Co. Down Angler convicted of Fisheries Offence.
Date published:
A County Down Angler pleaded guilty to a fisheries offence and was fined £90 at Coleraine Magistrates Court today.
David McCaughan (72) of Thompsons Grange, Carryduff pleaded guilty to one breach of fisheries regulation as prescribed under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, as amended.
The breach was: Use of any hook other than single or double barbless hook whilst angling for salmon.
On the 7 August 2023, DAERA Fisheries Protection Officers were on a routine patrol of DAERA Public Angling Estate (PAE) waters at the river bush to ensure anglers had the correct licence and permissions to fish legally and that any terminal fishing tackle being used was compliant.
During this patrol, they observed Mr McCaughan fishing for salmon. After checking his license and permit, officers inspected the terminal fishing tackle in use and discovered that barbed hooks were being used. It was further discovered that Mr McCaughan had a detection previously for the same offence.
The total fine of £90 consisted of £75 for the offence detected along with a £15 offender levy.
DAERA Inland Fisheries enforcement is committed to pursue those who fish illegally without obtaining the correct licence and permits and using correct methods. If you are aware or suspect illegal fishing, you should contact DAERA Inland Fisheries on 0300 200 7860 or outside office hours contact 0800 807 060.
Notes to editors:
1. Regulation 56 of the Fisheries Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014, states “a person shall not use or attempt to use any hooks, other than single or double barbless hook, whilst angling for salmon.
2. Fishing for salmon is strictly catch and release, barbless hooks assist by minimal damage to the fish.
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