Scaring tactics work (From Warrington Guardian)

Scaring tactics work

FURTHER steps have been taken to deter cormorants from feeding on Lymm Angling Club's waters on Lake Lane and there is evidence that the predators have changed their feeding habits to dodge scaring activities.

Last week head bailiff Mick Gittings arrived on this site early morning, in pitch darkness, and was horrified at the site of 22 cormorants already on the banks and in the water - a completely new situation to us.

In the north west, we were among the first angling clubs to be seriously affected by cormorants.

Long standing members will remember the carnage wreaked by these birds on Lymmvale in the late 1980s and early 1990s when our waters were depleted of their stocks.

Large fish were not spared the attentions of the onslaught with many dying from the injuries inflicted.

These fish were far too big for the birds to feed on but in what can only be described as a 'fox in a hen house' situation they were gladly gobbled up.

I know, I spent many an hour burying dead fish.

Action was taken as soon as the problem surfaced, including the construction of an underwater fish refuge and the adoption of scaring activities.

These activities have been constantly reviewed and modified over many years now but unfortunately the birds have moved on to many waters and only a few have not been affected.

However, the evidence of cormorants feeding at night changes the situation completely. Having discussed the matter with DEFRA's wildlife officer, it appears that there is evidence that nocturnal feeding has been reported in other parts of the country, specially on the River Trent at Burton.

The situation will be fully assessed over the next few weeks with practical problem solving means and methods employed as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, sport has been a little slow this week with the effects of overnight frosts impacting on all of our waters.

Fish are still being caught on Village, Statham, Yew Tree, Oak Farm and Founders Pools but they tend to be small silver fish with roach and perch dominating the action.

Carp action has also been very slow. However, decent fish have been landed on Belmont, Village and Founders Pools.

Fine tackle and perfect presentation has been required to string action together and anglers would be well advised to use pole tactics.

Working parties commence at 9am on February 5. Participants should meet at Whitley Pool.

Information about working parties will be sent out over the next couple of weeks along with 2005 subscription reminders. Working party attendees are recommended to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, steel toe caps if possible.

I can be contacted on 411774.

Neil Jupp