AFTER reading the pro-boxing and misguided anti-fishing views of Len Rushton (Letters, May 14), I would like to reply. Firstly, as a pleasure angler, I do not consider myself a sportsman but I am sure that match fishermen (and women) could make such a claim as they compete against each other on a league basis, just like other sports.

Secondly, unless hypnotist Paul McKenna is an angler, there is not an angler alive who tries to give his quarry the impression of kindness as he strikes the hook home.

Thirdly, I am sure that the growing numbers of disabled anglers are delighted to be classed as cowardly con-artists who do not have the guts to take up a real sport. What would you suggest, Mr Rushton - Rugby League?

The welfare of the fish is of prime importance to everyone in the world of angling and the tackle trade have made great advances in recent years with the introduction of items like barbless and micro-barbed hooks, padded unhooking mats and scale-friendly mesh for nets. Just like any other popular interest, angling has its share of ignorant participants who have no respect for the fish or any other form of wildlife.

But the vast majority of anglers are aware of the problems that the environment is now facing.

Indeed, it is often an angler who is first to discover pollution at source and inform the relevant authorities.

D WATERWORTH (Mr), Wesley Street, Oswaldtwistle.

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