Fishing for free

IAN MANGHAN, COUNTY DURHAM

I am writing in the hope that this message will be heard by the powers that be and perhaps some common sense will prevail! I have fished the River Wear in Durham city for over 30 years. I cut my angling teeth there with many of my friends. The opportunity to meet on a weekend for free fishing, sometimes successful sometimes not, being able to observe nature, learn essential angling skills and share a hobby with others who did not have the opportunity ( financial or otherwise) to fish commercial or club waters is something of great value and to treasure. In the past few years I have fished the free stretch of the Wear with my young daughter, teaching her the skills I learned there many years ago. Fishing is pretty good – dace, chub, barbel and many other species abound. However, in their wisdom the EA in association with County Durham rangers have closed the free stretch (admittedly leaving 350m further downstream, not much good apart from fly fishing). The reasoning is to prevent the poaching of salmon/sea trout which has been a major problem. Surely to carpet-ban all anglers is nonsense with no officials to enforce the ban. Why not leave pleasure anglers to enjoy the river and perhaps report poaching? I am disappointed in all the authorities concerned. With decent coarse fishing in short supply and the current economic climate, the EA is blocking the chance to fish. Your rod licence should entitle you to some free fishing!