Getting To The Bottom Of Silt
Q: Can you explain the advantages of liming a silty estate lake, and does it prevent weed growth? David Taylor, via email.
A: Ian Welch says...
Silt is a ‘coverall’ description used by anglers to describe any soft substrate, but it is, in fact, a complex and important material, comprising inorganic particles, such as sand and clay, together with organic particles derived from soil and plant material.
Important? Well, the deposition of fertile organic silt by some of the world’s biggest river systems laid the foundation for agriculture and the basis of early civilisations!
Stillwater silt
As far as our lakes are concerned, silt is best described as a loose, spongy, particulate mass. And over the course of time, all stillwater fisheries accumulate organic and inorganic silt from a variety of diverse sources, most notably from falling leaves, decaying vegetation and land run-off.
The excrement of wildfowl and, of course, anglers’ bait and ground bait may also be causal in some locations.
This story is from the March 21,2017 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 21,2017 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.
