On Saturday 11th June to mark the start of anti-angling week activists opposed to the bloodsport of angling met up in St Georges Park. Two large banners "Fish Feel Pain" & "Have a heart" let everyone know what the theme was.
SUCCESS! The first fisherman of the day that was spoken to gave up angling for good. Not only did he pack his kit up but was even up for a few photos with the banner and hung around chatting with people for the next hour! Most people were pretty supportive with many park goers fed up with the anglers spoiling the lake and leaving lines and hooks around to be a danger to not only fish but birds and other wildlife too.
The only major disagreement was from one person who had obviously had too much to drink and decided to throw his weight around against one of the female protestors. But she stood her ground despite his assault.
During a quiet period some protestors decided to start cleaning up the lake from beer cans - who said anglers are tidy? One protestor was arrested when the Police, as usual, got the wrong end of the stick.
After a short while the anti-angling crew headed off to Eastville Park where there was only 1 person fishing - a small child and her dad who seemed to prefer a chat with us than to maim fish (who could blame him!). After a quick chat about fish feeling pain he agreed it was cruel and his daughter decided she didn't want to fish anymore. A 100% success rate at Eastville!!
Flushed with success the drums were beat and everyone headed off, banner in tow, in search of an elusive angling club.
On the first day 2 anglers stopped- a great start.
SUCCESS! The first fisherman of the day that was spoken to gave up angling for good. Not only did he pack his kit up but was even up for a few photos with the banner and hung around chatting with people for the next hour! Most people were pretty supportive with many park goers fed up with the anglers spoiling the lake and leaving lines and hooks around to be a danger to not only fish but birds and other wildlife too.
The only major disagreement was from one person who had obviously had too much to drink and decided to throw his weight around against one of the female protestors. But she stood her ground despite his assault.
During a quiet period some protestors decided to start cleaning up the lake from beer cans - who said anglers are tidy? One protestor was arrested when the Police, as usual, got the wrong end of the stick.
After a short while the anti-angling crew headed off to Eastville Park where there was only 1 person fishing - a small child and her dad who seemed to prefer a chat with us than to maim fish (who could blame him!). After a quick chat about fish feeling pain he agreed it was cruel and his daughter decided she didn't want to fish anymore. A 100% success rate at Eastville!!
Flushed with success the drums were beat and everyone headed off, banner in tow, in search of an elusive angling club.
On the first day 2 anglers stopped- a great start.
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