Far Bank Cat treats in Paradise
Following his amazing feat of filming every freshwater fish species in Britain, Jack Perks has been investigating some of our more sinister wildlife. Dom Garnett met him at Anglers Paradise, seeking wels catfish
FOR a man who has filmed everything from wild salmon in Scotland to pike and zander in Midland rivers, it’s something of a surprise to join ace underwater film-maker Jack Perks on my home turf in Devon.
Last time our paths crossed, we had stacks of fun filming and catching sea fish for a forthcoming book. So what is the allure of getting a catfish on film, here in the murkier waters of Anglers Paradise? Could it be something to do with owner Zyg Gregorek’s infamous wine?
Jack’s exploits have spread far and wide this summer, as he became the first person ever to film all 53 species of UK freshwater fish – an astounding feat that took seven years, endless patience and more hidden cameras than the Kremlin. Surely you’d think he’d enough of fish by now?
“Far from it!” he grins. “Okay, so it’s cold, wet and antisocial, but I love what I do. I’ll keep going till the day I drop.”
This time, however, he’ll aim to catch his fish with rod and line as well as the lens. It’s all part of a forthcoming YouTube series about non-native species, in which Jack intends to provide a serious message alongside entertaining footage.
“Catfish are incredible,” he says, “but we forget what efficient predators they are at our peril! They’re ideal for stocked lakes like here at Anglers Paradise, where they cause no problems, but they could have a huge negative impact on our rivers.
“You only have to look at Spain, where so many of their native species have declined because of wels catfish. Predation is a big issue, and catfish could do serious damage. We can’t risk natural waterways purely because some of us like to catch them. Barbel stocks, in particular, could crash.”
Context is everything, then, so while the wels is a potential menace to British rivers, we’re relishing the possibility of catching one here in sleepy Devon. The lake has other plans, though, as my giant paste-wrapped pellet brings an arm-wrenching 20lb 8oz common carp. A cracking fish, but not the one on the script!
It’s half-an-hour into dark and several carp later as we finally get that one-tone bite and our catfish.
The sight of those whiskers breaking the surface under torchlight is truly spellbinding. Even at low double figures it’s a striking and, dare I say it, beautifully designed creature.
Mission accomplished for Jack... and I can’t wait to see the footage!