Leamington Angling Association is now able to offer members a special half price canal permit covering a huge amount of water in the canal system. For only £10 you can have access to sections of the Grand Union Canal, the Coventry Canal and many others. There is a certain fascination with canals and for those of us with long memories, they represent one of the first places we learned to fish and they still hold some amazing fish. Carp that have never seen a hook have grown fat on bread fed to the ducks. Shoals of bream and quality roach await anglers who are willing to put in a little effort to seek them out. What of the boats I hear you ask? Yes, they can be a nuisance, but early morning and late evening are often the right time to avoid them and to encounter the best fish. Predator fishing on the canals has become more popular in recent years with good catches of pike and zander from many areas. Roger Booth (top left) offers this advice....."Predator-wise, dead baits and spinning appear to be the best, travelling light and moving around is a good method. in colder weather, try to find some deeper water, in front of lock gates are good spots. In warm weather, try to find the prey fish, the toothy ones that feed on them won't be far away." There is no close season on most canals. The half price permit is available to Leamington Angling members. Phone for payment details 01926 312319 or email anthony@spaphoto.co.uk         For details of the canal rules, available stretches and bridge numbers, see below.

Special Rules Apply to the Canal Permit

• Permit holders may use a maximum of two rods.
• No native fish species to be removed from the fishery under any circumstances.
• Zander and non native crayfish must not be returned to the water once caught.
• No fishing in the close season on waters where the close season currently applies.
• Keepnets may be used but anglers must adhere to the Angling Trust keepnet code.
• Permits must be carried at all times and must be made available to authorised bailiffs and British Waterways staff on demand.
• Anglers are strongly advised to hold insurance covering their third party risk arising out of their angling activities. (included as part of individual Angling Trust membership)
• All permit holders are required to hold an Environment Agency rod licence
• No fishing in the vicinity of overhead powerlines as signed by British Waterways.
• Fishing must not take place within 25 metres of a lock approach, swing bridge or water point.
• No fishing between boats on permanent towing path moorings or at visitor moorings where so signed.
• Where visitor moorings are not signed as to whether fishing is permitted, its is assumed that during the boating season those wishing to moor have priority, at other times access will be on a first come first served basis.
• Anglers are requested to follow the spirit of the Waterways Code and act responsibly at all times.