Angling by Roy WebsterEnvironment Agency work on the banks of the Broads tidal rivers has cleared overgrown vegetation to create more than 100 free fishing spots ready for the new coarse season that re-opns on June 16, it has been revealed.

Angling by Roy Webster

Environment Agency work on the banks of the Broads tidal rivers has cleared overgrown vegetation to create more than 100 free fishing spots ready for the new coarse season that re-opns on June 16, it has been revealed.

The new swims are located on the River Thurne between Potter Heigham and Martham and the River Ant between Ludham Bridge and How Hill, with a further project likely to commence on the River Yare at Whitlingham.

While this is great news for local anglers it is also important that these fresh fishing facilities could be seen as a huge attraction for visiting anglers and benefit tourism and the local economy.

Broads angling consultant Tony Gibbons, who continues to meet with Broads Authority and Environment Agency officials, declared the free tidal rivers could return to their former glory next season, producing catches reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s.

“I accept that much of the bank renovation involved the flood alleviation plans for the Broads but it has been done with due regard to angling's needs and we should be delighted that the governing bodies have seen fit to collaborate with us before and during these schemes,” he said.

However, the real issue is that angling clubs and individuals must visit these tidal river facilities for it really is a case of use them or lose them if these opportunities are not seized.

Local angling clubs are booking these facilities for competitions next season and, if the holiday anglers also turn up in force, the efforts of the local authorities will be well justified.

This week there was further encouragement from the Environment Agency that an unexpected windfall of a �2.9 million surplus in licence revenue will be channelled to improving regional fisheries further.

On the down side, licence sales so far in this new financial year from April 1 was down by 7pc on the 2009 number.

The EA believes the downturn could be due to below-average weather conditions in April but, in previous World Cup years, rod licence sales have almost always fallen.

On the big fish scene, Chris Birdman, of Caister, netted a splendid carp quartet from the Lyng Kingfisher Lake, three of them commons between 25lb 10oz and 27lb 10oz and a mirror of 23lb 15oz. At Taswood, another Caister regular, Jason Stamp, posted up a 29lb common.

Along the beaches, bass are the main quarry with smoothound also featuring on the sandy beaches between Winterton and Sea Palling. Prospects for the summer species remain excellent.

Match results. Lacons, Taswood: A Zagdan 36lb 7oz; Debbie Hewitt 32lb 9oz; J Stevenson 28lb 15oz.

Martham, Snake Lake: C Soards 31lb; T Granfield 19lb 8oz; J Beck 19lb 4oz.

Stalham, Cobbleacre: B Burlton 37lb 13oz; D Agass 32lb 6oz; M Chadwick 21lb 8oz.

Sportsmans, Burgh Castle: R Silverwood 27lb 8oz; L Arnold 24lb 13oz; J Hammond 21lb 12oz.

Tackle X Change league, Breydon: P Tovell, Gorsleston, 1lb 11oz; K Morley, Kessingland, 1lb 9oz; M Gooch, Lowestoft, 1lb 8oz.

Freshwater fixtures. Marsh Trail Lakes. Open Saturday 29th May Lake A: Draw 9am fish 10am-4pm �15.00 per head all in fee, optional Gold/Silver/Bronze peg standing over �230.

For booking/details Contact John 01502 586284/07766 697873.

Freshwater results Marsh Trail Lakes. Open 1 Eddie Davidson 34lb 9oz, 2 Jamie Turner 27lb 5oz. Winner Section A Dennis Howes 19lb 12oz, Section B Peter Dade 17lb 15oz.

Gorleston Tackle Sea League results: K Whitlock 4lb 8oz, G Medler 4lb 4oz, P Tovell 1lb 12oz. One bass 2lb 4oz the rest all eels.