What’s happening in the world of game-fishing
CLOSE ENCOUNTER
We have previously reported on swimming red squirrels and swifts caught on droppers, but how about the curious incident of the snake and the fishfinder? Guide Graham Hayward was fishing with Grafham Water shop manager Neil Atkins recently when he spotted a grass snake swimming across the reservoir more than 300 yards from shore. Graham and Neil were anchored near the North Arm tower, where they hoped to catch big predators hunting fry. Graham netted the snake to take a closer look but quickly returned it to the water. An hour later, he noticed it had climbed back aboard and was coiled up under his fishfinder. He said, “It either got up through the net hanging over the water, or made its way along the transducer pole used for the sonar of the fishfinder.” The snake stayed for two hours. Graham said, “It was a cold day and I think it was desperate for warmth, which is why it stayed near the hot fishfinder screen.” Later, the snake moved towards the battery and Graham was worried it might get hurt, so he put it back in the water. The close encounter capped a wonderful day on the reservoir in which the pair boated several big rainbow trout to 6lb and five enormous perch. Graham (guiderutlandflyfishing.com), who spends much of his year guiding in the Seychelles, has been posting incredible pictures and videos of his exploits on Anglian Water fisheries. He said, “We’ve had a brilliant summer. The lakes have had an October feel with fish feeding on fry high in the water.”
TAG TEAM
Science and angling can seem at loggerheads, often thwarting each other despite best intentions. But here’s a story about collaboration.
Casting for Knowledge is a project run by the cross-border Loughs Agency in Ireland that aims to “combine the expertise of local anglers and scientific researchers to unravel the mysteries of sea-trout ecology.”
It cites the story of sea-trout No. 7841, which was tagged after being caught by a member of River Faughan Anglers on May 12, 2022. Importantly, the tag used was bought by the angling club.
On July 3 this year, the fish was caught again by a club member. Following analysis, the Loughs Agency said the tag has revealed “a unique pattern of behaviour by never venturing out to sea, and instead remaining exclusively within the Lough Foyle system.” The fish also “demonstrated an impressive growth rate… gaining 620g (1lb 6oz) in 14 months.”
Dr. Diego del Villar, senior scientific officer at Loughs Agency, said: “The journey of this sea-trout showcases the immense potential of collaboration between anglers and scientists. By harnessing the knowledge and expertise of angling clubs, we can unlock crucial insights that have far-reaching implications for the management and conservation of these remarkable fish.”
Gerry Quinn, secret
