I have written a series of letters asking questions, general and specific, about the management of the river. I telephone. I went un-invited to the RTC's boatmans' meeting on the 21st of January 2010 but, as soon as I challenged the RTC as to the question of the fish numbers, I was asked to leave.
They refuse to speak to me. I am apparently rude and vexatious - hence this blog.
I arrived in Kelso for the first time as a fourteen year old to fish for roach. Two of us, tackle and a tent were planted on the Mayfield Walk whilst parents enjoyed the Ednam.
In later holidays our home range grew. Perch and pike at Yetholm Loch, stalking trout with a worm up the Eden and soon a first trout on a fly (and a silk line) off the Cobby.
For thirty years I have been a Syndicate member - Lennel on the lower Tweed below the Lees and opposite Tillmouth.
I hoped that I would retire to the Borders. I like the valley, the history, the river and the people.
In my thirty years the biggest single event was the buy-out of the netting stations but I am afraid that bigger events are on the way - the changes in the river.
The coarse fishermen disappeared twenty years ago. There are now no clouds of big dace or roach. After the netting buy out the proportion of fresh run fish caught in my bit of the river dropped markedly. Then the numbers started to slide then the size.
The Commission say this all this is wrong. The 2009 headline figure is only 10,465 but says our Chairman Mr Douglas-Home he hopes "it is just a blip" and comments "we have had years like this before".
I challenge that view. Do you? If you want to take part it is simple:
- remember to try and be constructive. The aim is to provoke thought and discussion rather than be rude.
- Look to the right of your screen. There are other pages as to different topics. Click on those pages and see what you feel about what is said.
- If you want to comment it is easy. Click on post a comment and fill in the box.
- The hardest decision is as to your name. There is nothing to stop you using your real name. If you do not want to do that go to "Anonymous" but better still use "name" it can be any name. As soon as you choose the "name" box you can add a nom de plume which can use for all your comments and it is easier for others reply to a comment.
- give a clue as to whether you work on the river, have a business which depends on it or are a fisherman.
- Add a photograph from your mobile phone or digital camera
- Members of the Commission and the Foundation are welcomed especially.
Thank you.
