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Put & Take Fisheries

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General

This type of fishery operates by regular stocking of a pond with small fish (fingerlings) supplied from a fish farm.

Providing the pond is big enough and not overfished, the fingerlings will grow to a size acceptable to people paying to catch them (2 lbs +).

Individuals paying to fish are allowed a certain number (or "bag") of fish to take away.

Management input needs to be high, with potentially long hours and an almost year-round season.

Please remember that special consideration must be given to the VAT aspects of diversification as the new activity may not be treated the same as the existing farm business from a VAT standpoint.

Market

Popularity of all types of fishing is large and continues to grow. A range of different markets for put & take fishing exist:-

  • Local angling clubs/syndicates - may be prepared to take on some management responsibilities, but will demand good quality fishing.
  • Local inexperienced anglers - wanting to go away with several large, fresh fish (eg in suburban locations), easily caught.
  • Tourists - who may demand pleasant surroundings and other facilities, as well as a good quality fishing.

Physical Requirements

A suitable site (geological survey recommended), plus room for car-parking, access, etc.

Clean, consistent supply of water (pH 6.5 - 8.0; appropriate nitrogen and oxygen levels).

Costs

The following costing information is general and current prices should be sought for budgeting purposes.

Capital Costs

Pond excavation (costs may be offset by sale of topsoil). Landscaping, access, car parks, toilets.

Fencing, gates, signposts. Geological survey recommended before excavation starts.

Water testing also essential. Cost of fish to stock pond (100 - 200 per acre).

Possible pumps/hoses for topping-up pond/water circulation.

Running Costs

Primarily labour and fish stocks. Cost of fish will vary depending on size bought-in.

In small, intensively fished ponds, large fish will be required, reducing profitability.

Administration and advertising.

Maintenance.

Returns

Variable, £10-£25 depending on location and competition and bag limit. Boats £25 - £60 for 3 rods. Half day tickets or 2 hour permits may also be available cheaper. Full-day ticket might allow removal of 3-4 fish and a half-day two fish.

Some sporting tickets might be allowed where all fish would be returned to the water. Season tickets may also be offered, or an arrangement made with a local club. This reduces the income/rod, but ensures a minimum income which will help with planning.

If a good size of fish can be maintained, then a more exclusive tag can be offered which will help keep up both demand and price (and hence quality of fishing).

Constraints

Limit to number of rods per day (1/100 yards of bank). Permission from Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

Rates will be levied. VAT may be charged on extra fish sold.

Poaching (both by people paying to fish and exceeding bag limits) can result in high restocking costs.

Training

SAC Aberdeen - MSc / Dip. in Aquaculture Business Management Barony College, Parkgate, Dumfries DG1 3NE Tel: 01387 861251 Fax: 01387 860395 (HND, HNC, Cert. in Fisheries Studies, SVQ level 2 Fish Husbandry, Short Courses). Stirling University - Institute of Aquaculture (MSc Aquaculture, MSc Aquatic Pathobiology, MSc Aquatic Vet Studies, BSc (hons) Aquaculture, short courses, specialist technical training). Inverness College / Seafield Centre, Kishorn, Strathcarron, Ross-shire IV54 8XD, Tel: 01520 733 300, Fax: 01520 733262 (HNC Fish Farm Production Management, NC Fish Farming, SVQ II Fish Husbandry - distance learning, SVQ III Fish Husbandry, IT computing courses, short courses). Institute of Fisheries Management, 31 Ferndene, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS12 9DG, Tel: 01454 624367, Fax: 01454 624033, (Certificates in: Fish Farming, Fisheries Management, Diploma, all by correspondence). North Atlantic Fisheries College, Port Arthur, Scalloway, Shetland ZE1 0UN Tel: 01595 880328 Fax: 01595 880549 e-mail admin@nafc.ac.uk (MSc/ PGDip Practical Mariculture, MSc Mariculture Science & Technology, Modern Apprenticeship in Fish farming, SVQ Level II Aquaculture and SVQ Level III in Aquaculture, Modern Apprenticeship in Fish Farming, SVQ Level II Fin Fish Husbandry, SVQ Level II-IV Fishing, NC Marine Science & Technology, Boatmaster's Licence). Scottish Aquaculture Training Association, contact Mr. John Haig, Old Schoolhouse, Kishorn, Wester Ross, IV54 8XA Tel: 01520 733 452 Fax: 01520 733 452. The SSATA was formed in the early 1990s with the objective of improving the standards and relevance of training provision to the aquaculture industry. With support from the trade associations they aim to ensure that all levels of the industry are aware of the training opportunities which exist, and the resulting benefits. Several courses are co-ordinated by SATA, and others can be arranged. SATA undertake training needs evaluations and provide advice on specific training requirements, especially with regard to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).

Grants

Through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013 funding is now available for rural businesses throughout Scotland for diversification and renewable energy projects. Specifically, support is delivered through Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities which was launched in April 2008. For further information about what support is available see the Section on Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities.

Further Information

Publications

Making and Managing a Trout Lake. 1987, Rupert Barrington, Fishing New Books Ltd, Farnham, Surrey. See Landsman's Bookshop Ltd's Fish Farming Section

Contact

Mr Steven Thomson
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4192

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