The beauty of Ashmead

[Hovis]

Your hard work is clearly paying off Skef. Well done to you and the captor. Is that otter fencing in the background?

[Skeff]

It is Hovis.... Not aesthetically pleasing but essential here in Somerset. We have otters in the ream behind the fence every day. We're fortunate in that Ashmead could be fenced, otherwise we would have no fish.

[GregF]

Another beauty. Well done that angler

[Hovis]

It is Hovis.... Not aesthetically pleasing but essential here in Somerset. We have otters in the ream behind the fence every day. We're fortunate in that Ashmead could be fenced, otherwise we would have no fish.

Difficult to blame the otter in situations like this though as we have created a 1 stop shop for them. Ashmead isn't your typical commercial venue and in no way am I suggesting this but if I was an otter it would look very attractive. Nice to see you are striking a balance with the fencing.

[Skeff]

No blame apportioned..... Otters do what otters have evolved to do. Fishery managers need to evolve to cope with the fact that they are resurgent in our countryside, within the limits of the law and what we personally find morally acceptable.

I put my feelings about the otter resurgence down in a chapter in my book and couldn't possibly summarise it here in just a few words, as it is a difficult and emotive subject. It's particularly difficult for me, as I'm an angler, fishery owner and conservationist by both passion and profession.....

Your last sentence is the key for me Hovis, as with most things in life, it's all about balance!

[Skeff]

I thought a link to the Ashmead website might be of interest to some.....

Best
Skeff

[Dave Burr]

It would indeed.

[Skeff]

Ha ha ha ha! Modern technology Dave!!! I'll crack it one day..... (or not!).

Yer tis.... http://www.ashmeadfishery.com

[Champ]

Lovely pictures of some rather large carps there Skeff ... ....The pictures in the Scenics section are beautiful.Are there any gudgeon.... .

[Skeff]

Are there any gudgeon....? Not yet Champ but watch this space.... Some nice perch though; I found a 3.10 dead after spawning a few years ago. No-one fishes for them though so I'm not sure what is in there!