Forth Estuary anglers warned against illegal fishing during lockdown

Bailiffs are continuing to patrol rivers around the Forth Estuary looking for anglers flouting lockdown rules.

Individuals have been spotted fishing the River Esk in Musselburgh and a bailiff also found set lines.

Social media was used by the Forth District Salmon Fishery Board (FDSFB) to highlight the breaches and a board spokesman said: “Set lines don’t just damage fish but they also have the potential to hurt dogs or other animals using the river.

“Kids could also be harmed if they are playing in the river and don’t see the hooks and lines in the water.”

The spokesman added: “If you come across set lines or any other illegal fishing equipment, call our bailiffs immediately to discuss.

“Do not touch or remove the equipment yourself until you have spoken to a bailiff.”

The contact numbers are: Forth DSFB superintendent bailiff: 07887 835549, Police Scotland: 101, River Tyne or Esk 07736 466725, River Avon 07736 466723.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling (SFCA) has recently been lobbying political figures in a bid to get Scottish angling re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so.

Coarse fishing is seen, in certain quarters, as the poor relation of angling in Scotland, but many follow the sport north of the Border.

A number cast a line in Scotland’s canals without having a permit and, according to chairman Gus Brindle, that does not help the organisation which is self-funding.

Brindle confirmed they do not receive a grant of public money like the Angling Trust in England.

The organisation is also no longer in receipt of any direct investment or National Lottery money through sportscotland.

Brindle admitted: “Our sole source of income is membership fees so we rely entirely on individuals joining to cover our key annual outgoings.

“And, to dispel any rumours, all our international teams are totally self-funding and receive no portion of the income from membership.”

It costs £8 for an adult membership, and Brindle said: “That’s 2p per day to help us to protect your sport.”

Concessionary membership, incidentally, is £5 a year and it is free for under 18s.

Fife-based Brindle said: “I often get asked: “What has the federation ever done for us?

“The easiest way to answer is to look at the financial benefits. Members get free fishing on Lowland Canals, £1,000,000 personal liability cover, eligibility to compete in federation events and access to licensed UKCC-trained coaches.

“These things are valuable, but they are not the main reason the SFCA exists.

Brindle said: “Nobody else works at national level to protect and promote coarse angling in Scotland. We are engaged in dialogue with the Scottish Government, public agencies and other stakeholder groups.

“We have been involved in every significant working group or stakeholder forum over the last 25 years and have submitted responses to every relevant Government consultation in that period.

“Most recently we have pursued a long campaign to get conservation protection for pike in Scotland.”

He added: “We seek to grow the sport in a sustainable way and provide opportunities for individuals to get involved in angling through coaching, advice and taster days etc.

“We also run educational/schools programs and campaign against threats to our sport, such as illegal netting/trapping and removal of coarse fish.”