Now into its third campaign www.anglerssay.com is providing anglers nationwide with the opportunity to have their say on the major issues affecting the sport with a brand new website which has the backing of both Government and major players who influence our sport.
One of the most exciting aspects to this stimulating new site is that browsers can also submit their hot topic for inclusion on the site. The current topic has been submitted by an Anglers Say regular browser Scott Essery who has found his views on ‘Are carp-dominated commercial fisheries good for the sport?’ being debated by a host of more famous pundits.
Anglers Say (www.anglerssay.com) is the brainchild of former National Federation of Anglers membership services manager Bob Clark, who has been working closely with major players in the sport including Peter Tham, the man who was responsible for transforming Cornwall’s White Acres into the vast holiday/angling complex it is today, to create a platform for anglers to speak out on the issues affecting them.
The big thing about this site, says Bob, is that the results will be used to positively affect the future development of the sport.
“I have many talks with the decision makers in both angling and Government and one thing that is lacking is firm evidence of what those who take part in angling really feel, believe and want from their sport,” explained Clark.
“As a result, when we do hear survey results, many people don’t believe them or simply point to the small sample number as a reason to dismiss their findings.
“There are hundreds of thousands of anglers now online regularly and Anglers Say is beginning to reach these people to help build up an accurate, up-to-the-minute picture of angling opinions and use these opinions in a way that will help crystallise the thinking of those in positions to affect the future of the sport. I’m hopeful anglers will be keen to take part so that our surveys carry the weight of strength in numbers.”
Anglers Say will deal with one major issue at a time, and is giving anglers the incentive to take part by offering free to enter competitions for tackle prizes.
The site went live on Tuesday November 18th 2003 , and the first issue discussed was whether or not there should be more research into the future of the close season. The result of that poll can be found on the site.
Since that time polls have been conducted on the controversial issue of use of Livebait and the dominance of carp in our commercial fisheries.
The site keeps browsers updated about which way the vote is going and anglers can read the opinions of key players involved in the sport.
“No vote will go to waste,” added Clark. “We intend to collate the answers and information we receive into reports, which will, for instance, be sent to Government as they draw up the next Charter for Angling. And I can promise you that those involved in that Charter will listen.
The site launch is also receiving the backing of some major names in the sport including those involved in the rapidly growing online angling community.
Graham Marsden, who is the Editor of the popular website FISHINGmagic.com, Angling Times columnist Keith Arthur, who also presents Tight Lines on Sky TV and Fisherman’s Blues on Talk Sport Radio, Roy Marlow of the Glebe Fishery and Martin Salter, who is the Government’s spokesman on angling and works closely alongside Sports Minister Richard Caborn, confirmed he was 100 per cent behind the new site.
“It’s really important that anglers engage in helping us develop a firm picture of what they want and expect from the sport and as a result I’m right behind the launch of this new site, which all anglers should welcome,” he said. “I’m currently involved in drawing up Labour’s next Charter for Angling and I am very keen to look at the results of the Anglers Say polls during this process”.
