Hundreds of 18-month-old fish were released into Bracknell Mill Pond on Tuesday 17 November as part of an ongoing project to improve fish stocks and angling.
Adrian Bicknell, an Environment Agency fisheries officer, said: “The stocking of bream, tench and crucian carp went really well and the fish swam off strongly.
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| Adrian Bignall |
“We are working with Bracknell Herons, which is the local angling club, to restore the fish population in the Mill Pond following major habitat restoration work.”
These habitat improvements have included dredging the pond, using the silt to create shallow areas which have been planted with native reed species. This provides habitat for juvenile fish.
The fish were bred at the Environment Agency fish farm at Calverton, near Nottingham, which produced half a million fish last year.
Mike Codd, from the Bracknell Herons Angling Club, added: “The angling club is delighted with these fast growing young fish. We have been working with the Environment Agency for a number of years now to improve facilities for anglers at the pond and hope this injection of fish will grow quickly and spawn, reducing the need for stocking in the future.”
Mr Bicknell added: “We’ll be following the progress of these young fish along with the angling club and are hoping that the now well established reeds around the pond will provide refuge for the fish to shelter and feed in and the correct habitat needed for fish spawning.”
Fishing without a rod licence is contrary to Section 27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The maximum fine is £2,500 and a ban from fishing.
A rod licence permits the use of up to two rods and lines when fishing for Coarse fish where Regional Byelaws and Rules permit. This is clearly stated on the licence. Two valid licences are required if fishing with a third or fourth rod.
Rod licence costs:
Coarse and non-migratory tout
Full annual £26.00
Concessionary annual £17.25
Junior annual £5.00
8 day £9.50
1 day £3.50
Salmon and sea trout
Full annual £70.00
Concessionary annual £46.50
Junior annual £5.00
8 day £22.50
1 day £7.75
Concession licences apply if:
• Aged 16 or under (Junior)
• Aged 65 or over
• A Blue Badge parking concession, or are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance
There are four easy ways to buy or renew rod licence:
• Direct Debit (08708 506 506)
• Online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
• At any Post Office in England and Wales
• Telephone Sales 0844 800 5386 (Lines open 8.30am-8pm, 7 days a week March to October). Calls charged at local rate.
