How to Keep Fiddler Crabs Alive: The Best Bait Bucket Setup for Long-Lasting Results

If you’re an angler who loves targeting species like redfish, sheepshead, or pompano, you know that live bait can make or break your fishing trip. Fiddler crabs, in particular, are a top-tier bait choice because of their natural movement and scent that draw fish in fast. But here’s the issue — they’re notoriously hard to keep alive if your setup isn’t right.

I found that out the hard way during my early fishing trips in the Florida Keys. I lost half a dozen crabs before I even made my first cast. After some trial and error, and advice from seasoned fishermen at the marina, I discovered how to build a bait bucket setup that works — every time.Continue reading →

The Evolution of Marsh Barton: A Changing Landscape for Exeter’s Businesses

Marsh Barton has long been recognised as one of Exeter’s most significant commercial hubs — but its current status as a bustling industrial and retail estate is the result of decades of transformation.

Located just south of the city centre, Marsh Barton was historically low-lying marshland, giving the area its name. For much of the 20th century, it remained underdeveloped, used predominantly for agriculture and light industry. However, in the post-war years — particularly from the 1960s onwards — the area began evolving into the industrial and business estate we recognise today.

From Industry to Innovation

What once housed primarily manufacturing and trade businesses has gradually diversified. Marsh Barton is now home to hundreds of companies, ranging from automotive showrooms and service centres to printing firms, fitness studios, trade counters, technology providers, and commercial offices. The estate is also well known for its cluster of car dealerships, making it a hotspot for vehicle sales in Devon.

The introduction of large-format retail, distribution centres, and logistics companies has further broadened Marsh Barton’s commercial appeal, attracting both national brands and ambitious local enterprises.

Population, Schools & Connectivity

As Exeter’s population has expanded — now exceeding 130,000 — so too has demand for better infrastructure. Marsh Barton has benefited from this growth, with recent developments including the long-awaited opening of Marsh Barton railway station in 2023. This direct link has greatly improved public transport access, connecting the estate more efficiently to the rest of the city and surrounding towns.

The growth of residential developments in areas such as Alphington and Matford has also increased local footfall and created a customer base closer to the estate than ever before. While Marsh Barton itself is not residential, its proximity to schools, such as West Exe School and Exeter College’s nearby sites, adds to the daily traffic through the area — both literal and economic.

Competing in a Crowded Market

For businesses operating in Marsh Barton, competition can be fierce — not just within the estate but across Exeter as a whole. With so many businesses positioned closely together, standing out is a constant challenge. This is especially true in sectors like automotive, home improvement, fitness, and retail, where customer choice is abundant.

To rise above the noise, companies must consider every element of their public presence — including signage. A well-designed, professionally installed sign can make the difference between being noticed or overlooked.

Strong, strategic signage communicates professionalism, draws attention from passing traffic, and helps reinforce brand identity. Working with experienced providers who understand local business dynamics — such as signs Exeter specialists — can give businesses a crucial edge in a competitive environment like Marsh Barton.

The Future of Marsh Barton

With further urban development planned for the Exeter area and ongoing infrastructure improvements, Marsh Barton is likely to remain a key commercial zone for years to come. Businesses that adapt to its evolving landscape — by embracing visibility, accessibility, and clear branding — will be best placed to thrive.

Moving to Bridgewater In Somerset

With a growing population of just over 41,000 local inhabitants, the historic Market Town of Bridgewater is located in the County of Somerset on the edge of the Somerset Levels.  A major inland port and trading centre since the industrial revolution, the thriving Town is linked to its larger neighbour Taunton by the M5 motorway, the canal and the GWR railway line, making it a great location to get to.  An incredibly popular place to live, work and raise a family, the Town has seen an exponential growth in the number of individuals, couples and families wanting to move to the area. With the expert help and guidance of a reputable, local, professional, Estate Agents in Bridgwater, such as https://www.sykesmoore.co.uk/sales/estate-agent/ many of the people looking to move into the Town are doing so successfully.  With a comprehensive knowledge of the area and an understanding of the local community, this Team of consummate professionals are making the transition to Bridgewater as stress-free as possible.  With a substantial portfolio of properties on their books, they can offer a great range of new home choices, from affordable flats and apartments to two-up-two-down, terraced homes valued at around £200,000 or larger detached properties, priced around the £343,000 mark, the average house price in Bridgwater, Somerset is around £238,600.  Renowned world-wide for their illuminated “Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival” that’s held every year on the closest Saturday to November the 5th, the Town draws in thousands of tourists and visitors from all over the Globe.