Bures Coracle Regatta
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
This page focuses on coracle fishing on the Tywi (Towy), but is applicable to fishing on the Teifi and the Taf also. We are grateful to the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen's Association for writing this content
We are looking for content to help us build and enhance these pages. If you have any photos or information please contact Euan Raffel. Please also contact Euan Raffel if we have missed a credit or you think the information on these pages needs correcting or amending
In 1929, 25 pairs were permitted to fish the River Towy and by 1935 the number of coracles had declined further to 12 with stringent regulations set out. Today, 8 coracle fishing licenses are issued by the National Resource Wales (formally known as The Environment Agency), with its future still uncertain. To protect the tradition of coracle fishing, the Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen’s Association was established in 1938. The Association have an excellent working relationship and work closely under the guidance of National Resource Wales in an attempt to preserve and maintain the fish stock in our river.
Should you take an evening stroll down by the River Towy, if the weather and river conditions are suitable, you may be lucky enough to see a pair of coracles float gently down river with a net suspended between them. The coracle man will hold the net in one hand and skilfully moving the paddle in a figure of eight motion in the other. As soon as a fish in caught, which many have described as a 'silent noise travelling from the fish, into the net and up into the fisherman's arm', the two coracles are drawn together by pulling at the net. Sewin (sea trout) or salmon being the chosen catch.
In 2017 Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen’s Association were awarded PGI status for West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin and West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon. Also in 2017, the Teifi Coracle Netsmen's Association moved to voluntary catch and release for all salmon caught, due to the extremely low salmon stocks on the Teifi.
The fishing season commences on the 1st May and finishes on the 31st July. Salmon can only be caught from 1st June-31st July. New regulations came into force in recent years, reducing the fishing season length and making salmon catch and release only. Fishing is not permitted on weekends and is done mostly at night – not because they can hide their catch as most think, but the reason is quite simple, the fish will see the shadow cast by the coracle in daylight fishing and the net visible in clear daylight water.
Content by Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen's Association. Photography credits: Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen's Association
Missing a credit? Error in our information? Let us know so we can update this
24 July 2024
If you've been following our news, you will know that a new project has started this year with the aim of preserving the craft of coracles and coraclemaking, rated as endangered on the Heritage Crafts Association's Red List, for future generations to enjoy.
24 July 2024
We're looking for volunteers to help with the Five Miles From Home challenge. This may be familiar to you if you read the item in the 2023 Journal from member Gary Fruland, who took part in this international event last summer.
24 July 2024
The Society is sad to share the news of the passing of former committee member, Brian Pearce, aged 92.
24 July 2024
Ironbridge style coracle for sale. Well used but in good condition and watertight. Originally built in 1996, has been re-covered many times. Can be put straight on to the water as is, but may benefit from some light repair/restoration. Offers in region of £200 considered, buyer collects from Cheshire
Please contact Euan Raffel for further information
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
The Carmarthen River Festival is back on Saturday 17th August from 3pm. (Rescheduled from July due to river conditions)
There'll be the ever popular Raft Race, Coracle Races, Rowing Race, Duck Race and FREE Canoe, Kayak & Coracle Taster Sessions.
River demonstrations with plenty of dryside entertainment, cookery demos, FREE funfair rides, children's coracle pool, climbing wall and plenty of stalls selling food, refreshments and ice cream.
Annual coracle regatta and races, plus raft race. Licensed bar and BBQ. Part of Cilgerran Festive Week
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