Congratulations! You’ve caught a European Eel!

European Eel (Anguilla Anguilla)

Well done on catching this fine specimen! Did you know after spawning in the Sargasso Sea the eels’ eggs drift towards Europe with the Gulf Stream for anywhere up to two years covering over 4,000 miles! Carry on following the  trail to see what other fish you can Geo-Catch.

If you’d like to learn more about this amazing fish along with some fascinating facts, then follow the links below.

Facts –

• • Eels have been known to travel over land such as wet grass for over 400m to get from one water habitat to another!
  • The European eel is catadromous – migrating from fresh water down the river in the sea’s salt water to spawn (Greek: κατά kata, “down” and δρόμος dromos, “course”).
  • Unfortunately, the European eel is critically endangered – in the past 40 years eel numbers arriving in Europe have declined by over 90%.
  • During the final stage of an eels life stage (silver eel) it undergoes an impressive metamorphosis which sees it change colour, pectoral fins widen, digestive track shuts down, eyes grow up to 10 times their original size and muscle mass increases.

Have you ever noticed how peaceful the river is when walking by it?

Did you know that the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation? Research has shown that our body and mind tend to have a personal and emotional relationship with water, also known as “Blue Mind”, effect. It is a state when our body and soul feel more relaxed when near water.

Want to know more about how being by nature and water can improve your health and well-being? Then follow this link.

MIND says, “Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical well-being”.

“Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings.”

“Water is considered the elixir and source of life”.

Why time spent near water is the secret of happiness.

Have you ever wondered what anglers are doing?

Angling is a sport and there are many types. Anglers really care about the river and look after the environment that brings them hours of recreational time-out from stress. Anglers are generally conservationists at heart.

What does the Angling Trust say about it? The value of nature has never been more apparent. Fishing is a highly accessible outdoor sport. It is open to anyone and everyone, no matter their age, income level or fitness ability.

Fishing requires a lot of focus and awareness, having similarities with meditation. Studies have shown that fishing lowers your cortisol levels (the stress hormone) thanks to its involvement with water – an element often associated with lowering stress levels.

Read more about it in “Fishing for our Health” or follow the links to see how angling can improve your health and well being

Benefits of Angling for your health and well-being

“Get fishing and empty your Stress Bucket”

What fishing adventures will your local area take you on next?

Do you know the different types of angling on offer in your area? No matter where you are in the country, you are never far from an opportunity to cast a line! Fishing is divided in to three main categories of sea, river and lake fishing all offering completely different and wonderful species to target. From the predatory silver bass chasing bait fish at sea, the clever brown trout hiding in the riverbanks of your local river or the enormous hungry carp lurking in our lakes!

Click the photos below to find out more about each category.

Lake Fishing

Do you want to know a little bit more about fishing and what angling adventures await you in your local area or beyond then take a look at some of the useful links below?

Don’t forget to purchase your rod license before you get started!

Join Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse on their funny fishing journeys

Have you ever thought about volunteering to help improve rivers?

Unfortunately, some of our rivers are up against it and have been degraded due to certain human activities so require extra love and looking after: luckily, that is why we are here! If you want to help protect your local river then why not become a Citizen Science Investigator? Did you know that the Westcountry Rivers Trust hold regular volunteer days that you can get involved in, why not volunteer on one of our habitat improvement days or river litter picks?

This is a great way to meet new people who also care about rivers and get a good day’s graft in to recharge the soul!

Why not become a Citizen Science Investigations volunteer and help your local river