Wessex Fly Fishing Trout Lakes, Tolpuddle Winter Newsletter 2009

The season finished on November 15th here at Tolpuddle and we reopen on April 1st. We first opened the lakes for day tickets in 1982, I’m delighted to report that this year has been our busiest ever! It's always difficult to know what will please the majority of people but it seems certain we know now! Our winning formula is:

1. No time restrictions, just the bag limits.
2. Fair prices, giving us a reasonable return but of course heavily dependant on the price of fish.
3. A serious discount to those aged 55 and over. These discount tickets are by far and away our biggest sellers. Retired people have time on their hands but usually have to watch the pennies very carefully. Judging by the many appreciative comments our policy is a winner!
4. Generous weekly stocking with fish of a size fair and appropriate to our pricing structure. (1 ½ lbs to 7lbs +.)

I am very grateful to our fish farm at Broadmayne – the quality of their fish and the delivery service they offer is second to none. Alas they have just informed me that the price of fish pellets has gone up 10% (the Chinese are buying it all up worldwide apparently). I had planned to keep prices for 2010 unchanged but I fear they must go up as follows:

• 55’s and over – 2 fish: £14 + 1 extra fish for £7 (only after 1st 2 have been caught)
• Under 55’s – 2 fish: £17 :: 3 fish: £23 :: 4 fish: £27

On the management front the only really tricky aspect is trying to control the weed growth. In truth there is less and less that can be done (most chemicals have now been banned by the E.U., probably wisely).

As the summer progressed the weeds, as ever, became more of a hindrance but I must say the catches remained fantastic, it seems our cunning fishermen are well up to the challenges. The most common comment is the pleasure of time spent in the picturesque seting our lakes enjoy, good for the soul!  Our "self service" ticket purchase arrangement guarantees you can always fish whenever you come with no need to book in advance - admittedly we were pretty busy at times this season but fishermen are more sensible than other people and everyone seemed to be more than happy!

Thank you for your loyal support. See you next year!

Richard Slocock.