Matt Hart
@MattyH02
Tides and tight lines: Heritage fisherman on the River Severn
A few people have asked what we do with the fish. We’re now a total catch and release fishery, preserving the knowledge of the heritage fishery, once a huge part of Severnside communities, while minimising any impact to salmon stocks. A good balance. Vid by @MattyH02….and away
I’ve been getting plenty of river time of late, mostly spent in the company of @MattyH02. The Severn estuary is still a place full of wonder, what a playground to have. Great to see a few salmon as well. Please scroll on down to see a few photos of how the lave net is used.1/2
I’ve been getting plenty of river time of late, mostly spent in the company of @MattyH02. The Severn estuary is still a place full of wonder, what a playground to have. Great to see a few salmon as well. Please scroll on down to see a few photos of how the lave net is used.1/2
Yesterday was a special day. No tide to speak of but a young lad was keen to catch “the big one”. Out before breakfast and he spotted the loom of this “monster mullet” and caught it. Mullet safely returned and mission accomplished.
Nothing beats a quiet five minutes to yourself. With the lowest river levels in living memory, here I am taking five and sitting on the Church Rock in the middle of the River Severn at the bottom of my garden. Don’t try to replicate this. The waters can be treacherous.
Glorious evening out in the Severn Estuary with the lave netting succession plan. Lots of juvenile mullet caught and released. He’s keen to go out before breakfast tomorrow to catch “a big one.” Suppose I’d better tag along!
Finally finished the lave net for my 8 year old. Ash rockstaff (handle), hazel rimes (arms) and severn-side applewood yoke. No power tools involved (I must be mad). New (small) footprints out on the sand in pursuit of shrimp within the next few weeks!
Well, progress…of sorts. The yoke board made from a Severn side apple tree is taking shape. This one will be for my 8 year old’s net. My ‘scowl of the brow’ approach to carpentry seems to have worked. Always one to quit whilst ahead, my yoke board can wait for another day!
The distant scene. Flood tide at Minsterworth. Wonderful to see May fish aka Shad cutting lines all over the surface, making their way upstream to spawn. Also, many elvers completing the first leg of their epic journey. I wish them well.
For lovers of rivers and admirers of salmon, this piece by Katie Jarvis featuring the local knowledge and experiences of @severnpiscator and @MattyH02 by is well worth your time. greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/cots…
A wonderful photograph kindly shared by @severnpiscator that immaculately captures the roots of elver fishing here on the #RiverSevern. Judging by the sartorial elegance on display, I reckon the photograph was taken in the 1940’s or very early 1950’s.
Out on the glorious River Severn in pursuit of the elusive elver. With the current state of play (I won’t bore you with the detail) all elvers returned. A scene that hasn’t changed since my great, great grandfather was doing the same thing all those years ago. It’s a way of life.
Volume up for this one. I’ve been faffing about on and in the #RiverSevern all my life. I had a gentle reminder of who the Boss is tonight. At least I’ve had my weekly bath!
Gloucestershire. I love it. First night out with the elver net. With the current state of play, all elvers caught this evening will be returned. Am I confident of seeing a few? Absolutely not….thats why I’ve shared my location. But on nights like this…it’s truly magical.
Well, progress…of sorts. The yoke board made from a Severn side apple tree is taking shape. This one will be for my 8 year old’s net. My ‘scowl of the brow’ approach to carpentry seems to have worked. Always one to quit whilst ahead, my yoke board can wait for another day!
Preparation for lave net (version #3) is underway. An old Severn-side cider apple tree was the victim of a storm in 2023. I’ve salvaged a section from one of the boughs to construct the yoke of a new lave net (see 2nd pic). It’ll be a 5 month project…
A rewarding wander through the woods. Found 2 perfect sets of lave net rimes (see second pic). The set on the right are for my 8 year olds first lave net. Only 114 sleeps to go until the season starts on June the 1st…I’d better get busy…
