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.
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."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here