Fish rearing
I n the winter of 2006 an inside recirculation system was built in one of the existing old farm buildings for rearing some of the 3000 fish (Rudd, Crucian Carp, Tench, Bream, Orfe, Carp) that would be stocked out into the lakes the following winter (2007). Jon Wall Fisheries Ltd and Sport and Leisure Fisheries Ltd supplied Homeclose Fishery with all the young fish for rearing, (as well as a few larger specimens) the rest of the fish where reared in 2 already existing stock ponds.
The rearing of fish is done all over the country so there is no shortage of people and companies to buy them from, but being able to grow and rear them on our selves has allowed us total control of all aspects of their growth and the conditions in which they live, which means we can be sure that the fish are in top condition and health when they are stocked out into the lakes. Giving you fin perfect fish with every cast!The fish are reared on a high quality protein rich pellet specifically made for the rearing of coarse fish species to ensure an excellent quality growth rate is achieved.
We have a very high fish health and welfare policy here at Homeclose Fishery, we under take regular routine water quality checks on all of our lakes, stock ponds and in our recirculation system to ensure that the fish are under no stress from poor water quality, once a fish is exposed to a poor water quality for an extended period of time it can cause them stress, which will result in a lowered immune system, which will make it easier for them to become infected with any present usually harmless parasites or diseases. So to prevent this, checks take into account DO (dissolved oxygen),NH3/NH4 (Ammonia and Ammonium), NO2 (Nitrite), NO3 (Nitrate), pH, and Temperature to give us a clear view as to what is happening within the water.
All of these factors have an effect upon the fish, whether it's directly or indirectly, so knowing and understanding these results lets us make decisions on how to maintain a good water quality to ensure the fish stay fit and healthy. The lakes them selves have their own natural filters to drastically reduce the amount of excess nutrients entering the lake, the reed bed filters work on the principle of the nitrification and de-nitrification cycle, they will utilise the nitrate produced from this, thus reducing the chance of eutrophication within the lake. They will also enhance the DO (Dissolved Oxygen) levels within the lake ensuring a plentiful supply of oxygen for the fish.
We also have a very strict bio security around the site to ensure the fish aren't infected by any unwittingly introduced parasites or pathogens, net dips are located at each lake for the disinfection of landing nets. Before any of the fish where brought onto the site an independent fish health specialist is used to examine our fish and provide us with a Fish Health Certificate. These Health Certificates are recognised with The Environment Agency at Huntingdon and are used in the Section 30 Stocking consent process. To ensure our fish stay healthy after stocking we undertake our own regular examinations so we can keep a very close eye on a range of potential health issues.
