Problem of illegal nets is increasing
Top Trent
man Roly Moses has this week highlighted the growing problem of illegal
nets placed in the Tidal Trent.
In a letter to me he explained that while fishing at South and North Clifton
on the Tidal Trent, anglers have become aware of an alarming amount of
these nets.
He goes on to say - “I removed several snags at South Clifton, and
found these to be a large number of eel nets, some abandoned and full
of rubbish and dead fish, and some containing live but emaciated fish
as these nets were not attended on a regular basis.”
“We as regular anglers did see an upturn in activity of boaters described
as eel men and I handed the nets I had recovered to Environment Agency
bailiffs and was assured that they were illegal nets.”
“I know that the Environment Agency did quite a lot of work during
2003 in trying to track down those responsible, and I and other anglers
ensure that information we gathered went to them.”
“It seems the practice of illegal netting is now widespread and not
just confined to eel netters, as I have seen land placed nets which contain
many ensnared fish.”
“One very keen EA bailiff even caught an angler with a tank in his
car ready for removal of fish that he had caught.”
“The stretch of water that I, and the other small band of die hards,
fish is the excellent Scunthorpe fishery at South Clifton and a tremendous
amount of ‘eeling’ was going on here, as well as North Clifton,
and Lincoln AA holdings.”
“But in mid-July a friend of mine, a regular on the river, witnessed
an appaling sight.”
“Two large unmarked 18ft boats with net rails were towing several
smaller boats which contained a large numbers of nets.”
“It was not long before the consequence of this event became obvious,
as witnesses saw nets being deposited at several venues around South and
North Clifton, Collingham and Besthorpe where many fish were ensnared,
notably bream.”
“I now feel it is imperative that all anglers who use the river be
made aware of what is going on.”
“There is no doubt that the river has been seen as a ready source
of revenue for the unscrupulous minded, and with the lack of the eyes
and ears on the river, a lot of this illegal practice has been ongoing
for some time.”
“This practice, for whatever the motive, is destroying our river
fishing and that cannot be allowed to happen.”
“The only way to combat this is to bring to the attention of the
Environment Agency all that occurs, and for anglers once again to be the
eyes and ears of the river.”
Prospects
Worksop
and District Angling Association Woodsetts Pond is fishing really well
for specimen fish.
For those equipped and willing to wait reports are coming in of perch
to 4lb 2oz, monster tench of 9lb 8oz added to this an incredible 11lb
3oz lump!
A mirror carp of 23lb 8oz was netted by baillif Fred Foster on Sunday,
the captor using boilies and one lucky angler landed a surprise bream
of 11lb 9oz while fishing for Carp on a boilie.
An unusual report has been made that two largish terrapins have taken
up residence on these waters. One was landed using sweetcorn and returned
- one for the angling pub story I think?
However WDAA water at Sandhill Lake during the recent DARE Jnr match,
anglers witnessed an adder swim across the lake and back!
If you wish to sample the sport and the wildlife at Woodsetts or Sandhill
you should be in possession of a WDAA book but day tickets are available
on the bank at £3 adults and £1.50 concessions.
Notice Board
There will be a John
Fox Memorial Match (courtesy of the Grafton Angling Association) to be
organised for Sunday 22nd August on the John Shaws and Tigers Den sections
of the Chesterfield Canal.
It is hoped that in excess of 50 anglers will be lining the banks to help
raise funds for a local charity.
The draw will take place at the Woodhouse Inn, Rhodesia from 9am and fishing
will be from 10.30am until 4.30pm.
The entry fee is £12.50 and for further details please contact Ian
Rowney on 01623 842521 (shop hours only).
Go Baits Open matches are held at Langold Lake every Sunday (up to September)
and Wednesday. Telephone 01909 540105 for details of both events.
Worksop United AC next match is at Sherwood Forest Farm on Sunday 22nd
August. Names as soon as possible to Malc on 01909 484649.
Organisers of the North Notts Angling Show, due to be held on Saturday
16th October, are asking for all local anglers to be sure of placing the
date in their diaries.
The event is taking shape and looks to be a great day out, all in the
aid of charity and, great publicity for angling.
They are also looking for help in distributing posters to local and national
fisheries to help get the message around.
Those who are able to assist will get concessionary entry on the day.
Please telephone Martin Introna on 01909 472305 if you may be able to
help.
For more information on the day visit www.northnottsanglingshow.4t.com.
Match results contributors are reminded to send details as soon as possible after the completion of a fixture to Mgintrona@aol.com or by telephoning 01909 472305.