ANGLERS returned to the river yesterday for the first day of the new coarse fishing season.

People of all ages could be seen lining Oxfordshire's waterways, with many flocking to the banks of the River Thames in Abingdon.

Joining those hoping to catch perch, pike and even eels was author and ex-international angler Paul Gustafson.

Oxford Mail:

Steven Firn with three-year-old daughter Ariya Picture: Paul Gustafson

He said: "The start of the season on the river is very special because some of our favourite fish offer a great challenge.

"It's not just the fishing, it's watching the birds, animals and nature in and around the riverbank.

"It's a wonderful sport for the family and a coronavirus-buster, as you can easily socially distance."

Gustafson revealed he got many pupils hooked on fishing when he was a teacher at Temple Cowley School.

He added: "It's those same students who are still fishing today."