Page 21 - Anglian angling on the broads

20 Environment Agency Angle on the Broads Environment Agency Angle on the Broads 21

An angling guide often dive for food. Wind in your Useful information >> Broads Authority –

tackle if you think birds are at
>> Environment Agency
risk. Hooks and line should never
24-hour emergency hotline
River Control
be discarded, especially baited
to good practice hooks. Line should be cut into number for reporting all pollution For reporting non-emergency
hazards such as boats speeding,
and environmental incidents
one-inch lengths and disposed
relating to water, land and air
obstructions, oil spills or to seek
of with care or better still,
taken home. call: 0800 80 70 60 navigation help and advice call:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk 01692 678459
Safety www.broads-authority.gov.uk
Fish Care – retaining fish Unhooking fish Fishing methods and >> When fishing from hire craft, moor >> Police (non-emergency)
If you use a keepnet: >> Use barbless or micro-barb hooks unattended rods safely and always wear a life BROADS BEAT call: >> National Swan Sanctuary
where possible. They are kinder >> Baits and lures should never be jacket. 08454 564567 Call: 01932 240790
>> Only use a keepnet when to fish and hook removal is www.swanuk.org.uk
necessary and retain fish for the much easier. left trailing behind moving motor >> Wear appropriate footwear on >> DON’T FORGET YOUR
shortest time possible. cruisers and day boats. This deck and always be mindful of FISHING LICENCE >> RSPCA
>> Carry several disgorgers (you will practice is not only ineffective slippery surfaces. If you are 12 years old or over you Call: 08705 555999
>> Make sure your keepnet is made always lose one!) and forceps for it is also dangerous.
of fish-friendly mesh and complies the removal of larger hooks. >> Be aware of power cables, must have a valid Environment www.rspca.org.uk
with local bylaws. >> Pike fishing requires specialist especially overhead in boatyards Agency Rod Licence – available
>> Always wet your hands before knowledge and tackle. It should or set back from banks. online and from Post Offices. FISHING SEASON
>> Don’t overcrowd your keepnet, handling any fish. Do not use not be attempted unless you are For telephone sales call:
especially during hot weather. >> Take notice of any warning signs. The annual coarse fish closed
towels, wet or dry, as these can confident that you can unhook and 0870 1662 662 season – 15TH MARCH – 15TH
>> Make sure there is enough remove the protective slime safely return your catch. If in doubt LOOK OUT, LOOK UP and CAST JUNE INCLUSIVE applies to the
depth of water for your net. from fish. seek expert advice. WITH CARE! Broads and rivers.
>> Place fish in the keepnet >> Be mindful of unhooking surfaces >> It is an offence to leave a baited >> Observe speed limits. Be
quickly and gently. making sure they are soft and wet. rod unattended. It can endanger considerate to other water users.
>> Large fish should not be Always use an unhooking mat on water birds and fish (particularly Always watch your speed.
retained in a keepnet. soft, flat ground for pike and pike) which might gorge the bait Other water users
>> Do not tow fish in keepnets large fish. or snag the line. There is also a >> Angling is very important to many
behind boats. >> Fish should be weighed in danger from passing boats. people but it is just one of many
>> Keepnets should not be left appropriate nets or weighing >> Be aware of crime, don’t leave rods legitimate water activities. Please
unattended for extended slings and NOT by the gills. or other valuables unattended on respect the rights of other users.
periods of time. >> When taking a photograph, have the bank or boat. >> If fishing near a bend in the river
>> Ensure that your keepnet is your camera ready before you take Wildlife and the environment or amongst tall reeds be aware of
secured properly to the bank or the fish out of the water. >> Don’t drop litter – use bins and approaching boat traffic, they may
boat to protect it from the wash >> When holding fish, always make disposal points. not be able to see you.
of motor cruisers. sure you keep them low to >> Choose your swim with care >> When fishing close to boats, be
>> Don’t keep pulling the net out of the ground. to reduce the risk of snagging considerate and use a pole cup
the water to show off your catch, >> Fish should always be returned to bank side trees, vegetation and to place groundbait, rather than
this will harm the fish. the water quickly and gently after obstacles in the water. a catapult.
>> Return your catch carefully, do weighing (if this is necessary) or >> Take care where people feed >> Should you accidentally get your
not slide or tumble fish down at the end of the day, if retained waterfowl; the birds may have hook caught on a boat’s mooring
the keepnet into the water. in a keepnet. learned to associate people with ropes, please don’t leave it there
food and their expectations will to injure someone’s hand. Remove
the hook but make sure that it is
increase the risk of entanglement. safe and practical to do so. Ask the
>> Remove rigs caught up in permission of people on the boat if
vegetation, branches or it is occupied.
underwater snags immediately, >> When fishing at moorings, anglers
where it is practical and safe to should give way to vessels trying
do so.
to moor up.
>> Beware of birds swimming into >> Keep paths clear for pedestrians
your fishing line. Swans can and cyclists.
reach your bait one metre below
Carefully returning a the surface and other birds will Enjoying a moment of quiet reflection
fantastic Broads bream
(Photo: Jim Tyree)