THAT fishing is one of the most popular pastimes may be true, but when actor Geoffrey Palmer tried to cast some light on the 'sport' in a new TV series (LET, May 12) this is not true.

For whatever angling is, it is most certainly not a sport.

To be a sport, both sides must have an equal chance.

Some say boxing is cruel, but that is not so, for both contestants enter the ring freely.

But anglers take advantage of harmless, innocent fish by every unfair and cowardly means.

So 'pastime' I will agree, but 'sport' - never.

The angler tries to give a fish the impression he is being kind by offering the fish a tempting morsel.

If the fish takes it, it gets a barbed hook in its mouth.

So, at best, an angler is a cowardly con-artist who has not the guts to take up a real sport where the competion is equal and fair.

LEN RUSHTON, Bowland House, Larkhill, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.