Family Matters

I will return to my blog when my new family and job require a little less of my time!? Heck, even fishing has taken a back seat!!

TMG

Due to the most rain the UK has seen for many years, the CLA Game Fair cancelled for the first time in 49 years representing a loss of 50 million pounds to the local economy.

That's no small disaster; but besides the financial implications of the loss of this year's CLA and the postponement of 'Singles Night', my mind has moved onto the long term environmental impact of the latest weather events. Specifically I was thinking yet again about the spreading of invasive species. Floods are a common vector in this respect.

Not wishing to be narrow in my angling outlook (mostly I'm a fly-fisher), I purchased a coarse fishing magazine at the weekend. Besides the expected mix of technical how-to and grip and grin items, I was drawn to an article about the top-mouthed gudgeon (TMG).The article's focus is upon the TMG's ability to grow its population quickly and thereby out-compete other species as it strips small food items toward the base of the food chain. The TMG also predates the eggs of other fish species. One detail left out of the article, something considered perhaps of more significance by the authorities, is the fact that the species carries a parasite that preys on the internal organs of other fish, Daily Mail. (Read a bit more at the Telegraph)

The TMG has been in Europe since the 1960s. Conflicting reports suggest the fish arrived with batches of carp meant for fish farms and also was seeded through release by aquarium fish enthusiasts. Where ever they came from the EA have been trying to keep them under control through the use of Rotenone (biodegradable poison), and standard species control procedures.

It occurs to me the recent flooding that has befallen UK waterways, 25 of which carry the species, may have undone the work of the EA and environmental voluntary organisations. With luck nature will restore some kind of balance, but if reports of fisheries balance of stocks are to be believed (100,000 TMG : 2 Roach) there is a real threat of ecological disaster...

Lopsided affair

A Muddy Affair at The CLA Game Fair!

This year The CLA Game Fair, which is being held at Harewood House, Friday 27th – Sunday 29th July, is teaming up with Muddy Matches, an online community for country-minded people, to host A Muddy Affair - a live dating event followed by a singles-themed drinks party. This is a must for those looking for like minded country loving companions...

The search is now on for fun-loving, muddy guys and girls who think they may be a suitable date for either picker and would like to take part in this light hearted show. It is very easy to enter and guaranteed to be a lot of fun, so if you are single and want to meet other country-minded people, what have you got to lose?

...The fun and excitement of the show will then spill into a singles themed drinks party held immediately afterwards for the contestants, the audience and for anyone who wants to come along after the show and meet other country-minded people. The party will have a fun and unique singles twist to make it easier for singles to spot and approach other single people, and everyone one is welcome whether single or not to both the show and the drinks party.

Statistically women form only 6% of UK anglers and in the US they form 25%. So, while the CLA caters to all people interested in the broader church of field sports and the big outdoors, if you're an angler in the UK and you're a man, don't place too much hope in the event.... unless you're gay maybe!? If you're a woman then you either have the pick of the bunch or even more slim pickings...!

Urban Fly Fishing

Oblivious to passing traffic on a busy street and the persistent beep, beep, beep of heavy equipment in reverse, Alpha "Doc" Elder concentrated on making an accurate presentation with his 5-weight fly rod, the fluid line carrying a nearly weightless, homemade fly toward a weed bed.

The weeds emerged from a creek meandering through a Richardson city park, its banks manicured to make the waterway suburban-user friendly. A weird duck swam past, its genetics so mixed between wild and domestic fowl that DNA wouldn't solve the riddle. It looked like a cartoon character, a duck with a punk haircut. High overhead, a jet passed on its descent into Love Field. A light plane droned as it made lazy, lower-altitude circles, an advertising banner in tow.

...from Dallas News

I must confess that I haven't explored the virtues of an urban assault since fishing a small pond for rainbow trout in central Charleston, Illinois, back in 1990. When presented the only opportunity to pick up the fly rod during a hard year of teaching and study, I leapt at the chance.

At the time, one of my students came into my art class, and knowing I was a fisherman said "Hey Raif, you should get yourself down the University pond, they filled it up with trout yesterday!" So, first I had a go for them with bait; sausage meat in fact, rigged up on some old tackle borrowed from my friend John. On poor pay my teaching colleagues and I were delighted to eat some fish off the barbecue!

The next day I sloped off to WalMart where I bought some 'funny looking fly gear' and with it I introduced my friend John to the way of the fly rod. A few more fish in the pan (if you wonder at the carnage - those fish wouldn't have lasted five more minutes anyway in that hot water environment)and a bit of casting practice later, John was hooked.

