Mixed stocks are the only route to fishery survival
COMMERCIALS used to be all about carp – but now fishery bosses must up their game if they are to keep customers coming.
It is clear that the market is crowded, and within 20 miles of my home I can think of at least 10 different fisheries, all fighting for the same customers and needing to stand out from the crowd.
While carp will guarantee stretched elastic in summer, they shut up shop in winter. If they are the only species present then it will be a very dull time now for visitors to such waters, and many will choose to go elsewhere or simply not bother until things warm up again in spring.
That is why many fisheries have completely changed their stocking policy and stock bream, roach, tench, barbel and chub into their lakes. They make sure you can get bites all year round and give anglers the confidence that their one day a week on the bank will almost certainly be a success.
Steve Humphrey, Nantwich