A Dying Breed - Otters destroyed the fish stock from this beautiful canal.

Canal carp fishing is one of my all time favourite styles of angling. About three years ago now I was shown this truly special place by a friend and from that moment on, I knew I had to return one day to capture some of its amazing residents. Little did I know that a few years down the line the stock was in danger from otters and even know there wasn't a large stock in the first place it had certainly taken a major hit from the predators. Time was running out so I thought I must return asap and a friend Jack joined me on this very cool mission.

[@gf845]

My carp fishing started there 35 years ago. It’s changed a lot but as soon as I saw that boat house I knew exactly where you were. It used to be thriving with fish and anglers in the mid 80s. A huge shoal of tench. Millions of silvers. Lots of decent pike and a good few 20lb carp (a 20lb carp wasn’t so common back then). The place rarely produced a fish to any angler as there was simply so much commotion going on. You’re brave night fishing the place but even in the 80s it was pretty rough, used to be full of weirdos and perverts and all sorts down there. Night fishing wasn’t allowed on there in the 80s. I’m sure a permit for the year used to cost £4.50 or something like that. I remember a right jobsworth bailiff who propped had it in for me. I remember doing a lot of lure fishing there and catching a 19lb pike (in them days a 24inch landing net was considered a big net) barely got it in the net and when you’re just 9 years old that’s one scary fish to have on the bank in front of you.

[@goody390]

Fantastic little mission & quality result especially both catching one each !!

[@thomson2910]

Thanks a lot mate, surprised me aswell 👍

[@tadhghayden8440]

Another great story told....nice stamp of carp..very handy stalking rods..

[@DDGXMUSIC]

Mega work well done to you both. Such an interesting venue, long live those fish!

[@thomson2910]

100% man 👊 thanks a lot man 👊

[@samburnside3504]

Very special fish, this captures the magic of what carp fishing is to me. Ellusive, mysterious and wild creatures (no disrespect to the modern carp scene).

[@darrenmcleary463]

Great video again jack. Lovely looking fish . Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@thomson2910]

Thanks a lot mate. So am I, really buzzing to get some content out 👊

[@timmarshall7903]

Lovely old carp!

[@josholiver6921]

Great content! Looking forward to the next one!

[@thomson2910]

Cheers mate 👍 Thanks a lot

[@addictedtoangling]

Beautifully filmed stunning carp good angling fella

[@thomson2910]

Thanks a lot mate 👍

[@jacklee9863]

Wicked trip, on to the next !!!

[@paulAnthony7236]

15000 otters now in the UK.

[@thomson2910]

I know, I love all creatures. It’s just the food chain I suppose 👍

[@paulAnthony7236]

@@thomson2910 It's devastating to be honest.

[@mattslade5196]

Bet they wouldn’t help pay my bills

[@lewislondon4437]

Have a bit of fishing etiquette.

[@justinsteel6360]

Really gone downhill. I remember when you first started with the rivers and sneaky campaigns but sadly im unsubbing just lost the edge you once had.