The Thames Anglers Conservancy in association with the Pike Anglers Club and the Osprey Specimen group held our first Free Thames Pike handling day at Walton.

The event proved to be a huge success and a special thanks to everyone involved in making it happen. Special thanks to the Environment Agency for all their help and great to see the patrol boat and bailifs who came down.

Thanks also to the Anglers Mail, Fisherman's Blues on Talksport radio, Radio Jackie, local tackle shops and countless others for helping us promote the event.

Between 80 – 100 people turned up over the 5-hour event, including in excess of 30 juniors, all had the opportunity to see how Thames Pike should be correctly handled. There was guidance on what tools you should carry and when to use them, fish care, rigs and much more.  The juniors all received a pair of forceps which were kindly donated by Les Webber.

The EA floating cage

Pike experts showing how to handle the fish correctly

Great to see so many people there