Anglers asked to keep eyes peeled for illegal fish traps

Police and fishery board bosses have urged walkers to be vigilant when out near rivers.

The plea comes from East Lothian Partnership Against Rural Crime (ELPARC) and the Forth District Salmon Fishery Board (FDSFB) who said bailiffs have recovered two illegal nets and a number of set lines.

The nets are used to take salmon and sea trout which can have a substantial impact on the fish population and affect other wildlife like birds and otters.

Set lines can endanger fish and wildlife and also dogs as they are hidden along the banks of the river or submerged below the surface.

One net was found next to the River Tyne, Knowes Weir, East Linton, and the second near the Biel Water, West Barns, Dunbar. Both nets were removed by bailiffs and destroyed. The set lines were recovered from the River Esk at Musselburgh.

A spokesman said: “If you find a net or set line whilst out walking along the river bank or see any suspicious activity contact the FDSFB Superintendent bailiff on 0788 7835 549 or Police Scotland on 101.

“It is important that you do not touch the net or set line until you have spoken with the police or a FDSFB water bailiff.

Alternatively people can anonymously report any suspicious activity or wildlife crimes via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, fishermen have welcomed the easing of restrictions but they are handcuffed by the Scottish Government’s recommended five-mile travel range.

This puts major coarse fishing venues like Magiscroft near Cumbernauld and Orchil at Dunblane and popular spots including beaches at East Lothian out of reach of city-based coarse anglers and sea fishermen.

However, it does give those interested time to buy equipment, and Geoffrey Lowe, chairman of Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club, and Craig Ogilvie, chairman of the Bass Rock Shore Angling League, provide tips for those tempted to wet a line.

Geoffrey suggested that the Union Canal which runs into Edinburgh is not a preferred location for keen coarse anglers apart from those who wish to walk the banks with a spinning rod to catch perch and jack pike.

Fishing for roach, he suggests, is only worthwhile near Ratho on the Edinburgh side of the Bridge Inn and, even then, he suggested early morning from first light until mid-morning. Maggot and bread punch are the preferred baits, but not sweetcorn.

Lowe said that a keen newcomer could start with a budget of around £50 and there are a number of on sites which offer coarse angling equipment. Best to shop around.

The watchwords are keep it simple. A rod, reel, line, float and split shot with hooks and some bait will get you started but if you cast a line always check the depth of the water as most coarse fish congregate at the bottom of the water looking for food.

Lowe said: “People do fish near the Bridge Inn at Ratho for roach and at locations in the city centre (like Harrison Park) but it can be tough going.”

If you do wish to fish the Union and Forth and Clyde Canals there is a permit (£8 adult, £5 concession) from the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling. Details are on their website.

The rules include returning all fish to the water, a maximum of three rods and anglers must not block the towpath with fishing equipment.

Meanwhile, East Lothian-based Craig Ogilvie, a well-known competition angler, said that people interested in starting sea fishing could do so with a standard 5oz beachcaster rod or spinning rod.

They will, he said, be sufficient to fish beaches in the Forth Estuary.

Three-hook flapper rigs with size 4 hooks baited with a small worm tipped with a little fish would be the preferred bait. Worm would be lugworm or ragworm and the fish bait is mostly mackerel or bluey.

Craig said: “Try beaches such as Kirkcaldy or Leven on the northern Forth for flounders but I would advise staying away from the sun-seekers.

“On the Edinburgh shoreline, try Silvernowes, Portobello or Belhaven beaches.”

If anglers are looking for cod or wrasse try places like Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail on the north coast and Dunbar, Barns Ness and Skateraw on the south coast.

He added: “A heavy 8oz beachcaster rod with 60lb plus braid mainline, 5oz lead to a 20lb rotten bottom link with a 4/0 hook baited with peeler crab or mussel is good. Peeler crab is best and ragworm is good for wrasse.”

The final tip from the Bass Rock Shore Angling League co-founder is to look for calm, settled seas and remember that fish will be in the rough ground in the rocks and weed.