I'm sure that we all agree that we are lucky enough to be angling for some of the prettiest carp in the region albeit not the largest (size isn't everything apparently) , they are also in superb condition which is a credit to lads who catch and look after them whilst on the mat . If we wish to keep them in tip top shape then I feel that something needs to be done about the conditions in which we angle for them.
Let me state that this is not a gripe about not being able to fish effectively with the current level of weed growth as I am more than happy to fish in the margins where more often than not I can present a bait without hindrance from the weed. Its what happens after this that I find the problem , more often than not if I am fortunate enough to get a pick up the carp will soon be weeded up. If the weed is not too dense then the carp can be coaxed out but this is not the norm , usually the weed is thick and a tug of war usually ensues. I am no fish scientist but I am certain that this places uneccessary stress on the fish let alone the damage caused to their mouths and flanks. Having fished elsewhere and seen the state of the carp where weed and lilly growth has dictated that they have been angled for in for less severe conditions than we are faced with, I fear the worst for the carp in Ravenfield.
I get the feeling that the current committee regard the carp anglers as something of a nuisance and disregard our pleas regarding the control of the weed . I am sure that one or two of them will have sneaky read of this (why not register and have the right to reply?) and I am certain that they are just as concerned about the welfare of the carp as we carp anglers are . So , for the sake of the carp if nothing else lets get something done .Afterall , the committee quite happily takes our annual fee , a little reinvestment of our fees isn't too much to ask for.
