Disabled anglers can soon go fishing on the Norfolk Broads with the launch of the first wheelie boat early in the new fishing season. The boat has a roll-on, roll-off bow ramp and level deck, providing disabled people, and wheelchair users in particular, with hassle-free and independent access to angling on the water and will be available from 27th June 2011.
Angling access for all is one of the Environment Agency’s highest priorities and in conjunction with the Broads Angling Strategy Group (BASG) they have already created disabled angling places on many stretches of the tidal rivers.
The wheelie boat, to be based on the river Yare, is the result of a partnership between the Agency and the Norwich and District Pike Club. It allows anglers who would not normally be able to go boat fishing to do so. Club members have donated their time, tackle and bait to take out those who may not normally have the opportunity to fish the Norfolk Broads from a boat. During the fishing close season the boat will also be used for other trips on the broads including bird watching and general interest in the waterways.
As part of the project these club members have been trained and are now qualified as level 2 angling coaches, a qualification recognised nationally by sporting bodies.
The project is envisaged to last a minimum of 10 years and the aim is to achieve 50 coaching days per year. From an early stage the project has had much interest from charities and individuals, meaning it is likely that the boat will be booked well in advance.
Tom Howard, fisheries officer for the Environment Agency said “Being able to work with the Norwich and District pike club in this project is brilliant. It has taken a lot of hard work from both parties but I think this will prove very worthwhile.”
“Providing angling for all on the Broads is a key priority for us and being involved in a partnership project which creates boat fishing opportunities on the Broads is superb. Our work towards bank fishing has really stepped up in recent years but creating an opportunity to be afloat will give anglers a unique edge when targeting Broadland species, especially Pike.”
Anyone who is interested in booking a trip in the boat should contact Jon Currie on 07776 221959 or Stephen Roberts on 07928 394476.
Source: Envorment Agency Fishing News
Submit a News Article:
UK Fisherman would be delighted to hear from you if you would like to comment on any of our news articles. To do so, use the comment box below.
Alternatively if you would like to submit a news article of your own, please visit the CONTACT page.