Seventeen years later John is still fly fishing. In fact, he and I went fly fishing on the Kinni, Wisconsin, April 2006; only the second time we've fly fished together (I live in central UK) in all that time. All it took was that trip to the pond at EIU.

I think like Ray Sasser suggests, you should take your fly fishing opportunities where ever they present themselves; even in the middle of town!

Nasty Braided Loops

...Soon, I figured out how to get my orange-bellied Hewitt's Nymph into the hot spot just right, and a salmon took the tiny fly. The fish stayed in the heavy current, where it pulled ultra-hard against the 4-weight rod.

Then, much to my shock, the braided loop on the end of the fly line slipped off, and the fish got away with my fly, tippet and leader -- the latter a $10 item. I was far more angry about losing $10 than the fish.

I've never had a braided loop slip off before, but I don't use that particular reel much. The loop had been on the fly line for six or seven years, a stupid mistake. The loop should be changed every year or two.

From The Kennebec Journal

Thread a thick tapered leader butt into the tip of the fly line and then tie a nail knot. It will never drop off, never hinge, and it will never stick in your rod's tip ring.

Wi-Fi Risks

In an interesting BBC article about WiFi verses mobile networks, the discussion hinges around the economics of two competing technologies. It especially focuses on how the cell phone companies had assumed they might recoupe their huge outlay for 3G through sole control of the only true and accessible mobile network. In the article it is suggested they may not in view of developments in WiFi communications that could successfully compete for the same market niche.

This morning BBC Radio Five announced that WiFi could be more harmful than mobile cell phones. The same story is carried in a number of newspapers this morning – you can read one here in The Daily Mail. The statistic that says WiFi generates three times more radiation than a mobile phone mast, could put paid to that theory.

In a few decades however, if statistics show that WiFi and Cell phone technology are both harmful to our health each could end up in the pan! The 3G revolution, i-Mode, and WiFi could all end up dead in the water. I for one am looking at the wireless hub in the corner of my lounge and wondering if I should convert back to an ethernet lead.

Customer Service...

SHARPES ANNOUNCES A NEW CEO

Sharpes is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Koppel as Chief Operating Officer. Sharpes, which was purchased by businessman Craig Treharne in July 2006, is a leading supplier of fishing tackle and accessories to the UK and Ireland.

‘Since the purchase of Sharpes and Abel last year and following a period of much needed restructuring we have seen sustained growth and expect that to continue’, said Treharne. ‘2007 is going to be an exciting year, we intend to grow both our sales and the customer care team substantially as well as introduce new product. Furthermore in the last year we have invested heavily in our support systems and technology and we expect this to contribute substantially to the overall quality of the customer experience. To pull this all together we wanted someone to direct and further develop our internal and external operations. Mark's sales and leadership experience make him uniquely qualified for the position.’

Koppel, joins Sharpes with over 20 years experience working within the retail supply industry. The former Head of Sales of leading food brand Nutricia Ltd, Koppel has held senior positions with reputable brands such as Whitbread, Coca Cola Schweppes and Kraft Foods. Koppel commented:

‘I am delighted to be joining Sharpes. I am confident that we shall continue to grow sales this year, whilst putting an emphasis on further enhancing customer service.’

‘We are pleased to welcome Mark to the Sharpes team,’ COO Martin Peck said. ‘The company has been through considerable change over the past 12 months. We have now reached a point where we need a highly qualified individual to take sales and customer service to the next level. Mark’s track record in business to business industries makes him the ideal person for the job.’

Sharpes, a strong brand within the fishing tackle supply industry, also own and distribute the high quality US brand Abel. The company and its subsidiaries have been designing, manufacturing and selling top quality angling products since 1920. Headquartered in Birmingham, the company provides exceptional pre-sales advice as well as excellent after sales care.

Sounds promising...

Old News

Several bloggers hit the Asian Carp story when it first appeared in the press and on YouTube. I came to it a bit late in the day, but when I did I was reminded of my earlier post. The original story at the Detroit Free Press evokes a sense of despair! Yet another invader introduced by profit seekers? I gotta echo Murdock's (Flyfishmagazine) comment after Species Invasion, "I [also] really wonder what the world of fly fishing will look like for our children and grandchildren with all the non-native species that seem to be popping up everywhere." ...The video is bizarre, funny, and at the same time grim:

Time to fish...

