Your comments and opinion on game-fishing matters
FEELING BLESSED
As ever, I thoroughly enjoyed Simon Cooper’s monthly column. In his Nowhere Better article, he describes eloquently the beauty of our chalkstreams and surrounding environs. I can empathise completely with his comments, and I find that the “luxurious peace” comment written by the late Dermot Wilson captures the very essence of our managed and manicured chalkstreams.
Equally, I am mesmerised by the beauty of Speyside and the Teifi valley in early spring. There are areas of untouched wilderness that are just as therapeutic as those found further south.
As fishers, we are blessed to experience such a variety of unique environments.
Rights and responsibility
Interesting how experience changes perception. I thought Dani Morey’s April article was reasonable and moderate.
Stuart Topp writing from Orkney thought otherwise.
I live and work 12 miles north of Glasgow on the edge of the National Park. I wholeheartedly agree with the right to roam, but it just isn’t working.
After litter-picking verges during lockdown, on day one of the reopening I saw McDonald’s wrappers appear. The nearest outlet is nine miles away.
Each year, lambs and deer are worried by dogs.
I’ve been shouted at by a group of canoeists, “Get the *#%k out of the way!”
On one occasion, a work colleague and I filled three bin bags with campers’ rubbish, including a tent and dirty nappies. A tree had been cut down for firewood.
Rights without accepting personal responsibility do not make for a good outcome.
The “them” that Dani mentions are those who don’t give a damn about anything except their own wishes. I hope they don’t reach Orkney soon.
We’re on the case
Regarding your Tweed fishing report (July), while the River Tweed Commissioners have no statutory powers relating to the water environment, we take a great deal of interest in any wastewater or other pollution incident.
It is very clear that the Scottish Borders wastewater infrastructure is in great need of an upgrade. This and the impact of climate-change-linked heavy rainfall are increasing stormwater overflow incidents, which often contain untreated sewage that ends up in the river. We are working with Scottish Ministers, Scottish Water and SEPA to identify the necessary investment and action required.
Reality check
This is not intended as a criticism of any angler whose primary drive is the derivation of pleasure from fishing. I still love fishing and always will. It is intended, though, to encourage more mindfulness on the riverbank for fish welfare.
Mr Connor (July) is right that cruelty to our fish must stop. In the 50-plus years I have been fishing, I have been as guilty as
