June is one of the most anticipated moments in London’s fishing calendar. The annual close season runs from the 15th of March to the 15th of June. Coarse fishing reopens on June 16th, which many people are looking forward to.
The Growing Interest in Niche Fishing Experiences
The Thames, over the years, has become a bit of a niche fishing spot for anglers across the country, due to the aggressive fish that live there. Ice fishing is a rising niche trend, especially during closed seasons for rivers like the Thames. Local fishermen are often forced to fish elsewhere, which has heightened ice fishing’s popularity. Modern media and YouTube videos have helped to position this type of fishing as a more adventurous hobby.
TV shows like Alone, Ice Cold Catch, and Ice Vikings also put a focus on ice fishing in the Arctic. Those who try the Big Bass Christmas Frozen Lake slot will also know the title puts a focus on ice fishing, using a frozen lake as the core idea of the game to represent ice fishing, which takes place in winter. Even though ice fishing is incredibly difficult, it’s interesting to see how people are focusing on more specific types of fishing or pursuing particular fish.
For some, fishing in the Thames is unlike any other experience. It’s home to several predatory, aggressive fish, especially in the non-tidal stretches where “wild giants” are known to live. The Thames is also home to venomous sharks, as explained by this News Shopper website article. Pike, however, are the top predators, weighing up to 34lb. Zander, or the “vampire of the Thames,” is a nocturnal predator, with specimens weighing over 7lbs.
Examples like this show that the Thames isn’t the average fishing spot, and with species like Barbel, it usually attracts fishermen who know how to handle themselves, looking for a niche and unique fishing experience.
Aggressive Fish Species Experience Activity Spikes in June
June offers the ideal conditions for experienced fishermen on the Thames. The warmer water triggers more activity, which helps more aggressive species to thrive after the spring months. As the fishing season is closed for three months, June also marks the return of anglers to the banks.
Fishing in the Thames has improved dramatically since the 1950s as well, thanks to the improvement in water quality. In the 50s, the Thames was declared biologically dead, but since then, it has undergone a huge recovery and is now home to 120 different species of fish.
The accessibility of the river is also a big draw, as it stretches through major cities and towns, which include Weybridge and Windsor. For people who want to catch larger, more aggressive fish, having a good footing is so important, and with the Thames offering this, it’s not a surprise to see it become a niche fishing spot. As June marks the bank’s re-opening, it’s going to be a big year for London’s fishing scene.