A professional colleague recently closed his campaign that fought for the security of wild salmon stocks is his native Scottish waters. Bruce Sandison spent many hours, days and in fact, years, bringing a keen focus on the salmon farming industry that has had such a devastating effect on the ecosystems of the inshore waters and lochs of northern Britain. He initiated active campaigns on British streets, raising awareness of the issues at stake. He attended conferences and seminars keeping abreast of the latest science and research. In a PM discussion through a fishing forum he once expressed his deep desire that he wished to preserve a place in the future where his grandchildren and generations thereafter would be able to enjoy the beautiful creatures of Scotland in their wild state.

While there are no statistics that I can quote his efforts I'm sure have raised public awareness of the issues involved in farm produced salmon and its threat to the environment. That is the legacy of the SFPG. Into the future, Bruce now aged 70, as announced in the recent edition of the Salmon Farm Monitor Newsletter, will spend his time fishing and writing and probably being with the family in that stunning landscape of the Highlands and islands of Scotland.

Trout v Bass

Anyone got any more fishing-meets-art sendups? I was just reading a post at Steelhead Diaries and the illustration there set me off.

Several years ago art parodies were brought to my attention during a lecture given by an Art History professor at Eastern Illinois University. Prof McRoberts had a curious sense of humour and a preoccupation with red Mustangs, but most of all he had a fascination with Design of the early and mid 1900s, and the art of the Social Realist movement. He especially liked artists Grant Wood and Edward Hopper. At one point in the lecture either he or a student brought into conversation the matter of the 1980s version of American Gothic with Kermit and Miss Piggy. Years later The Muppet American Gothic came to mind during a forum discussion, something about 'Trout v Bass' ("As if it that was something to contest - I'll fish for anything with a fly!") I came up with my own version of Wood's great picture. Not so much a parody, but more of a satire I guess.

Carrots Are For Real

Well, thanks to Alistair over at Urban Fly Fisher I found the answer to the mystery of carrot technology. It's REAL! And you can read about it here », or you could visit the manufacturer's site. CelluComp say, "Rods made using CURRAN damp twice as rapidly as an equivalent carbon rod, while retaining the same rapid recovery speed as the carbon rod." Could CelluComp be the next challenger the Sage's crown!? I guess that depends on who's responsible for product testing and development...

Dangling the Carrot

I heard an interesting thing the other morning. At least I think I did!?

The thing is, I’m something of an insomniac and find myself listening to radio shows at all kinds of unsociable hours. As a consequence I often hear broadcasts while I’m half asleep, and I’m convinced sometimes the stories I hear merge with my dreams – this can feel somewhere between disturbing and bizarre, sometimes plain funny.

A couple of mornings ago I was listening to Radio 5 Live, when something came on a spot called Morning Reports. Now this may sound dumb, but I swear the presenter had someone on air talking about alternatives to carbon fibre for laminate production. The researchers, of whom he was one, were extracting fibre from carrots! And you guessed it, the first application for their new fibre and resin system was in the construction of a new fly rod.

On reflections this seems like one of those bizarre 'fact merges with fiction' scenarios, but if I heard right and it’s not just a strange piece of the twilight zone, it gives new meaning to dangling the carrot!

Climate Change

This year has seen lots of news articles here in the UK, covering early blooms of flowers and other out of season events. Climate change it seems is going to affect all kinds of organisms in the natural world and in all kinds of ways: Many species of birds and butterflies are appearing on UK soil as they're carried by warmer air masses, and the arrival of many beautiful creatures is in some ways a joy, but perhaps we should in fact be concerned, even alarmed, by these visitors. They're the signifiers after all of something rather less welcome.

When your daffodils die back because of frost damage, that's hardly a disaster. When young salmon start running to sea too early that's another matter entirely. Well, that's just what happening in Ireland according to an article I just read on the BBC's website. As the winters get progressively warmer juvenile salmon are running early:

"Irish salmon stocks are being hit by the effects of climate change with scientists on the river Bush in north Antrim discovering warmer winters are triggering a false start to the annual migration with disastrous consequences....Usually around a third of the young fish which leave the river Bush survive to return here the following year to spawn. But now with warmer winters triggering a false start to the migration, only six in every 100 salmon make it back here to breed. And that's not the only problem facing the river Bush. Climate change is also hitting the salmon in another way... Read more »"

Wild salmon stocks already have to struggle with over fishing, pollution, and predation by birds, seals, fish, lice, and people, but now they have to bear this new demon. Maybe recycling my van will help, and maybe using public transport will help - in the long run, but what of the here and now? Is it too late?

