Angling Times – 1 September 2026
Summary
The EU lead ban on angling tackle is confirmed — "LEAD BAN CONFIRMED" — in the 1 September 2026 issue of Angling Times (£3.25), with controversial new rules rocking the tackle trade. The news exclusive raises concerns around the ban on lead sales in Europe, while Fish Legal celebrates a victory securing environmental protection in government projects.
Expert Advice section covers Martin Bowler on mullet, Dave Healy's feeder tactics for huge natural waters (The Masterplan, page 26), Rob Wootton on pole-fishing paste (The Edge, page 30), and Steve Ringer on mainline types (page 34). The Carp Skills Extra runs four pages with Adam Penning, Mark Holmes, Rob Hughes and a "Rig of the Month" Slip-D Spinner (page 44).
Top Tackle includes a Buyers Guide for specimen carp kit (page 16), Five of the Best freespool reels (page 19), and an exclusive look at Fjuka's new Fish Accelerant baits (page 20). Des Taylor (page 48) reflects on iconic images from angling history, and Arthur's Archive (page 51) revisits a Swindon-based match squad from the 1970s.
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Content Guide
▸ News / Expert Advice / Carp Skills / Top Tackle
p.6 · Lead Ban Confirmed — EU Bans Lead Tackle Sales
The EU confirms a ban on lead fishing-tackle sales, with implications for UK manufacturers and retailers. The article covers the timeline, phased implementation and the alternative materials being developed. The ban takes full effect from January 2028, with a transitional period allowing current stock to be sold. Tungsten substitutes cost 3-5 times more than lead per unit.
p.12 · Big Win — Craig Mee Wins 150-Peg NuFish All England Champs
Craig Mee wins the 150-peg NuFish All England Championship at Springvale Lakes with a weight of 87lb 4oz of F1s and carp, caught on a simple maggot-and-feeder approach. Mee's peg on the Lake 3 dam wall proved the draw of the day, but his feeding tempo — 10 maggots every 30 seconds through a feeder — was the difference.
p.26 · The Masterplan — Dave Healy's Feeder Tactics for Huge Natural Waters
Healy reveals his approach to tackling massive natural venues where carp are spread thin. The key: walking the bank before the match to identify the 10-metre area where the bottom changes from silt to gravel. Healy feeds 10-15 8mm pellets every 60 seconds through a cage feeder — no loose feed at all — to keep fish grubbing on the spot.
p.30 · The Edge — Rob Wootton on Pole Fishing Paste
Wootton shares his key learnings from a day dedicated to pole-fishing paste. The article covers paste consistency, hook choice and the feeding rhythm. The ideal paste should hold the hook for 8-10 seconds before dropping off in still water. Wootton uses a size 16 Guru QM1 with the paste moulded around the bend only, leaving the point exposed.
p.34 · Ringer to the Rescue — Mainline Choices
Steve Ringer explains the advantages of different mainline types — braid, mono and fluorocarbon — for different commercial-fishery scenarios. His starting point: 0.16mm fluorocarbon for bagging on commercials, 0.18mm mono for big carp venues, and 0.14mm braid for method feeder work where sensitivity matters more than abrasion resistance.
p.40 · Adam Penning — Autumn Carp Rules Are Changing
Penning argues that increased angler pressure means the old rules of autumn carping no longer apply. Fish are spookier, feeding windows are shorter and the "follow the wind" rule is increasingly unreliable. Penning's solution: fish the quietest water, not the windward bank, and fish between 11am and 2pm — the window that produced 70% of his autumn takes last season.
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Editor's Take
The lead-ban news is the biggest storyline in UK angling this year, and Angling Times covers it with the right mix of information and alarm. The Carp Skills Extra section is the strongest editorial package — Penning's autumn rule revision is genuinely useful. Weak area: the Fjuka bait launch coverage reads as a press release rather than independent test. Best for: Commercial carp anglers and anyone affected by the EU lead ban who needs to plan their transition to alternatives.
Strengths
• Lead ban coverage with timeline, implementation phases and cost comparisons
• Adam Penning's autumn carp strategy with specific feeding-window data
• Ringer's mainline guide with line diameters for specific fishing situations
Weaknesses
• Fjuka bait "exclusive" reads as paid promotion, not editorial
• Arthur's Archive lacks the context needed for younger readers
Verdict: Recommended — The lead ban story makes this a reference issue for UK anglers; the carp skills section is a bonus for the commercial circuit crowd.
