Anglers could be planning to take their fishing rods for a day on Folkstone Pier following reports that cod have been caught there.

While there had been some reports of the fish being sighted in the sea off the edge of the pier, as well as Dover Admiralty and Duneness, thisiskent.co.uk stated that there had been some scepticism as there could have been several stories circulating about the same fish.

However, the news source stated that regular angler Eric Parker had managed to land an 11lb 2oz specimen with his fishing lines and had taken photographs to prove it.

Using a mixture of large lugworm and squid on his fishing lures, Mr Parker caught the fish from Admiralty fishing behind the cruise ferry terminal.

The news could be welcomed by many after the Peterborough Telegraph lamented that December 2010 would be a forgotten month for many due to the bad weather.  

A family fishing trip has seen six generations take up their fishing rods and head to the water for the past 50 years.

The Downes family told the Worcester News that they have been heading out for a family day of fun every year since their late grandmother Violet Downes first took her grandson Maurice out for the day in 1960.

Aged just 10 at the time, Mr Downes is now the oldest member of the family to still participate in the annual gathering.

At the 50th gathering this year, 80 members of the family assembled to spend the day fishing in the river Avon, with the fun beginning at 14:00 GMT, before the final weigh-in taking place at 17:00.

"We are so grateful that it has been able to carry on to such a marvellous anniversary," said Christine Downes.

"All these years on, I wonder what Violet would make of it."

The Wilts Angling Xmas match, held on the Bristol Avon, was recently held despite the bad weather, with a 14lb 11oz roach the biggest catch pulled in with fishing accessories on the day.  

Welsh fishing rods users may well be hoping to emulate the success of one angler in the new year after he beached seven cod.

Colin Boagey was taking part in the third and final Penarth SAC Christmas competition when he managed to land the fish, the South Wales Echo reported.

In one of the finest catches seen at the club in many years, Mr Boagey's haul weighed in at 15lb 9oz.

The day was also a successful one for Dave Llewellyn, who caught five cod that weighed in at 8lb 7oz from his position further up the beach towards Ranny Pool.

These catches came despite the freezing conditions the anglers had to contend with, as the newspaper noted that there was ice and some had to cope with fishing accessories freezing.

Recently, the Environment Agency had appealed to those who fish near Cardigan Bay to offer any information over an oil spill in the River Teifi.  

Environment Agency chiefs have called on fishing rod users to share any knowledge they may have on an oil leak in a Welsh waterway.

Anglers and residents near Cardigan Bridge have been asked if they have any information on the source of the spillage in the River Teifi.

It is thought that the leak may have come from the Pentood Industrial Estate, but environment officers do not want to jump to any conclusions.

Investigation leader Adam Thompson has suggested that the leak is not deemed to be dangerous, but it may still have an adverse effect on angling and local wildlife.

"What we now need is the help of local businesses and residents to check if there is any leaking oil entering a surface water drain on their property," he added.

Meanwhile, Sussex-based Darkstar Brewery has been fined £3,000 after it allowed waste produce to enter a waterway that leads to the River Adur.

The firm pleaded guilty at Mid Sussex Magistrates' Court and was issued the penalty, as well as £2,365 in costs.

People across the UK have been reminded that they must purchase a licence from the Environment Agency if they are to use new fishing rods.

Consumers looking to take up angling in the new year may have new rods and fishing lines high on their list of preferred gifts this Christmas.

However, the Environment Agency has warned that over-12s must obtain a permit to be able to fish on UK waterways.

The organisation issued the reminder as it unveiled five stocking filler ideas for people that have the environment at heart.

Also, the organisation has guided people to make full use out of new warm winter clothing that may be received at Christmas.

It indicated that wearing a new woolly jumper can allow homeowners to turn down their central heating, thus having a lasting effect on climate change, which could potentially boost UK fishing as a result.

Anglers that receive fishing rods for Christmas have already been warned of the dangers of using them in cold conditions by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.