CLA at Harewood

This year the CLA Game Fair is to be hosted by the stunning Harewood House, near Leeds, Yorkshire, UK. Last years event was held at Broadlands Estate in Hampshire, on the banks of the Test. This is an impressive event with wonderful facilities - the thing to remember is to take a picnic because while food stalls have some great fare, their prices will leave you wincing! If you're going to visit they have full information on their website. I guess no one is going to trek half way round the world just to visit this show, but if you're visiting the UK and in the Midlands around late July this year, there are worst things you could do with your time than peruse the fishing gear, watch various canine and equestrian demonstrations, browse art and craft exhibits. There are open competitions to enter in several disciplines. If any member of your party isn't interested in the Game Fair, they can always visit the house and grounds which are a wonderful spectacle in their own right.

A press release reads:

"Harewood House, Leeds provides the spectacular setting for The CLA Game Fair now in its 49th year. The event was first held at Harewood House in 1986, and then again in 1995, 1999, and 2003 during which time it has grown to become internationally recognised as the world’s leading country sports event and showcase for all aspects of rural life.

Harewood House is an architectural masterpiece set within a sweeping Capability Brown landscape making a glorious setting for the exhibitions, features, displays and competitions that make up The CLA Game Fair. Whilst Fishing, Shooting and Gundogs are central to The Game Fair, all other popular country pursuits are represented from Falconry, Ferrets and Field Archery to Hunting, Carriage Driving and 4x4 Driving. International championships and competitions attract leading sports personalities, professionals and enthusiasts from across the world.

Each year The Game Fair organisers review the show to ensure that all aspects of the countryside are included in this three day celebration. This year the organisers are introducing The Rural Diversification Exhibition, which will highlight the wide selection of firms who provide products, services, ideas and advise that will enable landowners to successfully diversify. New for 2007 will also be Pugs and Drummers, a realistic view of the tradition of ferreting, and the Moorlands Experience, popular when The Game Fair was last held at Harewood House. This will again be providing an enjoyable and informative feature, laid out this time to demonstrate how the Moorlands were managed in the past and present day."

Last year I was hoping AAPGAI casting and fishing instructor, writer and product reviewer for Fly Fishers' Republic, Sue Macniven, would pull off a victory in the Women's Spey-Casting competition but alas it wasn't to be. This is her indulging in a little spey-line magic on the banks of the River Test last July. I should remind everyone that last year it wasn't sunny the whole time, so if you do go this time round take a rain coat! I was hoping to go this year, especially as it's much closer to home i.e. less than 5 hrs. drive, but I have a few prior commitments that'll keep me away.

Conservation Forum

For those of you interested in fishery conservation, I'd just like to invite you to join a forum dedicated to the discussion of fishery cleanups, habitat improvement, fishery management, pest and disease control, insect and baitfish resources, and anything else you can think of. Over at Fly Fishers Republic (where I'm the editor), angler and writer Theo Pike who contributes articles on river restoration, is one of the forum moderators and is ready to debate hot topics and answer queries you may have. I'll be following up on posts also. If anyone feels strongly enough that they'd like to participate as a moderator post a comment here or email me through www.flyfishersrepublic.com.

Great Lakes Virus

Potentially devastating news from ERIC SHARP at the Detroit Free Press:

"Viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been confirmed in Lake Huron whitefish, walleyes and Chinook salmon, the Department of Natural Resources said Friday, raising concerns the disease soon will reach lakes Michigan and Superior.

Previously known only in saltwater fish in North America, VHS was first recognized in Lake Ontario two years ago. Last summer it spread to lakes Erie and St. Clair. The strain of VHS was very similar to one found in the Canadian Maritime provinces, and many biologists believe it reached the Great Lakes in the ballast water of oceangoing ships..."

Sound familiar? That good old ballast water, does it again!

Species Invasion

Recently, I was reading flyfishmagazine and a linked article. I was moved to post a comment back on the blog, questioning the wisdom of genetic manipulation of fish stocks. Then this morning on my way to the office, I read a short piece in Metro, mentioning how Columbus crabs (Planes minutus) had been found in Sennen Cove, Cornwall. They'd floated all the way from Florida!

