STAND by for one of the most spectacular openings of the coarse fishing session for decades.Local anglers and visitors who wish to add a liberal helping of nature's lustre to their stay in the Broads, can turn the clock back 40 years by visiting miles of free fishing banks of the tidal rivers that have been recently opened up following the completion of flood alleviation schemes, writes Roy Webster.

STAND by for one of the most spectacular openings of the coarse fishing session for decades.

Local anglers and visitors who wish to add a liberal helping of nature's lustre to their stay in the Broads, can turn the clock back 40 years by visiting miles of free fishing banks of the tidal rivers that have been recently opened up following the completion of flood alleviation schemes, writes Roy Webster.

Many river banks that were once well walked by thousands of anglers during the 1960s and 1970s have been cleared of tangled vegetation and smoothed for easy access to prolific waters that still team with huge shoals of roach and bream as well as bristling perch and hefty pike.

So, why are these river embankments allowed to grow over? In short they were deserted by anglers who were beguiled by the new magic of fishing for tame carp in commercial lakes where it was possible to park the car no more than three or four strides from the action.

But now angling desires appear to be changing. Increasing numbers are becoming bored with carp fishing and seek new challenges.

Equally important, it is recognised that holiday anglers prefer a different form of fishing from their own local carp lake and our Broads rivers are regarded as made-to-measure enjoyment in the natural habitat.

The Environment Agency has responded by devoting much time and effort and consultation with anglers during the flood protection work - a policy that should pay handsome dividends in angler satisfaction and financial benefits for the tourist industry and the local economy.

Here are details of the tidal river banks for free fishing. The River Thurne, between Martham and Potter Heigham and above Martham Ferry, the River Bure at Upton and the River Ant up stream of Ludham bridge.

And if the dredging is in progress in Heigham Sounds and the tide is ebbing the coloured water filtering into the Thurne via Candle Dyke is almost certain to stimulate the resident bream into a feeding frenzy.

Of the main Broads Hickling and Horsey are highly fancied for opening day sport with bream, roach and quality perch.

The Trinity Broads at Ormesby and Filby are recommended for some hectic action spinning for pike and perch.

Last week's big fish catches included an excellent 27lb 8oz Swangey Lake common carp for Tim Goodacre of Eccles while at Hall Farm Lake, Burgh Castle, Gorleston regulars Scott Bracewell and Richard Elliot bagged mirror, linear and common carp in double figures, the best a 21lb mirror with Elliot also landing an 8lb 13oz tench.

Match results

Tackle Xchange Sea League (Breydon water): K Morley 5lb 1oz, D Able 4lb 10oz, T Thomas 2lb 10oz.

Stalham (Melton ponds): B Burlton 43lb 4oz, M Charlewood 26lb 14oz, R Austrin 21lb 7oz.

Anglings clubs should note that from June 1 eels caught from rivers estuaries and coastal waters may be retained only for weighing then released immediately to the water.