With reference to the article on the poaching of fish from local rivers and still waters (LT, July 6), I do not accept that the stealing of such fish is caused by hunger.
Many of these offenders abuse private fisheries and stretches of river where their methods are unacceptable by those club members and water owners/renters who pay good money for the fishing rights. On many of these waters the angler’s policy is “catch and return”.
The poacher’s policy is to take everything.
The problem is so widespread that some clubs have notices posted on the waterside in various languages. However, these are ignored by the people who just want to catch fish and sell them.
I am a member of a fishing club with fishing rights on a number of local rivers and still waters.
Along with many others, I pay for my enjoyment.
We have recently instigated an anti-poaching section of the club and this has been in co-operation with similar set-ups by other clubs.
Our co-ordinated policy is to prosecute all who are proven to be poaching and taking fish illegally from our waters.
To that end we are forging stronger contacts with the police who are making progress based on information collated by the various angling clubs.
Anthony Haworth, Sabden.
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