This started me thinking again, this time about alien species and the vehicles for their introduction. It seems those Columbus crabs arrived through pollution - see for yourself in The Wildlife Trusts reports. On this occasion a piece of polystyrene was the vessel of transportation. The hulls of boats and ships, the holds of transporter planes, the cargo these vessels carry; all transport living organisms to new environments. The Chinese Mitten Crab arrived on the River Thames by these means (in the ballast water of cargo ships). In the name of environmental improvement people introduce foreign species directly into the environment, the Zebra Mussel is a case in point. Farming has introduced alien species, and it has also been indirectly responsible for the introduction of foreign species, either through accidental or assisted escapes: In the UK, mink (Mustela vison), and signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) are two examples.

Then we have to look closer to home. Mud snails have been inadvertently introduced by anglers carrying them on their wading boots. Parasites like Myxobolus cerebralis, gill flukes, and eye flukes are likely to have been accidentally introduced through fishery stocking programs. Let's face it, the vectors for species invasions are numerous and their effects, sometimes positive but frequently devastating. By devastating, I mean they result in the displacement and sometimes virtual extinction of native species; they can cause persistent distress and disease; and perhaps most visibly they can lead to physical environmental damage. Chinese Mitten Crab, Japanese Knotweed, and Himalayan Balsam are three destructive invaders to UK shores.

So what are we to do about all this? Well, I guess exercise caution and conduct ourselves responsibly and thoughtfully. While pollution may be a minor vector for species invasions it's not hard careful waste disposal and recycling we can reduce pollution. Between trips we can also follow basic biological control by decontaminating our clothes and equipment. In organised groups like conservation organisations, for example Wild Trout Trust, Trout Unlimited, and the ACA, we can undertake physical programmes of work, or lobby government and industry.

Bushwhacking

Most anglers know there's more to fishing than catching fish, right? I mean, it's not just about how many and how big, is it? Reading the blogs of other fly fishers like Eric tell me this is the case. Solitude, perspective, peace and quiet, fish, adrenalin, comradeship, and conversation - these are all things to be had when out fishing. What you get just depends upon the how, why, when, and where.

I enjoy all of those things on one trip or another, but one other thing I seek is an intimate view of wildlife. At home or out fishing you'll find all kinds of wildlife flying and crawling around. It's not hard to spot, and some of it is really quite fascinating. However, if you stick to well-populated locations, urban or rural, you'll mostly see the same old things. Robins, starlings, pigeons, maybe a woodpecker if you’re lucky, add to that a few foxes, or raccoons if you're west of the Atlantic, that's the standard fare and it's hard not to take these things for granted.

So, that's where a spot of bushwhacking comes in. Though it's not great for the longevity of your nice new Gortex waders, once you've got over that (after all what's the problem with a patch here or there!?) the rewards are more than worth it. Solitude and time away from the crowd is to be treasured, while improved fishing opportunities alone make it worth the effort. But chance of seeing something new or rarely seen is reward indeed.

The rather poor photo that leads this post shows red-kite (Milvus milvus) over a ploughed field adjacent to the river - just too far for a good shot, but close enough for an ID. Of course it may not be a rare site in some parts of the world, in mainland Europe they're supposed to be common, but in thirty years of fishing the river I was standing in, I never saw one before.

I was told later by a work colleague, that the bird is probably one of a spreading population, re-introduced several years ago. Perhaps one day they'll be common here in the Midlands, but for now they are not. I'm pretty sure if was not for my bushwhacking I'd never have spotted that majestic bird.

Fly Fishing Podcasts

The best internet radio and podcast site on the web for fly-fishing has gotta be www.askaboutflyfishing.com. Two fine fellows, Roger Maves and Don Bishop, have managed to interview many great fly anglers from round the States. During their live broadcasts you get the chance to call in and participate in a live discussion. You can also post questions they'll put to the interviewee on your behalf. Most times they have a prize draw that's well worth a shot. And when the whole things done, everyone gets the chance to listen to the broadcast in the mp3 format - which is great for me because I'm living with at least a six hour time difference.

In one episode A.K. Best's name was mentioned for a future show but unfortunately A.K was unable to make it. For the likes of me here in the UK that was a disappointment, after all, there's not much chance of bumping into A.K. this side of the Atlantic!? Maybe he's got something in the press instead..........updates gratefully recieved!

Anyway, one of my favourite broadcasts has Bill Edrington talking about Fishing Caddis Fly for Trout, and another has Kelly Galloup talking about Fishing Streamers for Trophy Trout. Go listen see what you think...