BBC Radio Lancashire’s angling presenter Martin James had a good start to the new river season. Despite a 500 mile round trip he fished the River Lodden for barbel. As well as catching a few of his target fish Martin also caught this fantastic pair of chub of 5lb 2 ozs and 5lbs 14 ozs in consecutive casts. Good fishing Martin!
Martin told me he’d spotted a thread in the FM forums discussing free fishing trips for soldiers fresh back from Afghanistan and wanted to make this offer:
“Dear Geoff just seen your bit on Fishing Magic Ref forces. I thought I would let you know that anyone home from Afghanistan is welcome to fish my stretch of the River Ribble for trout, sea trout and salmon, then after November 1st they can fish for the coarse fish. I also supply them with lunch and as much tea or coffee they can drink. All they have to do is call me on 0779-473798 or e-mail me martin@flyfishing.plus.com. I also work with the army and police in getting kids out fishing through the Pendle Buddies scheme. “
I know from long experience that Martin makes a lot of contributions to charities so was not too surprised to discover that he gave the Pendle Buddies $3000 last year to get more kids into angling. He was also offered a $1000 tip by one of the pupils at his fly fishing school in the UAE but declined the offer, asking the client to give it instead to one of his three charities. The client chose the Pendle Buddies. The hotel then gave another $2000 !
Martin also told me “When my new book At the Waters Edge is published, a donation from every copy sold will go to the Army Benevolent Fund”.
Last week Martin gave a days fly casting lesson to retired headmaster Mike James from South Wales who paid £130-00. Martin had him make out the cheque to the ABF.
This week is Armed Forces Week. A homecoming parade and service of thanksgiving and remembrance will take place in Winchester on Wednesday, June 23.
