At the double - bright prospects for new season

14/02/2006

Hundreds of over wintered grown-on rainbow trout - stocked last summer at up to six pounds in weight – are expected to reach double figures when the new season casts off at Hanningfield reservoir, near Chelmsford on Saturday 18 March.

Anglers can read all about what’s lined up for them for the 2006 season in the new-look guide out now and available on requested by calling 0870 240 3549.
 
After last years successful fundraiser for international charity WaterAid, the water company - in partnership with tackle company Hardy Greys - will again be running a friendly boat pairs Sunday competition on 24 September so anglers can catch trout and help save lives at the same time.

Don Coe, Fishing and Waterside Parks Leisure Operations Manager, said: “WaterAid raises money to provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene education in the developing world – basic essential that we can take for granted.

 “In Africa and Asia that is sadly not the case but each £10 we can raise guarantees a clean water supply for someone there for their entire life.”

Hanningfield will once again be offering its ‘Magnificent 7’ loyalty bonus scheme where anglers can collect seven day fishing or boat permits and hand them in over the counter to claim their next session free.

The spinning method will again be allowed every last Wednesday of the month. Professionally run and instructed beginners courses are also being organised with details from the ranger team on 01245 212 034. A two-fish beginners permit cost just £9.

Under 17-year-old’s can fish for free on an adult’s permit providing they share the bag limit between them but please note age restrictions apply and should be checked with the ranger team. This has been extended for the 2006 season to allow husbands and wives to fish together on the same season ticket, providing the daily and weekly catch limits are also shared.

Day ticket prices have been pegged at just 50 pence more than last season with an eight-fish permit - including catch and release - costing £19 (concessions £17) and a four-fish ‘Stress Buster’ ticket available afternoons at £16. A motor boat for the day is £23 (reduced to £19 in the shorter days of March, April and October) and a rower is £14. Two wheelie boats are available for disabled angers at the concessionary rate of £10.