A group of anglers from North Wales have been told legal action could be taken against a local utility company, after sewage was discovered in a river.

Fishermen from the Clwyd village of Betws-y-Coed raised the alarm after sludge was spotted on the gravel bed of the River Llugwy and the Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed it is considering taking Wales Water to court.

Speaking to the North Wales Weekly News, Betws-y-Coed Angling Club river keeper Tony Godbert said the pollution was clear to see, adding: "The works cannot cope with the amount of sewage going through them now as the population has grown."

The village is a popular tourist destination and residents claim sewage facilities in the region have not been updated by Wales Water to keep up with local needs.

Earlier this week, the EA encouraged anglers to inform its officers of illegal carp smuggling activity or the use of long-lines – unattended fishing lines with several baited hooks.

A Cambridgeshire fisherman has spoken of his delight at sealing a place in the England seniors’ team at an angling contest later this year.

An impressive performance from Stan Binge in a qualifying event at Warwickshire’s Packington Somers Fishery last Sunday (May 23rd) earned the veteran a trip to Belgium for the 2010 World Championships and he couldn’t be happier.

Speaking to the Huntingdon Post, he explained that he had been a keen cricket, football and darts player, adding: "I’m delighted to have been chosen. I’m already looking forward to getting out to Belgium in the summer."

Mr Binge admitted to being surprised about being chosen, as he underwent knee surgery less than two months ago, but said his recovery had exceeded his expectations and expressed gratitude for the support he has received.

Earlier this month, the Angling Times reported that fishing tackle manufacturer Berkley will sponsor the first ever World Catfish Classic, due to take place along the banks of Spain’s River Ebro.

A huge carp has been landed by an angler from Stockton-on-Tees during a mammoth 48-hour fishing session.

Fisherman Ian Still only managed to catch one fish during his entire time at Northamptonshire’s Bluebell Lakes, but it happened to be the venue’s biggest – a massive carp known locally as the Z Fish.

Speaking to the Angling Times, the 29-year-old explained he had initially thought it was one of the lake’s catfish on the other end of his line, but said: "After 20 minutes, it rolled on the surface and I recognised it as the Z Fish."

Mr Still tempted the creature with a combination of artificial sweetcorn, boilies and pellets and said it had taken him around ten minutes to get the Z Fish into his net, but admitted his legs "went to jelly" as the carp initially caught him off guard.

Earlier this month, a student told the Lancashire Evening Post how he had caught a catfish weighing 211lb during a trip to Spain’s River Ebro.

A Nottinghamshire fishery has revealed its decision to increase its stocks of bream and tench has resulted in a sharp upsurge in anglers taking to its lakes, with day ticket sales increasing particularly dramatically.

Last year, Hallcroft Fishery switched its focus from big individual catches to greater numbers of fish by replacing 250 large carp with 1,600 tench and an even higher number of skimmer bream.

Owner Terry Sears told the Angling Times the popularity of day tickets has "gone through the roof" in recent months, adding: "We’ve worked our hearts out to improve the quality of fishing and the condition of the fish here at Hallcroft."

Mr Sears explained how some fishermen had been unhappy with the condition of Hallcroft’s fish when he and his sons took control of the business, but commented that anglers have observed a marked improvement of late.

Last week, fishermen were urged by the Environment Agency to take advantage of new facilities in the Great Yarmouth area.

Liverpool City Council claims a recent initiative aimed at attracting anglers to some of the city’s parks has proved an instant success.

Although some municipal fishing facilities have been on the decline, authorities in Liverpool have worked closely with the Environment Agency (EA) to upgrade facilities and open up eight council-run lakes to fishermen completely free of charge.

Speaking to the Angling Times, local parks estate manager Derek Dottie said: "Since we took a closer look at our parks strategy and had an overhaul, we’ve gained a real appreciation of how important it is to manage our waters."

Mr Dottie added that Liverpool City Council had learned a great deal from the EA and anglers in the area and expressed his belief that the organisation has become a better fisheries manager as a result of the consultation process.

Last month, British Waterways revealed plans to reopen 122 stretches along canals across the country.

Anglers in Great Yarmouth are being urged to make use of new fishing facilities in the area.

The Environment Agency has created 100 new free angling spots by removing overgrown plants and vegetation from the edge of the Broads tidal rivers, the Great Yarmouth Mercury reports.

Broads angling consultant Tony Gibbons said the work could see people catching more than ever with their fishing rods this summer.

"I accept that much of the bank renovation involved the flood alleviation plans for the Broads but it has been done with due regard to angling’s needs and we should be delighted that the governing bodies have seen fit to collaborate with us," he told the publication.

Local fishing enthusiasts have been told to use the new spots or risk losing them.

According to the Angling Times, around 98 per cent of anglers would like to see more Environment Agency bailiffs monitoring the country’s fish stocks and patrolling waterways.