The club has a very long history of fishing the River Parrett and by kind permission of landowners and tenant farmers we continue to enjoy that privilege. In so doing we have a responsibility to maintain our popular stretches and look after the stock of fish. Over the years we have built a positive relationship with the Environment Agency who have given us valuable advice on the river ecology and fish habitat and succession. As part of that advice the EA have been instrumental in increasing our fish stocks of roach, dace, bream and particularly chub the stocks of which at Parrett Works having been increased by 10,000 over the past few years.
We have regular working parties at Parrett Works and Kingsbury Drove to clear pegs for members and to aid access for members into fields. Gates have been installed at Parrett Works to allow members access to the first and second fields without having the need to break down their equipment. Over hanging tree branches are regularly inspected and trimmed back when necessary to allow easy fishing whatever style of angling is preferred. The forgoing pictures give you a taste of what we do on the river at this club.
This year Chris Deady is leading the way with river maintenance and fish habitat. Chris has had some help already with Mark Ragless helping him out and they have made a great start to the year with work happening up and down stream of Gawbridge. As you can see in the photo the work that has been done is to help anglers have better access to the water and longer trots whilst keeping good cover for the fish to feel safe and hide.
Above left - is of the first new gate which was installed at Parrett Works on the 27th October 2013. This was financed from the clubs funds.
Above centre – Restocking 26th November 2013. The Environment Agency delivery of first major restocking of 2,000 Roach.
Above right – Restocking 26th November 2013. Second delivery. The Environment Agency delivery of second major restocking of 1,500 Perch.
Above left - “EA checking of fish before stocking on 26th November 2013.
Above centre - “First batch of Roach and Perch through the top gate at Parrett Works” on 26th November 2013.
Above right - ”Journeys end: Roach and Perch introduced to their new home” 26th November 2013.
Above is the team who worked to get “3,500 Roach and Perch rehomed and safely in. A good days work done!” 26th November 2013.
Above left - “Environment Agency Officer the health of 9,000 chub after their long journey down from Nottingham”, 1 August 2014
Above right - “3,000 chub rehomed at peg 19, Parrett Works”, 1 August 2014.
Above left picture – “3,000 chub introduced above Parrett Works Bridge”. 1 August 2014
Above right picture – “3,000 Chub going in below Parrett Works bridge” 1 August 2014
Above left – “A plump one pounder from peg 27 at Parrett Works” (undated)
Above centre – “EA Fisheries Officer on a liaison/advisory visit to club waters pictured with club committee members” (undated)
Above right – “I like to come fishing with my dad”
Above left – “Peg 8 at Parrett Works in full flood”, December 2017
Above centre - Part of the 500 Roach, Dace and Bream introduced to peg 8 at Parrett Works”, December 2017
Above right - "In they go, thank you Environment Agency”, December 2017
Above right - Part of the 500 Roach, Dace and Bream introduced to peg 8 at Parrett Works”, December 2017
Above left - "Unloading the roach,dace,bream delivered by EA”, December 2017
There is more than one use for a rod. “Club working party swim clearing at Parrett Works”, March 2014.
Prior to the start of the river season we had 2 working parties planned. Some strimming was required at Parrett Works to clear pegs. We met at 10.30am on Thursday 30 May.
We also worked at Kingsbury Drove up and down stream at 10.30am on Saturday 1st June when we cleared/dig out pegs.