Free fishing kit from Paul in The Fisherman, Tavistock

Today I had a long talk with Paul from The Fisherman in Tavistock. A great shop for all your fishing and tackle needs. In his opinion, "there should be a minimum zone around the coastline of between half and one mile which trawlers are simply not allowed to go". Paul knows, from first hand experience, that sometimes the trawlers, "British and foreign", come right into the deep water off Slapton, Devon. They come so close they are damaging the sea-floor which in turn is seriously affecting the fish count.

On Lundy they have managed to bring sea-life back because it is protected, in his opinion the "entire coastline should be protected". Damage from scallop fishing in places like Berryhead takes decades to be repaired.

"All we have to do is look at the increase in salmon and sea trout which we are getting in the South West. With protection in their feeding areas on the other side of the Atlantic and the ban on netting in rivers and other regulations, they are coming back in full force."

Give nature a chance and it will come good, we just have to change the way we do things. It is in all our interests.

Paul then very kindly offered me a FREE fishing rod, reel, feathers, spinners and hooks for my journey so that I can fish some mackerel to fill my belly or to offer to people who are putting me up. Many thanks to you Paul, much appreciated and I will let you know how I get on.

Check out Paul's website: http://www.thefishermanintavistock.co.uk/

or find him at: The Fisherman, 2 King Street, Tavistock PL19 0DS

or telephone him on: 01822 611 148