Although Carol and I have operated a fishery for several years, Rum Bridge is our first full-time venture. And it’s fair to say: it’s been a steep learning curve.
Being a fifth the size of our previous home (Burwell Brick Pit), the fishery should – you would think – be eminently more manageable.
Not a bit of it.
In reality, small venues bring with them their own unique challenges: not least in terms of their delicately balanced eco-systems which could – if mismanaged – be all-too-easily disrupted.
Think about it.
A 20-acre lake, with 30 feet depths, can withstand a whole of pressure; and more than a little abuse.
These more modestly apportioned ponds: not so much.
And our job, first and foremost, is to ensure the sustained health and wellbeing of the fish in our care. (In particular, the impressive head of very large carp that now reside in our Specimen Lake.)
Which is why, to paraphrase Al Murray’s outspoken alter ego, we have to have rules.
And since all three lakes – and our stock ponds – are linked, these rules have to apply across the complex.
Chiefly: visiting anglers must use only our nets, slings and mats – to eliminate the spread of disease.
And only our own pellets are to be used as feed (in conjunction with anglers’ preferred low-oil groundbaits, in moderation) – to help us maintain water quality.
As to the rest: common sense prevails; if the fish aren’t at risk, and our anglers are all happy… we’re happy.
Of course, as anyone who’s spent any amount of time in ‘the trade’ will attest: you can’t please all the anglers all the time.
We still get moans, groans and sideways glances at the perceived indignity of having to use our fish care kit.
Which is odd really, since said kit cost us £1,000s; £1,000s which we’d rather have spent on other things.
Stock, for example.
Or, heaven forfend, a wage.
But no matter: the vast majority understand the need for such precautions.
The rest, we will strive to ‘educate’; even as we ourselves get to grips with the complexities – and, yes, rewards – of running ‘a commercial’.
