RE-STOCKING THE LAKE

In the warm autumn sunshine of an October afternoon, Jean-Jacques, Brian and I drove into the grounds of the Moulin du Rivier fish farm at Tourc’h.

As we drove between the fish tanks the sun sparkled on the fountains of water aerating them and hundreds of fish milled around in their dark waters. We had come to collect 100kg of fish to augment the fish already in the Club’s lake.

The owner being absent, we were greeted by his employee who then drove his truck, already equipped with a large white tank, to an area where he filled it with fresh water. Having completed that operation he drove back to join us at the fish tank which contained the fish of the correct size - about 800 or 900g. As we approached the edges of the tank the water looked as if it was boiling. On detecting our presence the fish had all swum to where we were in anticipation of being fed and the resulting scrum was a sight to see. Next to the truck, on the bridge crossing the tanks, the employee first set up some scales which were calibrated by Brian (!)(picture 2) before he placed on top a large plastic bucket which he part filled with a precise weight of water. He then climbed down into the tank, half-way along its length and with a metal grill which extended the full width of the tank he slowly moved forward, pushing the fish in front of him until they were contained in a small area beside the bridge. Next, he got out of the tank on to the bridge and with a large net scooped up the fish, pouring them into the bucket. When 20kg had been collected he handed the bucket to Jean-Jacques and Brian, already on the truck, who tipped the contents into the tank next to them. This procedure was repeated 5 times until the required weight of 100kg had been transferred . The lid of the tank was then closed and in convoy we drove slowly the few kilometers to the lake. Upon arrival, the truck was driven to the far end of the lake where a white chute was fitted to the outlet of the tank and positioned above the water close to the bank. The trap in the tank was opened and water and fish gushed out, the bodies of the fish glistening in the sunshine as they plunged into the turbulent water. In a few minutes the operation was over, quiet returned to the lake and the only visible signs that anything had taken place were the circular ripples appearing over its surface as the fish explored their new territory. The fish now have 10 days to settle in before the members of the club arrive for their fortnightly Sunday morning fishing and casting sessions. I hope the new arrivals provide sport for you all. “Tight lines” ladies and gentlemen!

Anne