachers taking sizeable fish for market.

The Broads Angling Strategy Group who convened the conference expect a positive response from the Environment Agency at their next meeting.

The final round of Latham's Broads Summer league produce a barn storming performance from the main contenders and the Rivers Bure and Thurne played their part too by producing bumper bream catches in a massive aggregate of 1,068lb of fish weighed in.

The crack Reggie's Boy's quartet won the three way battle for top honours and were crowned champions with 29 points followed by Daiwa AD Black with 28 and last seasons winners Anglers' World on 27.

Top angler on the day was Paul Yeomans of Big Hits with 51lb 4oz of bream from the River Bure at St Benet's Abbey and the next two coming off the river Thurne at Cold Harbour were Mick Browne (Stalham Veterans) 46lb 9oz and Chris Kelly (DAD Black) 40lb 15oz.

Yarmouth Sportsman's finished well out of the running and were joint seventh, while Stalham Veterans never threatened beyond the individual performance of Mick Browne.

Other match results. Hill Farm: S Rouse (Martham) 118lb 8oz, C Wright (Lopham) 39lb 9oz, G Pearce (Pulham) 31lb 6oz.

Stalham (Mill Lake): A Watson 64lb, M Charlewood 44lb 10oz, D Dearman 47lb.

Caister Ship (Melton Ponds) M Page 33lb 5oz, N Page 32lb 1oz, P Woodward 20lb 8oz.

On the big-fish scene Gorleston teenager Tyrone Scott reeled in his personal best carp.

The 13-year-old was fishing at Taswood when he hooked the 24lb monster mirror.

At the same venue Gary Webb of Potter Heigham banked a 24lb 8oz mirror while at Hall Farm, Burgh Castle Roger Howes of Belton netted nine fabulous fish, the best a 24lb common. Gary Price of Yarmouth reeled out 22 fish in the high teens and Martin Aldbourgh of Burgh Castle had 4 mirrors to 18lb 8oz.

Gorleston Tackle Centre: Anglia Sportcast are holding another open day this Sunday, August 29, starting at 9am onwards, at Browston Lane, Bradwell.

Freshwater fixtures. Marsh Trail lakes Open Saturday, September 4 Lake C. Draw 9am, fish 10am to 4pm, �15 per head all in fee, optional gold/silver/pegs standing at �200, for booking/details. Contact Richard 01502 514682 or 07796 437381.

North Cove and Barnby AC Club Match, Saturday, August 28. August draw in club car park at noon, fish 1 to 6pm. Details, information contact Richard on 07796 437381.

Freshwater results. Marsh Trail lake Open lake A - 1 Dave Forrester 27lb 11oz, 2 Colin Davey 23lb 8oz.

Winner section A: John Catchpole 15lb 8oz, section B Eddie Davidson 9lb 6oz.