Fishing History

A Historic Challenge From Broughton Angling Society Dated 1903

December 6, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Back in 1903 it was commonplace for angling clubs to issue challenges to other local clubs..

We found this invitation to hold a fishing competition from Broughton Angling Society dated 1903 – challenging The Salford Friendly Anglers Society to a match.

I attended a Broughton Anglers Society meeting last night (the 5th Dec 2017) and showed their committee members this document – and informed them that we accept their challenge. Match to be held summer 2018 at Broughton Park Lake, Salford. I am looking forwards to them buying my tea!

Bring it on.

Here is a copy of the original challenge letter, with a deciphered version below.

Challenge Letter From Broughton Anglers 1903

Translated Copy of letter from Broughton Anglers 1903

Filed Under: Fishing, Fishing History, Irwell, Match Fishing

The Freshwater Fish Preservation League

November 29, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Minutes of the first meeting of the Freshwater Fish Preservation League

A meeting was held at the Swan Hotel, Fountain St, Manchester on the 11th November 1908 between committee members of The Salford Friendly Anglers Society, The County Palatine Angling Association and the Moss Side Social Angling Club with the remit of setting up a group of local angling associations dedicated to improving our sport by

1. Observing the close seasons.

2. To stop the taking of undersized fish for the table

3. To halt the practice of killing all fish before the weigh in at angling competitions.

4. To encourage all anglers to become “good sportsmen”

Long before the days when catch and release was the norm – most fish caught ended up as someones dinner.

At the turn of the 19th century it was common practice for match nets to be weighed in dead, and the fish sold by the fishing club match organising committee.

Obviously some enlightened anglers were wise to the fact that practices such as this were damaging our sport and decided to take appropriate action.

The meeting resulted in the formation of the Freshwater Fish Preservation League – who continued as an active organisation until the late 1950s. Indeed “The League” even formed their own match team who were recorded competing in post 2nd World War 1st Division National Matches.

Please click on these two documents below to see them in full size and have a read of what was decided upon one November evening in 1908

Hand Written Minutes Of The First Meeting Of The Freshwater Fish Preservation League

Over course of the next few weeks we will be adding more documents to our archive – and will create more links to documents and information about this organisation

Filed Under: Fishing, Fishing History, Match Fishing

The Angler Magazine 1948 Fish Prints

November 28, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Stashed away in an old faded manila envelope we found these amazing fish prints – they are the complete set that was given away in “The Angler” magazine in 1948.