Photo of the Month

Salmon Fishermen at Black Rock

Three men walking with their lave nets, preparing to fish for salmon off an area near to Black Rock, close to the Second Severn Crossing on the Welsh side of the estuary. Fishing commences as it always has with the fishermen going down to the shore at Black Rock. Often fishermen stand in the spots where their fathers and grandfathers once stood.

The number of lave salmon fishermen has dropped over the years and now they can only be seen in the area of the Second Severn Crossing close to the villages of Sudbrook and Portskewett (Monmouthshire). These men are members of the Black Rock Lave Net Fishermen Association and carry on a tradition that has a unique cultural and historical significance. Fish are caught during spring tides, using a hand-held net. At one time fishermen were allowed to fish from February to August but this has since been restricted from June to August. At most they can fish for an hour and a half at a time depending on weather conditions.

The basic technique for lave fishing is simple, the hand-staff is held in one hand and the headboard with the other, whilst the fingers are entwined in the bottom of the mesh feeling for the fish. The net is positioned in front of the fisherman, to face the run of the water. The fishermen consider wind direction and the height of the tide, with the optimum conditions being flat and calm. Rain does not necessarily worry them. Once positioned they scan the water for the telltale signs of fish. They feel the strength of the water going by and expectations are raised of a sudden movement in the net. When the movement of a fish is felt the fisherman takes a backward step and raises the hand-staff out of the water.

Thanks to www.severnsideforum.co.uk for supplying the above information.

SEPTEMBER 2010

Photo by Chris Witts