If you're new to the area and would like details of our fishing take a look at our new interactive beat maps:
PAA work in partnership with local bodies to promote and enhance our sport for all. Several PAA members are involved with these voluntary groups:
Pembs Federation of Angling Coaches - bringing the sport to young and old alike.
Pembs Rivers Trust - restoring the wildlife habitats of rivers and lakes.
Sometimes It Pays To Slow Down A Bit
Mon, 11/10/2010 - 16:58 | David Griffiths
With time so often at a premium, it's not often I can spare a few hours by the river without a fishing rod in hand, or a strimmer if I'm on one of our working parties tackling the dreaded balsam!
But I recently found myself on a familiar beat at Treffgarne Bridge with an altogether more circumspect purpose. I was being trained by Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust in the dark art of environmental monitoring. I say 'dark art' because in order for it to be of any scientific use, you quickly learn that you have be very subjective and follow a tight set of rules for reporting.
The data gathered on all manner of environmental issues concerning the success of the salmonid fisheries, that we at PAA depend on so much, is being carefully assimilated to build up a comprehensive database of the condition of our water courses. This allows the funding of the welsh Rivers Trusts to be targeted as far as possible on the most cost-effective projects. Which, of course, are to the significant benefit of all anglers. The Trusts have a particular emphasis on our sometimes overlooked tributaries and feeder streams, as well than the main rivers which we fish, but the benefits to spawning and fish stocks should be obvious.
Now we should all know that pitching up at the river bank and immediately slinging in a bait, or spinner or fly is not the ideal basis for successful fishing. And the time spent quietly surveying the water and reading the signs is time well spent, but I have to admit my guilty secret - that I probably don't spend quite enough time on this essential activity. It's all too easy when your fishing time is so limited to just crack on with the job in hand!
So perhaps in future, with my new perspective on the water-side environment as a whole, I'll slow down a bit and it might even help me land a few more fish. At the very least I'll have an excuse to offer my 'angling widow' as to why I need to be at the waterside from time to time during the close season!
Find out more about the work of Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust...
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