HOW BAD IS THE PROBLEM?
We asked readers if they’d witnessed a recent surge in other water users on their favourite rivers…
Rich Humphries:
“Loads of paddle boarders, kayakers and boaters. Mostly they’re pretty considerate of angling. The local rowing clubs, however, seem to have very little respect for anglers!”
Rich Newell:
“Plenty of new water users, and some are complete morons, especially the ones on inflatable kayaks. Most of the kayakers know what they’re doing and don’t cause a problem, but I think they should have to pay for permits, like we do with club cards and fishing licences.”
Jack Roden:
“Plenty of kayakers, rafters and swimmers along the Nene and Suffolk Stour. It’s families picnicking, getting drunk and leaving litter that are ruining things.”
Len Coles:
“People in kayaks and canoes don’t bother me when I’m fishing the river, but they should pay a small fee for using the waterways.”
Duncan Potten:
“It’s not just running water where the lockdown has caused an issue – my club has had many issues with the public using boats and paddle boards and canoes on a large lake which is a nature reserve. Most of the time our bailiffs just get abuse.”
Sam Armstead:
“There’s been a big increase in the navigable and nonnavigable parts of the River Soar from kayakers and paddle boarders. I’ve no problem with it if they respect anglers. The more people who appreciate our waters, the more there are to protect them from pollution and the like.”
David Billing:
“On the Thames past Marlow it’s a free-for-all and totally lawless. Boats going at top speed with the wash going over the banks, people drinking beer then going swimming… not to mention the amount of rubbish being thrown in.”
Mark Smith:
“Definitely a big increase in users, but the worst are the picnickers who leave loads of rubbish on the riverbanks. It’s a disgrace. We are not the only river users so just have to put up with boats and canoes where navigation is allowed.”
Rob Evans:
“I’ve found it’s the swimmers who are most aggressive towards anglers.”