Important message from the Chairman

ATTENTION ALL..... I need to bring your attention to something that is being discussed (at this time without common knowledge to coarse anglers). David Revill Chairman of the River Wye Local Fisheries Group is campaigning for amendments to the Salmon bylaws. Along with trying to change the start and finish dates of the Salmon season. The following two proposals are being discussed,

Only single barbless hooks to be used for spinning or barbless doubles for dead baiting whether Salmon fishing or Coarse fishing.

Secondly ban the use of worm fishing regardless of targeted species.

As Chairman of Hereford & District Angling Association of which many of you are members, I feel it is my duty to make you all aware, so that you can be prepared to show them that Salmon anglers are now in the minority of anglers fishing the Wye. The worm, the chosen bait of all anglers of all ages as far back as we can remember. The bait that allows huge perch and Chub catches to win big competitions and have pleasurable days by the river with little or no cost for bait.

So far all our members I have spoken to are against banning the worm as it is so widely used by so many anglers)

Mr Revill feels that anyone using the worm can potentially be Salmon poaching, (although it is all catch and release) the worm is already banned for Salmon fishing leaving a loophole, however coarse anglers are not interested in Salmon or catching them, but want to enjoy their own sport uninterrupted.

The single for spinning, and double barbless hooks for dead baiting may want to be discussed by our Pike anglers etc.

Don't get me wrong, as a Salmon angler for many many years myself (and as a representative for our Salmon members) I see both sides of the coin, but there is no evidence come to light through our Association, that the worm has been or ever will be abused to effect any Salmon Fishing.

In my position as Chairman I will continue to support all members, and guests that visit the River Wye but need your views from both Coarse and Salmon anglers to the River Wye in order to show numbers if required and how you feel about these proposals.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, your views are important.